Head Gardener at Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens, Åsa Gregers-Warg, talks to us about the easy-to-grow plants that have the wow factor, without all the effort. While they will require some TLC until established (reminder that you will need to water them), when they flower even your green-fingered friends will be impressed!

Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora ‘Bampton’

‘This vervain has sumptuous purple tinted foliage all summer long, complimented by airy lavender-pink flower spikes,’ explains Åsa Gregers-Warg. ‘It must have full sun – the foliage turns more green in shade – and is ideal in patio containers or at the front of the border.’

Nepeta ‘Hill Grounds’

‘A tough, hardy perennial. This catmint is one of our favourites,’ says Åsa. ‘It forms a mound of grey-green foliage, topped with intense violet-blue flowers. If cut back after flowering it will reward you with a second flush of flowers. Best in full sun.’

Oenothera lindheimeri

‘This one flowers from early summer until the first frost if deadheaded regularly. White flowers, flushed pink, held on delicate stems above willow-like leaves. From a distance it looks like a cloud of tiny white butterflies. It needs well-drained soil and full sun.’

Erigeron karvinskianus

‘The Mexican fleabane forms a low cushion covered with the daintiest of daisies on branching, wire-this stalks, opening white, fading to rose,’ says Åsa. ‘It seeds itself into cracks and crevices of walls or steps.’

Melissa officinalis ‘All Gold’

‘Finally, Lemon balm. It’s good for teas, sweets and savoury dishes,’ says ÅSA. ‘Lovely in dappled shade where it’ll bright up the border. Shade also prevents leaf scorch on this lovely foliage plant.’

Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora ‘Bampton’

Nepeta ‘Hill Grounds’

Oenothera lindheimeri

Erigeron karvinskianus

Melissa officinalis ‘All Gold’

In the mood for more?

Lazy girl gardening: minimal effort, maximum results

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