A plant is often slow growing because something’s wrong – it could be in the wrong place, in the wrong type of soil, exposed to too much sun or shade, inadequately fed or watered, or suffering from a pest or disease attack.
Some plants, though, are simply naturally slow to mature, and may take several years to flower or to reach their desired size. In the meantime, you can enjoy the small victories such as new leaves, or the first flowers.
A plant is often slow growing because something’s wrong – it could be in the wrong place, in the wrong type of soil, exposed to too much sun or shade, inadequately fed or watered, or suffering from a pest or disease attack.
Some plants, though, are simply naturally slow to mature, and may take several years to flower or to reach their desired size. In the meantime, you can enjoy the small victories such as new leaves, or the first flowers.
If it’s quick colour and fast growth you need, browse our selection of vigorous plants.
In them meantime, here are 10 slow-growing plants that like to take their time.
Acers
Japanese maples are well-established slow-growers. This combined with their small stature makes them particularly suited to small gardens. You’ll find plenty of acer species in our Plant Finder.
Royal ferns
Royal ferns (Osmunda regalis) are deciduous, dying back to the roots each year. Clumps take a while to expand, but once they have, the display is one of magnificent, lush greenery. Discover more advice in our grow guide to ferns.
Daphne
Daphnes are slow-growing, but in time in they’ll produce some of the most richly scented flowers you can find. Plant them somewhere that they can remain indefinitely; they resent any root disturbance so will be tricky to replant.
Cacti and succulents
Most cacti and many succulents are slow-growers, originating from places where growing conditions are much harsher, making fast, vigorous growth harder to support. It makes it all the more rewarding when you sustain them for years to produce marvellous globose or columnar specimens. Take a look at these houseplants for sunny spots, for ideas.
Conifers
Most conifers are slow-growing, with the exception of leylandii and thuja. There are some lovely examples to consider, including the Korean fir (pictured) or our native yew.
Azaleas
These acid-loving plants are renowned for their colourful flowers. They can be deciduous or evergreen, plus, many have fragrant blooms to enjoy. If you prefer something less showy, check out species like Rhododendron viscosum and Rhododendron serpyllifolium.
Hakonechloa
Hakonechloa macra grows in slowly expanding clumps that look beautiful beneath the shade of shrubs and trees, eventually becoming a carpet of green. Discover more foliage plants for shade.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba trees are considered living fossils, having been on the planet, unchanged, for at least 270 million years. Though they can eventually reach a very large size, its slow-growing habit and disease resistance make it a popular tree.
Berberis
Barberries (berberis) are some of the least demanding shrubs you can grow. You’ll find evergreen and deciduous types offering colourful berries and flowers that only get better and better as plants mature. They make good burglar-proof hedges, too.
Thalictrums
Thalictrums are elegant perennials, many of which enjoy growing in shade. Lots of thalictrums have pretty flowers that look like miniature starbursts – Thalictrum ichangense and Thalictrum filamentosum will give you a good idea of this.
Peonies
Once planted, peonies have been known to take years to establish and flower, particularly if they have been planted too deeply. The flowers are fabulous, though, and make them more than worth the wait. Find out how to plant peonies.
Don’t neglect your plants
These plants might grow slowly, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need any care. Keep them fed and watered, and keep an eye out for any pests, to be rewarded with healthy, albeit leisurely, growth.
A plant is often slow growing because something’s wrong – it could be in the wrong place, in the wrong type of soil, exposed to too much sun or shade, inadequately fed or watered, or suffering from a pest or disease attack.
Some plants, though, are simply naturally slow to mature, and may take several years to flower or to reach their desired size. In the meantime, you can enjoy the small victories such as new leaves, or the first flowers.
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