5 low-maintenance annuals for your garden
Looking for beautiful blooms that don't require much care or attention? These low-maintenance annuals are just what you need...

Annuals are those lovely plants that come into life, set seed and then die within one season or year. We might get to enjoy their blooms for one time only, but they still give us plenty of colour and joy in the process. Choosing some fabulous low-maintenance annuals for your outdoor space is a wonderful way to give your garden a lovely seasonal boost.
Spending the winter months planning what you're going to plant and enjoy next year is a great use of your time when there's not as much to do out in the garden at this time of year. So take a look at five of our favourite low-maintenance annuals and start thinking how they could work in your 2021 planting scheme. For more inspiration, head over to our guide to garden borders for plenty of planting and design ideas.
1. Poppy
Sow these Amazing Grey poppy seeds from Suttons from March onwards
This much sought-after variety will be the talk of your garden! They will give your flowerbeds and borders an unusual silvery grey blue colour that catches the light when the sun shines on the petals. They love rich, well drained soil and sunny or partially sunny spots. There are single and semi-double flowers to enjoy and you can cut them for your vases too. Once they have flowered you can leave them to self seed or they're a great way to feed and attract birds into your garden through the autumn and winter months.
2. NIGELLA/LOVE IN A MIST
Love in a Mist (Nigella damascena) and a pink rose in the Kitchen Garden at the National Trust's Ham House in Surrey
A hugely popular choice for gardens, Nigella has a unique look that adds colour, texture and contrast to borders and containers. It’s a hardy annual that you can sow in the autumn and it will be flowering by spring, and attracting lots of bees and butterflies in the process. It comes in blue, lavender, pink and white and it is a great cutting flower too. Nigella will grow up to two feet high and works well in cottage gardens and wildflower meadow-style spaces.
3. Larkspur
Ideal for a cottage-style garden or a cut flower garden, you can sow these Larkspur seeds from Thompson & Morgan from March onwards
Larkspur is a hardy annual that can be sown in March, April, May, August and September. It will flower in June and July and reseed itself. A beautiful variety, Larkspur is perfect for cottage garden ideas and has a gorgeous colour palette of pastel pinks, lilacs and peach. Ideal for borders, they add a gracefulness to a garden in a similar way to delphiniums and foxgloves, plus the stems will also look fabulous when cut and arranged in a tall vase.
4. Viola
Viola Seeds - Freckles, from Suttons can be sown from February onwards and will flower from summer through to autumn
Viola is a pretty petalled flower that will add a lovely burst of colour and texture to your garden. They can also be used in hanging baskets and containers and are super easy to grow and maintain. Flowering from spring to autumn, they are the gift that keeps on giving. You can sow them from February to April and plant out your seedlings in May, or plant direct during June and July. Remember to deadhead them to stimulate new growth and they’ll reward you with more flowers.
Find out how to make a hanging basket in our guide.
5. Snapdragons
Antirrhinum majus 'Madame Butterfly' F1 Hybrid from Thompson & Morgan will flower from May through to August
Snapdragons are annuals, though some varieties are ‘half-hardy’ annuals – this means they’re not fans of the cold so it’s best to sow them indoors in a pot and plant them out later after the first frosts. Despite this, they are easy to grow. For a long lasting display, snapdragons are a fabulous choice for country cottage-style gardens, borders and containers. Their fluffy petals add a softness to a scheme whilst adding gorgeous colour. You'll find more ways to add interest to your outdoor space in our patio gardening ideas feature.
Read more:
- Bee friendly plants: attract pollinators to your garden
- How to grow dahlias for stunning summer blooms
- How to plan your garden design: follow our advice
-
-
Outdoor bar ideas: 24 stylish ways to enjoy laid-back drinks alfresco
Outdoor Living On the lookout for outdoor bar ideas? Elevate your garden entertaining this season with these inspiring designs
By Hebe Hatton •
-
How to grow delphiniums: add these showstoppers to your plot
Plants These summer stars can be pricey plants, so learn how to grow delphiniums by sowing them from seed. Follow our helpful guide for success
By Teresa Conway •
-
The best garden parasols 2021: top patio umbrellas for shade
Buying Guide The best garden parasols for some welcome shade, from the best cantilever garden parasol to stylish patio umbrellas
By Sarah Warwick •
-
Best gas grills 2021: from Weber, Char-Broil, Napoleon and more
Buying Guide Our roundup of the best gas grills for outdoor chefs this summer, with travel and premium grills, and options for under $500
By Millie Fender •
-
Gardening expert reveals tip for growing herbs and it costs nothing
Will you be giving this gardening trick a go for spring?
By Millie Hurst •
-
Here's why you need a rain garden this winter
Gardens Rain gardens look great and are exactly what you need this wet winter. Here's why...
By Anna Cottrell •
-
How to make a garden feel modern: 11 on-trend tips to refresh your plot's planting, layout and style
How To If you're wondering how to make a garden feel modern, we've got all the tips you need to know – from outdoor fireplaces and minimalistic features to creative canopies
By Holly Crossley •
-
These are the biggest pruning mistakes you're making, according to a gardening expert
How To Are you pruning your plants correctly? Improve your technique by avoiding these errors, says a gardening expert
By Anna Cottrell •
-
How much does decking cost? What to budget for when elevating your seating area
Landscaping How much does decking cost? If you're ready to take your garden up a notch, you'll definitely want to know. Read on to find out
By Holly Crossley •
-
The most poisonous plants for dogs: the flowers and shrubs to watch out for in your garden
Plants Are you wondering what the most poisonous plants for dogs are? We've got the info you need to help keep your four-legged friend safe
By Holly Crossley •