Are you dreaming of a garden that always looks like a page from a glossy home decor magazine? A garden that blooms all year long and adds color and life to your outdoor space? Perennial flowers are the answer to your wishes. These plants come back year after year, and if you choose the right ones, you’ll have blooms from early spring to late fall.
In this article, we’ll explore some of my favorite perennial plants that will keep your garden blooming no matter the season. From classic beauties like peonies and daylilies to more exotic varieties like Russian sage and hellebores, I’ll give you plenty of ideas to help you create a stunning garden. Plus the pollinators will love you for it!
The Benefits of Growing Perennial Flowers
Perennial flowers offer a wealth of benefits beyond just their long blooming times. Unlike annuals, which need to be replanted every year, perennial plants establish deep root systems over time, making them less likely to be affected by drought or inclement weather. Additionally, these plants are hardy and able to withstand harsh winters, meaning that they will return year after year without requiring replanting.
Perennial flowers are also an attractive and eco-friendly option for those looking to add color and life to their gardens. Because they do not need to be replanted every year, they require less maintenance and use fewer resources than annuals. In turn, this can help to reduce your gardening costs and environmental impact.
Another advantage of perennial flowers is their ability to attract beneficial insects and pollinators to your garden. Many varieties of perennial plants are especially attractive to bees, butterflies, and other insects, which can help to pollinate your vegetables, fruits, and other plants. This can lead to a more bountiful harvest and a healthier garden overall.
As you look through these ideas, definitely check out which ones are native to your area. The more native pollinators you can grow in your yard, the better!
Choosing the Right Perennials for Your Garden
When it comes to choosing the right perennial flowers for your garden, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to think about your climate and the particular conditions of your outdoor space. Some perennials prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade or even full shade. It’s important to choose plants that are well-suited to your local environment, as this will give them the best chance of thriving and blooming year after year.
Another consideration when choosing perennial flowers is the color and texture of their blooms. Think about the overall look and feel you want to achieve in your garden, and choose plants that will complement and enhance this aesthetic.
Ultimately, the key to choosing the right perennials for your garden is to do your research and select plants that are well-suited to your unique growing conditions and personal preferences. With a little bit of planning and thought, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden that will bring joy and happiness for years to come.
Designing Your Garden for Maximum Impact
To truly create a year-round garden that is always in bloom, it’s not enough to simply choose the right perennial flowers. You also need to design your garden in a way that maximizes their impact. One way to do this is by focusing on the staggered blooming times of your plants. By selecting perennials that bloom at different times throughout the year, you can ensure that your garden always has something in bloom, no matter what season it is.
Another important factor to consider when designing your garden is size and shape. A well-designed garden should take into account the natural lines of the space it occupies. By creating borders and pathways that lead the eye through the garden, you can make even a small garden feel larger and more vibrant.
When it comes to choosing perennial flowers, it’s important to keep in mind the colors and textures of your plants. A mix of different colors and textures can create a rich, layered look that adds depth and interest to your garden. Whether you prefer bold and bright colors or more subtle, muted tones, there is a perennial out there that will fit your vision.
Perennial Flowers That Bloom in the Spring
- Hellebores
- Peonies
- Hyacinth
- Lilacs
- Crocus
- Hydrangeas
Hellebores
If you’re looking for a plant that’s both beautiful and tough-as-nails, look no further than hellebores. These low-maintenance perennials produce gorgeous blooms that last for weeks, providing a much-needed burst of color and interest in the late winter and early spring.
One of the great things about hellebores is their versatility. With a wide range of colors and bloom shapes available, you’re sure to find a variety that will complement your garden’s aesthetic. Plus, hellebores are shade-tolerant, making them a great option for those hard-to-fill areas beneath trees or in other low-light spots.
In terms of care and maintenance, hellebores are fairly easy-going. They prefer well-draining soil and regular watering, but can handle periods of drought once established. And because they’re perennials, you can enjoy their blooms year after year with minimal effort.
Peonies
With their lush, full blooms and sweet fragrance, peonies are a traditional addition to any garden. These perennials come in a range of colors, from classic pink and white to bold red and even yellow. And while they may require a bit more care than some other plants on this list, their beauty is well worth the effort.
Peonies prefer rich, well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. They should be watered regularly, particularly during hot and dry weather. It’s also important to prune them back in the fall, cutting away any dead or diseased foliage to promote healthy growth in the spring.
Despite their high-maintenance reputation, peonies are a great investment for any garden enthusiast. With proper care and attention, they’ll reward you with stunning blooms year after year.
Hyacinth
I picked up my first hyacinths at my local Aldi on clearance after Easter and stuck them in the ground. I love Aldi!
Hyacinths are beautiful perennial flowers that come in a variety of colors, including pink, blue, white, and purple. They have a wonderful sweet fragrance that can fill your garden with an irresistible scent. Hyacinths are planted in the fall and bloom in the spring, making them an excellent addition to any garden looking to add color after a long winter.
Hyacinths are low-maintenance plants, making them ideal for even novice gardeners. Once planted, they require little care beyond watering and occasional fertilization. They are hardy plants that can survive both cold and hot weather conditions, making them perfect for a garden that blooms all year round.
Lilacs
One of the most beloved additions to any garden is the lilac. I mean seriously – who doesn’t associate lilacs with the smell of a coming summer! With its fragrant and delicate purple blooms, the lilac is a classic and timeless choice for any gardener. Lilacs typically bloom in late spring or early summer, providing a burst of color and fragrance to the garden.
Lilacs are relatively low-maintenance and are known for their hardiness. They are also versatile plants that can be used in a variety of ways. For example, they can be used to create a colorful and fragrant hedge, or as a backdrop to other plants.
If you are looking to incorporate lilacs into your garden, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, lilacs prefer well-drained soil that is slightly alkaline. They also require full sun to thrive. When planting lilacs, make sure to space them several feet apart to allow for proper airflow.
Crocus
Crocus, a genus of flowering plants from the iris family, is known for its strikingly bright and vibrant blooms that come in a range of colors from pure white to deep purple. These hardy perennials are often the first to pop up in gardens in the early spring, my favorite first sign that summer is on its way.
Crocus bulbs should be planted in the fall, ideally in a spot that receives full sun to light shade. They thrive in well-drained soil that is relatively dry in the summer months, making them a great choice for rock gardens or the edges of garden paths.
Hydrangea
Now this flower will bloom dependent on what variety you have. Our hydrangea bush actually came from my husband’s great-grandfather and it’s a late spring blooming variety. These perennial flowers definitely prefer full sun in moderate climates and morning sun if you’re in a hotter area. Consistent moisture is key to keeping these plants healthy! Hydrangea come in shades of white, pink, green, and blue. The color is actually soil dependent – blue on acidic soils and pink on alkaline – so you can change the color by amending the soil, such as adding in wood ash (or lime!)
Perrennial Flowers That Bloom All Summer
- Coneflowers
- Coreopsis
- Blanket Flowers
- Salvia
- Black-eyed Susans
- Daylilies
- Russian Sage
- Hostas
- Zinnia
- Spiderwort
- Cosmos
- Wild Geranium
- Fleabane
Coneflowers
Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, are a popular choice for garden enthusiasts looking for low-maintenance options. With their vibrant colors and unique shape, coneflowers add a touch of excitement to any garden. Plus, they’re highly versatile – they thrive in a range of climates and soil conditions.
What makes coneflowers so special is their seeming ability to attract pollinators even more-so than most on this list. These insects play a crucial role in plant reproduction, and by welcoming them into your garden, you’ll help to support the local ecosystem. Coneflowers are also great for cut flowers – their long stems and durable petals make them perfect for arranging in a vase.
If you’re interested in adding coneflowers to your garden, they come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, orange, and yellow. They typically bloom from mid-summer to early fall, providing a splash of color during the warmer months.
Coreopsis
We have a bunch of coreopsis, also known as tickseed, in our front yard and I love it! It’s a bright and cheerful flowering plant that is SUPER easy to care for. Similar to coneflowers, Coreopsis comes in a variety of vibrant colors ranging from yellow to bright pink. These plants can bloom for weeks on end, usually from early summer to mid-fall, making them a great addition to any garden.
One of the many benefits of Coreopsis is its low-maintenance nature. I’ve literally done nothing for them this year (oops) and still they’re blooming like crazy. They are drought-tolerant and can handle heat, making them a great option for those who live in warmer climates. Additionally, they require very little pruning, making them an excellent choice for a low-effort garden.
Coreopsis can thrive in a variety of soil types, but they prefer well-drained soil that is not too acidic. They can grow up to two feet tall and look great when planted in clusters or in mixed borders with other perennials.
Blanket Flowers
Blanket Flowers are a show-stopping addition to any garden. Blanket Flowers, also known as Gaillardia, are identified by their bright, daisy-like flowers that come in shades of red, yellow, and orange. They can grow up to three feet tall and two feet wide, making them a perfect option for filling in larger spaces in your garden.
Blanket Flowers prefer well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade. They are also drought-tolerant, making them a great choice for those who live in dryer climates. These perennial flowers can bloom from early summer all the way through the fall, adding a pop of color to your garden for months on end.
Salvia
Salvia is another stunning perennial that can add a burst of color to your garden. These flowers come in a range of colors from vibrant blues and purples to soothing pinks and whites, making it easy to find the perfect shade to complement your garden.
While Salvia typically prefer well-draining soil and full sun, they can still thrive in partially shady areas. With their long blooming season from late spring to early fall, Salvia are a wonderful addition to any garden looking for a pop of color and an increase in wildlife activity.
Black-eyed Susans
The first Black-eyed Susans to appear in my yard did literally just that -magically appeared! I can only assume I have the wind or a few well-aiming birds to thank.
Black-eyed Susans are among the most popular perennial flowers in North America, and for a good reason. These vibrant yellow flowers with their dark centers are easy to grow, low maintenance, and bloom from early summer to mid-fall. The scientific name for Black-eyed Susans is Rudbeckia hirta, but they are also known as coneflowers or gloriosa daisies.
These beauties are perfect for filling in large spaces in your garden beds, and they make great cut flowers for indoor arrangements. Black-eyed Susans are also deer resistant, which makes them the perfect choice for gardens in areas where deer are prevalent. They are drought tolerant and, once established, require little to no watering. However, they do prefer well-drained soil, so it’s essential to ensure that your garden bed has good drainage.
Daylilies
Daylilies are a popular choice for any garden due to their versatility and adaptability. These plants come in a range of colors, from bright oranges and yellows to softer pinks and purples, and they also come in varying heights, making them easy to incorporate into any garden design. Plus, daylilies are incredibly low maintenance, requiring little watering and thriving in most soil types. One thing to be very mindful of, though – as you should with anything you plant – is that daylilies are poisonous to dogs. So I would avoid these if you have furry friends who hang out in your yard!
Russian Sage
Russian Sage is a popular choice for many gardeners due to its unique texture and vibrant color. This perennial plant is known for its soft, silvery-green foliage and spikes of tiny, lavender-blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. Russian Sage grows well in a variety of soil types and thrives in full sun, making it a great addition to any garden.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Russian Sage also has a practical purpose in the garden. Its strong scent helps to deter pests such as deer and rabbits, making it a natural alternative to chemical repellents.
Hostas
Some people like to claim hostas are outdated and tacky…but we don’t talk to those people. I LOVE my hostas and they grow so much, I’m always giving extras away. With their large, heart-shaped leaves and variety of colors, Hostas can create a striking background for other plants. They are also wildly easy to grow and maintain, making them a great choice for beginners or those who are short on time.
One thing to keep in mind when planting Hostas is their preference for shade. While they can tolerate some sunlight, they do best in areas with partial to full shade. This makes them a great option for adding interest to darker areas of your garden.
Pairing Hostas with other shade-loving plants like ferns or Astilbe can create a lush and visually stunning garden bed. And come summertime, the Hostas produce tall spikes of white or lavender flowers that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Zinnia
Zinnias are a perfect addition to any garden bed. They are also one of the easiest flowers to harvest seeds from. You buy zinnia seeds once and with some easy seed saving techniques, you’ll have zinnias for the rest of your life. These bright and cheerful perennial flowers bloom in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, pink, and orange. Not only are they visually stunning, but they are also easy to grow and maintain. Zinnias can be grown in both full sun and partial shade, making them versatile.
Spiderwort
When looking to create a garden that blooms all year round, it’s important to consider the different varieties of plants that will complement each other. While Zinnias are a popular choice for their stunning colors and easy maintenance, pairing them with Spiderwort can take your garden to the next level. Spiderwort’s blue or purple flowers and grass-like foliage add a unique texture that makes it a great complement to the bold Zinnia. I find the delicate look of Spiderwort flowers to be absolutely breathtaking.
Cosmos
Adding Cosmos to your garden is another no-brainer, as they are so easy to grow and tend to. With its range of colors and sizes, cosmos are versatile and easy to incorporate into any existing garden. The delicate petals and vibrant center make it a perfect addition to any bouquet, and its long blooming season ensures that your garden will remain colorful and lively throughout the year.
When paired with Zinnias and Spiderwort, Cosmos can create an even more diverse and eye-catching garden. By mixing and matching different plant varieties, you can create a perennial garden that reflects your personal style and is sure to impress anyone who sees it.
Wild Geranium
Wild Geranium is a great addition to any garden looking to add a pop of color and natural beauty. This plant blooms with pink flowers that contrast beautifully with its green leaves, making it a stunning sight to behold. When paired with other plants like Zinnias and Spiderwort, Wild Geranium can elevate the look of your garden even further. But if you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for, low-maintenance option, you may want to consider Fleabane, which is equally impressive and beautiful.
Fleabane
Fleabane, like Wild Geranium, may be thought of as a weed by some, but they are so wrong! It’s not only a lovely perennial flower that can thrive in any garden, but it has natural first aid properties! It produces delicate, daisy-like flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple that can add a touch of whimsy to any landscape. This plant is also very easy to grow and maintain, making it a great option for beginner gardeners or those who want to add some beauty to their garden without putting in too much effort.
Fleabane is perfect for adding some color to your garden in the summer months, as it blooms from June to August
Fall Blooming Perennial Flowers
- Dogbane
- Sedum
- Rose of Sharon
- Golden Rod
- Chysanthemum
- Astilbe
Dogbane
Another surprise in my garden a few years ago was Dogbane – I thought it was milkweed! It looks very similar and has the same white sap, but it’s not a monarch feeder. Nevertheless, it is a great source of food for so many other pollinators! When it blooms in late summer or early fall, it has small clusters of pink or white flowers bloom that smell absolutely amazing. You can also harvest the stalks at the end of the season and use the fibers to make some incredibly strong rope – perfect for tying up tomatoes next year. Talk about gardening on a budget!
However before deciding to plant Dogbane, it’s important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic to animals if ingested, hence the name “Dogbane.” If you have pets that like to graze on your plants, it may be best to avoid this one.
Sedum
I am telling you now – Sedum will take over if you let it, but it still makes for a great addition to your perennial garden! It has an absolutely fascinating texture and I love it as ground cover. One of the most popular varieties is the “Autumn Joy,” which boasts beautiful pink flowers that bloom late in the season and transition to a deep copper color in the fall.
Sedum is not only beautiful, but it is also incredibly low-maintenance. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires very little watering. This makes it a great choice for busy gardeners who want a stunning plant that doesn’t require a lot of attention.
Rose of Sharon
The Rose of Sharon is one of my favorite fall blooming perennial plants. It’s a flowering shrub that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. With its trumpet-shaped blossoms in shades of pink, white, and blue, it’s sure to attract the attention of both people and pollinators. This plant is also known for its low-maintenance care, making it a great choice for those who want beautiful blooms without having to put in a lot of effort.
One of the best things about the Rose of Sharon is its versatility. It can grow up to 12 feet tall, but can also be pruned to fit in smaller spaces. Plus, it’s a late-bloomer, so it will keep your garden looking lively even after other plants have stopped producing flowers.
Golden Rod
As I mentioned above, I’m a big proponent of planting as many native perennial flowers as I can. One of those is definitely golden rod. Far too many people are ripping this out of the ground, thinking it horseweed, but golden rod is NOT hairy. And it IS an important source of nectar for so many pollinators! Especially since this perennial is one of the last to bloom as the months get colder, meaning it’s a pollinator’s last chance for food before winter takes over.
Goldenrod seeds are similar to dandelion seeds, big ol’ balls of fluff. You can cut it all back once the blooms die away and save the seeds to grow more next year. While it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, it will literally grow anywhere (as evidenced by the amount I’ve had grow through cracks in my driveway!)
Chrysanthemum
The Chrysanthemum is a classic autumn bloom that adds a pop of color to any garden. These hardy plants come in a variety of colors, from bright oranges and yellows to deep purples and pinks. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
Chrysanthemums prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, so be sure to choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant them in the spring or early summer, and you’ll be rewarded with blooms that last from late summer through the first frost.
One of the great things about Chrysanthemums is their versatility. They come in a range of sizes, from compact varieties that are perfect for container gardens to larger plants that can reach up to three feet tall. They are also a popular choice for cut flowers, so you can bring a bit of autumn cheer indoors as well.
As we move into the cooler months, the Chrysanthemum is a fantastic way to keep your garden looking vibrant and colorful. And if you’re looking for another hardy plant that can thrive in cooler temperatures, consider Astilbe.
Astilbe
Astilbe is a stunning plant that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. With its beautiful plumes of pink, white, and red flowers that bloom in late summer, it’s a perfect addition to any border or woodland garden. Not only is it a beautiful plant, but it’s also very hardy and low-maintenance, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all levels.
Astilbe prefers a partly shaded area with moist soil. It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist to ensure the plant doesn’t dry out, especially in the heat of the summer. Unlike some other plants, Astilbe doesn’t need much fertilization. A light application of compost or organic matter in the spring is usually sufficient.
As we move into the cooler months, Astilbe can continue to provide color and interest in the garden. While it may die back in the winter, it will come back strong in the spring. So, if you’re looking for a beautiful and hardy plant that can thrive in cooler temperatures, Astilbe is definitely worth considering.
Flowering Perrennial Herbs
- Catmint
- Lavender
- Purple Nettle
Herbs obviously have benefits to us directly in terms of consumption, but the flowers are worthy of a spot in your garden!
Catmint
One flowering perennial herb you might consider is catmint. It’s a beautifully aromatic and resilient perennial herb that can add both visual interest and functionality to your garden. Also known as Nepeta, catmint blooms in stunning shades of blue and purple, and its foliage is soft and almost velvety to the touch.
Beyond its beauty, catmint is also a great choice for gardeners looking to attract pollinators to their yard. Bees, butterflies and even hummingbirds are drawn to the sweet scent and nectar-rich flowers of catmint. I’ve also heard that catmint works naturally to help keep mosquitoes away!
Similar to lavender, catmint is a hardy plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is also drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners in hot and dry climates.
If you’re looking to create a garden that is both aesthetically pleasing and beneficial to wildlife, adding catmint is an excellent choice. And speaking of aromatic and hardy plants, let’s move on to lavender, another staple in the perennial garden.
Lavender
Similar to catmint, lavender is a hardy and versatile plant that is perfect for any garden. It not only adds a beautiful pop of color with its purple flowers, but its fragrant scent also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil but is also drought-tolerant, making it an easy choice for gardeners in hot and dry climates.
Aside from its stunning appearance and sweet aroma, lavender also has practical uses. Its essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and ease stress. It is also a natural insect repellent and can be used in homemade cleaning solutions.
If you want to incorporate lavender into your garden, there are numerous varieties to choose from, each with its unique characteristics. English and French lavender are the most common types, but there are also Spanish, Italian, and hybrid varieties available. With proper pruning and care, lavender can bloom for several months, ensuring your garden is full of stunning blooms all year round.
Purple Nettle
I’m a HUGE advocate of purple nettle and using it in tea, but I always leave plenty of flowers behind for the pollinators. This perennial herb has vibrant purple leaves and stems, making it a beautiful addition to any garden bed or container.
Purple Nettle prefers well-draining soil and a sunny location, but it can also tolerate some shade.
While it doesn’t produce big traditional blooms, Purple Nettle’s foliage and small pink flowers are stunning enough on its own to make a statement in your garden. Pair it with other purple flowers or plants for a monochromatic theme, or use it to add a pop of color to a green-dominated garden.
Achieving a blooming garden all year round is not as difficult as it may seem. By choosing the right perennials for your climate, designing your garden for maximum impact, and providing proper care, you can create a colorful oasis that will thrive for years to come. Remember to plan for color and texture in every season, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your design!
