Gardening in South East England
The South East is the UK's warmest and driest region, with long, hot summers — though inland winters can still bring sharp frosts. Drought-tolerant and chalk-loving plants do especially well; mulch generously to hold moisture through dry spells.
❄️ Frost dates
Last spring frost: late April
First autumn frost: late October
🌱 Soil & growing conditions
Free-draining chalk and gravel in many areas, heavy 'London clay' in others. As the driest region, prioritise drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants and add organic matter to sandy ground.
🌿 Hardy plants for South East England
Reliable, hardy plants well suited to South East England gardens (86 plants).