Nature-friendly perennial interest

Nature-friendly Perennial Interest

Perennials and plants that self-seed are the backbone of a low-maintenance garden. Having a variety of plants at different heights creates levels of interest and helps support a wider variety of pollinators.

Viper's Bugloss

This native wildflower jumps over paving stones and softens their hard edges. They sneak into cracks in the paving and push up flowers beloved by bumblebees. They're happy to rely on rain only and self-seed, transforming your hard landscaping with minimal effort.

Salvia x Jamensis 'Nachtvlinder'

Although I used a salvia as a rose companion, it's also a fantastic plant in its own right. The small leaves have a peppermint scent when you brush past them, and bees love the small flowers. A simple trim encourages it to come back more bouncy and animated. These salvias thrive on neglect and will be happy in any container, big or small.

Chasmanthium Latifolium

This grass looks similar to bamboo. It holds its soft green colour throughout summer, adding a lush look to sunny gardens. It copes in sun or dappled shade and is surprisingly drought-tolerant. The leaves turn a stunning golden yellow in autumn.

Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve'

The perennial wallflower is the ideal choice for minimal maintenance. It is drought-resistant, self-sows, and will flower all year long (including in winter in mild climates). Each flower spire lasts for months, complemented by the beautiful foliage.

Buddleja

Buddlejas went somewhat out of fashion after World War II as the shrubs appeared across bombing sites, but they're incredibly valuable for butterflies. Look for varieties that are bred to be semi-dwarf, as they are more compact and easier to manage. They are happy with minimal water and don't need massive pots, despite their size. Prune them back hard in spring, and fresh shoots will appear.