Complete Gardening
Gardening enthusiasts often seek the perfect perennial for their gardens, but many overlook some hidden gems.
This article explores 25 underused perennials that can add beauty, variety, and resilience to any garden.
Discover the unique characteristics and benefits of these plants, each offering something special for your landscape.
1. Amsonia (Blue Star)
Amsonia, commonly known as Blue Star, is a treasure for gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty. In the spring, it graces the garden with clusters of soft blue, star-shaped blooms that bring a gentle charm.
As autumn approaches, its foliage transforms into a striking golden hue, providing a stunning seasonal display. This perennial is not only visually pleasing but also practical. It is deer-resistant, making it ideal for gardens in deer-populated areas.
With minimal care, Amsonia thrives, adding both color and texture to garden beds and borders, making it a worthwhile addition to any landscape.
2. Gillenia trifoliata (Bowman’s Root)
Gillenia trifoliata, or Bowman’s Root, enchants with its airy, star-like white flowers that elegantly dance on slender red stems. This perennial offers more than just springtime beauty; its foliage provides vibrant color in the fall, enhancing garden landscapes.
Ideal for woodland gardens, Bowman’s Root is not only attractive but also robust, tolerating a variety of soil conditions.
Its graceful appearance adds a touch of elegance and movement, creating a dynamic display in borders and naturalized settings. Consider this versatile plant for a garden feature that changes beautifully with the seasons.
3. Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver’s Root)
Culver’s Root, known scientifically as Veronicastrum virginicum, captivates with its tall and elegant spiky blooms. These blossoms, often in shades of white or lavender, are loved by pollinators, making them a favorite in eco-friendly gardens.
The plant’s vertical growth adds architectural interest, providing a focal point in garden beds. It’s a hardy perennial that thrives in full sun, adapting well to various soil types.
With its ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators, Culver’s Root not only beautifies your garden but also supports local biodiversity. A must-have for those seeking both elegance and ecological benefits.
4. Stokesia laevis (Stokes’ Aster)
Stokesia laevis, or Stokes’ Aster, stands out with its long-lasting, showy flowers. The fringed purple-blue blooms create a dramatic display that draws the eye in garden settings.
This perennial is appreciated for its extended blooming period, which keeps the garden vibrant through the summer. The plant’s adaptability to different soil types makes it a reliable choice for diverse landscapes.
Its compact growth habit suits both borders and containers, providing versatility in garden design. Stokes’ Aster is not just about looks; its resilience and low-maintenance nature make it a gardener’s delight.
5. Baptisia (False Indigo)
Baptisia, affectionately known as False Indigo, is a drought-tolerant perennial that impresses with its striking pea-like blooms. These flowers, coming in shades of blue and purple, create a stunning visual in any garden.
The plant is beloved for its adaptability, thriving in both sun and partial shade. Beyond its beauty, Baptisia’s attractive seedpods offer additional seasonal interest. Its robust nature requires minimal care, making it perfect for busy gardeners.
Whether used in borders or as a focal point, False Indigo adds both color and texture, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of garden landscapes.
6. Chelone (Turtlehead)
Chelone, commonly referred to as Turtlehead, captivates with its unique snapdragon-like flowers. Blooming in late summer, its pink blooms add a burst of color when many other plants begin to fade.
This perennial thrives in moist soils, making it ideal for wet garden areas or near pond edges. Its ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies adds life to the garden.
Chelone’s robust nature ensures it stands strong in shaded environments, providing both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits. For those seeking late-season color and uniqueness, Turtlehead is an excellent choice.
7. Kalimeris (Japanese Aster)
Kalimeris, or Japanese Aster, is known for its charming daisy-like flowers. With a long bloom period, it keeps gardens colorful and vibrant well into the season.
This perennial’s mounding habit makes it perfect for borders or as ground cover, providing a soft backdrop to other plants. It’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives in sunny locations and adapts well to various soil types.
The delicate blooms attract pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity. With its gentle beauty and robust nature, Japanese Aster is a wonderful addition to any gardener’s palette, offering continuous enjoyment through the seasons.
8. Centaurea montana (Perennial Cornflower)
Centaurea montana, known as Perennial Cornflower, delights with its fringed blue blooms appearing in late spring. These flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies, enhancing the ecological value of gardens.
The plant’s robust nature allows it to thrive in a variety of conditions, making it a versatile choice for garden borders. Its extended blooming period ensures a vibrant display throughout the growing season.
Perennial Cornflower’s ability to attract beneficial insects adds life and movement to garden spaces. For those seeking to combine beauty with ecological support, this perennial is a valuable addition.
9. Astrantia (Masterwort)
Astrantia, or Masterwort, is cherished for its unusual pincushion-like flowers. These delicate blooms, available in shades of pink and white, bring an ethereal charm to shade and woodland gardens.
The plant’s ability to thrive in low-light conditions makes it a favorite for shaded spots. Its flowers hold a unique texture and form, adding interest and intrigue to garden compositions.
Masterwort’s resilience and adaptability to various soil types make it a reliable choice for gardeners. Its enchanting appearance and low-maintenance needs ensure it remains a beloved perennial among garden enthusiasts looking for something out of the ordinary.
10. Persicaria amplexicaulis (Mountain Fleeceflower)
Persicaria amplexicaulis, or Mountain Fleeceflower, impresses with its long-lasting flower spikes. Available in red or pink, these blooms add vibrant color throughout the summer season.
The plant is admired for its adaptability, thriving in sunny garden areas with ease. Its lush green foliage provides a beautiful backdrop to the striking flower spikes.
Mountain Fleeceflower’s robust nature ensures it stands up to various environmental conditions, requiring minimal care. Its ability to attract pollinators adds ecological value, making it a beneficial addition to any garden.
For continuous color and low-maintenance appeal, this perennial is a top choice.
11. Dictamnus albus (Gas Plant)
Dictamnus albus, often called the Gas Plant, offers both visual and aromatic allure. Its spiky pink flowers are fascinating, providing a striking display in garden settings. One of the plant’s unique features is its aromatic foliage, which releases a fragrant oil.
On hot days, this oil can catch fire, adding an element of intrigue to its character. Despite this unusual trait, Dictamnus albus is a hardy perennial that thrives in sunny locations.
Its low-maintenance requirements make it a favorite for gardeners seeking distinctive beauty. Ideal for sunlit areas, the Gas Plant is sure to captivate and enchant.
12. Geranium macrorrhizum (Bigroot Geranium)
Geranium macrorrhizum, known as Bigroot Geranium, is a tough yet charming groundcover. Its bright pink flowers bring cheerful color to garden landscapes.
The plant’s scented leaves add an aromatic dimension, enhancing sensory experiences in the garden. Known for its resilience, Bigroot Geranium thrives in sunny or partially shaded areas, adapting well to a variety of soil types.
Its robust nature makes it an ideal choice for areas requiring low-maintenance ground cover. With its combination of beauty, scent, and hardiness, this perennial is a delightful addition to any garden, providing both aesthetic and practical benefits.
13. Thermopsis (False Lupine)
Thermopsis, affectionately referred to as False Lupine, captivates with its tall spikes of yellow blooms. Resembling the appearance of lupines, these flowers add a cheerful pop of color to garden landscapes.
The plant is known for its adaptability, thriving in sunny locations and tolerating various soil types. Its robust nature ensures it stands up to environmental challenges, providing a reliable display season after season.
False Lupine’s unique appearance and low-maintenance requirements make it a favorite among gardeners looking for visual impact with minimal effort. Ideal for borders and garden beds, Thermopsis is a showstopper.
14. Silene (Campion)
Silene, commonly known as Campion, is celebrated for its eye-catching blooms. Available in shades of red, pink, and white, these flowers add a splash of color and charm to garden spaces.
The plant’s airy stems create a delicate appearance, ideal for cottage gardens and informal borders. Silene’s ability to thrive in various soil conditions makes it a versatile choice for different garden settings.
Its vibrant blooms and easy care make it a popular selection for those seeking both beauty and simplicity. Whether used as a filler or focal point, Campion is sure to delight.
15. Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower)
Scabiosa, or Pincushion Flower, is a perennial favorite for its long-lasting blooms. Known for its pincushion-like flowers, this plant attracts pollinators, adding life and movement to garden spaces.
The blooms, often in shades of pink or lavender, create a soft, romantic aesthetic in garden borders. Scabiosa is appreciated for its adaptability, thriving in well-drained soils under sunny conditions.
Its ability to perform in cut arrangements makes it a versatile addition to floral displays. Easy to grow and care for, the Pincushion Flower is a must-have for those seeking beauty and biodiversity.
16. Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian)
Centranthus ruber, known as Red Valerian, is a resilient perennial that thrives in poor soils. Its clusters of vibrant red, pink, or white flowers offer a striking display in sunny garden areas.
The plant is appreciated for its ability to adapt to challenging conditions, making it a reliable choice for less-than-ideal garden settings. Red Valerian’s long blooming period ensures a continuous show of color throughout the growing season.
Its drought tolerance and low maintenance needs make it a gardener’s ally. Ideal for sunny borders or rocky gardens, this plant adds both beauty and resilience to landscapes.
17. Rodgersia
Rodgersia is known for its bold, textured foliage and creamy flower plumes. These features create a striking visual in moist, shady garden areas. The plant’s ability to thrive in low-light conditions makes it a favorite for shaded spots.
Its robust foliage adds architectural interest, providing a lush backdrop to other plantings. Rodgersia’s adaptability to various soil conditions ensures it remains a reliable choice for gardeners.
Its dramatic appearance and low-maintenance requirements make it a popular selection for those seeking impact with ease. Ideal for woodland gardens, this perennial is a standout.
18. Eryngium (Sea Holly)
Eryngium, commonly known as Sea Holly, is famous for its steel-blue spiky blooms. These distinctive flowers, combined with silvery foliage, add drama and texture to garden landscapes.
The plant is well-suited to sunny locations, where its unique appearance can shine. Eryngium’s drought tolerance and low maintenance needs make it a practical choice for a variety of garden settings.
Its ability to attract pollinators further enhances its ecological value. Sea Holly’s striking look and resilience make it a favorite among gardeners looking for bold, visual impact with minimal upkeep.
19. Tanacetum (Tansy)
Tanacetum, or Tansy, is recognized for its bright yellow, button-like blooms. Paired with ferny foliage, it creates a visually appealing display in garden environments.
The plant’s natural pest-repelling qualities make it a beneficial addition to gardens, helping to maintain plant health. Tansy thrives in sunny locations and adapts well to various soil conditions.
Its robust nature and ecological benefits ensure it remains a valuable perennial for gardeners. Whether used in borders or as a natural pest repellent, Tanacetum offers both beauty and practicality, enhancing the health and aesthetics of garden spaces.
20. Helenium (Sneezeweed)
Helenium, also known as Sneezeweed, is celebrated for its late-summer blooms. These daisy-like flowers come in warm tones, adding a burst of color to garden borders.
The plant is known for its adaptability and robust nature, thriving in sunny locations with ease. Helenium’s long blooming period provides continuous color through the season, ensuring vibrant garden displays.
Its ability to attract pollinators enhances the ecological value, supporting biodiversity. For those seeking late-season color and ecological benefits, Sneezeweed is a delightful choice, offering enduring beauty and practical advantages in the garden.
21. Cimicifuga (Bugbane / Actaea)
Cimicifuga, or Bugbane, offers both visual and fragrant appeal. Its tall, fragrant white spires bloom in late summer, providing a striking focal point in shaded garden areas.
The plant’s dramatic dark foliage adds depth and contrast, enhancing garden compositions. Cimicifuga thrives in moist, shady environments, adapting well to various soil conditions.
Its ability to attract pollinators adds ecological value, supporting garden biodiversity. For those seeking a combination of fragrance, beauty, and ecological benefits, Bugbane is an excellent choice, offering both aesthetic allure and practical advantages in garden settings.
22. Aruncus dioicus (Goat’s Beard)
Aruncus dioicus, known as Goat’s Beard, is reminiscent of a giant astilbe. Its large, fluffy white flower clusters create a stunning display in moist, shady garden areas.
The plant’s preference for shade and moisture-rich soils makes it a reliable choice for challenging garden conditions. Its robust nature ensures it remains a standout feature in any landscape.
Goat’s Beard’s impressive size and presence make it a focal point, enhancing the visual interest of garden spaces. For those seeking dramatic beauty with minimal care, Aruncus dioicus is an outstanding choice, providing bold impact and ecological value.
23. Polemonium (Jacob’s Ladder)
Polemonium, or Jacob’s Ladder, enchants with its graceful blue bell-like flowers. Its unique, ladder-like foliage adds a touch of whimsy to garden landscapes. The plant thrives in part shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
Polemonium’s delicate blooms and distinct foliage provide both color and texture, enhancing garden compositions. Its adaptability to various soil types ensures it remains a popular choice among gardeners.
For those seeking beauty with adaptability, Jacob’s Ladder offers both visual appeal and practical advantages, making it a cherished addition to a diverse garden palette.
24. Phlomis russeliana (Jerusalem Sage)
Phlomis russeliana, or Jerusalem Sage, captivates with its architectural yellow flowers. These blooms appear in tiers, adding structure and visual interest to garden settings.
The plant’s fuzzy evergreen foliage offers year-round appeal, enhancing the garden’s aesthetic even in the off-season. Thriving in sunny locations, Jerusalem Sage is drought-tolerant and adaptable to various soil conditions.
Its robust nature ensures it withstands environmental challenges, providing a reliable display. For those seeking bold form and resilience, Phlomis russeliana is a standout choice, offering both beauty and practicality, enriching garden landscapes with its unique character.
25. Liatris spicata (Blazing Star)
Liatris spicata, known as Blazing Star, is celebrated for its vertical spikes of purple blooms. These flowers are a magnet for pollinators, enhancing the ecological value of sunny garden borders.
The plant’s striking appearance adds height and drama, creating a focal point in garden landscapes. Liatris spicata thrives in sunny locations, requiring minimal care and offering long-lasting beauty.
Its ability to support biodiversity makes it a valuable addition for eco-conscious gardeners. For those seeking height, color, and ecological benefits, Blazing Star is an outstanding choice, providing both visual impact and practical advantages.