Late bloomers
These beautiful flowers bloom during the mid to late winter months, often appearing around the time of Lent when snow is still covering the ground. Known as Lenten roses or hellebores, these delicate-looking plants are actually quite resilient. They feature evergreen foliage and prefer shady areas, although they can tolerate some morning sun.
Peony
Peonies are a great addition to your perennial garden as they can thrive for many years. These vibrant flowers typically bloom in late spring, offering intense fragrances and coming in a variety of colors and shapes. The insects that visit peonies are not harmful pests; they are simply enjoying the nectar. Make sure to provide peonies with plenty of sunlight for optimal growth.
Peonies Forever
Beardtongue, also known as Penstemon, is a tough and resilient summer bloomer that thrives in sunny conditions. This plant, which can withstand drought and resist deer, is perfect for any garden. Its foliage comes in shades of deep green or burgundy, while its pink flowers with deep throats attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Lavender is a popular option for adding color and attracting pollinators to your garden.
There are various types of lavender that are suitable for different conditions: English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most common, but there is also lavandin, a hybrid that is less demanding. Spanish lavender has “bunny ear” tufts on its flower spikes, but it is not as cold-resistant as other varieties. Be sure to check the tag to find one that is suitable for your USDA hardiness zone. Lavender needs full sun and good drainage.
Coral Bells
Heuchera, commonly known as coral bells, have become increasingly popular in recent years with the introduction of many new cultivars. These plants are mainly grown for their stunning, ruffled foliage that comes in a variety of colors, ranging from lime green to bright plum. In addition to their beautiful leaves, coral bells also produce delicate flower spikes that attract hummingbirds during the summer months. These versatile plants thrive in both sun and shade, with a preference for afternoon shade in hotter climates.
Dahlias come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them almost too perfect to be real. From small, ball-shaped blooms to dinner plate-sized flowers, there is a dahlia for every taste. These gorgeous flowers also have a long vase life, making them a great choice for floral arrangements. In colder climates, the tubers need to be dug up and stored after the first frost hits, to be replanted in the spring. Dahlias thrive in full sun, so make sure to give them plenty of light.
Charming tiny buds, resembling small balloons, bloom into enduring star-shaped flowers in the middle of summer. The blossoms come in a beautiful deep blue or light pink color. Luckily, deer typically don’t bother them. Make sure to give these balloon flowers plenty of sunlight. Known as Japanese Anemone.
These delightful perennial plants offer a burst of color in the later part of the season, extending their beauty well into autumn. Known as wildflowers, they possess a delicate charm, boasting an abundance of pink or white flowers dotting their long stems above their lush foliage.
Cranesbill
Cranesbill, also known as perennial geraniums, are resilient plants that can thrive in less than ideal soil conditions and withstand harsh cold weather. Their pleasant-smelling foliage not only adds beauty to the garden but also helps to keep rabbits at bay. Delicate flowers crown the foliage in the early summer, with some varieties continuing to bloom throughout the season. Cranesbill plants thrive best in full sunlight, but can also tolerate some shade.
Paper poppies, also known as Oriental poppies, showcase delicate blooms that grace gardens from spring to early summer. By planting their roots in autumn, you can expect a colorful display the following year. Some varieties are annuals, spreading their seeds effortlessly. These lovely flowers are a favorite of butterflies and thrive in full sun.
While its name may not be the most appealing, lungwort remains a popular choice for shade gardens. With its silvery markings and delightful purple-pink blooms in early spring, this plant, also known as pulmonaria, has a charm of its own. Interestingly, its name stems from its past use in treating respiratory disorders.
Salvia is a resilient perennial with spiky clusters of purple, pink or white blooms sitting atop compact foliage. These summer flowers are not only attractive to pollinators but also tough and low-maintenance, making them an essential addition to any sunny garden.
Bearded irises come in a vibrant range of colors, from magenta to coral to hot pink, making them stunning performers in the garden. They vary in height from 12 to 36 inches, so be sure to check the tag before purchasing to know where to plant them in your beds and borders so they don’t overshadow shorter plants. They require full sun to flourish.
Bearded irises are unique flowers with an elongated cluster of hairs that resemble tiny beards. There are over 70,000 registered varieties of these beautiful plants, known for their sword-shaped leaves. They can be planted across most of the United States, except for some regions in the hottest parts of the south. Irises thrive in full sun.
Ranunculus
Gaillardia have beautiful, delicate flowers in a wide array of colors. They are perfect for bouquets. Plant the bulbs either in spring or fall, depending on your location, and make sure to dig them up in colder climates and replant them in the spring. They require plenty of sunlight. Coreopsis
Coreopsis is a laid-back perennial that flowers from summer to autumn. These resilient plants can withstand high temperatures, humidity, and lack of water; they also attract pollinators and make lovely arrangements. They are able to thrive in zones 3 to 9 and usually reach a height of about 36 inches.
Catmint
Easy-care catmint blooms with vibrant purple flowers during the spring and summer months, adding a pop of color to the garden. In the fall and winter, its gray-green foliage still adds beauty to the landscape. This plant attracts not only pollinators but also cats, who are drawn to a specific chemical found in the plant (in small amounts, it’s non-toxic to them). We recommend planting catmint in an area with full to partial shade, such as lining a garden pathway. Yellow.
Yellow is a low-maintenance perennial that is adored by butterflies. Plant after the final frost of spring for blossoms in yellow, pink, white, or red that will bloom all summer long and are perfect for floral arrangements. Resilient to drought and pests, yellow thrives in zones 3 to 9 in sunny spots with well-drained soil.
Consider low-growing phlox as a beautiful addition to your perennial garden beds. Their star-shaped flowers attract pollinators, while deer and other animals tend to steer clear. Phlox thrives in zones 3 through 9, and grows best in full sun to partial shade, depending on the specific variety. These spring-blooming plants prefer to be planted after the last frost has passed.
Bee balm
Attract a variety of beautiful creatures like butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees to your garden by planting fragrant bee balm. These lovely creatures can’t resist the sweet nectar of this summer-blooming plant. Bee balm is resilient in zones 4 through 9, reaching a height of two to four feet and flourishing in full sunlight. To keep the pink, purple, red, and white blooms looking vibrant throughout late summer, make sure to deadhead them regularly.
