15 low maintenance perennials that multiply on their own.

15 Low-Maintenance Perennials That Multiply on Their Own: A Gardener’s Dream

Whether you’re a novice gardener or just someone who loves vibrant outdoor spaces without constant upkeep, choosing the right plants can make all the difference. Perennials that not only come back year after year but also multiply on their own are a fantastic way to build a lush, thriving garden with minimal effort.

These plants naturally spread through underground rhizomes, runners, or self-seeding, giving you more plants over time without having to replant every season. This makes them ideal for filling in gaps, creating ground cover, or establishing a fuller, more mature garden with less work.

Here are 15 low-maintenance perennials that multiply on their own, complete with care tips and how they spread.

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1. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)

Why They’re Great:

Daylilies are tough, adaptable, and produce beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of colors. They thrive in sun to partial shade and tolerate a wide range of soil types.

How They Multiply:

Daylilies spread through underground rhizomes, forming clumps that expand yearly. You can divide clumps every 3-4 years to propagate or simply let them fill space naturally.

Care Tips:

• Water regularly during the growing season.

• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

• Minimal fertilizing needed; too much fertilizer encourages foliage over flowers.

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2. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

Why They’re Great:

A fast-spreading ground cover with small round leaves and bright yellow flowers, Creeping Jenny thrives in moist, partly shaded areas.

How They Multiply:

It spreads aggressively via creeping stolons (above-ground runners), making it an excellent ground cover.

Care Tips:

• Prefers moist soil but tolerates some drought.

• Can become invasive, so contain it in pots or bordered beds if needed.

• Cut back in late fall to tidy up.

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3. Hosta (Hosta spp.)

Why They’re Great:

Known for their lush foliage in shades of green, blue, and variegated patterns, Hostas are shade-loving and perfect for low-light gardens.

How They Multiply:

Hostas multiply by producing underground rhizomes, creating larger clumps over time.

Care Tips:

• Require consistent moisture.

• Mulch to keep roots cool.

• Watch for slugs, which love Hostas.

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4. Sedum (Sedum spp.)

Why They’re Great:

Sedums are succulent perennials prized for drought tolerance and star-shaped flowers. They come in trailing and upright forms.

How They Multiply:

They spread by creeping stems that root easily and by self-seeding.

Care Tips:

• Plant in well-draining soil.

• Full sun encourages compact growth and vibrant flowers.

• Minimal watering needed once established.

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5. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Why They’re Great:

A classic native wildflower with daisy-like purple petals and a prominent orange cone, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

How They Multiply:

They self-seed readily and also spread slowly via rhizomes.

Care Tips:

• Plant in full sun.

• Drought-tolerant once established.

• Deadhead to prolong flowering or leave seedheads for birds.

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6. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Why They’re Great:

Cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers with dark centers bloom from mid-summer to fall. They’re resilient and deer-resistant.

How They Multiply:

Black-eyed Susans spread through self-seeding and can form dense colonies.

Care Tips:

• Grow best in full sun.

• Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming.

• Tolerant of poor soils.

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7. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)

Why They’re Great:

Elegant heart-shaped pink or white flowers dangle from arching stems in spring and early summer. Great for shaded, woodland-style gardens.

How They Multiply:

Bleeding Hearts spread via rhizomes and can be divided or left to expand naturally.

Care Tips:

• Prefers partial to full shade.

• Keep soil moist.

• Dies back in summer—allow foliage to die naturally before cutting.

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8. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)

Why They’re Great:

Soft, fuzzy silver-gray leaves add texture and contrast to garden beds. It’s drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.

How They Multiply:

Lamb’s Ear spreads by creeping stolons forming dense mats.

Care Tips:

• Prefers full sun to partial shade.

• Well-draining soil is key to prevent rot.

• Cut back old foliage in early spring.

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9. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Why They’re Great:

A low-growing ground cover producing a carpet of colorful star-shaped flowers in spring.

How They Multiply:

Spreads by creeping stems that root as they grow, covering ground quickly.

Care Tips:

• Needs full sun.

• Well-drained soil prevents root rot.

• Trim after flowering to maintain shape.

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10. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Why They’re Great:

Hardy, drought-tolerant with ferny foliage and clusters of flat-topped flowers in yellows, pinks, or whites.

How They Multiply:

Yarrow spreads via rhizomes and self-seeds vigorously.

Care Tips:

• Thrives in full sun.

• Avoid overly rich soil, which weakens stems.

• Cut back after flowering for tidiness.

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11. Catmint (Nepeta faassenii)

Why They’re Great:

Fragrant gray-green foliage with long-lasting spikes of lavender-blue flowers that attract pollinators.

How They Multiply:

Self-seeds and spreads through rhizomes.

Care Tips:

• Plant in full sun.

• Tolerates drought once established.

• Deadhead to extend bloom time.

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12. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)

Why They’re Great:

Dense ground cover with glossy leaves that range from green to purple, producing spikes of blue flowers.

How They Multiply:

Spreads rapidly via runners.

Care Tips:

• Tolerates sun and shade.

• Prefers moist soil.

• Can be invasive—manage spread if necessary.

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13. Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum odoratum)

Why They’re Great:

Graceful arching stems with hanging white flowers in spring. Perfect for shade and woodland gardens.

How They Multiply:

Spreads by rhizomes forming colonies.

Care Tips:

• Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shade.

• Mulch to retain moisture.

• Cut back in late fall or early spring.

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14. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)

Why They’re Great:

Colorful, ruffled foliage ranging from deep purple to lime green, plus delicate flower spikes.

How They Multiply:

Spread via underground rhizomes and self-seeding.

Care Tips:

• Tolerates partial shade.

• Prefers well-drained soil.

• Avoid wet crowns to prevent rot.

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15. Golden Groundsel (Packera aurea)

Why They’re Great:

A native woodland perennial with bright yellow daisy-like flowers and heart-shaped leaves. Great for moist, shaded spots.

How They Multiply:

Spreads by underground rhizomes forming large colonies.

Care Tips:

• Prefers moist, shady conditions.

• Cut back after flowering to control spread.

• Good for naturalizing shady areas.

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How to Manage Multiplying Perennials in Your Garden

While these perennials spread naturally, some can become aggressive if unchecked. Here are some tips to keep them in balance:

• Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding.

• Contain runners with garden edging or pots.

• Monitor self-seeding and remove seedlings in unwanted areas.

• Use mulch to suppress unwanted seedlings.

• Rotate plants to different garden sections for variety.

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Why Choose Low-Maintenance Multiplying Perennials?

• Less work: They naturally fill in gaps and expand your garden.

• Saves money: No need to buy new plants every year.

• Soil health: Perennials develop deep roots that improve soil structure.

• Wildlife friendly: Many attract pollinators and beneficial insects.

• Garden stability: Reduces erosion and helps prevent weeds.

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Conclusion

Choosing perennials that multiply on their own can transform your garden into a thriving, low-maintenance paradise. From vibrant flowers to luscious foliage and ground covers, these 15 plants offer beauty, resilience, and natural growth that rewards you year after year with minimal effort.

Try incorporating a few of these in your garden beds, borders, or containers, and watch your outdoor space flourish with little work and lasting impact.