Many people aspire to cultivate a lush and thriving garden. They select a variety of their favorite plants and flowers from the market, transplant them into their garden, only to find that the results are not as expected. Many plants are difficult to care for and require the expertise of an experienced gardener to truly thrive.
But don’t worry, there are plenty of beginner-friendly plants. Even if you just started learning about gardening yesterday, you can successfully grow these plants! This article will introduce ten easy-to-grow and beautiful garden plants.
1. Sunflowers
Sunflowers, cheerful annuals, are resilient and tall, enjoying six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. They thrive in well-drained, loose, nutrient-rich soil with minimal fertilization. Typically, they reach maturity within 70 to 100 days of planting. Once established, a deep weekly watering during summer suffices.
2.Black-eyed Susans
These perennials, part of the sunflower family, should be planted in warm spring soil and will bloom from summer to early fall. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial sunlight. Regular watering keeps them from drying out; they thrive in moist, well-drained soil. Maturity is reached around 60 days after planting, and removing faded flowers can extend their blooming period.
3.Coneflowers
Fast-growing perennials in the daisy family, coneflowers bloom from mid-summer through the fall frost. These drought-resistant plants favor rich, well-drained soil but are also tolerant of poorer soil conditions. Plant them from late spring to early summer, watering only if they are newly planted or conditions are very dry. They typically bloom within 60 to 90 days. Allow the seed heads to self-sow by not trimming dying flowers.
4.Marigolds
These vibrant annuals bloom all summer long and require plenty of sunshine. Plant them in warm spring soil, water well initially, and then let the soil partially dry between waterings. Marigolds usually sprout within a week in warm weather and produce blooms in about eight weeks. Pinching the tops of established plants encourages more blooms and fuller growth.
5.Daylilies
Daylilies are hardy perennials that can endure drought, poor soil conditions, and shade. They sprout from fleshy roots, with flowers forming on leafless scapes above the foliage. Plant daylilies in the spring, and they will bloom during summer. In cooler climates, it may take three years or more before they flower. Despite their toughness, they prefer full sun and moist, well-drained, fertile soil.
6.Nasturtiums
These annuals have edible leaves and flowers, perfect for adding to salads or as garnishes. While they can grow in partial shade, they produce more blooms with full sun. Plant seeds in moist, well-drained soil in early spring; they thrive in poorer soils and don’t need fertilizers. Nasturtiums bloom between 35 to 52 days after germination. Remove dead flowers to encourage more blooms, and collect seeds for replanting in spring.
7.Lavender
Fragrant lavender should be planted in the spring as the soil warms. It adapts well to poor or moderately fertile soil. Water once or twice a week until established. Although lavender might bloom in its first year, it takes about three years to mature. Once mature, it requires less frequent watering until the buds form. This bushy perennial’s gray-green foliage is evergreen in most regions and acts as a natural deer deterrent.
8.Snapdragons
Tall perennials with vibrant flowers, snapdragons are often grown as annuals despite their ability to overwinter. Plant them in early spring in partial shade, keeping the soil moist initially, then water weekly if there’s no rainfall. Snapdragons prefer cooler temperatures and usually bloom in spring and fall, with flowers opening about eight weeks after planting. Regular deadheading maximizes their blooming period.
9.Hostas
Hardy, shade-loving perennials, hostas thrive in cooler climates, adding color and texture to gardens. Plant them in early spring, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Smaller, vigorous hostas reach maturity in three to five years, while larger, slower-growing varieties take five to seven years. Remove old flower stalks and trim brown leaves to encourage more blooms and control potential pests.
10.Daffodils
These perennial bulbs, planted in the fall, bring a burst of yellow in the spring. Daffodils prefer sunny garden spots but can manage with partial sunlight. Water late-blooming varieties in dry spring weather and allow the plants to die off completely before removing spent foliage.