I'm a Garden Writer, and These 11 Hard-to-Kill Plants Have Survived Everything in My Garden

Sun, June 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM UTC

11 Hard-to-Kill Garden PlantsAlpamayoPhoto – Getty Images

(AlpamayoPhoto – Getty Images)

I’m rather a no-nonsense kind of gardener. I love working in my garden, weeding, digging, pruning, and deadheading. But I admit that I don’t have patience for plants that need babying. You’ve got to be tough to earn a spot in my garden—and even tougher to stay around year after year.

As a garden writer, I also have the privilege of trialing many new annuals, perennials, and shrubs every year, which allows me to learn what can stand up to nature’s whims. From freezing temperatures to blazing heat and humidity to weeks without rain, I’ve seen what plants can take abuse and still thrive, and I do admit to having a few favorites.

I’m also not wishy-washy about what has to be done—plant got too big? Time to transplant you, and hopefully, you’ll survive the move even if it’s midsummer. Too gangly? It’s time for a rejuvenation prune. I love plants, but every one of them needs to bring beauty and joy to my garden, to support pollinators, and to be resilient enough to survive real-world conditions.

Ahead, here are the toughest garden plants I’ve ever grown and why they deserve a spot in your garden: