15 Garden Plants That Require Little Effort but Give High Reward

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3 years ago

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?

Preview photo credit shutterstock.com, depositphotos.com

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