Best Perennials for Your Garden

Most perennials are sold when they’re in bloom, so you can see the colors you want before planting. Choosing the right perennials for your garden starts with first checking the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to figure out choices for your region.

Next, look at each perennial’s plant tag to match its sunlight and soil needs to your garden’s conditions:

• Full sun means six or more hours of sunlight per day.
• Partial sun means four to six hours of sunlight per day.
• Shade means at least two hours of bright, indirect sunlight.
• If your garden doesn’t get much sun, don’t worry. Many perennials grow beautifully in pots. Use large containers or half-barrels to give their roots plenty of room. Place them in the sunniest spots you can find with well-draining soil.

Planting perennials takes a little preparation to help them thrive. Follow these steps to give your plants the best start:

• Loosen the soil to a depth of 12–18 inches.
• Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball so roots have room to spread.
• Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil. Planting too deep can suffocate the roots. Planting too shallow can dry them out.
• Fill the hole with soil. Gently pack it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
• Water thoroughly.
• Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will retain moisture and prevent weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the plant’s crown to prevent rot.
• You can find perennials that thrive in a variety of garden conditions.
  

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Every garden is unique, and the right perennials can transform your space into a thriving, colorful haven. Whatever your garden needs, there’s a perennial to match.

Here are some top picks for different conditions:

• For hot, dry climates, try succulents, Asclepias (butterfly weed), Russian sage, Dianthus, Lavender, Sedum, Creeping thyme or Yucca. These plants thrive in the heat and don’t mind skipping a watering or two.
• For long-lasting blooms throughout the season, plant Achillea (yarrow), Agastache, Campanula (bellflower), Clematis, Gaura, Kniphofia (red hot poker), Nepeta (catmint) or Veronica (speedwell).
• For easy-to-grow perennials, go with Columbine, Coreopsis, Daylily, Hosta, Iris or Shasta daisy. They’re great for beginners or anyone who wants a low-maintenance garden.
• For shade gardens, plant Hostas, Heuchera or Hellebores. These beauties can thrive in even the darkest corners of your yard.
• For a burst of fall color, try Aster, ornamental grasses like Muhly grass or Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)

Tip: Group perennials with similar water and sunlight needs together to make maintenance easier and keep plants thriving.

Some perennials, like peonies, can last for decades. Others, such as foxglove and hollyhock, are short-lived and return for only two or three years. Hardy plants like yarrow tolerate drought, are easy to grow and bloom for a long time.

Here’s how to help every type of perennial you grow thrive:

• In the spring, plant new perennials and divide existing ones to keep them healthy. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer to give plants a strong start. Watch for pests like aphids and treat them with natural remedies like neem oil.
• In the summer, deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Keep a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture.
• Fall is the perfect time to cut back perennials. Wait until after the first frost when the foliage starts to die back. Cut back foliage to the ground to keep your garden tidy and prevent pests from overwintering in the dead leaves. Dig up and store tender bulbs like dahlias or gladiolus in a cool, dark spot before any freeze happens. Divide overcrowded plants and replant or share them with friends.
• Protect tender perennials in winter with a layer of mulch or burlap in colder climates. Plan your garden for the next season and order seeds or plants.

Tip: Keep a gardening journal to track what works well in your garden and plan for future seasons.

Consistent care goes a long way with perennials. Here’s how to give them the attention they need:

• Water new perennials regularly for the first few weeks, then water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid soggy soil, which can lead to root rot.
• For pests like aphids or slugs, use natural remedies like neem oil or diatomaceous earth to protect your plants.
• Divide overcrowded plants every few years to prevent competition for nutrients and to keep them growing strong.
• If leaves are wilting or yellowing, check for overwatering or poor drainage and adjust accordingly.
• If your plants aren’t blooming, make sure they’re getting enough sunlight and aren’t overcrowded.

Native perennials are perfectly adapted to your region’s climate and support local pollinators. Native plants often need less water and fertilizer, making them a budget-friendly choice. They’re also great for beginner gardeners and naturally resistant to pests and diseases.

Some popular native perennials are:

• Coneflowers
• Black-eyed Susans
• Milkweed
• Goldenrod
• Bee balm

Native perennials provide a lifeline for local wildlife. Birds, bees and butterflies rely on these plants for food and shelter. Milkweed, for example, is essential for monarch butterflies, while goldenrod attracts a variety of pollinators.

Pairing perennials with the right companions can enhance their growth, deter pests and create a more beautiful garden. Companion planting helps bring out the best in all the plants in your garden.

• Combine hostas with ferns for a lush, shade-loving garden. These plants thrive together in low-light areas and create a calming, woodland vibe.
• Pair peonies with alliums to keep pests at bay. Alliums act as a natural pest deterrent, protecting your peonies while adding a pop of color to your garden.

There’s nothing quite like filling your home with fresh flowers from your own garden. Perennials are some of the best flowers for cutting. Cutting flowers not only provides fresh bouquets but also encourages new blooms throughout the season.

Some of the best perennials for cut flowers include:

• Daisies
• Asters
• Chrysanthemums
• Peonies
• Shrub or Landscape Roses
• Lilies
• Coneflowers
• Dahlias
• Black-eyed Susans
• Yarrow

A vase of fresh flowers on your table is a simple way to bring a little joy into your home. Here’s some tips to make your cut flowers last longer and look their best.

• For the longest-lasting blooms, cut flowers early in the morning before the heat of the day. Use sharp, clean pruners or snips to avoid crushing stems.
• Remove foliage from the bottom of stems to keep water clean.
• Place stems in room temperature water immediately after cutting to keep them fresh and hydrated.
• When you’re ready to arrange your blooms, always start with a clean vase or container filled midway with lukewarm water and a floral preservative.
• Keep your bouquets out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
• Refresh water every other day to keep flowers looking fresh.
• With these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of your garden indoors as well as outdoors.