Are you looking for outdoor plants that won’t give up easily, even if you are not the best gardener? Some plants are incredibly hardy and can survive tough conditions like hot summers, cold winters or even if you forget to water them sometimes. Here’s a list of ten outdoor plants that are known for their resilience and low maintenance needs.
See also: 30 popular varieties of succulent plants
Succulents
Source: Pinterest/Freepik
Succulents are famous for being low-maintenance. They store water in their leaves, which allows them to survive long periods without watering. They thrive in sunny spots and need very little care, making them perfect for busy gardeners.
Lavender
Source: Pinterest/Flickr
Lavender is not only beautiful and fragrant but also remarkably tough. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, lavender is drought-resistant, meaning it doesn’t need much water.
Hostas
Source: Pinterest/Home for the harvest
Hostas are ideal for shady gardens. They have lush foliage and can grow well even in low light. While they prefer moist soil, they can also tolerate periods of dry weather.
Daylilies
Source: Pinterest/Etsy
Daylilies are almost indestructible and bloom year after year. They can thrive in a variety of soil conditions and light settings, although they do best in full sun. They are also drought-resistant once established.
Marigolds
Source: Pinterest/Better Homes & Gardens
These bright and cheerful flowers are very easy to grow. Marigolds can handle full sun and grow well in all kinds of soil as long as it’s not too wet. They’re also excellent at repelling garden pests.
Zinnias
Source: Pinterest/Amazon
Zinnias add vibrant colour to your garden and are very easy to care for. They need good sunlight and well-drained soil. They’re resistant to drought and prefer to be watered at the base to avoid leaf diseases.
Boxwood
Source: Pinterest/Gardenista
Boxwood shrubs are popular for hedges and borders. They are extremely hardy and can thrive in various climates. They do well in both sun and partial shade and require minimal watering once established.
Ferns
Source: Pinterest/Flickr
Ferns are great for shady spots in your garden. They need moist, well-drained soil and can survive with minimal sunlight. Although they prefer damp conditions, they can also tolerate drought once they are well established.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Source: Pinterest/Better Homes and Gardens
Coneflowers are tough and can thrive in almost any garden setting. They prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade. They are drought-tolerant and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Sage
Source: Pinterest/Sunny Home Gardens
Sage is not only an herb used in cooking but also a robust plant for your garden. It requires full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, sage is very drought-resistant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaped gardens.
FAQs
How often should I water these low-maintenance plants?
Watering needs can vary based on the specific plant and your local climate conditions. Generally, succulents and drought-resistant plants like lavender and sage need water less frequently, usually only when the soil is completely dry. For others like ferns and hostas, maintain moist soil, especially in hotter weather. Always check the top inch of the soil; if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
Are these plants pet-friendly?
Not all plants are safe for pets. For instance, while many common garden plants are harmless, some like daylilies can be toxic to cats. It’s important to check each plant’s potential toxicity with organisations like the ASPCA if you have pets.
Can these plants survive in very cold or hot climates?
Many of these plants are quite resilient across different climates. For example, boxwoods and hostas can handle cold temperatures well. However, extreme climates can still pose challenges, so it’s best to provide some protection during unusually cold or hot weather, such as mulching or using shade covers.
Do I need to use fertiliser for these plants?
Most of these hardy plants require minimal fertilisation. Using compost or a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in the growing season can be enough. Over-fertilising can be more harmful than beneficial, so it's best to use them sparingly.
How do I handle pests with these plants?
While plants like marigolds naturally repel pests, others may occasionally suffer from bugs. Generally, maintaining healthy plants through proper watering and positioning (sunlight exposure) is key to preventing major infestations. If pests do appear, natural remedies such as neem oil or insecticidal soaps can be effective and are safer than chemical pesticides.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
