I’m always on the lookout for unique and reliable plants to add to my garden. Over the years, I’ve discovered some true gems that not only survive but thrive in various conditions. Today, I’m excited to share 15 unusual flowers that will bring color, texture, and interest to your garden this spring.
Full Sun Perennials
1. Sedums
Characteristics and benefits
Sedums are the ultimate low-maintenance perennials. I’ve planted them in some of the toughest spots in my garden, and they never fail to impress. They’re drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and provide multi-season interest.
Notable varieties
One of my favorites is Lemon Jade, with its sage-green leaves and creamy yellow blooms. For ground cover, I love Boogie Woogie, which has variegated leaves and yellow flowers. Autumn Joy is a classic choice, while Autumn Charm offers similar benefits with variegated foliage.
2. Russian Sage and Lavender
Russian Sage characteristics
Russian sage is another sun-loving, poor soil tolerant plant that’s become a staple in my garden. It’s deer and rabbit resistant, making it perfect for problem areas.
Russian Sage variety: Denim and Lace
I’ve been growing Denim and Lace for a few years now, and it’s a showstopper. It’s more compact than traditional varieties, with dense, deep blue blooms that last from mid-summer through fall.
Lavender characteristics and benefits
Lavender is a must-have in any sunny, well-draining spot. Its fragrant blooms attract pollinators and make excellent dried flowers.
Lavender varieties
I’ve had great success with Sweet Romance, a compact variety with dark blooms, and Munstead, which grows larger and lines our back walkway beautifully.
3. Rudbeckias (Black-Eyed Susans)
General characteristics
Rudbeckias are deer-resistant and juglone tolerant, making them perfect for planting near black walnut trees. They bloom from mid-summer until frost, providing a long-lasting pop of color.
Notable varieties
Gold Storm is a readily available variety that I recommend for its reliability. For something different, try Cherry Brandy with its burgundy petals or Irish Eyes, which features lemon-yellow petals and a green center.
4. Echinaceas (Coneflowers)
Characteristics and benefits
Echinaceas are deer-resistant and come in a wide range of colors and growth habits. I love leaving them standing through winter for added interest and wildlife benefits.
Notable varieties
Double Scoop Cranberry offers unique double pom-pom blooms. Yellow My Darling is a clear, bright yellow that I’ve successfully transplanted. PowWow White provides pristine white petals with a striking orange cone. For something truly unusual, try Green Envy, which transitions from pink to green petals.
5. Veronicas
Characteristics and benefits
Veronicas are long-blooming perennials that attract bees and, in my experience, even ladybugs. They provide continuous bloom interest throughout the season.
Notable varieties
Purple Illusion offers a soft, periwinkle-lavender color. Wizard of Oz boasts deep purple spikes. White Wands has been an exceptional performer in my garden, while Pink Potion adds a lovely touch of pink to the mix.
Shade Loving Perennials
6. Hostas
Characteristics and benefits
Hostas are shade garden staples, offering a variety of sizes and leaf structures. They’re one of the first perennials to emerge in spring, which always excites me.
Care tips
I sprinkle slug bait around my hostas preventatively to avoid damage. For larger varieties like Empress Wu, I’ve learned to provide extra water to support their massive leaves.
Notable varieties
Coast to Coast offers bold, chartreuse leaves. Empress Wu is the largest hosta I’ve grown, while its variegated sister, Empress Wu ‘Lala’, is equally impressive. Diamond Lake provides a beautiful blue color, and Autumn Frost offers bright variegation that lights up shady spots.
7. Brunnera
Characteristics and benefits
Brunneras offer heart-shaped leaves with silver variegation and delicate blue spring blooms. They’re cold-hardy and provide season-long interest even after blooming.
Notable varieties
Jack of Diamonds features massive 9-10 inch leaves, while Silver Hearts offers heavier silver variegation on smaller leaves.
8. Hakonechloa (Japanese Forest Grass)
Characteristics and benefits
This shade-loving ornamental grass forms graceful mounds that add movement to the garden. It’s a perfect contrast to bold-leaved plants like hostas.
Notable varieties
Aureola offers yellow, white, and pink variegation, while All Gold provides a solid chartreuse-yellow color.
9. Pulmonaria (Lungwort)
Characteristics and benefits
Pulmonaria features silver-variegated leaves and unique spring blooms that open pink and turn blue, creating a two-toned effect. They’re great for edging shade borders.
Notable variety: Spot On
I’ve planted Spot On in my garden, and it’s been a reliable performer with its elongated, spotted leaves and pink-to-blue flowers.
10. Hellebores
Characteristics and benefits
Hellebores are must-haves for winter and early spring interest. They’re deer-resistant and semi-evergreen in many climates. I have over 40 varieties in my garden, and they never fail to impress.
Part Sun/Part Shade Perennials
11. Hardy Geraniums
Characteristics and benefits
Hardy geraniums emerge early, often covering fading bulb foliage. They’re drought-tolerant once established and resist deer and rabbits.
Notable varieties
Boom Chocolatta offers dark bronze leaves with lavender flowers. Magnificum provides purple blooms and red fall color. Ann Folkard features bright pink blooms and deeply cut leaves. Johnson’s Blue is a classic with beautiful blue flowers.
12. Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle)
Characteristics and benefits
Lady’s Mantle has rounded, scalloped leaves that hold water droplets beautifully. Its chartreuse blooms add a fresh look to the garden. It’s also deer and rabbit resistant.
13. Carex
Characteristics and benefits
Carex is an ornamental grass that tolerates both sun and shade. It’s semi-evergreen in many areas, providing year-round interest.
Notable variety: Evergold
Evergold features yellow variegation and sends out coffee-colored blooms in spring. It’s been a consistent performer in my garden.
14. Penstemon
Characteristics and benefits
Penstemons are often native plants, making them well-adapted to local conditions. They’re drought-tolerant and produce attractive seed pods that I use in flower arrangements.
Notable varieties
Midnight Masquerade has performed exceptionally well in my garden, with reddish-burgundy leaves and lavender blooms. Electric Blue offers a compact habit with vibrant blue flowers.
15. Japanese Anemones
Characteristics and benefits
Japanese anemones provide late-season blooms from late summer through fall. They’re deer and rabbit resistant and add a touch of elegance to the garden.
Notable varieties
Fall in Love Sweetly is a compact variety with clear pink blooms. Honorine Jobert is a taller, classic white variety that adds a magical touch to the garden.
Conclusion
These 15 unusual flowers have proven themselves as reliable performers in my garden year after year. They offer a mix of colors, textures, and bloom times that will keep your garden interesting throughout the seasons. While it’s fun to experiment with new varieties, having a backbone of dependable plants ensures your garden always looks its best. I encourage you to try some of these tried-and-true perennials alongside your new plant experiments this spring. Happy gardening!