Creating a stunning garden doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Many budget-friendly plants offer vibrant blooms and lush greenery that can elevate your outdoor space. By focusing on affordable yet beautiful options, you can design a garden that boasts color, texture, and interest—all without overextending your budget.
Here you’ll find 16 affordable plants, including a mix of popular choices and lesser-known treasures, to help your garden thrive. Each plant comes with easy care tips and considerations, ensuring success whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener.
Caution: Always check with your local extension office to confirm that any flowers you plant aren’t invasive. Different climates warrant different concerns and needs.
Common Plants That We Purposely Left Off the List
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Highly invasive species are often included on these lists because they’re pretty and grow easily (obviously). Unfortunately, however, plants like these can quickly take over an area and out-compete native species. Here are some common invasive flowers:
- Clematis (not in all regions)
- Purple Loosestrife
- Japanese Honeysuckle
- English Ivy
- Kudzu
- Pampas Grass
It’s important to be aware of the impact that introducing non-native plants can have on the environment and local ecosystems. Always do your research before planting any new species in your garden.
1. Celosia
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Why It’s Affordable
Celosia is a self-seeding annual, meaning it returns year after year without replanting. Its ability to spread naturally reduces the need for continuous purchasing replacements.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun.
- Watering: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Maintenance: Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.
Caution
Celosia can reseed prolifically, so monitor its spread to prevent overcrowding.
2. Purple Fountain Grass
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Why It’s Affordable
Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) is a versatile and low-maintenance option for adding color to your garden. Its striking purple foliage and feathery plumes make it a popular choice for borders, containers, or as an accent plant. It’s also drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for hot and dry climates.
This is recommended instead of Pampas Grass, which is invasive in many parts of the U.S. You can also try Switchgrass or Little Bluestem.
Care Tips
Purple fountain grass prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is also relatively low-maintenance, making it a popular choice for busy gardeners. Simply prune back any dead foliage in the spring and water as needed during dry spells.
Caution
While purple fountain grass is generally considered safe, some people may experience skin irritation if they come into contact with the plant’s sap. It is also not recommended for consumption by humans or animals.
3. Chrysanthemum
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Why It’s Affordable
Widely available in fall, chrysanthemums are inexpensive and easy to find in various colors. Their perennial status in certain zones ensures you don’t need to repurchase every year.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Loves full sun but can tolerate light shade.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep soil moist.
- Pruning: Pinch back stems during growing season to encourage bushy growth.
Caution
Plant in early fall to help mums establish strong roots for winter survival.
4. Jerusalem Artichoke
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Why It’s Affordable
This perennial sunflower produces edible tubers, giving gardeners both ornamental beauty and a food source.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Needs full sun.
- Watering: Prefers moderate moisture.
- Fertilization: Minimal fertilization needed, as it thrives in multiple soil types.
Caution
Jerusalem artichoke can spread aggressively. Contain it in a designated area.
5. Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)
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Why It’s Affordable
Climbing hydrangea is an easy-to-grow vine that requires little maintenance. Plus, it’s deciduous, making it perfect for those who prefer a low-maintenance landscape.
It is also a lovely alternative to Sweet Clematis, a flowering plant often recommended but highly invasive. Other options for vining plants include Virgin’s Bower and American Wisteria (NOT the Asian one that is also highly invasive).
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun with enough water.
- Watering: Water deeply once a week, increasing the frequency during hot and dry periods.
- Soil Type: Does best in moist soil that drains well.
Caution
Climbing hydrangeas can take several years to establish and start blooming. Be patient and provide them with proper care during this time. Additionally, they may need support to climb up
6. Cleome
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Why It’s Affordable
Known as spiderflower, Cleome reseeds itself, ensuring new plants each season without extra cost. Plus, it’s easy to grow from seeds.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Full sun is best.
- Watering: Requires consistent watering but is drought-tolerant once established.
- Spacing: Plant at the back of garden beds where its height won’t overshadow smaller plants.
Caution
Cleome can look untidy late in the season. Remove spent foliage for a neater appearance.
7. Helenium
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Why It’s Affordable
This late-summer bloomer is a long-lasting perennial that doesn’t require much investment. It grows easily and adapts to various soil types.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Loves full sun.
- Pruning: Deadhead blooms to extend flowering.
- Watering: Keep moderately moist soil during the growing season.
Caution
Cut back stems halfway in early summer to prevent sprawling and promote compact growth.
8. Castor Bean Plant
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Why It’s Affordable
Castor bean plants are fast growers, producing dramatic foliage with just one planting season.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Requires full sun.
- Watering: Water consistently but allow soil to drain well.
- Planting: Use in borders or as a centerpiece for visual impact.
Caution
All parts of the plant are toxic. Avoid if children or pets frequent your garden.
9. Lilies
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Why It’s Affordable
Perennial lilies multiply over time, offering more blooms each season without additional cost.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Partial to full sun.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Protection: Add mulch to retain soil moisture and insulate against temperature extremes.
Caution
Guard lilies against rabbits and deer. Use natural deterrents to protect your investment.
10. Lamium
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Why It’s Affordable
This groundcover spreads easily and requires little maintenance, making it a cost-friendly choice for filling gaps in your garden.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Thrives in partial to full shade.
- Watering: Light watering is enough once established.
- Pruning: Trim back spreading runners to maintain borders.
Caution
Lamium is non-invasive but spreads rapidly. Keep it in check with regular pruning.
11. Black-Eyed Susan
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Why It’s Affordable
Black-eyed Susans are prolific bloomers that self-seed their way back into gardens year after year.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun.
- Watering: Tolerates drought; water weekly during dry spells.
- Maintenance: Minimal care is required; deadhead blooms for prolonged flowering.
Caution
May spread aggressively in ideal conditions, so give them ample space to grow.
12. Marigolds
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Why It’s Affordable
Marigolds grow easily from seeds and offer abundant blooms with very little investment.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun.
- Watering: Water thoroughly when soil dries out.
- Repellent Benefit: Known to deter pests like aphids from nearby vegetables.
Caution
Prone to powdery mildew in overly humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation when planting.
13. Zinnias
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Why It’s Affordable
Zinnias are inexpensive to grow from seed and provide vibrant, long-lasting blooms throughout the growing season.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Full sun is ideal.
- Watering: Drought-tolerant; only water when the soil is dry.
- Pollinator Friendliness: Attracts bees and butterflies.
Caution
Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases.
14. Sunflowers
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Why It’s Affordable
Sunflowers are fast-growing and thrive in even the poorest soil conditions, making them a budget-friendly favorite.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Requires full sun exposure.
- Watering: Once weekly, ensuring deep soil moisture.
- Support: Tall varieties may need staking.
Caution
Harvest seeds promptly to avoid pests.
15. Caladium
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Why It’s Affordable
Caladium tubers are inexpensive and reusable. Overwinter them indoors for reuse year after year.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Prefers partial to full shade.
- Watering: Keep soil moist but well-draining.
- Planting: Ideal for shady garden beds or containers.
Caution
Caladiums are toxic to pets, so plant with caution.
16. Shasta Daisy
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Why It’s Affordable
Shasta daisies are perennials that multiply each year, offering a long-term investment for gardens.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Loves full sun.
- Watering: Prefers moderate watering; avoid over-saturation.
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous blooming.
Caution
Shasta daisies can spread quickly if not divided periodically.
Add Color on Any Budget
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With these 16 budget-friendly plant options, you can create a colorful and lush garden without overspending. Whether you prefer bold, towering blooms or delicate groundcovers, there’s something here to suit your needs and gardening style.
