25 Best Perennial Flowers That Will Bloom Year After Year
They'll add life to your garden for seasons to come!
Perennials are a gardener's quiet secret—a one-time planting that turns into a gift you'll keep unwrapping year after year. They may not put on a show right away, but give them time, and they'll become the backbone of your garden. Some are so dependable they'll stick with you for decades, returning each season with renewed life. Whether tucked into raised beds or woven through small garden spaces, these plants are all about the long game. Patience is key—the first year they settle in, the next they stretch, and by the third, they're thriving like they've always belonged.
Here, we've found options that will do just that! There are cottage garden flowers like peonies and lavender as well as flowers that attract hummingbirds to your yard. Because who wouldn't want visits from those sweet creatures year after year? You'll even find easy-to-plant low maintenance plants as well as plants that will add to your garden edging ideas or thrive in rock gardens. Just keep in mind that typically, perennial plants bloom for just a few weeks each year, compared to annuals, which bloom from planting until the first hard frost.
By including both annuals and perennials in your garden, you’ll provide food and shelter to beneficial pollinators and wildlife all year long. Also, you need to choose plants that can survive winters in your USDA Hardiness zone. (Find yours here!) Finally, read the plant tag or description before buying to be sure about what kind of light your perennial plant needs.
More ways to make your garden magical:
Bee Balm
Like its name suggests, the uniquely shaped bee balm is basically irresistible to bees—as well as hummingbirds and butterflies. The fringed and aromatic petals that come in purple, pink, and red can be planted in either spring or fall and can handle a variety of conditions. Just be sure they get good air circulation, otherwise the leaves can develop a fungal disease.
Zones 4 to 9; prefers full or half sun; blooms early summer to early fall
Chrysanthemums
Here's the thing with chrysanthemums: They're perennial if you get them in the ground during the spring to mid-summer months. If you wait too long, the roots won't have enough time to settle before winter and they'll act as annuals. So, plant the beautifully bright blooms early (and in direct sunlight) and with a little TLC, you'll be rewarded year after year.
Zones 5 to 9; prefers full sun; blooms late summer to fall
Astilbe
Whether added to borders, used in wet sites, or placed in containers, these feathery plumed blossoms atop fern-like foliage will add both vibrant color and texture to your garden. Plant them in the fall or spring, then watch as they flower from late spring into late summer. Better yet, they'll attract butterflies but are resistant to rabbits and deer.
Zones 3 to 9; prefers full sun to part shade; blooms late spring to late summer
Columbine
This unique-looking wildflower is known to be one of the best for attracting hummingbirds to your shady gardens! That's because as they bloom from spring through early summer, they provide early nectar for pollinators. And though they may look delicate, these perennials are super dependable, too.
Zones 3 to 9; prefers full to partial sun; blooms late spring to early summer
Shasta Daisy
Though the shasta daisy is similar in appearance to the classic daisy, it's actually larger and produces stronger blooms. Easy and fresh, this short-lived perennial will make its return for several years. You should also note that they're capable of spreading so you may want to keep them contained in garden beds.
Zones 5 to 8; prefers full sun; blooms late spring to fall
Iris
These beautiful purple blooms were actually named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow. They can grow up to two to three feet tall and will make a colorful statement in your garden in the spring and summer. Plant them in full sun to ensure they reach their full potential.
Zones 3 to 10; prefers full sun; blooms late spring to early summer
Foxglove
If you want to invite lovely little creatures like hummingbirds and bumblebees into your yard, these colorful and elegant, bell-shaped blossoms are the way to do it. Plant them two years in a row to enjoy continuous blooms.
Zones 4 to 9; prefers full sun to part shade; blooms early summer to mid-summer
Goatsbeard
Add whimsy and allure to your yard when you plant this shade perennial. It's full of dark green fern-like leaves and feathery plumes of cream colored flowers that will bloom in late spring or summer. Bonus points: This plant can also weather any storm—in fact, it's even been known to survive tornados unharmed!
Zones 3 to 9; prefers full to partial sun; blooms early summer to mid-summer
Amsonia
Bring a pretty pop of color to your garden by planting these soft blue, star-shaped flowers. Amsonias pair perfectly with the larger-leaved plants on this list, like peonies and hosta.
Zones 3 to 11; prefers full sun; blooms late spring to early summer
Baptisia
Plant these long-living perennials once and they can last for decades! They also bloom from spring through fall, so you'll be able to enjoy them for the better part of the year.
Zones 5 to 9; prefers full sun; blooms late spring to early summer
Daylily
Can’t get anything else to grow? Plant daylilies! These hardy sun-loving plants bloom in midsummer, and though the blooms last just one day (thus, the name), they have multiple flowers per stem. They come in every shade of the rainbow and tolerate most soil types.
Zones: 4 to 9; prefers full sun; blooms early summer
Coneflower
Coneflowers come in an array of colors and heights, and they’re long-blooming sun-loving flowers that add gorgeous color to the summer garden. You also can leave the seed heads intact for winter interest and food for the birds in your garden.
Zones 3 to 9; prefers full sun; blooms summer to fall
Lenten Rose
These stunning shade lovers almost don’t look real! Lenten rose, also called hellebore, appear in late winter or early spring (around the time of Lent) when snow still is on the ground. Their thick, glossy foliage remains year-round.
Zones 4 to 9; prefers dappled sun and partial shade; blooms late winter to early spring
Peony
Peonies are the queens of the springtime garden! With huge, lush flowers that are lavishly scented, they bloom in late spring. Make sure they get full sun, or they don’t bloom well. Don’t worry about the ants that visit; they do not harm the plant and are simply enjoying the nectar. (It’s also a myth that they’re necessary to make the plants bloom) If you’re cutting to bring indoors, just shake the ants off.
Zones 3 to 9; prefers full sun to partial sun; blooms late spring to early summer
Catmint
Catmint is nearly indestructible. With its grey-green fuzzy foliage and pretty spikes of purple flowers that pollinators love, this perennial adds fuss-free color to sunny spots in your garden.
Zones 3 to 9; prefers sun or partial shade; blooms late spring to early fall
Penstemon
Bees and hummingbirds love the tubular flowers of this tough perennial, which loves full sun. It comes in many different colors, and some varieties have pretty burgundy foliage that shines all season long.
Zones 3 to 9; prefers full; blooms late spring to early fall
Heuchera
This beautiful plant is a must-have in any garden. Heuchera, also called coral bells, is grown more for its gorgeous, frilly foliage that comes in shades ranging from deep burgundy to pale chartreuse. The tiny flower spikes appear in mid-summer. It’s also not particularly tasty to deer or bunnies and tolerates both sun and shade.
Zones 4 to 8; prefers full sun or partial shade; blooms spring to summer
Tiarella
Tiarella, also called foamflower, has tons of frothy, foamy-looking flowers in late spring. It’s the perfect perennial to brighten up shady spots. The pretty foliage adds season-long interest to the garden.
Zones 3 to 8; prefers partial shade to full shade; blooms late spring to early summer
Brunnera
The silver-green, heart-shaped leaves of brunnera offer gorgeous texture and pattern to the garden all year. They like mostly shade, making them easy to grow in a darker yard.
Zones 3 to 8; prefers partial shade to full shade; blooms early to mid-spring
Aster
Asters are one of the last perennials to bloom in the garden in late fall, so you absolutely should plant these sturdy plants for one last hurrah before winter! Plant in full sun at the back of a mixed border.
Zones 3 to 8; prefers full sun; blooms late summer to fall
Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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