6 Affordable Plants That Grow on Their Own for Gardening Beginners

Yes, it is possible – provided you choose the right plants.

Many newcomers stand bewildered in front of the plant displays at the garden centre, buy what looks attractive and watch their new treasure die within a few weeks. The wrong position, a forgotten watering can or poor soil – frustration is almost inevitable. Yet a beautiful border does not require a luxury rose garden; it simply needs a few tough, reliable plants that return each year, fill out the bed and can cope with dry spells or the occasional beginner’s mistake.

Why these 6 plants save beginners so much effort

People who are new to gardening often underestimate just how much care many ornamental plants require. Exotic perennials, delicate roses and specialist bedding mixes demand experience, regular watering and often costly specialist compost. This is precisely where the six plants featured here stand out:

• they usually cost only a few pounds at a garden centre or discount retailer;
• they are perennial and return on their own;
• they cover the ground effectively and suppress weeds;
• they tolerate missed watering and ordinary garden soil.

By combining their flowering periods cleverly, these plants provide colour for almost the whole year without the need for constant replanting.

Gardening websites often call this a “relay of blooms”: winter-flowering plants begin, spring bulbs take over, followed by free-flowering perennials – all with manageable effort. This is particularly appealing to newcomers on a limited budget.

An overview of the 6 affordable “grow-on-their-own” plants

Winter colour with hellebores: flowers when everything else is grey

Hellebores, often also known as Christmas roses, are among the few perennials that flower in the depths of winter. Depending on the variety, their flowers appear from December to March, while the rest of the garden is still dormant. They favour partially shaded positions, such as beneath deciduous shrubs, and cope well with ordinary garden soil.

When planting, soak the root ball thoroughly once; after that, rainfall will generally be enough. Extra water is needed only during prolonged dry spells. From then on, the plant largely looks after itself.

Crocuses: minimal budget, maximum spring impact

Crocuses are among the cheapest ways to introduce colour to the garden in late winter. Plant the bulbs in autumn, around 8 to 10 centimetres deep, and they will return every year. Many varieties even spread if the lawn is not mown too early in spring.

One simple approach is to plant crocuses in groups in front of hellebores and among later-flowering perennials. This creates a second splash of colour just as the winter flowers are nearing their end.

Hardy geraniums: the long-flowering plant for the low-maintenance gardener

Perennial Geranium varieties are among the most popular plants for beginners. Many form dense cushions, suppress weeds and flower continuously for months. They cope with sun or partial shade, provided the soil does not dry out completely.

In many gardens, they thrive for years without any particular attention. Cutting them back after the first main flush of flowers often encourages a second wave of blooms. Even if you forget, you will still have a worthwhile border – simply with slightly fewer flowers.

Foliage and ground cover: Heuchera, bugleweed and ivy

Coral bells: colour comes from more than flowers

Coral bells bring interest to a border chiefly through their foliage. Shades range from pale green and copper to almost black. They are particularly well suited to partially shaded spots, such as in front of a hedge or close to woody plants.

Rather than continually buying replacements, simply divide older clumps every few years. One plant can quickly become three or four new ones, at no extra cost.

Bugleweed: a natural weed barrier

Bugleweed spreads by runners, creating a living carpet over the soil. Once it is established in a border, it fills gaps where couch grass or ground elder might otherwise take over. Its blue-purple flower spikes in spring are an additional benefit.

It is ideal for edges, beneath shrubs or in troublesome areas where little else seems willing to grow. Only very dry sites in full sun are less suitable for it.

Ivy: affordable screening and gap filling

Ivy does not have the best reputation because it can spread vigorously. Used appropriately, however, it is extremely valuable: it clothes house walls, where the building fabric is suitable, improves the appearance of old fences and ensures that the garden does not look bare even in winter.

To keep it under control, cut it back hard once or twice a year. Cuttings root easily, so a single plant can soon create an entire screening strip without further purchases.

How to get the most from a small budget

The price at the till is only one part of the calculation. A plant is truly inexpensive only when it stays for several years, can be divided or propagated, and does not require specialist equipment. These six plants perform especially well on exactly those points.

• Buy fewer types, but repeat them: Three pots of hardy geraniums and three coral bells often give a border more calm and impact than ten different individual plants.
• Choose perennial plants: Pay once and enjoy them for many years – especially hellebores, hardy geraniums and ivy.
• Plan for propagation: Divide Heuchera and hardy geraniums regularly, and replant bugleweed and ivy from runners.

Over time, a starter border made up of just a few plants becomes a dense, almost unbroken band of perennials – without expensive new purchases every year.

Protecting your planting from animals without chemicals

Damage caused by cats, dogs or birds digging up newly planted beds is an often overlooked expense. Specialists therefore recommend straightforward deterrents that cost very little. One widely used tip from the English-speaking world is hot spice powder, such as cayenne pepper.

Sprinkled lightly over the soil, its scent discourages many animals from digging. The powder does not harm the plants because it remains only on the surface. It must be reapplied after heavy rain, but costs stay low as only small amounts are needed.

Alternatively, during the first season beginners can place small twigs, old wire mesh or plastic cutlery around vulnerable young plants as a “protective fence” until they are well rooted.

Practical planting ideas for beginner-friendly borders

Anyone starting with a small border can follow a simple basic layout:

• Back row: Ivy on a fence or trellis, with hellebores in front for winter flowers.
• Middle: Alternate groups of coral bells and hardy geraniums.
• Front: Small groups of crocuses, with bugleweed between them as ground cover.

This produces a border that begins in winter, comes alive in spring and remains green and colourful from summer into autumn. Maintenance remains manageable: water occasionally, remove spent stems and take out runners where they become unwanted.

What beginners should also know

Terms such as “herbaceous perennial”, “perennial” and “ground cover” can seem confusing at first. Put simply, herbaceous perennials and other perennial plants may die back above ground in winter, but return from their roots. Ground-cover plants are intended to close over the soil rather than stand in neat rows like lettuce plants.

This approach works particularly well for anyone who does not mind plants occasionally “wandering” or spreading. The six species presented here are ideally suited to this looser, more natural style of gardening – while also being kind to the budget.