Gardening in London
London's urban heat-island effect makes it the UK's mildest place to garden — winters run several degrees warmer than the surrounding countryside, so tender and exotic plants that struggle elsewhere can flourish. Gardens are often small, shaded and sheltered by buildings.
❄️ Frost dates
Last spring frost: mid April
First autumn frost: early November
🌱 Soil & growing conditions
Urban soils vary and are frequently compacted clay or made ground. The warmth lets you grow tender exotics; for dry, shady spots near walls choose tough, shade-tolerant plants.
🌴 Tender & exotic plants you can grow in London
The mild climate here lets you grow these half-hardy and exotic plants that struggle in colder parts of the UK.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Marigold (Tagetes)
Pea (Pisum sativum)
Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima)
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Lupin (Lupinus)
Onion (Allium cepa)
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
🌿 Hardy plants for London
Reliable, hardy plants well suited to London gardens (87 plants).