Complete Gardening
Transform your garden into a breathtaking oasis with these 22 stunning perennials. Perfect for both novice and seasoned gardeners, this curated list will guide you through the best perennials to plant now for vibrant colors, delightful fragrances, and enduring beauty.
Each plant comes with its unique charm, offering something special for every garden enthusiast. Whether you’re looking to attract pollinators, cover shady areas, or simply add a splash of color, these perennials will not disappoint.
Get ready to explore a world of endless gardening possibilities and let your garden become the envy of the neighborhood.
1. Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies are the reliable workhorses of the perennial world, bursting forth with a dazzling array of colors. Imagine a sea of trumpet-shaped blooms, each one only lasting a single day but quickly replaced by another.
This makes them a dynamic presence in any garden. Despite their short-lived flowers, their lush, strap-like leaves remain a constant, providing structure and greenery.
Easy to care for and adaptable to various conditions, daylilies are a must-have. They symbolize rebirth and renewal, perfect for gardeners looking to refresh their outdoor space.
2. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-eyed Susans are the charismatic stars of the late summer garden, with their golden petals and dark, central cones. They effortlessly attract pollinators, acting as a beacon for bees and butterflies.
Their cheery disposition is infectious, bringing a sunny vibe to any space. These perennials are as tough as they are beautiful, thriving in poor soil and resisting pests.
A symbol of encouragement and motivation, Black-eyed Susans inspire gardeners to embrace resilience and positivity.
3. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)
Shasta Daisies bring a timeless charm with their simple yet elegant white petals and sunny yellow centers. They’re the quintessential cottage garden flower, evoking nostalgia and simplicity.
As low-maintenance beauties, they require little fuss, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Their long-lasting blooms make for excellent cut flowers, brightening indoor spaces.
Shasta Daisies symbolize purity and perfection, ideal for gardeners seeking a touch of elegance and tradition.
4. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Coneflowers are the stalwarts of the perennial garden, known for their resilience and striking appearance. Their drooping petals and spiky centers come in shades of purple, pink, and white.
These hardy plants are not only beautiful but also medicinal, often used in herbal remedies. They attract butterflies, adding life and movement to the garden.
Coneflowers symbolize health and healing, making them a perfect choice for those who appreciate the nurturing side of nature.
5. Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender is synonymous with relaxation, its soothing scent wafting through the air. This drought-tolerant perennial is perfect for sunny gardens and is often used in aromatherapy. Its purple flowers are not only beautiful but also attract pollinators.
Lavender is a symbol of serenity and calm, offering a peaceful retreat in any garden. Its silvery foliage adds a touch of elegance, making it a versatile choice for borders, containers, or as a fragrant hedge.
6. Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Coreopsis, or Tickseed, brings a splash of sunshine with its vibrant yellow blooms. These daisy-like flowers are easy to grow and thrive in a variety of conditions, making them perfect for gardeners of all levels.
Their long blooming period ensures a continuous burst of color throughout the season. Coreopsis is known for attracting beneficial insects, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem. They symbolize cheerfulness and love, adding a touch of joy to any landscape.
7. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum, commonly known as Stonecrop, thrives where others falter, making it a stalwart choice for challenging spots in the garden. Their succulent foliage is drought-resistant, while the clusters of star-shaped flowers add a touch of whimsy.
Sedums transform any barren landscape into a lush, textured tapestry. Their ability to withstand heat and poor soil makes them ideal for rock gardens or rooftops. Sedum represents tranquility and peace, ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance garden refuge.
8. Salvia (Perennial Sage)
Salvia, with its spiky blooms, brings drama and vertical interest to any garden. Known for attracting hummingbirds, these tall, colorful spikes dance in the wind, adding movement and life.
Salvia thrives in sunny spots, offering a splash of color from spring to fall. Its aromatic foliage is a delight to the senses, adding another layer of interest. A symbol of wisdom and longevity, Salvia enriches gardens with both beauty and meaning.
9. Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint, with its aromatic, lavender-blue flowers, brings a relaxed charm to garden borders. These perennial favorites are loved by bees and butterflies, creating a living tapestry of buzzing and fluttering.
Their cascading growth habit softens hard edges and fills gaps beautifully. Catmint is known for its resilience and low-maintenance nature, thriving in full sun or partial shade. It represents happiness and joy, a delightful addition to any gardener’s repertoire.
10. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee Balm, also known as Monarda, is a showy perennial that draws pollinators like a magnet. Its vibrant, tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple are a feast for hummingbirds and bees.
Beyond its beauty, Bee Balm has medicinal properties, often used as a natural remedy. This plant thrives in sunny or partially shaded spots, adding fragrance and flair. Bee Balm symbolizes protection and prosperity, nurturing both the garden and the soul.
11. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian Sage enchants with its airy, blue-purple blooms and aromatic, silvery foliage. This perennial thrives in heat and drought, offering a haze of color that captivates the eye. Its soft, ethereal presence is ideal for creating a dreamy landscape.
Russian Sage attracts bees and butterflies, fostering a lively garden ecosystem. It symbolizes resilience and strength, perfect for those who appreciate understated elegance with a touch of wildness.
12. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow’s flat-topped flower clusters come in an array of colors, creating a meadow-like feel in any garden. These hardy perennials are known for their medicinal uses, often employed in herbal remedies.
Yarrow thrives in various conditions, from sun-drenched fields to shaded nooks. Its long blooming season ensures a steady supply of color and attracts beneficial insects. Yarrow symbolizes healing and courage, making it a meaningful addition to any garden.
13. Hosta
Hostas are the undisputed kings of shade, with their lush, expansive leaves creating a verdant oasis. These foliage-focused perennials come in a variety of shapes and colors, from deep greens to striking variegated patterns.
While their blooms are subtle, Hostas are prized for their texture and form. They thrive in shaded spots, adding depth and interest to otherwise neglected areas.
Hostas symbolize friendship and devotion, perfect for gardeners seeking to cultivate a serene retreat.
14. Astilbe
Astilbe’s feathery plumes add a touch of elegance to moist, shaded gardens. These perennials come in shades of pink, red, and white, offering a soft, airy presence that complements other shade-loving plants.
Their fern-like foliage provides texture even when not in bloom. Astilbe thrives in consistently moist soil, making it ideal for water’s edge or woodland gardens.
Symbolizing patience and dedication, Astilbe is a graceful choice for those who value beauty in subtlety.
15. Peony (Paeonia)
Peonies are the crown jewels of the perennial world, known for their large, luscious blooms and intoxicating fragrance. Each flower is a masterpiece, unfolding layer upon layer of delicate petals.
Peonies thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil, rewarding gardeners with blooms that can last for decades.
These perennials symbolize romance and prosperity, making them a beloved choice for garden enthusiasts. Their lush foliage remains attractive throughout the season, adding to their appeal.
16. Geranium (Cranesbill)
Geraniums, or Cranesbills, are the versatile stars of the garden, offering long-lasting blooms in a variety of colors. These hardy perennials are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them a favorite among gardeners.
Their mounding habit and attractive foliage make them perfect for borders or containers. Geraniums symbolize comfort and good health, bringing a sense of well-being to any space. With their cheerful demeanor, they’re a joy to have in any garden setting.
17. Veronica (Speedwell)
Veronica, or Speedwell, adds a touch of elegance with its spiky blooms in shades of blue and purple. These perennials create a striking contrast against soft foliage, adding depth and interest. Veronica is easy to grow, thriving in sunny or partially shaded areas.
Their long blooming period ensures a consistent display of color, attracting bees and butterflies. Symbolizing fidelity and hope, Veronica is a meaningful choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and sentiment in their landscapes.
18. Iris
Irises stand tall and proud, with their elegant, sword-like leaves and intricate blooms. These perennials come in a rainbow of colors, from deep purples to sunny yellows, offering a striking visual impact.
Irises thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil, adding a touch of sophistication to garden paths or borders. Symbolizing wisdom and valor, Irises are a meaningful addition to any landscape.
Their blooms, though short-lived, are unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on all who see them.
19. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
Blanket Flowers bring a wild, rustic appeal with their bold, daisy-like blooms. The vibrant reds and yellows create a lively tapestry that brightens any garden space.
These perennials are drought-tolerant and thrive in sunny spots, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. Blanket Flowers symbolize joy and enthusiasm, perfect for gardeners looking to infuse their space with energy and warmth.
Their long blooming period ensures that their cheerful presence endures throughout the season.
20. Foxglove (Digitalis)
Foxgloves add vertical drama with their tall spikes of tubular blooms. These majestic perennials come in shades of pink, purple, and white, drawing the eye skyward.
Foxgloves thrive in partial shade, adding height and elegance to woodland gardens or shaded borders. Symbolizing creativity and energy, they inspire gardeners to reach for new heights.
While beautiful, Foxgloves are also toxic, reminding us of nature’s duality. Their presence adds both beauty and intrigue to any garden setting.
21. Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbines are the epitome of whimsy with their unique, nodding blooms and intricate spurs. These perennials add an air of enchantment to any garden setting. Columbines thrive in dappled shade, making them perfect for woodland gardens or shaded corners.
Their diverse range of colors and patterns ensures a playful display. Columbines symbolize wisdom and peace, offering a gentle reminder of nature’s beauty and complexity.
22. Lupine (Lupinus)
Lupines bring a burst of vertical interest with their tall, colorful spires. These perennials are known for their vibrant hues, ranging from pinks and purples to blues and whites.
Lupines thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil, adding texture and movement to garden beds.
Symbolizing imagination and creativity, Lupines inspire gardeners to dream big. Their presence is both bold and beautiful, transforming any garden into a lively masterpiece.