Rankings grown in real soil
We are a small, independent editorial team of home gardeners, a former nursery manager and a garden designer, based in South Devon.
Why we exist
Too many “best plant” lists are written to sell whatever is in stock. We wanted a single, consistent scorecard that lets you compare a houseplant, a perennial and a balcony herb on the same terms: how forgiving it is, how much time it asks for and whether it suits your conditions.
Our scores draw on RHS Award of Garden Merit trial results, RHS hardiness ratings, the USDA hardiness map, the ASPCA plant toxicity database and our own growing notes across several gardens on clay, chalk and sandy soils.
We never accept money to rank a plant or product.
Updated seasonally
Rankings are reviewed every spring and autumn as new trial data and reader reports arrive.
Corrections welcome
If your experience differs, tell us. Reader reports have changed scores before.