FUSS-FREE PLANTS
Hectic lifestyle? Low-maintenance plants are a simple solution, leaving more time to relax in your beautiful plot
WILDLIFE-FRIENDLY
Plants packed with pollen and nectar help the declining numbers of bees, butterflies and other pollinators
Buddleja davidii ‘Sugar Plum’ is a new undemanding shrub bearing deep pinkish-red flowers on a low-growing plant that is attractive to a wide range of butterflies and bees. Remove faded flowers to encourage more. Plant in sun or partial shade. H3m
Hellebore species and hybrids are a welcome source of food for bees early in the year. Grow in shade and add lots of organic matter when planting. Trim the away the old leaves in winter before the new flowers appear. H50cm
Not just for the bees, phacelia attracts many other beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybirds. The faded stems can be dug in to improve your soil. Sow seed March to June in a sunny, well-drained patch. H45cm
The blossom of this whiteflowering crab apple is adored by bees, and birds devour the red fruit in autumn. A lovely slow-growing dwarf variety for borders or containers, in sun or partial shade. H2m
CLIMBERS
Climbers transform vertical spaces and stand-alone structures. Take care to match a plant’s vigour to its support
This pretty, bushy shrub rose has clusters of cup-shaped pink blooms with a musky scent. It has good resistance to black spot. Tough and reliable. H1m
An ideal gap-filler and happy in a shady spot, the cup-andsaucer vine is a quick-growing annual that will romp against a wall or metal arch. Sow seeds in May or buy plugs. H3m
Small, waxy bell flowers stand out against evergreen foliage from December to February. Plant in free-draining soil in a sunny, sheltered spot. H3m
The trumpet vine will provide fast cover against a sunny arbour or pergola. It is drought tolerant and has a self-clinging habit, prune in late winter. H8-12m
PERENNIALS
Perennials needn’t be labour intensive. Always follow ‘right plant, right place’ principles for best results
Bearded irises are a must-have for the cottage-border look, with elegant flowers that appear in May. Plant in full sun where the rhizome is not shaded by other plants. H90cm
Japanese anemones are an undemanding perennial flowering reliably in late summer, with blooms in pink shades or white. Not fussy about situation. H1.5m
This deciduous variety is the hardiest, a real trooper, with large deep-blue heads appearing on tall stems. For the best flowers, plant in full sun. H60cm
Masses of flowers o
