If you've been dreaming of a lush and colorful garden but have struggled with a not-so-green thumb in the past, it's time to check out these six outdoor plants that are hard to kill. Some options can survive in low-light while others are on the more drought-tolerant side of things.

Regardless, these plants are any gardener's dream: they're low-maintenance, produce vibrant and eye-catching flowers, and will continue to thrive even if you forget about them. Finally, you'll be able to sit back and relax, enjoying the flowers and blooms all summer long without getting your hands dirty.

Geraniums

Purple geranium flowers

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Geraniums come in a broad range of flowers and colors and they are ideal for container gardens or filling garden beds. The plants can grow from 12 to 20 inches tall and can survive drastic temperature shifts. They prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soils, so you don't have to stress about overwatering or giving the plants too much light.

Geraniums are one of the most popular options among gardeners because of their stunning blooms. To encourage new growth and continuous flowering, remember to properly deadhead the plants throughout the season. Geraniums can also be grown indoors as houseplants.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers in container

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Fast-growing and vibrant, sunflowers make an excellent addition to gardens and containers. While you may be familiar with the mustard yellow blooms, you can also find sunflowers in a variety of different colors to suit your backyard space. As the name would suggest, they enjoy full sun, though they can also grow into late summer with regular fertilizing and deadheading.

In well-drained soil, sunflowers can grow from four to 12 feet tall. They are also drought-tolerant and perennial varieties will come back year after year. So, as long as they have the proper light requirements, and well draining soil, you won't have to do much to keep these cheerful plants happy.

Daylilies

Orange daylily

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Available in a variety of colors, daylilies feature unique and attractive blooms. They thrive in full sunlight and well-drained soil, though they can handle different soil and light conditions and will still grow with very little care.

Daylilies are adaptable and hardy mostly because they can thrive no matter the weather. The plants can grow one to four feet tall and you should avoid planting near trees or shrubs because they will compete for water and nutrients.

These low-maintenance perennials are perfect for the forgetful gardener and those who want gorgeous blooms without the work.

Catmint

Catmint plant

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With blooms throughout May, June, and August, catmint boasts beautiful purple flowers that are attractive to bees and other beneficial insects. Resembling lavender, this hardy perennial thrive in full sunlight and are drought-tolerant, making them the perfect companion plant for daylilies. 

As an interesting fact, the leaves are also edible and you can add them to herbal teas to treat upset stomachs. Luckily, deer aren't fond of this fragrant bloom.

Snapdragons

Hot pink snapdragons

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Ideal for container gardens and August planting, snapdragons feature unique and lengthy slender stalks and lip-shaped blooms. They come in a variety of colors and are available as perennials and annuals. The plants are cold-hardy and bloom well into the fall season.

 

Snapdragons prefer well-drained soil and full sun. With that in mind, they are low-maintenance, making them an easy-to-grow addition to your garden. They also attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which will help your entire garden thrive.

Morning Glory

Morning glory plants climbing trellis

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It's no secret that morning glories are hardy, in fact, they're often referred to as a weed! While the royal purple trumpet-shaped flowers and heart-shaped leaves are easy to love, the plants tend to be invasive and should not be grown in the garden. They make a great option for attaching to a trellis or pergola, though.

Morning glories grow best in full sun with well-drained soil and they will quickly climb and spread six to 10 feet. As the name would suggest, the blooms appear in the early morning throughout the summer and early fall. They can also survive temperature drops and will continue to flower after the first frost.

Let it Grow!

Whether you're a beginner, busy, or tend to be a little forgetful, these six outdoor plants are hard to kill. This means they are low-maintenance and easy to care for, not to mention beautiful! Well-drained soil and plenty of sun tend to be common denominators for these plants, so they're ideal for your sunny backyard!

They're a great option for anyone on the hunt for hardy outdoor plants that will bloom all season long without a watchful eye. Once you've planted these adaptable plants, you'll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the blooms of your labor!

Will you be planting any of these hard to kill plants in your garden? Let us know below!