Six low maintenance plants

While no garden is truly maintenance-free, some plants require very little.
Here are our top six low-maintenance picks.

1. Ajuga reptans

Ajuga reptans ‘Catlins Giant’ is a vigorous groundcover native to Europe. The plant features glossy green-bronze foliage that changes colour with the seasons. In spring, it produces striking violet-blue flower spikes.
Ajuga is remarkably low maintenance. To ensure healthy growth, provide good air circulation and apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring to boost nutrient intake. Lightly prune during the warmer months to maintain its shape and size.

2. Calamagrostis

Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ is a low maintenance, ornamental grass that is valued for its early bloom, vertical lines and ability to grow in wet soils. Once established, it will only need water when rainfall is low and should be cut back in late winter.

3. Viola

Viola hederacea or Native Violet is a perennial ground cover that delights with its tiny mauve and white blooms held on delicate stems above the foliage. Viola is a low-maintenance plant, but it benefits from additional watering during the warmer months to keep the soil consistently moist. A light application of fertiliser in spring will help promote a more prolific display of blooms.

4. Agave attenuata

Agave attenuata is a striking succulent with rosette-forming foliage and a prominent central stem, making it a bold, sculptural feature in the garden. Like most succulents, it stores water efficiently and only needs watering during summer. Simply remove any spent lower leaves as needed. A twice-yearly feed will help keep it looking its best.

5. Sedum

Commonly known as “Autumn Joy”, Sedum is a perennial genus of succulents that produce dome-shaped heads resembling broccoli. In summer, pink flowers appear and then graduate to fascinating copper tones in autumn.
A low-maintenance species, even the aged spectabile blooms provide interest over winter and can be cut back when new growth appears in spring.

6. Olea europaea

For a Mediterranean-inspired garden, the classic olive tree is hard to beat. This low-maintenance evergreen thrives in full sun and requires very little water. With its slow growth habit, it’s easy to shape with light pruning, making it an ideal feature tree for relaxed, drought-tolerant landscapes.

Whether you’re after simplicity, resilience, or year-round appeal, these six low-maintenance selections prove that effortless gardens can still be rich in character. Thoughtful choices and less upkeep mean more time to enjoy the space.