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Scottish Sun
13-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
10 drought-tolerant plants you can get from B&Q for as little as £2.99 – they survive extreme heat & look pretty too
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Scroll down for the best plants to withstand the heat FLOWER POWER 10 drought-tolerant plants you can get from B&Q for as little as £2.99 – they survive extreme heat & look pretty too Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT looks like the hot weather is going nowhere. And while we might be loving it, our gardens aren't as big of a fan. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Especially as our plants and grass aren't just tackling the heat, they're also struggling with a lack of rainfall, and hosepipe bans are put in place. Fortunately, there are plenty of plants that can withstand the harsh conditions. And you can get them for as little as £2.99 so you won't have to spend a fortune replacing any dead ones. B&Q's Outdoor Expert, Mark Sage says: 'When the temperature rises, choose plants that not only survive in the heat, but thrive in it - think 'right plant, right place'. "Mediterranean favourites like lavender, catmint, and Echinacea are great to include in your garden, along with rosemary, which is always a welcome addition to the kitchen too. These plants are perfect for sunny spots, having evolved with adaptions such as deep roots, hairy foliage, water conserving oils in their leaves, or succulent textures that conserve moisture. "In the first year, the plants will need regular, deep watering to help them establish themselves in the garden, but once settled they flourish on minimal watering. To boost resilience, try adding organic mulch or homemade compost before hot spells to retain soil moisture and suppress any weeds. "With the right soil, sun, and a layer of mulch, these plants will bring vibrant, low-maintenance beauty to your garden all summer long.' Lavender - £14.99 10 Lavender willl last through any weather Credit: Getty Not only does lavender have a calming fragrance to waft through the garden, it also adds a gorgeous splash of colour thanks to its purple buds. While it may look delicate, this hardy shrub can tolerate high temperatures and a dry climate with no problems. Rosemary - £4.60 each 10 Rosemary loves bathing in the sun Credit: Getty This plant has needle-like leaves that flower pink, purple, blue, or white flowers. The rosemary plant is native to the Mediterranean so it thrives in warm, sunny spots in the garden with free-draining soil - making it perfect for hot summers in the UK. Catmint - £6 each 10 You might find an influx of cats in your garden Credit: Getty As the name suggests, this plant produces a scent that felines love. It's also a tough perennial with gorgeous violet-purple flowers and aromatic leaves. Catmint needs minimal water and lots of sun to thrive. Penstemon - £9.99 10 These stunning bells have a long flowering period Credit: Getty This flowering plant is often known as beardtongue. It has a long flowering period so will add some colour to your garden well into autumn and comes in a variety of colours. Pony Tails Grass - £6.30 10 This grass will add texture to any garden Credit: Getty With thin stems and fluffy tips, this plant adds a different texture to your garden. The drought-resistant grass with feathery panicles is native to the south of the United States, northern Mexico, and Argentina so is used to the heat. Echinacea seeds - £2.99 10 These beauties are part of the daisy family Credit: Getty Native to North America, these gorgeous flowers love dry and hot climates. The flowers are particularly popular with bees and butterflies and are part of the daisy family and come in multiple colours. Ceanothus (California lilacs) - £8 each 10 this plant adds colour and loves the heat Credit: Getty This charming plant comes in various shades of blue but can also have white and pink flowers. Also known as California Lilacs, these plants love the sunshine and well-drained soil. Bottlebrush - £10.49 10 The bottlebrush plant adds a unique touch Credit: Getty This unique shrub looks striking in any garden thanks to the spikey flower which resembles a bottle brush. Native to Australia, this plant is extremely drought tolerant and grows happily in full or partial sunshine. Cordyline - £11.99 10 The pretty thick eaves will break up your flowers Credit: Getty For a dramatic display in your garden, plant cordylines, which are native to the west Pacific Ocean region and thrive best in mild climates, ideally in coastal areas. It has palm-like leaves in varying shades of green, bronze, and purple, cordylines bring plenty of drama to any outdoor space. Strawberry Tree - £18.99 10 These small trees are perfect for adding to porches Credit: Getty This stunning shrub is from the Mediterranean and blooms pink or white flowers. This plant is ideal for dry sunny areas and produces strawberry-like fruits in autumn, hence the common name, strawberry tree. Plus, it's a firm favourite with butterflies and bees.
The Sun
13-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
10 drought-tolerant plants you can get from B&Q for as little as £2.99 – they survive extreme heat & look pretty too
IT looks like the hot weather is going nowhere. And while we might be loving it, our gardens aren't as big of a fan. Especially as our plants and grass aren't just tackling the heat, they're also struggling with a lack of rainfall, and hosepipe bans are put in place. Fortunately, there are plenty of plants that can withstand the harsh conditions. And you can get them for as little as £2.99 so you won't have to spend a fortune replacing any dead ones. B&Q 's Outdoor Expert, Mark Sage says: 'When the temperature rises, choose plants that not only survive in the heat, but thrive in it - think 'right plant, right place'. "Mediterranean favourites like lavender, catmint, and Echinacea are great to include in your garden, along with rosemary, which is always a welcome addition to the kitchen too. These plants are perfect for sunny spots, having evolved with adaptions such as deep roots, hairy foliage, water conserving oils in their leaves, or succulent textures that conserve moisture. "In the first year, the plants will need regular, deep watering to help them establish themselves in the garden, but once settled they flourish on minimal watering. To boost resilience, try adding organic mulch or homemade compost before hot spells to retain soil moisture and suppress any weeds. "With the right soil, sun, and a layer of mulch, these plants will bring vibrant, low-maintenance beauty to your garden all summer long.' Lavender - £14.99 10 garden, it also adds a gorgeous splash of colour thanks to its purple buds. While it may look delicate, this hardy shrub can tolerate high temperatures and a dry climate with no problems. Rosemary - £4.60 each BUY NOW This plant has needle-like leaves that flower pink, purple, blue, or white flowers. The rosemary plant is native to the Mediterranean so it thrives in warm, sunny spots in the garden with free-draining soil - making it perfect for hot summers in the UK. Catmint - £6 each 10 BUY NOW As the name suggests, this plant produces a scent that felines love. It's also a tough perennial with gorgeous violet-purple flowers and aromatic leaves. Catmint needs minimal water and lots of sun to thrive. Penstemon - £9.99 10 This flowering plant is often known as beardtongue. It has a long flowering period so will add some colour to your garden well into autumn and comes in a variety of colours. Pony Tails Grass - £6.30 10 With thin stems and fluffy tips, this plant adds a different texture to your garden. The drought-resistant grass with feathery panicles is native to the south of the United States, northern Mexico, and Argentina so is used to the heat. Echinacea seeds - £2.99 10 Native to North America, these gorgeous flowers love dry and hot climates. The flowers are particularly popular with bees and butterflies and are part of the daisy family and come in multiple colours. Ceanothus (California lilacs) - £8 each 10 This charming plant comes in various shades of blue but can also have white and pink flowers. Also known as California Lilacs, these plants love the sunshine and well-drained soil. Bottlebrush - £10.49 10 BUY NOW This unique shrub looks striking in any garden thanks to the spikey flower which resembles a bottle brush. Native to Australia, this plant is extremely drought tolerant and grows happily in full or partial sunshine. Cordyline - £11.99 10 BUY NOW For a dramatic display in your garden, plant cordylines, which are native to the west Pacific Ocean region and thrive best in mild climates, ideally in coastal areas. It has palm-like leaves in varying shades of green, bronze, and purple, cordylines bring plenty of drama to any outdoor space. Strawberry Tree - £18.99 10 BUY NOW This stunning shrub is from the Mediterranean and blooms pink or white flowers. This plant is ideal for dry sunny areas and produces strawberry-like fruits in autumn, hence the common name, strawberry tree. Plus, it's a firm favourite with butterflies and bees.
Scottish Sun
02-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
B&Q's huge hydrangea is the cheapest around – it flowers for months & survives winter, growing bigger blooms each year
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. When looked after properly, a hydrangea can live for decades bloomin' great B&Q's huge hydrangea is the cheapest around – it flowers for months & survives winter, growing bigger blooms each year Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HYDRANGEAS are the perfect garden flower thanks to their versatility and popularity. The gorgeous flower has trended this year and can now be snapped up for a bargain price at B&Q. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 B&Q is selling the Hydrangea Paniculata at a bargain price Credit: B&Q 3 It is going for just £15 Credit: B&Q The home and hardware chain has the Hydrangea Paniculata for just £15 for a 5 litre plant, whereas they can retail at other stores for anywhere between £20 and £30. In the past month alone, there's been 9.7 million Google searches for Hydrangeas, because people are catching on that they're a great flower to have in any garden. These 5-litre plants come in a mix of four colors and are available in-store now. Why We Love Hydrangeas The Hydrangea Paniculata is best known for its large, colourful blooms that flower in late summer and early autumn. The range of colours include white, pink, green, and yellow, whose colour will not change depending on soil pH, unlike other varieties of hydrangeas. Unlike the more common hydrangea varieties - Mophead, Lacecap, and Hortensia - "the Hydrangea paniculata is a striking panicle hydrangea known for its striking conical blooms and strong, upright habit". "These long-lasting flowerheads provide months of intense colour and structure, making them a great addition for borders or large containers," said B&Q's Outdoor Expert, Mark Sage. Top Tips Mark also shared his best tips to ensure that your hydrangeas will thrive for many years to come. He recommended making sure they are placed in full sun for a minimum of four hours a day and water them regularly, because hydrangeas don't like dry soil. When spring comes around, be sure to feed them with a general purpose fertiliser and avoid excessive feeding during the growing season, otherwise you'll end up with more leaves and fewer flowers. Hydrangeas typically bloom from late spring to early autumn, depending on the climate and conditions. Peter O'Mahony shares garden tip for cutting back hydrangeas Typically any colour changes occur because of aluminum availability in the soil, with pink or red flowers thriving in neutral to alkaline soil with a pH of over 7.0, while blue ones prefer an acidic soil of under six pH. Hydrangeas are perennials, which means they come back year after year with the right care. But over the winter, gardeners are told not to cut off the dead blooms, instead, they should be left on - even though they look brown and crispy - because they protect new shoots. Then when spring rolls around, and after new shoots appear, give the plant a hard cut back - the more you cut back, the bigger the plant will then grow. Hydrangeas can live for decades, in the right conditions, meaning they could be a good long-term investment for your garden. And they are easy to propagate - so you can have multiple plants from one, or swap and share with fellow gardeners. Gardening mistakes that could get you fined Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking. While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues. Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research. The gardening experts reveal: 'If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. " While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it. 'But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn. The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO. You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer. Property boundaries and fences: One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing. To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries 'Most of the time, it's easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side," they add. 'Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance. "Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height. "Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn't have a problem.' Garden structures and additions: A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade. But if it obstructs your neighbour's view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures. 'If you're not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you're planning and, if there's an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance," advise the gardening experts. Overhanging branches and plants: 'When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour's tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance," reveal the pros. However, it's important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing. You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don't have permission to enter your neighbours garden. How to prune a Hydrangea The easiest way is to cut the dead bloom off the plant. Snip as far down as the next new buds on the stem, if these are visible or to wherever looks appropriate. For a more established plants you can cut old stems back to the base to encourage new growth. Use clean, sharp garden shears or scissors to ensure a clean cut and no damage to your plant.
The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
B&Q's huge hydrangea is the cheapest around – it flowers for months & survives winter, growing bigger blooms each year
HYDRANGEAS are the perfect garden flower thanks to their versatility and popularity. The gorgeous flower has trended this year and can now be snapped up for a bargain price at B&Q. 3 B&Q is selling the Hydrangea Paniculata at a bargain price Credit: B&Q 3 It is going for just £15 Credit: B&Q The home and hardware chain has the In the past month alone, there's been 9.7 million Google searches for Hydrangeas, because people are catching on that they're a great flower to have in any garden. These 5-litre plants come in a mix of four colors and are available in-store now. Why We Love Hydrangeas The Hydrangea Paniculata is best known for its large, colourful blooms that flower in late summer and early autumn. READ MORE GARDENING STORIES The range of colours include white, pink, green, and yellow, whose colour will not change depending on soil pH, unlike other varieties of hydrangeas. Unlike the more common hydrangea varieties - Mophead, Lacecap, and Hortensia - "the Hydrangea paniculata is a striking panicle hydrangea known for its striking conical blooms and strong, upright habit". "These long-lasting flowerheads provide months of intense colour and structure, making them a great addition for borders or large containers," said B&Q's Outdoor Expert, Mark Sage. Top Tips Mark also shared his best tips to ensure that your hydrangeas will thrive for many years to come. Most read in Fabulous He recommended making sure they are placed in full sun for a minimum of four hours a day and water them regularly, because hydrangeas don't like dry soil. When spring comes around, be sure to feed them with a general purpose fertiliser and avoid excessive feeding during the growing season, otherwise you'll end up with more leaves and fewer flowers. Hydrangeas typically bloom from late spring to early autumn, depending on the climate and conditions. Peter O'Mahony shares garden tip for cutting back hydrangeas Typically any colour changes occur because of aluminum availability in the soil, with pink or red flowers thriving in neutral to alkaline soil with a pH of over 7.0, while blue ones prefer an acidic soil of under six pH. Hydrangeas are perennials, which means they come back year after year with the right care. But over the winter, gardeners are told not to cut off the dead blooms, instead, they should be left on - even though they look brown and crispy - because they protect new shoots. Then when spring rolls around, and after new shoots appear, give the plant a hard cut back - the more you cut back, the bigger the plant will then grow. Hydrangeas can live for decades, in the right conditions, meaning they could be a good long-term investment for your garden. And they are easy to propagate - so you can have multiple plants from one, or swap and share with fellow gardeners. Gardening mistakes that could get you fined Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking. While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues. Tree removal and pruning : If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research. The gardening experts reveal: 'If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. " While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it. 'But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn. The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO. You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer. Property boundaries and fences : One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing. To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries 'Most of the time, it's easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side," they add. 'Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance. "Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height. "Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn't have a problem.' Garden structures and additions : A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade. But if it obstructs your neighbour's view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures. 'If you're not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you're planning and, if there's an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance," advise the gardening experts. Overhanging branches and plants : 'When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour's tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance," reveal the pros. However, it's important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing. You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don't have permission to enter your neighbours garden. How to prune a Hydrangea The easiest way is to cut the dead bloom off the plant. Snip as far down as the next new buds on the stem, if these are visible or to wherever looks appropriate. For a more established plants you can cut old stems back to the base to encourage new growth. Use clean, sharp garden shears or scissors to ensure a clean cut and no damage to your plant. 3 The hydrangea is a great flower because it last for months and survives winter Credit: BQ
The Sun
02-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
B&Q's huge hydrangea is the cheapest around – it flowers for months & survives winter, growing bigger blooms each year
HYDRANGEAS are the perfect garden flower thanks to their versatility and popularity. The gorgeous flower has trended this year and can now be snapped up for a bargain price at B&Q. The home and hardware chain has the Hydrangea Paniculata for just £15 for a 5 litre plant, whereas they can retail at other stores for anywhere between £20 and £30. In the past month alone, there's been 9.7 million Google searches for Hydrangeas, because people are catching on that they're a great flower to have in any garden. These 5-litre plants come in a mix of four colors and are available in-store now. Why We Love Hydrangeas The Hydrangea Paniculata is best known for its large, colourful blooms that flower in late summer and early autumn. The range of colours include white, pink, green, and yellow, whose colour will not change depending on soil pH, unlike other varieties of hydrangeas. Unlike the more common hydrangea varieties - Mophead, Lacecap, and Hortensia - "the Hydrangea paniculata is a striking panicle hydrangea known for its striking conical blooms and strong, upright habit". "These long-lasting flowerheads provide months of intense colour and structure, making them a great addition for borders or large containers," said B&Q's Outdoor Expert, Mark Sage. Top Tips He recommended making sure they are placed in full sun for a minimum of four hours a day and water them regularly, because hydrangeas don't like dry soil. When spring comes around, be sure to feed them with a general purpose fertiliser and avoid excessive feeding during the growing season, otherwise you'll end up with more leaves and fewer flowers. Hydrangeas typically bloom from late spring to early autumn, depending on the climate and conditions. Typically any colour changes occur because of aluminum availability in the soil, with pink or red flowers thriving in neutral to alkaline soil with a pH of over 7.0, while blue ones prefer an acidic soil of under six pH. Hydrangeas are perennials, which means they come back year after year with the right care. But over the winter, gardeners are told not to cut off the dead blooms, instead, they should be left on - even though they look brown and crispy - because they protect new shoots. Then when spring rolls around, and after new shoots appear, give the plant a hard cut back - the more you cut back, the bigger the plant will then grow. Hydrangeas can live for decades, in the right conditions, meaning they could be a good long-term investment for your garden. And they are easy to propagate - so you can have multiple plants from one, or swap and share with fellow gardeners. Gardening mistakes that could get you fined Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking. While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues. Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research. The gardening experts reveal: 'If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. " While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it. 'But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn. The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO. You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer. Property boundaries and fences: One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing. To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries 'Most of the time, it's easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side," they add. 'Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance. "Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height. "Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn't have a problem.' Garden structures and additions: A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade. But if it obstructs your neighbour's view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures. 'If you're not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you're planning and, if there's an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance," advise the gardening experts. Overhanging branches and plants: 'When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour's tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance," reveal the pros. However, it's important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing. You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don't have permission to enter your neighbours garden. How to prune a Hydrangea The easiest way is to cut the dead bloom off the plant. Snip as far down as the next new buds on the stem, if these are visible or to wherever looks appropriate. For a more established plants you can cut old stems back to the base to encourage new growth. Use clean, sharp garden shears or scissors to ensure a clean cut and no damage to your plant. 3
