5 Unfussy Annuals That Bloom Effortlessly for a Breathtaking Garden With Little Maintenance Required
Thriving on Neglect: Low-maintenance Flowers that Never Fade
Hey there, want a garden that's a breeze to manage? Here are some flowering annuals that bloom like bosses even when you're slacking off.
You might think that perennials are the way to go if you're interested in plants that come back year after year. But let's not forget those one-hit-wonders, the annuals. These babies put on a show of flowers for a single growing season before calling it quits. And guess what? Many of them don't mind if you forget to water them or let the deadheads pile up.
1. Marvelous Marigolds
Marigolds are total garden rockstars. They're bright, easy to grow, and a fantastic companion plant for pest-fighting warriors like ladybugs. They're also a prime example of flowering annuals that can handle a bit (ok, a lot) of neglect.
According to Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, marigolds are dependable because they flower for months and prefer a sunny spot. Plus, they don't need deadheading regularly. Neat, right?
Plant some "Strawberry Blonde" seeds from Thompson & Morgan for unique, almost-pink flowers, or grab some garden-ready "Zenith Mixed" plants from Suttons.
2. Cosmic Cosmos
If you're looking for a no-fuss annual, learn how to grow cosmos - they're tough as nails. Once established, they can withstand drought, poor soil, and a spot of general neglect. They're also pretty good at shrugging off garden pests, and they self-seed when left to their own devices.
Commercial director at LBS Horticulture, Richard Barker, confirms this. "Cosmos can handle dry spells and neglected beds fairly well. They don't mind if you skip the deadheading."
Pop some chocolate cosmos seeds from Crocus into the ground for rich, velvety blooms.
3. Zinnia Zeniths
Want ultra-vibrant flowers that thrive even when you skip watering every now and then? Then learning how to grow zinnias is the way to go. Zinnias are colorful blooms that can take a bit of neglect and still deliver stunning results.
"Zinnias are a great choice because they thrive in full sun and don't mind if you forget to water them occasionally," says Julian.
Try planting "Queen Lime Red" from Crocus for unique pale red and lime green blooms, or go for "Zinderella Peach" from Thompson & Morgan for fluffy peach flowers.
4. Sunflower Sunshine
Whether you grow them in pots or border, these classic annuals are a cinch to maintain. They're practically foolproof, starting easily from seed and growing tall with minimal effort.
"Sunflowers are almost impossible to mess up," says Julian. "Just sow the seeds and enjoy the blooms."
Though it's a bit late to plant sunflower seeds now, you can still buy sunflower plants for a song from Gardening Express.
5. Salvia Sensations
Annual salvia varieties are some of the best drought-tolerant plants out there, and they're a hit with pollinators. They thrive during dry spells with little watering and grow well in poor soil conditions.
According to the horticultural experts from Cherry Lane Garden Centres, "Varieties such as salvias are perfect examples of plants that can withstand minimum care but still deliver vibrant blooms, making them ideal for those who are looking to maximize color in their garden."
Snag some "Blaze of Fire" from Thompson & Morgan for vibrant red blooms.
If you're seeking climbing plants that require minimal effort, there are plenty of those available, too. Happy gardening!
- Despite requiring minimal care, Marigolds continue to astound with their long-lasting flowers and preference for sunny locations, with the added benefit of not needing regular deadheading.
- Cosmos are a resilient choice for a home-and-garden, capable of withstanding drought, poor soil, and neglect, while offering an attractive display of flowers that self-seed readily.
