Transform Your Garden with 18 Long-Blooming Perennial Flowers
Are you tired of replanting your garden every year? Do you dream of a vibrant garden that blooms from spring through summer to fall without constantly replacing flowers? Perennial flowers are the answer you’ve been looking for! These plants return year after year, bringing beautiful blooms to your yard without the hassle of replanting each spring. While some perennials bloom for only a short period, there are many long-blooming varieties that will keep your garden colorful all season long.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 long-blooming perennial flowers that will transform your garden into a low-maintenance oasis of beauty. From garden phlox to black-eyed susans, these plants will bring color and joy to your yard year after year. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect perennials for your garden.
1. Garden Phlox
Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a staple in the summer garden. These long-blooming perennials flower from midsummer well into the fall, providing your garden with beautiful blooms. Look for mildew-resistant cultivars like ‘David’ for healthy foliage all summer long. Deadhead spent flowers to keep your garden phlox looking its best.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
2. Stella de Oro Daylily
Stella de Oro daylily (Hemerocallis’Stella de Oro’) is a compact plant known for its very long bloom period from May through July. While individual blooms last only one day, this low-maintenance perennial is a must-have for any garden. Divide the plants to propagate new ones and enjoy continuous blooms year after year.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
3. Becky Shasta Daisy
Becky Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum×superbum’Becky’) bloom from July through September, adding a touch of classic beauty to your garden. These tough plants are resilient and easy to care for, growing 3 to 4 feet tall. Enjoy the cheerful ambiance created by these daisy-like flowers all summer long.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
4. Perennial Salvia
Salvia is a large genus of plants that includes perennial species known for their long-lasting blooms. Regular deadheading will help these perennials bloom all summer long, with little maintenance required. Enjoy a variety of flower colors and species as these plants bring beauty to your garden.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
5. Russian Sage
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) may have small blossoms, but they create a beautiful wispy look in the garden. These showy perennials bloom from July through October, adding a touch of elegance to your landscape. Enjoy the attractive foliage and low maintenance of Russian sage in your garden.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
6. Yarrow
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is an herb plant that flowers all summer long, from June through September. These versatile plants grow 2 to 3 feet tall and offer clusters of white flowers. Enjoy the beauty and low maintenance of yarrow in your garden, perfect for attracting butterflies.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
7. English Lavender
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) blooms from June through August, adding a touch of class to your garden. These fragrant perennials grow 2 to 3 feet tall and are perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere in your outdoor space.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
8. Ice Plant
Ice plant (Delosperma cooperi) is a low-lying perennial that blooms from June through September. These vivid flowers and unusual leaves create a unique element in your garden, perfect for borders or containers. Enjoy the beauty of ice plant with minimal maintenance required.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
9. Coneflower
Coneflowers (Echinacea genus) bloom from June through August, adding a pop of color to your garden. These low-maintenance perennials grow 2 to 5 feet tall and benefit from occasional division. Enjoy the beauty and resilience of coneflowers in your landscape.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
10. Threadleaf Coreopsis
Threadleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata) produces small, daisy-like yellow flowers on compact plants with delicate foliage. These easy-to-care-for perennials bloom in the summer and can be encouraged to rebloom with regular deadheading. Enjoy the vibrant color and low maintenance of threadleaf coreopsis in your garden.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
11. Butterfly Bush
Butterfly bush (Buddleia genus) blooms from June through September, attracting butterflies to your garden. These deciduous shrubs come in a variety of sizes, with some cultivars being more compact than others. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent self-seeding and enjoy the beauty of butterfly bush in your yard.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
12. Black-Eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) blooms all summer, bringing cheerful color to your garden. These low-maintenance perennials grow 2 to 3 feet tall and require minimal care. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming and prevent spreading through self-seeding.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
13. Autumn Joy Stonecrop
Autumn Joy stonecrop (Hylotelephium’Herbstfreude’) blooms in late summer, with flowers that darken over several weeks to a beautiful rust-red or purple color. These long-lasting perennials require little maintenance and are prized for their fall color. Enjoy the beauty of Autumn Joy stonecrop in your garden year after year.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
14. Catmint
Catmint (Nepeta racemosa) is a low-growing perennial perfect for ground cover. This plant blooms from spring through early fall and requires minimal care. Enjoy the blooms of catmint in your garden and stimulate reblooming by shearing flower spikes after they bloom.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
15. Spiked Speedwell
Spiked speedwell (Veronica spicata) produces spikes of blue flowers on compact plants that bloom from June through August. Regular shearing will help extend the flowering season of ‘Royal Candles’ cultivar. Enjoy the beauty of spiked speedwell in your garden all summer long.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
16. Red Hot Poker
Red hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria) produces vibrant red and yellow flowers on tall spires. These striking perennials bloom from late spring to midsummer and require minimal maintenance. Deadhead spent flowers to keep your red hot poker plants looking their best.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
17. Dalmatian Bellflowers
Dalmatian bellflowers (Campanula portenschlagiana) are mat-forming plants that bloom for two months in late spring and early summer. These low-maintenance perennials are perfect for edging, ground cover, or trailing over walls. Divide plants every few years to keep them vigorous and thriving.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
18. Fringed Bleeding Heart
Fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia) blooms for three months during the growing season, from late spring to late summer. Enjoy the fern-like foliage and unique blossoms of this shade-loving perennial in your garden. With minimal care required, fringed bleeding heart is a must-have for any shade garden.
- USDA Growing Zones:
- Color Varieties:
- Sun Exposure:
- Soil Needs:
Regional Recommendations
While these 18 long-blooming perennials are sure to bring beauty to your garden, it’s essential to consider regional variations and cultivars that are well-suited to your specific climate. Consult local plant experts or university extension departments for recommendations on the best long-blooming plants for your region. By choosing the right plants for your area, you can create a garden that blooms year after year with minimal effort.
In conclusion, perennial flowers offer a low-maintenance solution to a vibrant and colorful garden. With the right selection of long-blooming perennials, you can enjoy beautiful blooms from spring through summer to fall. Transform your garden with these 18 stunning perennials and create a landscape that will bring joy and beauty year after year. Happy gardening!