Plant this type of grass beneath the canopy of a dense tree for a lush, green carpet around the trunk of its base. Japanese zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica) is another good choice.

Last but not least, MacDougall’s giant century plant (Fucraea macdougalii) has spear-shaped leaves that reach six feet long. Despite its name, the plant lives around 40 years, reaches 15 feet in ...