The urban waterfront presents the most precious ecological landscape resources in the city. The arrangement and maintenance of garden plants directly affect the landscape and the ecological benefit of the urban waterfront. In order to improve the plant landscape in the urban waterfront, this study discussed the case of Huangpu River Public Space for the mode of breathing plant arrangement and maintenance. The breathing plant arrangement is characterized by a natural, transparent and metrical style. It can be realized by reasonable gradation of plant arrangement, floral border arrangement, reasonable use of rocks and other landscape elements, reasonable reduction of plant density, etc. As to plant selection, the application of colored-leaf trees, characteristic shrubs, perennial flowers, ornamental grass, and indigenous species is highlighted to enhance the role of the breathing plant arrangement. In the course of plant maintenance, natural trim, assessment of adaptability and maintenance, pollution-free disease, and insect pest control are the key point for the concept and requirements of low carbon and resource conservation, sustainable plant landscape, and ecological environment protection. The study aimed to provide theoretical and practical proofs for the plant arrangement and maintenance on the urban waterfront.