Top 10 Perennial Flowers to Enhance Your Garden's Beauty

Perennial plants bloom year after year, typically in spring, summer, and fall, adding lasting charm to gardens. The ten preferred perennial species listed here feature vibrant colors and are widely available at gardening centers. Keep in mind, these plants may take several weeks or even a couple of years to fully establish and produce flowers. Patience is key when starting new perennials from seed.

Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisies are striking perennial blooms that draw attention. Their elegant white flowers bloom in summer, providing visual delight.

The large, creamy-white blossoms stand tall into early fall when planted in well-draining, moderately rich soil. Available in various cultivars, including single and double-flowered types, and reaching heights up to five feet, they fill empty garden spaces beautifully.

Anise Hyssop
If your garden gets ample sunlight and has well-drained soil, consider adding anise hyssop. Its spike-like lavender-purple flowers appear from mid-summer to early fall, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

The aromatic leaves of anise hyssop are edible, perfect for teas or flavoring cold beverages.

Cranesbill
Cranesbill is an easy-to-maintain perennial popular for garden filling. It grows low or broad, suitable for borders or center planting, thriving in shaded or partly sunny areas. Additionally, it attracts pollinators like bees during summer.

Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart
Featuring large, heart-shaped pink blossoms hanging from arching stems, this classic perennial blooms in spring with a second display in early to mid-spring, thriving in moist, rich soil. After blooming, the plant remains attractive with foliage during summer.

Hellebore
Hellebores come in various shades—green, pink, yellow, red—adding vibrant color to shaded areas. Deer-resistant, they are ideal for shaded gardens, thriving when planted in partially or fully shaded spots.

Lavender
Blooming in summer, lavender prefers sunny, dry, and well-drained conditions. Pruning in early spring encourages more abundant flowering and prolongs lifespan. Its fragrant flowers are also harvested for oils used in soaps and lotions.

Butterfly Milkweed
Bright orange flowers on tall stems make butterfly milkweed a summer favorite. It supports monarch butterflies and benefits native bees. Plant in dry, well-drained soil under direct sunlight for a lively, butterfly-friendly garden.

Intersectional Peony
This hybrid peony combines the colors of yellow and gold with a sweet fragrance. Growing in sunny areas with good airflow prevents root crowding, ensuring healthy blooms.

Garden Phlox
Available in white, red, purple, and pink, garden phlox blooms in summer. It flourishes in sun or partial shade and features a delightful vanilla-clove scent that repels deer and resists mildew. It’s low-maintenance yet highly decorative.

Brunnera
Ideal for shaded spots, Brunnera pairs well with hostas and ferns. Its tiny, sky-blue flowers bloom above heart-shaped, glossy green leaves. The textured leaves deter rabbits and deer, while bees love the spring blossoms.