7 Easy-Care Plants That Thrive on Neglect for a Low-Effort Summer Garden

There’s nothing quite like looking out onto a garden in full summer bloom — but creating that kind of display can be tricky, especially if your plants demand constant care. The good news? A low-effort garden is possible with flowers that thrive on neglect.

According to Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, plants including lavender and ferns can still make your garden look beautiful without requiring constant maintenance.

‘Not everyone has the time to spend hours maintaining their garden, especially during the summer when plants can need more attention,’ says Chris. ‘Good news is there are plenty of plants that actually thrive on a bit of neglect. Many of them prefer dry conditions and don’t need constant watering or feeding to look their best.’

If you want a garden with lots of colour this summer, Chris recommends opting for hardy plants to avoid the extra maintenance. ‘It’s also a more sustainable option, as it can help reduce water usage during warmer weather.’

Here are the summer plants Chris recommends for a low-effort, high-reward garden this Summer…

Summer plants that thrive on neglect1) Lavender

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The first plant Chris recommends is sweet-scented lavender. ‘An established lavender plant is ideal for low-maintenance gardens, offering plenty for pollinators and for your guests with its familiar floral scent and soft touch of purple,’ he tells us. ‘It’s drought-tolerant and requires minimal care, coping well in harsher weather.’

2) Ferns

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Having vibrant colours and pretty flowers in your garden is great, but never underestimate the power of the simple fern. Luckily, these leafy plants are relatively easy to look after too. ‘Ferns are well suited to shaded spots and bring texture and greenery without demanding much attention,’ says Chris.

3) Petunias

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If you love the idea of having hanging baskets bursting with flowers, consider investing in petunias. ‘They are surprisingly resilient, coping well with heat and occasional missed watering, while still producing bright, long-lasting blooms,’ says Chris. They also work well in containers.

4) Rosemary

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For some added texture, Chris suggests growing rosemary. This classic herb loves lots of sun and dry soil, making it easy to maintain in the warmer months. It also has a lovely smell, making your garden not just visually impressive but sensorially pleasing too.

5) Thyme

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For another bit of added fragrance, Chris recommends planting thyme in your garden. This hardy herb is drought-tolerant and can be grown in poor-quality soil. Speaking of both thyme and rosemary, Chris told us, ‘Thyme and rosemary are hardy, drought-tolerant herbs that thrive in sunny positions and well-draining soil. They’re practical and low effort.’

6) Cosmos

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Pretty cosmos are great for giving your garden that relaxed cottagecore feeling. Annual flowers – but easy to grow – Chris says they are ideal for the warmer months. ‘Cosmos are another excellent choice for drier conditions, thriving even in poorer-quality soil while still providing a light, colourful display.’

7) Marigolds

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Another annual, Chris also recommends planting marigolds in your summer garden. ‘Marigolds adapt well and will settle into most soils with little fuss. They’re a fast-growing plant and a reliable option for those who don’t want to spend lots of time maintaining their garden,’ he says.

If the thought of replacing your annuals every year is putting you off, Chris recommends geraniums (not including pelargoniums) as an alternative.

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