Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas
As with other building projects, manufactured homes can be raised to the next level with some well-planned landscaping. However, landscaping can be challenging to plan without certain information.
A good chunk of landscaping involves plants, but not all plants can grow in the same places. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) created growth zones to describe what plants can grow in certain places in the U.S.
There are 13 main zones, each divided into an “A” and a “B”. Below is a list of different plants from each growth zone: one flower and one green/shrubbery.
Many more plants can grow in each zone, and some plants can grow in more than one zone. \For example, a petunia doesn’t just grow in zone 3a. They can also grow in zone 9a. The list below gives some ideas for plants available to use for landscaping in each zone.
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 1a
Flowers:
Arctic Poppies are cold-hardy flowers that grow in zones 1-4. With their yellow-tinted flowers and hardiness, Arctic poppies are a great addition to any zone 1 flowerbed or garden.
Brush:
Crowberry is a small shrub used for ground cover. It has dark foliage and edible berries, which can add a unique aspect to your landscaping.
States in Planting Zone 1A:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 1b
Flowers:
Delphinium is a beautiful purple flower with a vertical stalk. They can add vibrant color to your garden/flowerbed. They are also pollinator-friendly and deer-resistant.
Shrubs:
Cotton grass is a small plant with white flowering heads. It is typically found in colder, wet climates and can add whimsical charm to a garden or flowerbed.
States In Zone Planting Zone 1B:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 2a
Flowers:
The lady slipper orchid is a small flower characterized by its uniquely shaped flowers and upper leaves. It is known for its colorful and vibrant flowers that are said to look like a slipper.
Shrubs:
The Bear Berry bush is a small ground cover plant. It is native to zone 2, and in the spring, it will produce white/pink flowers that will lead to berries later in the year. The bearberry plant is great for erosion control and it attracts pollinators to help grow the rest of your garden/flowerbed.
States In Planting Zone 2a:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 2b
Flowers:
The Double Blue Lilac is a flowering bush with double-flowering clusters that give off a pleasant aroma. It can be used to add color and a pleasant atmosphere to your garden/flower bed.
Shrubs:
The Siberian Cypress is a green, bush-like shrub that grows well in cold environments. It is mainly known for its fern-like foliage that turns a purple hue in winter. It is also shade-resistant and can survive in dry conditions for long periods.
States in Planting Zone 2b:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 3a
Flowers:
Petunias might be one of the hardiest flowers. They can grow as annuals in zone 3 and then as perennials down in zones 9-11. There is also a great variety of petunias to choose from. From the pink bubblegum variety to the Sophistica Lime Green Petunia. They can add fun pops of color to your garden/flowerbed, and you can plant multiple varieties to get fun color combinations.
Shrubs:
Stonecrop is another very hardy plant. It is a type of flowering succulent. It is known for being drought-resistant and low-maintenance.
States in Planning Zone 3a:
Minnesota, Alaska, and Montana
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 3b
Flowers:
Ornamental Alliums have purple pom-pom-shaped flowers on top of long stalks. They are part of a genus called Allium, which also includes garlic and onions. This type of allium is not considered edible to humans. Ornamental Alliums are known for their color, distinctive flower shape, and pest resistance.
Shrubs:
The Siberian Balsam is a ground cover known for its small blue flowers and heart-shaped leaves. It is a great option for someone who is looking for a fast-growing ground cover. It is native to zones 3-8 and is cold-hardy.
States in Zone 3b:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 4a
Flowers:
Zinnias are annuals, meaning they only last one growth cycle and will die in frost. Because of this, zinnias can be grown in zones 2-11. They are known for their vibrant, cheerful, colorful flowers and their ability to attract pollinators like butterflies.
Bugleweed:
If you are looking for a ground cover that does well even in shade and suppresses weeds, then take a look at the bungle weed. It is known for its distinctive flowers and foliage, and will even grow flowers in the shade.
States In Zone 4a:
Take a look at how this rental in Newberry, MI, uses natural plantings to create a one-of-a-kind situation.
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 4b
Flowers:
The hydrangea might seem like another simple, large flower. Well, you would be right but also wrong. The hydrangea is a large flowering plant. It is known for its vibrant, large flower clusters, but some varieties have a hidden ability. Some varieties can change their color depending on the soil’s PH level.
Shrubs:
The Spirea is a shrub that grows to 2-8 feet in width. It is known for its versatility in landscaping, its long-lasting flowers, and its low maintenance needs.
States in Plating Zone 4b:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 5a
Flowers:
The Rose of Sharon, also known as the Hibiscus syriacus, is a small flowering shrub known for its flowers and its ability to thrive in a variety of climates.
Shrubs:
The Camellia is a medium-sized evergreen shrub that grows in zones 6-9. It is characterized by its oval-shaped leathery leaves and reddish-pink flowers. They are naturally deer resistant and will bloom closer to winter when no other plants are blooming.
States In Planting Zone 5a:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 5b
Flowers:
Oriental Poppies are a version of poppies that grow in zones 3-7. They are characterized by their showy blossoms with a dark spot in the center. They have a unique foliage cycle where, after they bloom, the leaves start dying back. Oriental poppies are great if you want beautiful flowers in your garden/flowerbed, but don’t have the time to take care of them. Oriental poppies have a low maintenance need.
Shrubs:
The Japanese Andromeda is a broad, evergreen shrub. It is valued for its leathery leaves and ornamental features. It also has lily-of-the-valley-like flowers. If you are looking for something to fill a spot in your garden/flowerbed, then the Japanese Andromeda might be a great choice for you. It has a dense, rounded growth pattern, and it lasts year-round.
States in Planting Zone 5b:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 6a
Flowers:
Foxgloves are flowers known for their bell-shaped blooms and whimsical look. If you want your garden/flowerbed to have some cottage charm, consider planting some foxgloves. They grow in zones 4-9. They are great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Shrubs:
The Boxwood is a very common shrub. With its ability to be pruned into different shapes, it is a great option for all types of landscaping. Sometimes this shrub is used as a hedge. It is versatile, hardy, and low maintenance, which makes it perfect as a filler shrub in anyone’s garden/flowerbed.
States In Planting Zone 6a:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 6b
Flowers:
Peonies are a gardening classic. With their vibrant colors and beautiful blooms, peonies are some of the most common flowers in zones 3-8. They are hardy and can survive low temperatures. They have been known to survive temperatures as low as -40ºF, but temperatures below 25ºF can cause lasting damage.
Shrubs:
The bayberry is a medium shrub with blue-gray berries. The leaves of a bayberry shrub are waxy and aromatic. The berries are commonly used to make candles and soap, but can be harmful if ingested. They grow in zones 3-7. The bayberry has small flowers that grow on the female plant. The flowers are not big or showy, but if you want the berries, then get a female Bayberry shrub.
States in Planting Zone 6b:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 7a
Flowers:
The Shasta Daisy is a hybrid flower that is native to Europe but grows in USDA zones 5-9. With its white petals and soft yellow center, this flower is perfect for flowerbeds/gardens with limited space. The Shasta Daisy grows best in full sun to partial shade, but will grow in many different conditions once they are established.
Shrubs:
Abelias are a type of shrub that grows best in zones 4-8. Some varieties of abelia have been known to grow in colder climates as low as 0ºF. The Abelia is known for its graceful arching branches, white bell-shaped flowers, and leaves that turn purple in the fall.
States In Planting Zone 7a:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 7b
Flowers:
Marigolds are known for their low-maintenance, vibrant yellow-gold flowers and natural pest repellent. Their low maintenance makes them great for small gardens/flowerbeds. With their natural pest resistance and repellent, some gardeners plant them to help keep pests away. They can help add a warm color to your garden/flowerbeds.
Shrubs:
Azaleas are flowering shrubs that are part of the Rhododendron genus. They are known for their bright, vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers that are in shades of pink, red, and white. The azalea is known for the pop of color it brings and is commonly used in landscaping. The Azalea grows best in zones 5-8.
States in Planting Zone 7b:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 8a
Flowers:
As the name suggests, Conflowers have small cone-shaped centers in their flower. They are hardy and grow best in zones 3-9. The coneflower is known for its pink-white petals and daisy-like appearance. The coneflower’s distinctive feature is the spiny, cone-like center. This flower is even said to have medicinal purposes.
Shrubs:
Gardenia is a type of evergreen, flowering shrub that grows best in zones 8-11. It is known for its beauty. With its aromatic white flowers and dark glossy leaves, this shrub truly is a beauty. This shrub can add a pop of beauty to anyone’s garden/flowerbed.
States In Planting Zone 8a:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 8b
Flowers:
Hollyhocks are tall flowering plants native to zones 3-9. They are known for their whimsical charm and tall flowering stalks. Their flowers can be blue, yellow, red, and even black. If you want to go with a more whimsical charm for your garden/flowerbed, hollyhock is a great option.
Shrubs:
Crape myrtle is a shrub or small tree that can be grown in zones 7-10. It is characterized by its glossy, rounded leaves, hundreds of pink/purple flowers, and bark that can be peeled off to reveal other bark. This shrub is great for those who want a type of small tree. With the proper care and maintenance, a Crape Myrtle can be grown into a small tree.
States in Planting Zone 8b:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 9a
Flowers:
Snapdragons are unique flowers. With their distinctive upright growth and “dragon-shaped” flowers, they are easy to recognize. The flowers themselves will open and snap when squeezed. These flowers are used mainly as ornamental flowers and in bouquets. If you want to add some uniqueness to your garden/flowerbed, think about using snapdragons.
Shrubs:
Angel’s Trumpets are also a unique-looking plant. They are considered a shrub or small tree. They are characterized by their fragrant, hanging, and trumpet-shaped flowers. They grow best in zones 9-11.
States In Planting Zone 9a:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 9b
Flowers:
Phlox is a type of flowering plant that grows in zones 5-9. They are known for their fragrant, bright blooms. The main characteristic of phlox is its large clusters of flowers. Phlox is mainly grown for its beauty and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Shrubs:
The Indian Hawthorn is a small, rounded shrub that grows best in zones 8-10. With its small shape, it is mainly used as a foundation or hedge shrub. In the summer, the Indian Hawthorn blooms. Its flowers are bright white-pink and fragrant.
States in Planting Zone 9b:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 10a
Flowers:
In Zone 10a, the weather is starting to become tropical, and tropical can be called a paradise. In tropical climates, there is a bird called the bird of paradise. In zones 10-12, there is a flower that highly resembles this bird. This flower is aptly named the Bird of Paradise flower. It is characterized by its yellow, tropical-looking flower that resembles a bird.
Shrubs:
Croton is a type of plant that is usually used for landscaping. It is used for filling spaces and adding color to gardens/flowerbeds. It is characterized by the distinctive red, orange, and green tints on its leaves. It is known for its colorful leaves and unique foliage.
States In Planting Zone 10a:
Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Hawaii
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 10b
Flowers:
The Canna lily gets its name from the Latin word “canna,” which means reed or cane. If you look at the Canna Lily, you would see how accurate this description is. It is recognizable by its tall stalk and vibrant flowers. The Canna Lily can grow anywhere between 2-8 ft. Their flowers come in a wide variety of colors, including red, yellow, and orange.
Shrubs:
Ixora is a tropical evergreen shrub that grows in zones 9-11. It is recognizable by its rounded growth habit, glossy leaves, and vibrant flowers. It’s used in landscaping as hedges, adding borders, and providing color.
States in Planting Zone 10b:
California, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and Hawaii
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 11a
Flowers:
Dahlias are a type of tuberous plant with vibrant flowers. Their flowers are the part that makes them desirable. They come in colors like red, orange, pink, purple, and almost black. These flowers can make any garden/flowerbed colorful.
Shrubs:
The Trailing Abutilon is a semi-evergreen shrub that grows in zones 8-11. It is most recognizable by its maple-like leaves and hanging flowers with red calyces and yellow petals. The flowers of this shrub are hard to put into words; they are just that unique.
States In Planting Zone:
California, Florida, and Hawaii
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 11b
Flowers:
The False African Violet is a smaller, evergreen, trailing plant. It thrives in zones 8-11 and has purple flowers. It is known for its velvety foliage and small purple flowers.
Shrubs:
The Dwarf Nandina, also known as Heavenly bamboo, is a shrub known for its compact size and vibrant foliage. It is easy to care for, making it a great ground cover or shrub.
States in Planting Zone 11b:
Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 12a
Flowers:
The Moonflower is the white flower of a vine that grows in zones 10-12. It is characterized by its large white flower, which does something special. Some flowers bloom to greet the sun and close when the moon comes out. As the name might suggest, the moonflower blooms at night and closes in the morning. The vines of a moonflower can reach 10-20 feet in some places. When the Moonflower blooms, it can attract nighttime insects like moths. This is a truly unique flower.
Shrubs:
Elephant Ears aren’t shrubs, but they do count as greenery. The elephant ear is a large tropical plant that grows in zones 8-11. It is recognizable by its giant heart-shaped leaves and drooping growth habits. Elephant Ears are used in landscaping to provide a tropical feeling, to highlight their foliage, and to provide textural contrast. The elephant ear is a great option for people who want a tropical feel in their landscaping.
States In Planting Zone 12a:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 12b
Flowers:
The lantana is a small flowering plant known for its vibrant blooms. Since it is on the smaller side, it can be grown in pots. The flowers of the lantana are in a wide variety of colors, ranging from yellow to pink. One unique thing about the lantana is that it can change color as it matures. This allows for some colors in flowerbeds/gardens that will change throughout the season.
Shrubs:
Even with the word flower in its name and producing flowers, the cigar flower is typically grown as a small shrub and not a flowering plant. It gets its name from its thin, cigar-shaped flowers that hang down from the foliage. If you like pollinators like butterflies and even hummingbirds, this plant is perfect for your landscaping. It is most known for its ability to attract hummingbirds and pollinators.
States in Planting Zone 12b:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 13a
Flowers:
Blue vanda is a type of orchid that grows in zones 12 and 13. It is recognizable by its blue petals on a lavender base. It is mainly used to add color to landscaping and can be potted and grown just as well. A unique characteristic of this flower is that it blooms multiple times a year, offering a continuous show of beauty all year.
Shrubs:
The Ti Plant originates from the Pacific Islands but can grow in zone 13 of the United States. It is recognizable by its lance-shaped leaves that can be burgundy, red, or even cream colored. They are used in landscaping as accent plants and sometimes to make privacy hedges.
Sates In Planting Zone 13a:
Manufactured Home Landscape Ideas for Zone 13a
Flowers:
The Aztec Lily is a tall flowering plant native to Central and South America. It does grow in the US, but only in the hotter zones. The Aztec Lily is recognizable by its tall stalk. The stalk can grow up to 1 foot in the spring. On top of the stalk sits an almost orchid-shaped red flower. The Aztec Lily is used to add pop and color to landscaping and is sometimes planted in pots.
Shrubs:
As the name suggests, bottlebrush flowers do indeed look like brushes. This is their most recognizable feature. Their flowers are narrow and cylindrical, and their leaves are lance-shaped. The bottlebrush is usually sold as a shrub, but when grown as a tree, it can be used as a hedge or screen shrub.
Staes In Zone 13b:
Conclusion
Landscaping doesn’t just include plants; it also includes many non-living elements. Elements like fountains or stone pieces. These elements are called hardscaping. Hardscaping is a term used to refer to any non-living structural element in landscaping. Elements like patios or retaining walls. All of the elements can be used on modular, manufactured, or site-built homes. However, with manufactured homes, make sure you adhere to the regulations set by your neighborhood or city. Experiment with your taste and preferences to make something that takes your home to the next level.