15 Garden Plants That Require Little Effort but Give High Reward

Apart from making your front lawns and backyards look great, gardening also reduces stress, strengthens your heart, and turns you into a happier person. While it all sounds amazing, many of us simply don’t have time or energy to maintain the upkeep a good-looking garden requires. Luckily, there are many gorgeous plants that require little to no effort that even people with no gardening experience can handle.

We at Bright Side prepared a selection of effortless plants that’ll make everyone think you have the greenest thumb around.

1. Viburnum

Pros: They’re drought tolerant, but after a prolonged dry period, they’ll require some water. Some varieties of viburnum are evergreen.

Cons: They might require some pruning if you want a specific shape.

When to plant: In the spring or fall

2. Camellia

Pros: These are evergreen and bloom from fall to spring. Some varieties can live up to 100 years.

Cons: They require regular watering when newly-planted, but established plants can get by on very little supplemental water.

When to plant: spring

3. Hosta

Pros: Requires no special care in winter, as they easily adjust to low temperatures and go dormant. Available in a large variety of colors.

Cons: They attract deer and slugs.

When to plant: early spring or early fall

4. Lilac

Pros: They’re fragrant, not too picky about soil, and don’t require regular watering.

Cons: Pruning is required.

When to plant: early spring

5. Coleus

Pros: These are fast-growing and they prefer partial shade, but some varieties tolerate sun well. As long as their soil is moist, they’ll stay happy.

Cons: They’re susceptible to low temperatures but can be easily moved to a pot and live indoors.

When to plant: Plant indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost, then make sure the soil is at least 60ºF before moving it outdoors.

6. Peonies

Pros: If regularly watered, these can last in one spot for up to 50 years.

Cons: They bloom only for about 7-10 days.

When to plant: fall

7. Ajuga

Pros: They thrive in shade and come back every year. They survive only on rainfall and don’t require fertilizer.

Cons: This is technically a weed, so it can be mildly invasive.

When to plant: spring or fall

8. Euphorbia

Pros: They’re long-blooming, drought-tolerant, and deer resistant.

Cons: Some varieties are short-lived.

When to plant: early fall or spring

9. Lantana

Pros: They bloom year-round in areas without frost and are evergreen, drought-tolerant, and mature plants require little to no fertilizer.

Cons: They require sun for 6-8 hours a day.

When to plant: mid- to late spring

10. Persian shield

Pros: They thrive in any climate or weather and are highly durable. They’re also very appealing with their colorful leaves.

Cons: They require fertilizer every 2 weeks in summer and none in winter. Also, they should be moved indoors during winter as they might not survive the cold.

When to plant: year-round and in a pot first

11. Coreopsis

Pros: These are long-blooming, only require occasional watering during droughts, and don’t need fertilizer.

Cons: Aside from asking for plenty of water once planted, they don’t need much after that.

When to plant: early spring to fall

12. Agave

Pros: Nearly no water is required, so they’re perfect for dry areas.

Cons: They’re prone to rotting if overwatered.

When to plant: spring or early fall

13. Catmint

Pros: They’re heat and drought resistant, have a minty aroma, and some varieties are long-blooming.

Cons: They’re often bothered by thrips.

When to plant: anytime from spring to early fall

14. Butterfly weed

Pros: They love sunlight and dry areas, so they don’t need much water. No fertilizer is required.

Cons: They may not bloom during the first few years.

When to plant: early spring

15. Lamb’s ear

Pros: These are evergreen and grow in drought, even in poor soil. They also have unusual fuzzy foliage and might produce pink or purple flowers in the summer.

Cons: Humid conditions might cause a leaf disease.

When to plant: spring

Which plant would you add to your garden? What plants do you already have? What’s your least favorite thing about maintaining a good-looking garden?