1: Astrantia (main image)
Astrantia, also known as masterwort, is a charming perennial with intricate, star-like flowers that bloom from June to September. Thriving in moist, fertile soils and partial shade, they’re a superb choice for damp borders or woodland-style gardens. They are hardy, reliably returning year after year, and are largely untroubled by pests or disease. Their airy umbels, often in shades of white, pink, or deep crimson, rise above neat mounds of foliage, adding a touch of elegance and movement. Perfect as a filler among other perennials or for naturalistic planting schemes, masterwort blends beauty with resilience. They won’t grow so well in very dry or very wet soils and will struggle to flower in deep shade. Keep well-watered during spells of hot weather.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 2/5
Beauty rating: 5/5
2: Geranium ROZANNE (‘Gerwat’)
ROZANNE is famed for its resilience and generous flowering habit. It has striking violet-blue flowers from early spring right through to autumn, providing months of colour. It thrives in sun or partial shade and is unfazed by less-than-ideal conditions, coping with both dry and damp soils. Hardy enough to withstand the British winter, it dies back in colder months but re-emerges with vigour each spring. Its cascading habit makes it perfect for softening the edges of borders, spilling over paths, and brightening up containers. An indestructible choice for cottage gardens, wildlife-friendly spaces and low-maintenance schemes alike, ‘Rozanne’ is as versatile as it is beautiful.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
3: Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’
This robust, evergreen shrub has variegated green and white foliage, providing year-round structure and interest. It will thrive in sun or shade and tolerates a wide range of soils, making it an excellent candidate for tricky spots, including north-facing walls or awkward corners. It’s hardy and will even climb up brickwork or stone. Whether used as ground cover, a low hedge, or allowed to scramble up supports, ‘Emerald Gaiety’ is a trouble-free, low-maintenance choice for both formal and informal gardens. Harmful to humans and pets if eaten.
Type: Shrub
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
4: Brachyglottis ‘Sunshine’
This cheerful evergreen shrub has silvery-grey foliage and bright yellow daisy-like flowers that appear from June to autumn. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soils, it’s exceptionally drought-tolerant and shrugs off coastal winds, making it ideal for exposed gardens or seaside plots. This plant forms neat, rounded mounds and can be clipped into domes for a formal effect or left to grow naturally. Hardy and undemanding, it suits gravel gardens, Mediterranean-style borders or anywhere that needs a splash of bold, reliable colour. Its resilience and striking appearance make it a favourite for low-maintenance schemes.
Type: Shrub
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
5: Penstemon
Penstemons are herbaceous perennials that bear tall spires of foxglove-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, and white from June to October. These plants are much tougher than they look, thriving in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Penstemons are hardy and will survive most British winters, though it’s wise to take cuttings every few years to ensure longevity. Their upright habit and slender stems make them perfect for borders, cottage gardens or mixed perennial displays, where they attract bees and butterflies. With minimal maintenance and a long flowering season, penstemons are a must for gardeners seeking effortless impact.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 3/5
Beauty rating: 5/5
6: Choisya ternata
This vigorous evergreen shrub, also known as Mexican orange blossom, has glossy, aromatic leaves and clusters of fragrant white flowers in May. It thrives in sun or partial shade and is unfussy about soil type, coping well with urban pollution and neglect. Hardy and reliable, it can be clipped for shape or left to form a dense, rounded bush, making it suitable for hedges, screens or bold specimen planting. Its year-round foliage and spring blossom make it an invaluable addition, adding structure and scent.
Type: Evergreen shrub
Indestructibility rating: 3/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
7: Clump-forming bamboo
Clump-forming bamboos, such as those with black or golden-yellow stems, are ideal for gardeners seeking drama without the extreme invasiveness of running types. These bamboos thrive in full sun or partial shade and prefer moist, well-drained soils. Exceptionally hardy, they withstand cold winters and require little maintenance once established. Their upright, arching canes and lush foliage make them perfect for adding height and movement to borders or for creating privacy. Clump-forming bamboos are robust, easy to manage, and they create year-round interest. They can, however, spread beyond their allotted space in favourable conditions, so check out how vigorous the species can become before planting.
Type: Grass
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 3/5
8: Epimedium
Commonly known as bishop’s hat, this low-growing perennial is prized for its delicate, mitre-shaped leaves and dainty spring flowers in shades of yellow, pink or white. It excels in dry shade, making it a go-to ground cover under trees or in woodland gardens. Epimediums are hardy and slowly spread to form attractive mounds, suppressing weeds without becoming invasive. Their foliage often takes on red or bronze tints in autumn. As epimediums require minimal care and tolerate challenging conditions, they’re subtle yet invaluable additions to shady borders.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 3/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
9: Sarcococca confusa
Also known as sweet box, this compact evergreen shrub is renowned for its glossy, deep green leaves and intensely fragrant white flowers in winter. Thriving in shade or partial shade and tolerant of a range of soils, it’s especially useful for brightening gloomy corners. Sarcococca is hardy and slow-growing, forming neat, rounded bushes and requiring little attention. Its winter scent is a welcome treat near doorways or paths, and the shiny black berries that follow the flowers add further interest. Ideal for small gardens, shady borders, or as a low hedge in formal and informal settings alike.
Type: Shrub
Indestructibility rating: 3/5
Beauty rating: 3/5
10: Primula vulgaris
Our wild primrose is a delightful spring flower with soft yellow blooms emerging from March to May. It thrives in both sun and shade, favouring moist, humus-rich soils. Hardy and undemanding, primroses are perfect for naturalising in lawns, woodland edges, or cottage gardens. Their rosettes of fresh green leaves and cheerful flowers bring early colour and charm, while also supporting pollinators. Whether used in drifts beneath trees or tucked into shady borders, primroses are a symbol of resilience and understated beauty.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
11: Heuchera villosa ‘Palace Purple’
Also known as coral bells, this robust perennial is famed for its striking, glossy, deep-purple foliage that provides year-round interest. It forms neat mounds of scalloped leaves with delicate panicles of tiny, pale flowers appearing in late spring and early summer. Heucheras thrive in partial shade, but are equally at home in full sun, provided the soil remains moist but well-drained. Exceptionally hardy, it shrugs off frost and copes well with both exposed and sheltered sites. Heuchera villosa ‘Palace Purple’ is a versatile choice for borders, woodland gardens, and containers, adding dramatic foliage colour and texture wherever it’s planted.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 3/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
12: Phygelius RED EMPEROR (‘Croredemp’)
Upright stems clothed in lance-shaped green leaves, crowned with spires of tubular, vibrant red flowers from summer well into autumn, make RED EMPEROR an eye-catching choice for any garden. This tough plant flourishes in full sun or partial shade, unfazed by most soil types as long as drainage is good. Hardy in most UK gardens, it will withstand all but the harshest winters. RED EMPEROR is ideal for mixed borders, wildlife-friendly plots and cottage gardens where its bold blooms attract bees and butterflies.
Type: Shrub
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
13: Dryopteris erythrosora
Also known as the shield fern, this semi-evergreen plant has a flair for drama. Its young fronds unfurl in shades of copper and orange before maturing to a rich, glossy green, providing a tapestry of colour throughout the seasons. It excels in damp, shady corners but will tolerate lighter spots if the soil remains moist. It is reliably hardy, surviving even in frosty conditions. With its graceful, arching habit, Dryopteris erythrosora is a natural fit for woodland gardens, shady borders and as underplanting for trees and shrubs, where its textural foliage brings depth and movement.
Type: Semi-evergreen fern
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 3/5
14: Persicaria polymorpha
This statuesque perennial makes a statement wherever it grows. Its tall, upright stems are topped with plumes of creamy-white flowers in summer, creating a frothy effect above lance-shaped green leaves. This plant relishes moist, fertile soils and is happiest in full sun or partial shade. Hardy and vigorous, it copes well with exposed sites and can be relied upon for structure at the back of borders, where it requires sufficient space to spread. Persicaria polymorpha suits naturalistic planting schemes, large herbaceous borders and wildlife gardens where its nectar-rich blooms are a magnet for pollinators. All parts can cause skin irritation, and the sap may cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 3/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
15: Senecio polyodon
Pink ragwort is a tough and cheerful perennial that brings a splash of colour to the garden from early summer into autumn. Its slender stems are topped with daisy-like, vivid pink flowers with a golden centre held above a mound of green, divided foliage. This plant is unfussy about soil and thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions. It also tolerates drought once it’s established. Pink ragwort is reliably hardy, enduring cold snaps with ease. It’s well suited to cottage gardens, wildlife-friendly plots, and mixed borders, where it weaves through other plants, providing long-lasting colour with minimal effort.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 3/5
16: Sedum brevifolium
The short-leaved stonecrop is a small but mighty succulent, forming tight, low mats of tiny, blue-green leaves. In summer, it’s sprinkled with clusters of delicate star-shaped white or pale pink flowers. Thriving in full sun and gritty, well-drained soil, this sedum is perfectly adapted to dry, exposed spots and is unfazed by drought. Hardy, resilient and semi-evergreen, it overwinters without fuss. It’s ideal for rockeries, gravel gardens, green roofs and container displays where its neat habit and subtle colour provide year-round interest.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 3/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
17: Setaria palmifolia
This striking ornamental grass brings a tropical air to the garden. Its broad, pleated leaves resemble miniature palm fronds, creating a lush, architectural clump. It thrives in moist but well-drained soils and prefers a sunny or lightly shaded position. While not as hardy as some perennials, it will survive mild UK winters in frost-free areas, especially in sheltered spots or with a mulch for protection. Palm grass is an excellent choice for exotic borders, jungle-style gardens or as a bold accent in containers where its dramatic foliage provides structure and movement.
Type: Grass
Indestructibility rating: 2/5
Beauty rating: 3/5
18: Phlox divaricata ‘Clouds of Perfume’
This delightful perennial is prized for its clouds of fragrant pale blue to lavender flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. Its low, spreading habit makes it perfect for ground cover in dappled shade, though it’ll also tolerate full sun if the soil remains moist. Hardy and dependable, it manages UK winters with ease. This phlox is well suited to woodland gardens, shady borders and underplanting for shrubs where its sweet scent and pale blue blooms create a gentle, romantic effect and attract butterflies and bees.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 5/5
19: Sisyrinchium striatum
Pale yellow-eyed grass is a striking perennial with upright, sword-shaped grey-green leaves and tall spikes of soft yellow, star-shaped flowers in early to midsummer. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, coping well with dry conditions once established. Hardy and undemanding, it will withstand frost and neglect. Sisyrinchium striatum is perfect for gravel gardens, sunny borders and naturalistic plantings. It is also attractive to pollinators, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
20: Prunella grandiflora ‘Freelander Blue’
Invaluable in the garden for its resilience and adaptability, Prunella grandiflora ‘Freelander Blue’ forms a spreading mat of low, leafy growth topped with clusters of vivid blue flowers from early to late summer. Remarkably tolerant of mowing and poor soils, it will thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions, making it a favourite for wildflower lawns, informal borders or as a ground cover in cottage gardens. Hardy and undemanding, it copes well with neglect and returns year after year, quietly filling gaps and providing a long season of colour for pollinators.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 2/5
21: Dianthus PINK KISSES (‘Kledg12163’)
This compact, fuss-free perennial produces a profusion of sweetly scented, two-tone pink blooms over a long season. Its neat, mounded habit and tolerance for poor or chalky soils make it ideal for rockeries, containers or edging sunny borders. This little pink is as tough as it is charming, withstanding drought and neglect with ease. Its evergreen foliage ensures year-round interest, while the abundant flowers attract bees and butterflies. Perfect for cottage gardens or patios, it delivers reliable colour and fragrance with minimal attention. Dianthus is a skin allergen for humans and pets, so wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 5/5
22: Buddleja globosa
Commonly known as the orange ball tree, this robust, fast-growing shrub tolerates poor soils and harsh conditions. Its glossy green leaves set off striking, spherical clusters of bright orange flowers that appear in early summer, attracting butterflies and bees. Thriving in full sun, it’s well-suited to wildlife gardens, mixed borders or as an informal hedge. This hardy shrub is perfect for those seeking low-maintenance structure and a bold splash of colour, in even the most challenging spots.
Type: Shrub
Indestructibility rating: 3/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
23: Hypericum x inodorum MAGICAL LIGHTNING (‘Kolmligh’)
A semi-evergreen shrub that more than lives up to its magical name, Hypericum x inodorum MAGICAL LIGHTNING is a resilient choice. It bears cheerful yellow flowers in summer, followed by clusters of colourful berries that last into the autumn. Its compact, bushy habit and attractive foliage provide year-round interest. Tolerant of neglect and adaptable to a range of soils, it’s an excellent choice for mixed borders, wildlife gardens or informal hedges. Hardy and undemanding, it thrives in sun or partial shade and copes well with less attentive gardeners.
Type: Shrub
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 3/5
24: Sedum spurium ‘Fuldaglut’
This mat-forming perennial excels in dry, sunny spots where little else will thrive. Its fleshy, red-tinged foliage forms dense carpets, topped in summer by clusters of bright pink, star-shaped flowers. Drought-resistant and hardy, this stonecrop is perfect for gravel gardens, rockeries, green roofs or as ground cover in hot, exposed areas. It requires minimal maintenance and is largely untroubled by pests or diseases. The vibrant foliage and flowers provide a welcome splash of colour, even in the leanest soils.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 3/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
25: Adiantum aleuticum ‘Japonicum’
Delicately beautiful yet surprisingly robust, this maidenhair fern brings interest to shady corners. Fine, airy fronds arch elegantly from wiry black stems, creating a soft, lacy effect. Despite its fragile appearance, it’s hardy and copes well in cool or damp shade. Ideal for woodland gardens, shady borders or as a companion to hostas and other shade-lovers, this fern brings textural contrast and year-round structure. Low-maintenance and long-lived, it’s a reliable choice for adding subtle charm to difficult spots.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 3/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
26: Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’
This evergreen shrub is often celebrated for its vibrant, glossy red new growth, which matures to a rich green. Exceptionally tough, it tolerates pruning, exposure, and a range of soils, making it ideal for hedging and screening. Hardy and wind-resistant, it provides year-round structure and colour. Its adaptability and willingness to bounce back from hard pruning make it a favourite for those seeking a reliable, low-maintenance shrub with dramatic flair.
Type: Shrub
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 3/5
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27: Callistemon citrinus ‘Splendens’
Also known as bottlebrush, this evergreen shrub delivers drama with its bold, brush-like spikes of crimson-red flowers. Flowering from late spring into summer, it thrives in poor, free-draining soils and basks in full sun. Hardy in sheltered gardens, especially in milder regions, it suits Mediterranean, coastal, or gravel gardens, and can be grown in large containers. Its aromatic, narrow leaves add further interest. Trouble-free and drought-tolerant once established, this shrub brings vibrancy to the garden with minimal fuss.
Type: Shrub
Indestructibility rating: 3/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
28: Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’
A hardy, semi-evergreen shrub, this artemisia is prized for its finely divided, silvery foliage, which forms soft, aromatic mounds. Exceptionally drought-tolerant and trouble-free, it thrives in poor, well-drained soils and full sun, making it perfect for gravel gardens, borders, or to use as edging. Its subtle, yellowish flowers are secondary to its striking foliage, which looks good year-round. Requiring little maintenance beyond an occasional trim, this wormwood is a stylish and reliable choice for contemporary, Mediterranean, or wildlife-friendly gardens.
Type: Shrub
Indestructibility rating: 3/5
Beauty rating: 3/5
29: Stipa tenuissima
Mexican feather grass is a graceful, drought-tolerant, semi-evergreen grass, ideal for low-maintenance borders. The fine, hair-like foliage forms soft, upright tufts that sway beautifully in the breeze, creating a sense of movement and lightness. It will grow well in poor, free-draining soils and full sun, thriving where other grasses might struggle and needs very little attention once established. Hardy and undemanding, it suits gravel gardens, prairie-style plantings and modern landscapes alike. Through summer, delicate flower heads emerge, adding a silvery shimmer that persists into winter, ensuring year-round interest and texture.
Type: Grass
Indestructibility rating: 3/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
30: Carex testacea
This versatile evergreen sedge is valued for its olive-gold foliage that deepens to orange and copper tones as the seasons progress. It thrives in a wide range of soils, from dry to moist, and is equally at home in sun or partial shade. It is hardy and low maintenance. With its arching, fine-textured leaves, Carex testacea brings warmth and contrast to borders, containers, or gravel gardens. Its enduring colour and tidy habit make it ideal for contemporary, naturalistic or mixed planting schemes.
Type: Perennial sedge
Indestructibility rating: 3/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
31: Miscanthus sinensis ‘Ferner Osten’
This tall, elegant grass brings drama and movement to the garden with minimal care. Its slender, upright stems are topped with reddish-pink flower plumes in late summer and autumn, which gradually fade to silvery tones as winter approaches. This deciduous grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soil but will tolerate a range of conditions, including poor soils. Hardy and resilient, it withstands wind and frost, making it a perfect fit for exposed sites or as a statement in a border.
Type: Grass
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 3/5
32: Euphorbia characias ‘Black Pearl’
Distinguished by its bluish-green leaves and eye-catching flower heads with dramatic black centres, this is a trouble-free perennial. It flourishes in well-drained soil and full sun, coping exceptionally well with dry conditions and neglect. Hardy and evergreen, it provides year-round structure and colour, even in challenging spots. Low-maintenance and disease-resistant, ‘Black Pearl’ is perfect for gardeners seeking bold foliage and long-lasting visual impact without the need for constant attention. It’s harmful to people and animals if eaten, and the sap is a skin and eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling, and site away from edges of borders.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
33: Veronica ‘Mrs Winder’
Veronica ‘Mrs Winder’ is a compact evergreen shrub, adorned with violet flowers that bloom from late spring into autumn. Its small, reddish-tinged leaves provide year-round interest and contrast beautifully with the blooms. Exceptionally tolerant of poor soils, exposure and even salty sea air, it’s a stalwart choice for coastal, urban or low-maintenance gardens. Hardy and undemanding, it forms a neat, rounded mound that suits borders, containers or as a feature in mixed planting. Its resilience and enduring colour make Veronica ‘Mrs Winder’ invaluable for bringing structure and vibrancy throughout the seasons.
Type: Shrub
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
34: Salix exigua
Coyote willow is a slender, deciduous shrub or small tree with narrow, grey leaves with a silvery sheen. It’s remarkably tolerant of poor soils and drought, thriving in open, sunny positions where other shrubs may falter. Hardy and robust, it withstands exposure and is suitable for difficult sites, such as banks or wild areas. Its graceful, arching stems and fine foliage make it an appealing choice for naturalistic, wildlife-friendly or low-maintenance gardens.
Type: Shrub/small tree
Indestructibility rating: 4/5
Beauty rating: 3/5
35: Bistorta amplexicaulis
This vigorous, clump-forming perennial is valued for its slender spikes of soft pink flowers that bloom from midsummer well into autumn. This robust plant is highly effective at suppressing weeds, thanks to its dense foliage and spreading habit. It thrives in moist, fertile soils but is adaptable to a range of conditions, including partial shade. It’s hardy and resilient, and works well in naturalistic, wildlife-friendly or low-maintenance gardens where long-lasting colour and ground cover are desired. Its airy flower spikes and lush leaves bring texture and movement to borders and large planting schemes.
Type: Perennial
Indestructibility rating: 3/5
Beauty rating: 4/5
