Winter landscaping in Louisiana presents unique challenges and opportunities. While the state’s mild climate allows many plants to survive year-round, fluctuating temperatures, heavy rainfall, and occasional freezes require careful plant selection. For commercial properties, choosing low-maintenance plants that thrive during Louisiana’s winter months helps preserve curb appeal, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure landscapes remain professional and inviting.
At RCI, we design commercial landscapes with plant materials selected specifically for Southern climates. Below are some of the best low-maintenance plants that perform well in Louisiana winters.
Why low-maintenance winter plants matter for commercial properties
Commercial landscapes must look good while requiring minimal intervention. Low-maintenance winter plants reduce labor demands, limit replacement costs, and maintain structure and color during cooler months. They also offer better resilience against unpredictable weather, making them ideal for high-traffic commercial environments.
Benefits include:
• Reduced seasonal maintenance
• Consistent winter curb appeal
• Improved plant survival during cold snaps
• Lower long-term landscaping costs
• Faster spring recovery
Best low-maintenance plants for Louisiana winters
Evergreen shrubs for year-round structure
Evergreen shrubs provide consistent color and form throughout winter and require minimal upkeep once established.
Popular options include:
• Boxwood
• Holly varieties
• Ligustrum
• Podocarpus
• Camellias
These shrubs tolerate mild freezes well and maintain a clean, professional appearance for commercial properties.
Cold-tolerant seasonal color
Winter doesn’t have to mean colorless landscapes. Several flowering plants thrive in Louisiana’s cooler temperatures with minimal care.
Low-maintenance winter flowers include:
• Pansies
• Violas
• Snapdragons
• Dianthus
• Ornamental cabbage and kale
These plants provide vibrant color during winter months and perform well in commercial landscape beds.
Ornamental grasses with winter interest
Ornamental grasses add texture and movement to landscapes while requiring very little maintenance.
Excellent winter-performing grasses include:
• Muhly grass
• Fountain grass
• Dwarf mondo grass
• Liriope
These plants remain visually interesting throughout winter and help define commercial landscape spaces.
Groundcovers that control weeds and erosion
Low-growing groundcovers are ideal for commercial properties because they reduce weed growth and stabilize soil during winter rains.
Reliable winter groundcovers include:
• Asiatic jasmine
• Vinca
• Monkey grass
• Creeping juniper
Groundcovers minimize maintenance while keeping beds clean and cohesive.
Native and adaptive plants for Louisiana climates
Native and adaptive plants are naturally suited to Louisiana’s soil and weather conditions, making them some of the lowest-maintenance options available.
Examples include:
• Yaupon holly
• Beautyberry
• Wax myrtle
• Coontie
• Southern magnolia
These plants require less water, fertilizer, and seasonal care while thriving year-round.
Design considerations for winter success
Even low-maintenance plants need proper placement and preparation. Successful winter landscapes consider sun exposure, drainage, spacing, and soil quality. Professional installation ensures plants are positioned to withstand cold snaps and excess moisture common in Louisiana winters.
Mulching, proper irrigation adjustments, and routine inspections further improve plant performance and longevity during winter months.
Why work with a professional landscaping company
Selecting the right plants is only one part of a successful commercial landscape strategy. Professional landscape providers like RCI understand how to balance aesthetics, durability, and maintenance efficiency. We design landscapes that remain attractive through winter while supporting long-term plant health and performance.
RCI works with commercial property managers, developers, and owners to create landscapes that thrive in Louisiana’s unique climate.
Plan your winter landscape with RCI
Winter is the perfect time to evaluate plant performance and plan improvements for the year ahead. Choosing low-maintenance plants that thrive in Louisiana’s winter helps protect your investment and ensures your commercial property looks polished year-round.
RCI offers expert plant selection, installation, and commercial landscape maintenance services tailored to Louisiana and the Gulf South. Contact RCI today to create a winter-ready landscape designed for long-term success.
