Spring is here—and it’s the season of fresh starts, longer days, and the perfect excuse to get back into the garden. But let’s be honest, not everyone wants to spend their weekends pruning, watering, and fussing over plants. That’s where low-maintenance gardening comes in.
Whether you’ve got a busy schedule, a rental property, or just want a garden that looks good with minimal effort, we’ve rounded up the best plants to put in the ground this spring.
🌿 Why Spring is the Best Time to Plant
Spring brings the ideal combination of warmer soil, gentle sun, and regular rain—all of which help new plants establish strong roots. By planting in spring, you give your plants a head start before the heat of summer kicks in.
âś… Bonus: Plants put in the ground now tend to require less watering over time than those planted in summer.
🪴 What Makes a Plant Low-Maintenance?
A truly low-maintenance plant should:
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Tolerate heat and drought once established
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Require minimal pruning or shaping
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Resist pests and disease
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Thrive in your local soil and climate
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Stay neat and tidy without constant attention
đź’ˇ Top Low-Maintenance Plants to Plant This Spring
1. Lomandra longifolia (Spiny-headed Mat-rush)
An Aussie native that thrives on neglect. It looks lush, copes with full sun or part shade, and needs almost no watering once established.
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Light: Full sun to part shade
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Water: Low once established
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Height: 60–90cm
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Perfect for: Garden borders, driveways, dry zones
2. Agapanthus
Hardy, beautiful, and almost impossible to kill. These strappy-leaved clump-formers produce stunning flowers and thrive in all conditions.
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Light: Full sun
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Water: Minimal once established
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Height: 50–120cm
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Perfect for: Mass planting, coastal gardens, rental properties
3. Hibbertia scandens (Snake Vine)
A fast-growing native ground cover or climber with bright yellow flowers. Tough as nails and great for covering fences or banks.
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Light: Full sun to part shade
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Water: Drought-tolerant
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Height/Spread: Up to 5m
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Perfect for: Slopes, low fences, native gardens
4. Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary)
A super hardy native shrub that handles pruning well but also looks great if left to grow naturally. Loves poor soil and salt spray.
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Light: Full sun
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Water: Low
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Height: 1–2m
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Perfect for: Coastal zones, hedges, hot garden beds
5. Cordyline fruticosa
Want that tropical look without the fuss? Cordylines add colour and height to garden beds and grow happily in pots.
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Light: Bright shade to part sun
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Water: Moderate
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Height: 1–3m
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Perfect for: Low-care tropical gardens, patios, balconies
🧤 Easy Gardening Tips for a Low-Maintenance Spring
Here are a few quick wins to reduce future maintenance:
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Mulch heavily to retain moisture and suppress weeds
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Group plants with similar needs (sun, water, soil)
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Choose natives whenever possible—they're adapted to your local climate
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Install drip irrigation if you want set-and-forget watering
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Use slow-release fertiliser at planting time to boost growth
đź›’ Shop Our Favourite Low-Maintenance Plants
We’ve handpicked a range of tough, beautiful, low-maintenance plants perfect for spring planting.
👉 Browse the Collection
All our plants come with our 30-day healthy plant guarantee and fast delivery to your door.
Final Thoughts
Low-maintenance gardening doesn't mean boring. With the right plant choices and a little prep this spring, you can enjoy a thriving, beautiful garden without breaking a sweat—or your schedule.
Let your garden work for you, not the other way around.