Gardening can turn into a costly pastime, and repeated failures in the garden might leave enthusiasts feeling disheartened. While a challenge can be refreshing, it’s equally vital to ensure our gardens have a selection of sturdy, “indestructible” plants.
Succulent greens that thrive with minimal pampering are essential, given that even the most resilient flora need water, sustenance, and suitable growing conditions. Yet unfortunately, some plants seem hesitant to flourish under our care.
Despite this, there are certain species that insist on growing, barely affected by intermittent neglect – be it insufficient watering, pruning mishaps or forgotten feedings.
Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, shared his expertise for those less adept in the world of horticulture by recommending a few “impossible to kill garden plants”. These hardy specimens are ideal for anyone wishing to bring vibrant hues to their outdoor spaces with only the slightest effort as spring and summer approach.
Flowering currant is “a great, easy to grow” plant fit for spring
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1. Flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum, “King Edward VII”)
This robust shrub is an excellent addition to any patch, presenting eye-catching deep crimson flowers accompanied by aromatic foliage. Recognised by Morris as “a great, easy to grow” plant fit for spring, the flowering currant doesn’t always receive the acclaim it merits.
He advises: “Ribes will never get out of hand, they are easy to trim with a simple tidy up after flowering and easy to care for. You get a show of flowers the first spring after planting.”
Forsythia is lauded for its “completely bulletproof” qualities
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2. Forsythia (Forsythia spectabilis)
The much-loved deciduous shrub forsythia marks the start of spring with branches that explode into a dazzling display of golden-yellow blooms as early as March. After the blossoms fade, the stems are cloaked in bright green foliage that turns a reddish shade prior to falling off in autumn.
Morris described this shrub as a “completely bulletproof spring flowering shrub” known for its exuberant yellow flowers in March. He said: “They establish willingly from bare root plants that cost little more than coppers or from larger potted plants.”
He also noted that forsythia is “truly low maintenance”, requiring not much more than a simple trim post-flowering to maintain its shape, and reassured that “they will grow and thrive just about anywhere”.
Deutzia is good for “bridging the gap between spring and summer flowering plants”
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3. Deutzia
Deutzia is held in high esteem for its abundant flowering and versatile nature, making it a favourite amongst gardeners. These “tough, hardy, and easy to grow” deciduous shrubs, as described by the plant expert, are “drought resistant” and demand very little care.
While they are part of the hydrangea family, deutzias produce generous clusters of small blooms which vary in appearance from long, slightly drooping petals to bell-like or open forms.
Expanding further, Morris remarked: “Grown for their delicate star-shaped flowers that cover the shrubs in June, they are great for bridging the gap between spring and summer flowering plants and shrubs.”