Bruno Pugh
Some plants are fickle, but others become part of a garden’s history. A tree can cast shade for centuries, while a perennial bursts into bloom year after year, proof that patience pays off. The plants on this list don’t just survive—they endure. If you search for additions that will stand the test of time, these choices will ensure your garden stays vibrant for decades.
Olive Tree
Few trees last as long as the olive. With a lifespan stretching thousands of years, they are resistant to drought and harsh climates; their gnarled trunks and silvery foliage make them a part of history. One of the oldest known, the Olive Tree of Vouves in Crete, is estimated to be over 3,000 years old and still bears olives today.
Japanese Maple
Fiery reds in autumn, lush greens in spring—the Japanese maple is a tree that constantly changes its look. A well-cared-for Japanese maple can live beyond 200 years, its delicate branches developing graceful, sculptural forms. Its layered canopy provides shade where people can relax with a book or find a peaceful retreat from the sun.
Camellia
The camellia doesn’t just bloom—it becomes a garden’s most reliable winter flower. Carried across oceans, these 18th-century evergreens have a deep cultural significance in Japan. Camellias are a popular choice in ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement), representing longevity and seasonal elegance.
Yew
Often found in ancient castles and graveyards, the yew has watched over human history for over a thousand years. Some regenerate from within when damaged. The Fortingall Yew in Scotland, believed to be over 5,000 years old, is one of the oldest living trees in Europe and continues to thrive.
Peony
Peonies are great for their ornamental charm and historical herbal medicine use. Historical texts like the Shennong Ben Cao Jing, an ancient Chinese pharmacopeia, reference peony root as a remedy for inflammation. These plants can flourish for over a century and continuously produce more abundant blooms as they mature.
Iris
Once planted, irises (Iris spp.) endure for generations, sometimes in forgotten homesteads and historic gardens. Their vibrant blossoms brighten spaces yearly, their roots growing deeper and stronger. The fleur-de-lis, a symbol deeply tied to French royalty, is often linked to the iris.
Agave
Have you ever seen a plant wait decades just to put on a final show? The agave takes its time, but when it finally blooms, a tall stalk shoots up to 30 feet, topped with greenish-yellow flowers. The parent plant fades, but not before it produces new shoots to make sure its presence continues.
Wisteria
While some cultures have explored medicinal uses, wisteria is primarily valued for its ornamental beauty. Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) can flourish for over a century. Its cascading violet blooms drape trellises and walls. One vine planted in the 1800s in California now spans an acre.
Climbing Rose
Not all roses are fleeting. The Lady Banks’ rose in Arizona, planted in 1885, sprawls over 8,000 square feet. Climbing roses proliferate for decades, expanding across fences with arching canes that create stunning floral tapestries. In the fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty,” a long-lived hedge of thorny climbing roses grows around the castle until the day the princess awakens.
Boxwood
During the 16th century, artisans crafted intricate prayer nuts—miniature boxwood carvings depicting religious scenes, an example of the wood’s fine grain and durability. Boxwood has framed grand gardens for centuries, with some specimens surviving beyond 400 years. Found in historical estates like Versailles, these evergreens hold their form through careful pruning.