BBC Garden Rescue star identifies 'near-indestructible' plants that are 'slug-proof'

Gardeners both novice and seasoned often grapple with the disappointment of plants that wilt or fail to flourish or simply die off. It's a truth universally acknowledged that gardening comes with its trials and tribulations, which makes it all the more rewarding when you find those low-maintenance gems that survive and thrive with only minimal care and attention.

There are a number of robust blooms and shrubs that are virtually indestructible, even for the least green-fingered gardener. Lee Burkhill, an acclaimed garden designer and star of BBC's Garden Rescue show, has divulged his secrets for cultivating a collection of what he describes as "near-indestructible garden plants you can't kill".

They are perfect for designed to bolster your gardening self-esteem and help you on your journey to horticultural mastery. Naturally, dousing these botanical stalwarts in weed killer might spell their end, but generally speaking, these are sturdy, carefree choices that thrive in British gardens, reports the Express.

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Sedum

Sedum is hailed as one of the "most tolerant plants of neglect" capable of enduring both scorching heat and freezing temperatures. Provided they are not waterlogged, these evergreen ground cover plants "will survive with zero maintenance or pruning". Indeed, once they flower, it's common to see them proliferate across the garden, and "slugs won't touch it", according to Lee.

Geraniums

Stalwart geranium varieties such as cranesbill, pratense, or rozanne are ground cover champions that need "pretty much no maintenance once established". Indeed, they quickly proliferate and "spill out flowering for seemingly months at a time", the green-fingered expert says. This prolific growth allows gardeners the opportunity to divide and propagate them in subsequent years at no extra cost.

Alchemilla mollis or lady's mantle

According to Lee, this plant stands as the "ultimate no-fuss plant that can't be killed". He says: "This wonder plant has limey green leaves, that bead water once it's rained. It boasts acid-yellow flowers come summertime and, if allowed, will self-seed prolifically. It's perfect for impoverished soil, rockeries, neglected shady areas, and is impervious to slugs."

Apparently, slugs will "avoid" this particular plant, also known as lady's mantle, "like the plague".

Crocosmia or monbretia

Crocosmia, often called monbretia, is a "fabulous choice" for those new to gardening or who have little time to dedicate to their garden. Described as "pretty much bulletproof" these plants offer attractive foliage with their expansive leaves starting in May, and then burst into bloom from July through September. They're considered a "great value plant" that effortlessly adds height to the garden without demanding much care.