Perennial flowers are some of the most dependable blooms to add vibrant colors to any garden, as they don’t require as much sun or water as annuals, and will often self-seed themselves every year.
To select an ideal perennial for your garden, begin by checking its USDA Hardiness Zone rating. This will show how hardy the plant is in your region’s winter climate.
1. Rose Mallow
If you’re searching for an easy-to-grow hibiscus suitable for colder climates, try rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos). This native species thrives in wet areas such as creek edges.
These plants thrive in moist, well-draining soil that’s abundant with organic matter and slightly acidic; full sun is ideal, although partial shade will also support growth and flowering.
Rose Mallow is an ornamental perennial that thrives in USDA zones 5-10. Ideally planted in sunny spots without too much rainfall and using rich, moisture-retaining soil amended with compost or other organic matter for optimal success, Rose Mallow requires ample sunlight.
This tropical-looking plant blooms from midsummer until the first frosts of fall. Its vibrant flowers measure from 5-12″, featuring deep red or burgundy centers and yellow stamens for added flair.
2. Stonecrop
Stonecrop is an excellent perennial succulent suitable for rock gardens and containers. Drought-tolerant, it requires little watering and provides essential nectar source for bees and butterflies.
Stonecrop plants thrive when grown in full sun with well-drained soil. It’s an excellent option for gardeners with limited time or space who want a low maintenance option that won’t take over their garden space.
Landscape plants such as these work great as ground covers or fillers between other specimen plants in your landscape, providing ground coverage or filler between certain varieties of specimen plants. Low-growing varieties make a beautiful border or walkway ground cover, while upright species make striking back borders.
Stonecrop stands out among other plants for its resistance to pests and diseases, especially mealybugs, but these pesky insects can easily be dealt with using insecticidal soap, neem oil or ladybugs.
3. Astilbe
Astilbe is a perennial plant with underground rhizomes that spread, making it suitable for use in many garden settings, from woodland areas to water features. Astilbe can make an excellent addition to your landscape!
Astilbes thrive in moist, slightly acidic soils with good drainage, but don’t fare as well in clay-rich environments or dry locations where excess water collects quickly before quickly evaporating off again.
Plant astilbe during spring when soil temperatures have had time to warm. Prepare the area by clearing away weeds and debris before amending with compost for optimal growth.
Astilbe can be found at most garden centers, or it can be grown from its bare roots. Bare root plants tend to be easier and faster growing than starting them from seeds; however, their blooms may not produce as many blooms and might not be as hardy.
4. Yarrow
Yarrow is an ideal plant choice for your garden as it attracts beneficial insects that help control pests like caterpillars. Furthermore, this flower deters pesky pests by repelling pesky pests such as ticks.
Dynamic Accumulators(r) technology can retain and restore minerals in soil, making it ideal for replenishing nutrients in depleted or poorly-drained environments.
Toxicity-absorbing plants like these can also be an effective way to clean up soil that has become polluted with lead and other toxins, and may even help remove lead paint contamination in old homes.
5. Phlox
Phlox is an easy and low maintenance flower that will add vivid hues to your garden during spring and summer, providing color without too much maintenance. Furthermore, its spreading roots make phlox ideal for use as ground cover in areas with limited sunlight exposure.
Phlox plants come in many varieties, from tiny fern-like foliage to tall flower clusters with upright stems. Phlox plants make great choices for covering gaps in perennial gardens while drawing in butterflies and bees to your yard.
Winter-hardy perennials thrive in most climates, although certain cultivars perform best in warmer environments. These flowers love full sun or partial shade exposure and thrive when planted in moist, fertile soil with an ample layer of compost or organic matter incorporated.
6. Thrift
Thrift (Armeria maritima) is an evergreen perennial plant that thrives in harsh coastal environments. The flowers form clusters which explode like pompoms at the end of leafless stalks known as scapes, creating beautiful bouquets.
Plant in large groups for eye-catching color! With its low mat of grass-like foliage, this flower makes an eye-catching statement in rock gardens.
Peat moss can improve drainage. A well-drained soil with pH levels between 5.5 to 7.5 is best, though nutrients don’t have to be added if growing well-drained plants such as these.
7. Anemone
Anemone flowers are breathtaking perennials that will thrive year after year with proper care in your garden or as cut flowers in containers. You’re sure to be dazzled by them year after year when it blooms!
An anemone garden design strategy to use it effectively is to incorporate other plants that attract pollinators insects. Anemone flowers feature pollen-rich petals that attract beneficial butterflies and insects that help prevent pest infestation.
Anemones can be grown in gardens in both fall and spring if you live in warmer climates, while for those in colder regions you should dig up and store corms until next spring when planting them again. Pre-sprouting them also gives a headstart in colder regions and breaks dormancy sooner.
8. Anemone Spires
Anemone Spires are gorgeous bloomers that bring color to the garden during periods when few other perennials bloom. Available in various shades, these versatile perennials make an easy addition.
Low maintenance landscaping options that attract pollinators. In addition, their unique texture resists deer and rabbit damage.
Long blooming seasons allow you to take full advantage of their stunning flowers, and cutting for bouquets is easy!
These perennials require very minimal care, making them perfect for cottage or informal gardens. Their natural movement will bring movement into your yard.
These semi-double blooms bear an uncanny resemblance to poppies, boasting their characteristic semi-double shape. Available in blue, red, white and violet shades – making them the ideal addition to a colorful flowerbed or cutting garden for creating stunning bouquets!
9. Lavandula
Lavender is an evergreen perennial shrub known for its showy foliage and soothing fragrance, making it a versatile landscaping plant that thrives both under heat and drought stress.
Essential oil from citrus trees offers numerous health advantages, from relieving anxiety to improving sleep, as well as treating pain and skin conditions. Furthermore, aromatherapy makes use of this oil in creating scented bath salts and soaps.
Lavender can be grown from seeds or cuttings in your garden. For optimal results, plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Lavender is a hardy perennial plant found throughout Europe, Africa, Canary Islands and India.
10. Asters
Asters bloom late summer through fall, offering essential pollen and nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies as well as providing an attractive accent plant in garden beds or containers.
Asters are an easy perennial to cultivate and come in an assortment of shapes and colors. Their short varieties make ideal filler plants for garden beds or containers; tall varieties provide stunning carpets of color when other perennials have finished blooming.
Asters thrive in full sun with well-drained, organically rich soils. Feed them with slow-release all-purpose or flowering-specific fertilizer in spring and again in summer to promote their growth and ensure they bloom successfully. Mulch with compost to improve soil structure and retain moisture levels.