5 Self-Seeding Flowers That Come Back Every Year (With Almost No Effort)

1Poppies red poppies growing outside Nenov//Getty Images

‘Poppies do fantastically well when they self-seed,’ says Jack. ‘They’re a good option if you want something that will come back and return each year. They also add a splash of colour to a garden.’

Sun-loving poppies thrive in well-drained soil and will bring you an abundance of colour through regular deadheading.

2Nasturtiums nasturtium orange flowers Creativ Studio Heinemann//Getty Images

Nasturtiums are prolific self-seeders that return every year thanks to their large seeds that drop in late summer, sprouting the following spring.

Jack says: ‘What’s good about them is that you can use the flowers in summer salads, and the small leaves are slightly peppery and edible too.’

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3Sea holly sea holly growing in the garden Clive Nichols//Getty Images

If you’re after an architectural plant that will fill your garden with interest, sea holly is the flower for you (they’re often seen at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show). Perfect for borders, grow them in full sun, ideally where the soil stays relatively dry in winter.

‘Sea holly (eryngium) is another that does really well – varieties like “Miss Willmott’s Ghost” are known for spreading easily and adding something a bit different,’ says Jack.

4Cerinthe major cerinthe major (honeywort) flowers undefined undefined//Getty Images

With striking fleshy leaves and purple bell-like flowers, Cerinthe major is one of the best annual foliage plants that can cleverly self-seed.

‘Cerinthe major is a really nice option, especially in areas where you have gravel. They tend to grow quite well in those conditions and will often self-seed into the gravel quite naturally, which works really well and adds to their appeal,’ says Jack.

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5Origanum vibrant purple flowers in full bloom Jacky Parker//Getty Images

‘Origanum is also a really good plant for self-seeding,’ says Jack. ‘It thrives in dry conditions and can even grow in tougher spots like driveways or cracks in paving. It will come back every year – you just cut it down, and it will sprout again.’

Plus, Jack also recommends Lady’s mantle in those planting conditions.

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