Low-maintenance, Budget-friendly Perennial Flowers for Your Garden
Grow these seven perennials from seeds right now to save money and maintain a colorful garden season after season
Spring has sprung, and if your garden could use a boost without breaking the bank, consider growing these perennials from seed. These beauty babies will bloom for multiple years, saving you time and money on replanting annuals every season. Plus, with minimal effort required, you'll have more time to enjoy your incredible greenhouse of floral wonder!
1. Echinacea (Coneflower)
Treat your eyes to vibrant, daisy-like blooms that come in various shades such as warm yellows, fiery oranges, and cool pinks and purples. Sown from seed indoors in early spring, Echinacea thrives in sunny, well-drained spots and is super-hardy. Watch them attract bees and butterflies while adding a pop of color to your flower beds!
- Where to buy seeds:
- Sarah Raven: Prepare for a jaw-dropping display of the Catherine-wheel shaped flowers from the "Paradiso Mix."
- Suttons: Stock up on easy-to-grow "Brilliant Star" seeds and get tangling with this time-tested variety.
2. Lupins (Lupinus)
Another garden classic, Lupins will add height and bold, colorful flower spikes to your beds and borders. These tough customers do well in full sun and can even handle poor soil—making them the perfect choice for gardeners looking to breathe new life into their flower beds on a budget!
- Where to buy seeds:
- Suttons: Feeling a rush of lupin love? Opt for the "Gallery Mix." This hearty variety will give your garden a lift and a splash of vibrant energy.
- Thompson & Morgan: Go two-tone and luscious with "Avalune Mixed." These pretty bicolor blooms will brighten up your garden and leave your heart as cheerful as a summer breeze.
3. Aquilegia (Columbine)
Fancy something beyond the traditional flower shapes? Aquilegia, also known as Columbine, offers unique cap-shaped flowers that come in numerous varieties and colors, from luscious reds to soft purples and cool whites. The delicate foliage provides a stunning backdrop for other plants, and these delightful little cuties are not only low-effort but also self-seed when established!
- Where to buy seeds:
- Suttons: Let the "Pretty Bonnets Mix" cast its spell on your garden. Trust us; you won't be disappointed.
- Mr Fothergills: Embrace the bright yellow hues of RHS's "Aquilegia Yellow Queen" and let nature work its magic in your garden.
4. Coreopsis (Tickseed)
'Brilliant beginners' is what we like to call Coreopsis. With bright, cheerful daisy-like flowers, these drought-tolerant perennials flourish in the sun and are super easy to grow! Sow these babies outdoors in prepared soil after the last frost, and you'll be surrounded by blooms in no time.
- Where to buy seeds:
- Suttons: Spice up your garden with a splash of color courtesy of the "Mardi Gras." This vivacious variety boasts an abundance of orange and yellow blooms.
- Thompson & Morgan: Grab the "Incredible Dwarf Mix" and watch as this multicolored marvel transforms your garden with its miniature blooms.
5. Delphiniums (Larkspur)
YES, DELPHINIUMS! Don't let the rep scare you; from seed, they're surprisingly simple. Delphiniums are the perfect choice if you want to add complexity and drama to your beds and borders with their lofty spikes of flowers. Plant them in twos or threes to bring height to your displays and mix them with mid-level roses and peonies or other vertical blooms.
- Where to buy seeds:
- Dobies: Brighten up your borders with the classic pastel tones of "Hyacinth-flowered Mix."
- Mr Fothergill: Go all-blue with the graceful flowers of "RHS Delphinium Centurion Sky Blue" and witness a breathtaking show every year.
6. Verbena Bonariensis
These tall, architectural plants have sparse leafy stems and clusters of lilac-purple flowers. Verbena Bonariensis is easy to grow and is irresistible to bees, butterflies, and other wildlife—perfect for that wildflower garden you've always dreamed of!
- Where to buy seeds:
- Thompson & Morgan: Experience the lilac-purple bliss of the classic "Verbena Bonariensis" and bring some ethereal beauty to your garden.
- Marshalls Garden: "Verbena Seeds 'Bonariensis Vanity'" will ignite a burst of color in your garden, making even the simplest spaces shine.
7. Dianthus (Pinks)
Dainty, beautiful Dianthus is an ideal addition to both container gardens and flower beds. Known for their delightful scent, these plants offer an abundance of blooms and a stunning array of colors. Most varieties feature bi-colored petals, with serrated edges that give them an elegant, pinking shears appearance.
- Where to buy seeds:
- Sarah Raven: Treat your garden to the captivating "Grandiflora Meaningful Dianthus." Trust us; you'll be amazed at the difference it makes.
- Thompson & Morgan: Embrace the passion of the "Dianthus Grande Summer Elegance" and prepare for a riot of pink and white blooms in your garden.
Don't shy away from growing these gorgeous perennials from seed. Not only are they easy on your wallet, but they also offer years of blooms and a smorgasbord of colors to bring life to your garden. Happy planting! 🌱🌺🌼
- For a stunning blend of home-and-garden design and gardening, consider growing Dianthus (Pinks) in your garden. Their dainty, fragrant flowers will add a charming touch to both container gardens and flower beds, making your outdoor space more inviting. Purchase Dianthus seeds from reputable sellers like Sarah Raven or Thompson & Morgan for a delightful garden transformation.
- To elevate your home-and-garden style, consider including Lupins (Lupinus) in your outdoor plans. These tall, bold plants will add a drama and complexity to your beds and borders, opening up your garden to a new level of beauty. Opt for the "Gallery Mix" from Suttons or the two-tone "Avalune Mixed" from Thompson & Morgan to bring vibrant energy to your garden on a budget.
