When it comes to gardening, not everyone has the time, energy, or green thumb to devote to meticulous care and maintenance. If you have a neglected garden, you might think that there's no hope for it, but that's not necessarily true. There are plenty of hardy shrubs that can thrive in less-than-ideal conditions, including neglect.
Here are 10 shrubs that will do well in neglected gardens in India.
1. Bougainvillea
Botanical Name: Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a popular and hardy shrub that is well-suited to neglected gardens in India. This shrub is known for its vibrant and papery flowers in shades of pink, purple, orange, and red. The flowers are actually bracts, or modified leaves, that surround the small, inconspicuous flowers. Bougainvillea is a drought-tolerant shrub that can handle heat and neglect, making it a great choice for the hot and dry regions of India.
To care for bougainvillaea, it's important to plant it in well-draining soil in a sunny location. It's a good idea to water it deeply but infrequently, rather than giving it frequent shallow watering. Bougainvillea does well with minimal fertilizer and pruning, but it's a good idea to remove any dead or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy and attractive. With minimal care and attention, bougainvillaea can add a pop of colour and beauty to any neglected garden in India.
2. Hibiscus
Botanical Name: Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a beautiful and hardy flowering shrub that can thrive in neglected gardens in India. This shrub produces large, showy flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. Hibiscus is known for its tolerance to heat and drought, making it a great choice for the hot and dry regions of India.
Hibiscus can grow up to 10 feet tall with proper care and maintenance, but can also be pruned to maintain a more compact size. It's important to plant hibiscus in well-draining soil in a sunny location and to water it deeply but infrequently. It's also important to fertilize hibiscus regularly with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
3. Oleander
Botanical Name: Nerium oleander
Oleander is a hardy shrub that can thrive in neglected gardens in India. This shrub produces beautiful and fragrant flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. Oleander is known for its tolerance to heat, drought, and poor soil conditions, making it a great choice for neglected gardens in India.
With minimal care and attention, oleander can add a touch of beauty and elegance to any neglected garden in India. Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions make it a resilient and hardy choice for gardens that may not receive regular maintenance.
4. Crepe Jasmine
Botanical Name: Tabernaemontana divaricata
Crepe Jasmine is a versatile and hardy shrub that can thrive in neglected gardens in India. This shrub produces beautiful and fragrant flowers in shades of white or pale yellow. Crepe Jasmine is known for its tolerance to heat, drought, and poor soil conditions, making it a great choice for neglected gardens in India.
Crepe Jasmine can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any neglected garden in India. Its tolerance to heat and drought makes it a hardy and reliable choice for gardens that may not receive regular maintenance. Its beautiful and fragrant flowers can brighten up any outdoor space, even amid neglect.
5. Parijata
Botanical Name: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis
Parijata, also known as the Night-flowering Jasmine, is a beautiful and hardy shrub that can thrive in neglected gardens in India. This shrub produces fragrant flowers that bloom at night and are white on the outside with orange tubes on the inside. Parijata is known for its tolerance to heat, drought, and poor soil conditions, making it a great choice for neglected gardens in India.
Parijata can add a touch of exoticism and allure to any neglected garden in India. Its fragrant and unique flowers make it a standout plant that can bring new life and energy to a neglected outdoor space. And with its tolerance of harsh growing conditions, Parijata is a hardy and reliable choice for gardens that may not receive regular maintenance.
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Extra reading
Flowering Plants that are Easy to Grow
Flowers that Thrive in Poor Soil
Happy Gardening!
Dr. Vandana K.