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Writer's pictureKrista Grindley

No Green Thumb Required: Hardy Plants for UK Gardeners

Updated: Oct 11, 2023

As the owner of Gardens East, a garden design business serving North and East London, I've had the pleasure of working with numerous clients who have varying levels of gardening expertise. One common challenge many of them face is finding plants that thrive with minimal care and attention. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a newbie with a brown-thumb, there are certain plants that seem nearly impossible to kill. Today, I want to introduce you to these resilient beauties that can effortlessly grace your UK garden while requiring little maintenance.

1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Known for its fragrant, silvery-green foliage and vibrant purple flowers, lavender is a UK garden favourite. Not only does lavender withstand the unpredictable UK weather, including drought, heavy rainfall, frost, and occasionally extreme temperatures, but it also offers numerous benefits such as repelling pests and attracting pollinators. Just be sure to prune it back after flowering to keep it looking tidy.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

2. Paperplant (Fatsia Japonica): Also known as the Japanese aralia, Fatsia Japonica is an evergreen shrub that thrives in partial to full shade. Its large, glossy leaves add a tropical touch to your garden, and it's incredibly hardy, tolerating various soil conditions and climates.


Paperplant (Fatsia Japonica)

3. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): Commonly known as coneflower, Echinacea adds a burst of colour to your garden with its daisy-like petals and prominent cone-shaped centre. These hardy perennials are drought-tolerant and attract pollinators, making them a win-win for any garden.


Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

4. Sedum (Sedum spectabile): Sedums, also called stonecrops, are succulent perennials that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They come in various colours and sizes, providing an excellent choice for ground cover or border plants. Once established, they require little watering.


Sedum (Sedum spectabile)

5. Mexican fleabane (Erigeron Karvinskianus): This dainty perennial is a true gem for UK gardens. It produces masses of small, daisy-like flowers that change from white to pink as they age. Erigeron Karvinskianus is perfect for rock gardens, borders, or as ground cover in full sun or partial shade.


Mexican fleabane (Erigeron Karvinskianus)

6. Japanese Anemone (Anemone x hybrida): These elegant perennials grace gardens with their tall, slender stems and lovely blooms. Japanese Anemones thrive in partial shade and are remarkably resilient against pests and diseases.


Japanese Anemone (Anemone x hybrida)

7. Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia Struthiopteris): If you have a shady, damp corner in your garden, the ostrich fern is the perfect choice. This native UK plant is hardy, thriving in moist, well-drained soil. Its distinctive feathery fronds provide a unique visual appeal.


Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia Struthiopteris)

8. Heather (Calluna vulgaris): Heather is a tough, low-growing shrub that blooms with vibrant pink, purple, or white flowers in late summer. It thrives in acidic, well-drained soil and adds a touch of Scottish Highlands charm to your garden.


Heather (Calluna vulgaris)

9. Hellebore (Helleborus spp.): Also known as the Christmas Rose or Lenten Rose, hellebores are early bloomers that provide much-needed colour to your garden in late winter or early spring. They are shade-tolerant and can endure cold temperatures.


Hellebore (Helleborus spp.)

10. Woodland Sage (Salvia Nemorosa): A fantastic addition to any garden. It's a hardy perennial that produces spikes of colourful flowers in various shades of blue, purple, or pink. These easy-to-care-for plants attract pollinators and can withstand a range of soil and weather conditions.


Woodland Sage (Salvia Nemorosa)

Incorporating these bulletproof plants into your UK garden not only enhances its beauty but also reduces the time and effort needed for maintenance. At Gardens East, we understand the importance of selecting the right plants for your garden, and these options are perfect for any level of gardening expertise.

Remember, the key to successful gardening is not just about the plants you choose but also the design and layout of your garden. If you need professional assistance with garden design in North and East London, don't hesitate to reach out to Gardens East. I'm here to help you transform your outdoor space into a thriving, low-maintenance haven of beauty and relaxation. Happy gardening!

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