A gardener has highlighted five long-lasting plants that require little maintenance, perfect for UK gardens where watering may be forgotten. As summer arrives, garden enthusiasts are seeking expert advice to enhance their outdoor spaces with minimal effort.
Expert Gardener's Top Picks
Professional gardener Ben, known online as Garden With Ben, shared a TikTok video showcasing five perennial plants that thrive even when neglected. He explained: "These 5 perennial plants don't care if you forget to water them. They actually prefer drier soils and require very little fuss and maintenance." He noted that while young plants need some attention, mature specimens can handle drought well.
Verbena bonariensis
This plant features tall stems and a long flowering period from June to September, often extending to October. According to Crocus, it is a "vital late-season food source for garden wildlife," attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers.
Nepeta (Walker's Low and Six Hills Giant)
Nepeta offers violet to lilac-blue flowers from early summer to autumn. Its aromatic leaves release a pleasant scent when brushed, making it ideal for paths. Crocus describes it as a "long-blooming plant" that is "drought-tolerant once established" and attracts pollinators.
Salvia (Caradonna, Bumblesky, Pink Beauty)
Salvia boasts violet and purple flowers from early summer until frost. It requires minimal maintenance beyond deadheading to prolong blooming. Crocus notes it is "ideal for adding vibrant colour and texture to coastal, dry, or traditional garden settings."
Echinops
Recognisable by its round, fluffy flower heads in purples and blues, Echinops adds texture and can grow up to three feet tall. It attracts bees and butterflies and works well as a cut or dried flower.
English Lavender (Hidcote, Munstead)
Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' is a compact cultivar of English lavender, offering lilac flowers and sensory delight with low maintenance. Crocus praises its beauty and resilience.
These plants thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, making them perfect for low-maintenance UK gardens.
