The top five hardy plants to grow this year
Create a garden that comes back year after year with hardy plants - these reliable garden favourites that provide structure, colour and interest throughout the seasons.
Unlike annual plants that complete their life cycle in twelve months, hardy plants perform year after year. Most varieties are incredibly resilient too, and many can tolerate colder temperature, warmer summers, and most everything in between.
From vibrant perennial flowering plants to striking foliage and elegant shrubs, hardy plants are a must-have for any outdoor space. Whether you’re filling borders, containers, or hanging baskets, hardy plants will reward you with years of beautiful growth.
What are hardy plants?
Hardy plants are a plant that can live for several years and return each growing season and include plants, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and ferns.
Many hardy plants can withstand winter conditions and survive temperatures as low as -15oc in some cases.
During colder months, the top growth of some hardy plants may die back, but their roots remain active beneath the soil and when warmer weather arrives, they’ll grow back again with fresh foliage and flowers.
One of the best parts about hardy plants is that once they’re established, they require relatively little maintenance and provide reliable colour each year.
Are hardy plants easy to grow?
Most are considered low maintenance once established, but will of course require basic care such as watering, occasional feeding, and pruning.
When is the best time to plant hardy plants?
Our plants are container-grown so can be planted at any time of year if conditions allow. However, early autumn and spring are considered the best times to plant due to their milder temperatures which allow plants establish their roots before more extreme weather arrives.
What are the best hardy plants for my garden?
There are countless hardy plants to choose from, but we think the below well-loved varieties work best in UK gardens.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are stunning flowering shrubs known for their large, showy blooms that appear throughout summer. Their flowers can range from soft blues and purples to pinks and whites, depending on the variety and soil conditions. Hydrangeas can work beautifully in borders and can also be grown in large containers.
How to look after hydrangeas:
Plant in moist, well-drained soil in partial sun or light shade.
Water regularly during dry spells, especially when newly planted.
Prune lightly each year to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Hydrangeas add structure and long-lasting colour, making them a standout addition to many gardens.
Lupins
Classic cottage-garden plants, lupins are loved for their tall, colourful flower spikes that bloom in early summer. They come in a variety of shades including purple, pink, yellow, and white, and are fantastic for adding height and drama to beds and borders.
How to look after lupins:
Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Support taller plants with stakes if needed.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
Lupins are also attractive to pollinators, making them a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular hardy plants thanks to its calming flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink and white. It thrives in sunny spots and produces beautiful power spikes that attract bees and butterflies throughout summer.
How to look after lavender:
Plant in free-draining soil and full sun.
Avoid overwatering, as lavender prefers drier conditions.
Trim after flowering to maintain shape.
Lavender is ideal for borders, pathways, and even containers where its scent can be enjoyed up close.
Hostas
If you have shady areas in your garden, hostas are a fantastic perennial option. These leafy plants are known for their large, decorative foliage that comes in shades of green, blue, yellow and variegated patterns, and produce delicate flowers in the summer.
How to look after hostas:
Plant in moist, fertile soil in partial or full shade
Water regularly during dry weather
Protect from slugs and snails which are fond of their leaves
Hostas add texture and lush greenery to shaded borders and woodland-style gardens.
Hebes
Hebes are low maintenance shrubs that have purple, pink, or white flowers that bloom over a long period from spring through to autumn. Their evergreen leaves add structure to containers and borders, coming in a range of colours from dark green to brilliant pink and variegated.
How to look after hebes:
Plant in moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
Hebes like sunshine and prefer a warm spot.
Long flowering so perfect for attracting bees and pollinators.
Deadhead spent flower spikes as they fade to encourage further flowering.
Why choose hardy plants?
Hardy plants are one of the best ways to create a garden that evolves beautifully year after year. Some provide reliable blooms whilst others have attractive foliage and provide lasting structure with relatively little effort.
By combining a mix of flowering plants and shrubs, you can create a garden display that changes with the seasons but still returns every spring.
If you’re looking to add hardy plants to your garden, pop into your local Dobbies and explore our range of hardy plants. Our Green Team are always happy to help you choose the best plants for your outdoor space.