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RHS Plants – Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're selecting your next plant or caring for one already in your garden, this page brings together the questions we’re asked most often. For deeper guidance, you can also explore our RHS Advice pages or individual plant profiles.
1. Plant quality & what to expect
How will my plants look when they arrive?+-
Plants grow and develop differently throughout the year. Photographs on our website show a mature plant, but your order may arrive in an earlier growth stage depending on the season. This is normal and helps ensure a strong establishment.
Are plants always in leaf or in flower?+-
Not always. Many hardy plants naturally die back in autumn or winter, and others may not be flowering at the time of dispatch. This is expected seasonal behaviour.
Why might my plant look smaller than expected?+-
Plant size varies by season. Cooler months produce less top growth, while spring and summer encourage rapid development. We always supply plants that meet the advertised pot size, even if height and spread vary.
Will my plant match the photo exactly?+-
Photos represent how the plant will eventually look. Natural variation in leaf colour, markings, growth habit or early-season appearance is perfectly normal.
What if my plant has minor marks or bent leaves on arrival?+-
Transport can cause slight cosmetic imperfections, but these do not affect long-term health. Once planted, your plant will quickly produce fresh new growth.
Do you inspect plants before sending them?+-
Yes. Every plant is hand-selected and quality checked to ensure it is healthy, well-rooted and ready to thrive.
What if the plant fails after planting?+
If you have followed the recommended care instructions and the plant does not establish, please contact us — we’re committed to putting things right.
2. Choosing the right plant
How do I know which plants will suit my garden?+-
Start by assessing sunlight, soil type and exposure. Plants such as Lavandula, Salvia and Echinacea prefer sunny, free-draining positions, while Hosta, Ferns and Heuchera thrive in shade.
Do you recommend plants for specific conditions?+-
Yes. You can search by sun, soil, aspect, or purpose such as wildlife-friendly, dry shade, or coastal conditions. Each plant page includes clear suitability information.
What does ‘hardy’ mean?+-
A hardy plant can withstand typical UK winters. Tender plants may need winter protection or indoor care.
Can you suggest plants for beginners?+-
Certainly — many gardeners start with hardy, low-maintenance choices such as Geranium, Hydrangea, Heuchera, Sedum and potted herbs.
3. Planting & establishment
When is the best time to plant?+-
Most hardy plants can be planted year-round if the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged. Spring and autumn offer optimal conditions.
How do I plant a container-grown plant?+-
Dig a hole twice the width of the rootball, enrich with organic matter, position the plant at the same depth it was in the pot, fill and firm gently, then water well.
How far apart should I plant them?+-
Spacing depends on the species. Each plant page lists its final spread to help you plan.
4. Watering & feeding
How often should I water a newly planted plant?+-
Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather and soil type. Increase frequency during hot or windy spells.
Do established plants need feeding?+-
Yes. Feeding during the growing season can support flowering and vigour. Slow-release fertilisers or balanced liquid feeds work well.
How do I know if I'm overwatering?+-
Yellowing leaves, wilting despite wet soil, or algae on compost may indicate overwatering.
5. Pruning & seasonal care
Do all plants need pruning?+-
Not all, but many benefit from it. Pruning helps maintain shape, encourage flowering and remove dead or damaged material.
When should I prune?+-
Timing varies by species. Spring-flowering plants are usually pruned after flowering; summer-flowering plants in late winter or early spring.
Should I mulch my plants?+-
Mulching in spring helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and improve soil structure.
Do I need to protect plants in winter?+-
Tender plants may need fleece, mulch or relocation to a sheltered spot.
6. Guarantees & aftercare
Do you offer a plant guarantee?+-
If your plant fails to establish despite proper care, we'll help find a solution.
What support is available after purchase?+-
You can access care guides, seasonal advice, RHS Gardening experts and plant profiles.
How long should it take for a plant to settle in?+-
Most settle within weeks; slower-growing plants may need a season.
7. RHS and no new peat plants
What’s happening with peat in the plants we sell?+-
From 1 January 2026, all plants sold on RHSPlants.co.uk and in RHS garden centres will be “no new peat” plants.
This means every plant we sell is either completely peat-free, or contains peat that entered the growing cycle before 1st of January 2026 - with no newly extracted peat used.
This change supports the RHS commitment to protecting peatlands and promoting more sustainable gardening.
Is this a big change – and will I notice a difference in the plants I receive?+-
You're unlikely to notice any difference at all. This change is the result of many years of work behind the scenes, and you may already have been enjoying peat-free or no new peat plants without realising it.
We pride ourselves on the quality, health and performance of our plants, and this will continue. The plants you receive will meet the same high RHS standards you know and expect.
What does “no new peat” actually mean?+-
“No new peat” means that no freshly extracted peat is used to grow the plants we sell. We class new peat as anything extracted from the ground after 31st December 2025.
Plants may be:
- Grown entirely peat-free, or
- Grown using peat that was already in the system before the 1st of January 2026
In both cases, no new peat is taken from peatlands to produce the plants you buy.
Why is the RHS moving away from peat?+-
Peatlands are incredibly important - they store carbon, help reduce climate change and support wildlife. When peat is extracted, these benefits are lost.
By selling only no new peat plants, the RHS is helping to:
- Protect peatlands and habitats
- Mitigate climate change
- Support more sustainable horticulture
Will this affect the range of plants available?+-
You may notice some small changes in availability, particularly for plants that are traditionally difficult to grow without peat. However, we continue to work closely with growers to offer a wide, high-quality range of plants.
Our focus remains on providing plants that perform well in your garden while being kinder to the environment.
How does choosing no new peat plants help?+-
By buying no new peat plants, you are helping to:
- Keep peat in the ground where it belongs
- Protect wildlife and natural habitats
- Support a more sustainable future for gardening
It’s an easy way to make a positive difference while still enjoying great plants.
