Struggling gardeners advised to grown this 1 plant that 'thrives on neglect

Daily Record

19-05-2025

The plant does not require feeding and can survive in extreme weather conditions.
If you're not particularly green-fingered then you might be worried about your garden plants failing to flourish this spring. There's nothing worse than seeing your plants wilting if you've forgotten to water them for a few days or if they've been overwatered by the Scottish summer rain.
As majority of garden plants do require a lot of attention, it's important that you keep on top of your watering routine. However, if you think you're too busy to manage this, then experts are urging you to pot this one plant that 'thrives' on neglect.
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It's reportedly as simple as planting and leaving the rest to nature. Despite little effort and upkeep, the plant will look great and continue to grow, even if you forget to water it.
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Sue Townsend, a garden designer, said it's best to "avoid plants that need deadheading, such as roses, or staking and extra feed if you don't have as much time. Instead, include shrubs that don't need regular pruning for evergreen structure, flowers and fragrance, reports the Express.
Sempervivums, also known as houseleeks, require very little effort to grow. They thrive in drought conditions in the summer and are tolerant to freezing temperatures too.
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The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is ideal for rock or gravel gardens. They can even be grown on walls or in containers.
During the cold winter months, sempervivums can withstand frost and temperatures as low as -30C. They are also well-suited to dry and hot climates.
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Jim Keeling, of Whichford Pottery, said: "When planting, set yourself up for success and place rocks, rather than gravel, over the container's drainage hole as gravel can quickly become clogged with repeated watering."
Sempervivums grow well in poor soil which means it's not necessary to feed them. Gardeners are advised not to feed them too much as nutrient-low soils promote a better leaf colour.
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They also require no pruning. However, you should cut off flow spikes and remove damaged and dead leaves.
If sempervivums are watered too much, they can develop a fungal disease called Endophyllum rust. Gardeners are instead advised to plant them in free-draining soil and allow them to dry out fully between watering.
Sempervivums have a generally slow growth rate and take a few years to reach their full size. They are often best planted outside.
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Morris Hankinson, Hopes Grove Nurseries director, recently shared a list of "indestructible" and "impossible to kill garden plants".
The hardy plants are ideal for those wanting to inject some effortless vibrancy into their gardens as spring and summer approach.
Flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum King Edward VII), Forsythia (Forsythia spectabilis) and Deutzia are hardy plants that are perfect for any garden. Hankinson hailed flowering currant as "a great, easy to grow" spring option that's too often overlooked.
He advises: "Ribes will never get out of hand, they are easy to trim with a simple tidy up after flowering and easy to care for. You get a show of flowers the first spring after planting."