Trying to maintain a beautiful yard can be hard sometimes, especially if you’re just a casual gardener who doesn’t have much knowledge of what you should be doing.
Plants and flowers need different needs and it’s not as simple as planting them wherever you want and watering them every day.
Some flowers are just not suited to your garden’s environment and also to the level of gardening that you want to dedicate to keep it looking luscious so you can’t have any flower you want.
If you’re wanting to keep your yard looking beautiful but don’t have the time or effort to maintain it then you can plant some low-maintenance flowers that’ll require little to no effort from yourself.
So what are the best low maintenance flowers?
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are perennial flowers, meaning that once you’ve sewn them in the soil, they’ll continue to grow back every spring/summer without you having to re-sow them. Most varieties are drought and heat resistant so if you live in a hot climate or you’re someone who continually forgets to water your yard, the sunflowers will still be alive in your care.
They tend to tolerate most soil types except water log ones, so you won’t have to worry about buying a specific soil for this flower and watering won’t be a massive concern for you either.
Once sunflowers grow to a certain height, they require some support by placing canes near them and tieing the stems loosely with string to keep them upright so they don’t break.
Peonies
Not only are peonies some of the most beautiful flowers you can keep in your yard but they’re also hardy and can tolerate lots of sun throughout the day. They’re also pretty resistant to pests and diseases so you won’t have to fuss around with herbicides or pesticides.
They’re also perennial flowers so you can count on them smelling and looking pretty every year. All you need to remember is to plant them in a relatively sunny position in your yard in free-draining soil. In the summer months, they’ll only need watering around every 2 weeks.
Marigolds
Marigolds will keep your backyard looking glorious through the spring, summer, and fall months as long as they’re planted in the sunniest part of your yard. They can withstand infrequent watering and there’ll only be a handful of occasions where you’ll have to deadhead them to keep them looking great into the fall.
They’re also pest-free flowers so great for planting near other vegetables or flowers in your garden that are prone to attracting insects as they’ll be able to ward them off.
Begonias
If you’re unfortunate to have a yard that doesn't get much sun throughout the day, then opting for begonias may be a better option as they can withstand shady environments. However, they are also tolerant of lots of sun and won’t need much watering to stay alive.
If you haven’t got much soiled area in your yard, then you can also plant these little colorful flowers in plant containers or pots.
Zinnias
Zinnias are a great flower choice if you’re looking for some height in your yard but without putting in too much effort. They do well when planted in the shade and full sun so you’ll be able to place them anywhere in your yard as long as they’re in well-drained soil.
They are annual flowers so will grow from seed to full bloom very quickly and will last throughout the summer. Their seeds will need to be sewn each year but they won’t require much maintenance once they’re seeded and watered.
You’ll also witness lots of lovely butterflies coming to enjoy your zinnias during the summer months.
Daylily
If you’ve got some sparse areas in your yard that need some bright colors and greenery to fill it out, then daylilies are a great recommendation. They grow best in full sun and are tolerant of drought conditions so you won’t have to water them all the time.
The one thing you should know about daylilies is that most blooms last only for a day, so the flower should open in the morning and then die off by the night - although, they’ll still continue to grow throughout the summer.
Cosmos
If soil knowledge isn’t your forte then cosmos may just be your new best friend. They perform well even in poor soils and they like to be in full sun but will need some shade if you live in a particularly hot climate.
They bloom in the spring, summer, and fall and will help repel mosquitoes in your yard. You can grow them in the ground or plant pots and will help make your garden look lovely with their classic floral appearance.
How do I make my flower beds less maintenance?
To make your flower beds require less maintenance, you should try to use low water perennials so they can go long periods without water and will tolerate lots of sun.
You should also think carefully about what plants and flowers you’re pairing together - be tactical about it. Try pairing pest-resistant flowers next to tones that are not so resistant which will keep pests and having to use pesticides to a minimum.
If you’re concerned about having to weed your yard, create a raised flower bed that will prevent weeds from growing.
Instead of fussing over buying expensive soil or using fertilizer, make a natural compost using scraps from your food such as vegetables, fruits, and eggs. This will keep your soil rich with nutrients and leave you with happy flower beds.
What flowers don't need sunlight?
Not everyone’s lucky enough to have a south-facing yard that gets lots of sun then you can still grow some lovely flowers there.
Some stunning flowers that don’t require sunlight to grow are:
- Chaenomeles
- Burning hearts
- Dogwood
- Begonias
- Impatiens
- Fuschia
- Toad lily
