Looking for plants that won’t die on you and actually make your garden look nice?
After killing way too many expensive plants, I finally found 7 short ones that keep coming back year after year.
They spread out to cover empty spots and look great without needing much attention!
1. Lamb’s Ear
I fell in love with Lamb’s Ear the moment I touched its incredibly soft, fuzzy leaves.
This adorable perennial creates the most beautiful silvery-green carpet in my garden borders, and my kids can’t resist petting it every time they walk by.
In summer, it sends up the prettiest purple-pink flower spikes, adding an extra layer of whimsy to our garden.
What really sold me on this plant was its incredible durability – it laughs at drought and basically takes care of itself. As a busy mom, that’s exactly what I need!
2. Dusty Miller
If you’re looking to add a touch of frost-like magic to your garden, Dusty Miller is your answer.
I use this stunning silvery-gray beauty throughout my borders to create natural separation between more colorful plants.
What I absolutely adore about Dusty Miller is how it thrives even during our brutal summer heat waves, and the deer that frequent our yard completely ignore it.
While it’s often grown as an annual up north, those of us in warmer climates get to enjoy its elegant presence year after year.
3. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
The first time I planted Blanket Flower, I was amazed by its cheerful personality.
These daisy-like blooms in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows bring such joy to my garden from early summer right through fall.
My favorite part? The endless parade of butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds that visit these flowers daily.
It’s become my go-to plant for hot, dry spots where other flowers tend to struggle.
4. Catmint
Don’t let the name fool you – this isn’t just for our feline friends!
I’ve planted waves of catmint throughout my borders, and the soft lavender-blue flowers create the most romantic cottage garden feel.
The gray-green foliage provides the perfect backdrop for other blooms, and I never worry about watering it – this tough little plant handles drought like a champion.
5. Foam Flower
When I discovered Foam Flower, it solved my shade garden struggles instantly.
Its heart-shaped leaves, ranging from green to deep burgundy, brighten up even the darkest corners of my garden.
Come spring, it produces the most delicate cloud of white or pink flowers that look like morning frost hovering above the foliage.
6. Creeping Jenny (Moneywort)
This little ground-hugger has become my secret weapon for filling bare spots in the garden.
Its coin-shaped golden leaves create a stunning carpet that seems to glow in partial shade.
I especially love how it cascades over the edges of my garden borders, softening hard lines and creating a more natural look.
7. Hosta
As someone who struggled with deep shade areas, Hostas have become my absolute lifesaver.
Their heart-shaped leaves come in the most amazing array of colors – from deep blue to bright chartreuse – adding interest even without flowers.
While they do produce lovely flower spikes in summer, I grow them primarily for their incredible foliage that looks stunning all season long.