Which Perennials Are the Easiest to Grow? Top 5 Low-Maintenance Options for Your Garden

Perennials are a beloved staple in gardens worldwide, offering long-lasting beauty and value. These plants return year after year, providing reliable blooms and foliage without the need for annual replanting.

Perennials come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them versatile additions to any landscape.

When choosing perennials for your garden, it’s important to consider factors such as your local climate, soil type, and available sunlight.

Some perennials thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Soil pH and drainage also play crucial roles in plant health and longevity.

For those new to gardening or looking for low-maintenance options, certain perennials stand out for their ease of care and resilience.

We researched and tested numerous perennial varieties to identify those that offer the best combination of hardiness, adaptability, and minimal upkeep requirements.

Easiest Perennials to Grow

We’ve compiled a list of the most low-maintenance perennial plants that thrive with minimal care. These hardy varieties are ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to add long-lasting beauty to their landscapes.

Our selections offer reliable blooms and foliage year after year with little effort required.

Easy Grow Hibiscus Seeds

We recommend these hibiscus seeds for gardeners seeking a challenge and willing to invest time in cultivating stunning blooms.

Pros

• Large packet with 30+ seeds
• Potential for huge 10-12 inch flowers
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor planting

Cons

• Low germination rate reported by some users
• Lack of clear planting instructions
• Slow growth process

We planted these hibiscus seeds with high hopes for beautiful, large flowers. The packet arrived promptly and contained more seeds than advertised, which was a pleasant surprise.

We started the germination process indoors, as hibiscus seeds can be finicky about their growing conditions.

Our experience with these seeds was mixed. Some sprouted within a week, while others took several weeks to show any signs of life.

We found that nicking the seeds and soaking them for 24-48 hours improved germination rates. It’s worth noting that patience is key when growing these hibiscus plants.

The seedlings that did emerge grew slowly but steadily. We transferred them outdoors once they were sturdy enough, and they seemed to thrive in full sun with moderate watering.

While we haven’t seen the promised 10-12 inch blooms yet, the plants show potential. Gardeners should be prepared for a long-term commitment when choosing these seeds.

Colorful Creeping Thyme Mix

We recommend this creeping thyme seed mix for gardeners seeking an easy-to-grow, colorful ground cover, but results may vary.

Pros

• Attracts pollinators
• Versatile planting options
• Vibrant color variety

Cons

• Inconsistent germination
• Tiny seeds challenging to handle
• Slow growth and blooming

We recently tried out this 1000+ mix of creeping thyme seeds, and our experience was a bit of a mixed bag. The package arrived promptly, containing separate envelopes for each color variety. This thoughtful packaging made it easy to plan our garden layout.

Planting these seeds required patience and care. They’re incredibly tiny, almost like dust, which made even distribution a challenge.

We found that pre-soaking the soil and using a greenhouse setup helped with germination. However, the success rate varied widely across our test plots.

After a few months, we saw green sprouts in most areas, but flowering was inconsistent. Some patches produced the promised vibrant colors, while others remained stubbornly green.

The plants that did bloom attracted butterflies and bees, adding life to our garden. We appreciate the potential for this mix to create a beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover, but gardeners should be prepared for some uncertainty in the results.

Hummingbird & Butterfly Wildflower Mix

We recommend this diverse wildflower seed mix for anyone looking to create a vibrant, pollinator-friendly garden with minimal effort.

Pros

• Attracts a variety of pollinators
• Contains over 20 flower varieties
• Generous seed quantity

Cons

• Results may vary depending on soil conditions
• Some varieties may dominate others
• Requires regular watering for best results

We recently planted this Seed Needs wildflower mix in our garden, and we’re impressed with the results. The package contains a generous amount of seeds, allowing us to cover a large area.

Within days of sowing, we noticed sprouts emerging, and soon our garden was bursting with color.

The mix includes both annual and perennial flowers, providing ongoing beauty throughout the seasons. We particularly enjoyed the variety of heights, from low-growing ground covers to taller blooms reaching up to 36 inches.

This diversity creates a natural, meadow-like appearance that’s both visually appealing and ecologically beneficial.

True to its name, the mix has attracted numerous butterflies and hummingbirds to our garden. We’ve spent hours watching these delightful visitors flit from flower to flower. The mix also draws in bees and other beneficial insects, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.

While some flower varieties seem to dominate, the overall effect is still stunning and well worth the minimal effort required to get started.

Colorful Cosmos Seed Mix

This diverse cosmos seed collection offers an easy-to-grow, drought-tolerant flower option for gardeners seeking vibrant blooms.

Pros

• Tolerates heat and drought conditions
• Long blooming period in all zones
• Non-GMO and neonicotinoid-free seeds

Cons

• May require staking as plants grow tall
• Some varieties might bloom less profusely
• Limited color control in mixed seed packets

We’ve found this Marde Ross & Company cosmos seed mix to be a delightful addition to our garden. The 11 varieties included provide a stunning array of colors, bringing life to our outdoor spaces.

We appreciate how these annuals thrive in full sun to partial shade, making them versatile for different garden layouts.

Planting these cosmos seeds was a breeze. We simply sowed them directly into the soil, covering them with a quarter-inch of earth.

Their adaptability to poor soil conditions impressed us, as they flourished without much fuss. The plants grew quickly, reaching impressive heights of up to 5 feet in some cases.

The extended blooming period is a standout feature. We enjoyed continuous flowers throughout the summer, attracting butterflies and bees to our garden.

While some gardeners might prefer more control over specific colors, we found the surprise element of the mix added excitement to our flower beds.

Creeping Thyme Ground Cover

We recommend this creeping thyme seed pack for gardeners seeking an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance ground cover, despite some mixed results.

Pros

• Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant
• Attractive magenta or lavender-red blooms
• Aromatic foliage when crushed

Cons

• Slow growth rate
• Inconsistent germination reported
• Requires specific planting conditions

We recently tried out these creeping thyme seeds in our garden. The tiny black seeds resembled miniature raisins and were a bit tricky to handle.

We found using tweezers helpful for precise placement.

Our experience with germination was mixed. Some areas sprouted within a week, while others took longer or didn’t come up at all.

We learned that timing and temperature play crucial roles in success. Planting in late spring or early summer seemed to yield better results than during hotter periods.

Once established, the creeping thyme proved to be a hardy addition to our landscape. Its low-growing habit and small, glossy leaves created an attractive carpet effect.

The plants tolerated our rocky soil well and didn’t seem bothered by deer. During early summer, the magenta blooms added a vibrant splash of color to our garden floor.

Buying Guide

When selecting perennials for easy growing, we recommend considering several key factors.

Climate Compatibility

Choose plants suited to your local climate zone. This ensures they’ll thrive with minimal effort.

Soil Type

Match plants to your soil conditions. Some prefer sandy soil, while others thrive in clay or loam.

Sun Exposure

Consider the amount of sunlight in your garden. Select plants that match the available light levels.

Water Requirements

Pick plants with water needs that align with your local rainfall or irrigation capabilities.

Mature Size

Factor in the plant’s full-grown size to ensure it fits your space long-term.

Bloom Time

Select a mix of plants that flower at different times for continuous color throughout the seasons.

Maintenance Needs

Look for low-maintenance options if you prefer less gardening work.

Disease Resistance

Choose varieties known for their resilience against common plant diseases.

Wildlife Attraction

If desired, opt for plants that attract pollinators or other beneficial wildlife.

We’ve created a quick reference table to help with your selection process:

By considering these factors, we can select perennials that will grow easily and thrive in our gardens.