We got sick of labels that faded.

Regular pens fade in the sun within weeks. Paint pens don’t fade, but good luck getting the ink off when you want to reuse your labels. After a lot of trial and error, we found what actually works.

The Staedtler Lumocolor range – recommended by gardener and YouTuber Huw Richards, and tested by us in the harsh southern sun. Written on plastic plant labels, the ink holds for at least 3 months, and in many cases 6-12 months through rain and UV exposure. When you’re ready to reuse a label, a wipe of isopropyl alcohol cleans it off completely.

We also stock the Artline 780 garden marker – a solid pen, though not quite at the Staedtler level. And if you prefer pencil, the Staedtler 108 Glasochrom permanent marker pencil is worth a look.

Watch Huw Richard’s recommendations of these pens.