There’s nothing I love more than watching my perennials come back year after year, bursting with vibrant colors and attracting all sorts of wonderful pollinators.
Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my top 20 favorite long-blooming perennials that have transformed my garden into a magical oasis.
Full Sun Perennials (6+ hours of direct sunlight)
1. Clematis
- Variety: Dr. Ruppel
- USDA Zones: 4-8
- Mature height: 10 ft
- Mature width: 3.5 ft
- Blooming periods: May, June, September
Every time I look at my Clematis ‘Dr. Ruppel’, I’m in awe of its tropical beauty. It’s hard to believe this stunner can survive my harsh zone 5 winters!
Care tips:
- Protect from deer and rabbits
- Not safe for cats and dogs
2. Balloon Flower
- Variety: Astra Blue
- Blooming period: June to August
The Astra Blue Balloon Flower is a showstopper in my garden with its vibrant purple blooms that seem to pop up overnight.
Care tips:
- Protection from deer and rabbits
- Not safe for cats and dogs
3. Daylily
- Varieties: Pink Damask and Rock Solid (reblooming)
- Blooming period: July to September (for reblooming varieties)
I adore how my daylilies grow stronger each year. Their daily blooms are like nature’s fireworks in my garden!
Benefits:
- Attracts butterflies and bees
- Drought tolerant
Care tips:
- Protection from deer and rabbits
- Not safe for pets
4. Coneflower
- Variety: Cheyenne Spirit
- Blooming period: June to October
The Cheyenne Spirit Coneflower is like having a rainbow in one plant. It’s a true conversation starter in my garden!
Benefits:
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Safe for pets
- Drought tolerant
5. Peony
- Variety: Itoh Peony ‘Pastel Lilas’
My Itoh Peony ‘Pastel Lilas’ is the perfect blend of tree and garden peonies. Its strong stems and large, long-lasting flowers are simply breathtaking.
Benefits:
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Attracts pollinators
Care tip: Not safe for pets
6. Shasta Daisy
- Variety: Sweet Daisy Jane
The Sweet Daisy Jane Shasta Daisy reminds me of a cartoon flower from Minnie Mouse’s garden. It’s absolutely adorable!
Benefits:
- Attracts pollinators
- Drought tolerant
- Safe for cats and dogs
Care tip: Protection from deer and rabbits
7. Dark Beauty Alpine Aster
- Blooming period: May to July
The vibrant purple petals and bright yellow centers of my Dark Beauty Alpine Aster never fail to catch the eye.
Benefits:
- Safe for cats and dogs
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Drought tolerant
- Deer and rabbit resistant
8. Creeping Jenny
- Blooming period: June to August
I love using Creeping Jenny in my container gardens. Its bright green trailing leaves add the perfect pop of color to any arrangement.
Benefits:
- Safe for cats and dogs
- Attracts bees
Care tip: Protection from deer and rabbits when used as ground cover
9. Bellflower
- Variety: Takion Blue Peachleaf Bellflower
- Blooming period: May to August
The translucent purple blooms of my Takion Blue Peachleaf Bellflower seem to glow in the sunlight. It’s truly magical!
Benefits:
- Safe for pets
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds
- Drought tolerant
- Deer resistant
Care tip: Protection from rabbits
10. English Lavender
- Blooming period: June to August
English Lavender is my second favorite perennial. I love pinching a leaf and inhaling its calming scent every day.
Uses: Recipes, fragrance, home decor, relaxation, and healing
Benefits:
- Attracts pollinators
- Deer and rabbit resistant
Care tip: Not safe for cats and dogs
Full Sun to Part Shade Perennials
11. Asiatic Lily
- Variety: Sensual Blend
- Blooming period: Mid to late summer
I’m always amazed at how my Asiatic Lilies multiply each year. They’re like a gift that keeps on giving!
Benefits: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Care tips:
- Protection from deer and rabbits
- Not safe for cats or dogs
12. Oriental Lily
- Variety: Stargazer Lily
My Stargazer Lilies hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of my best friend’s wedding bouquet.
13. Tulips
- Varieties: Pink Sound and Angelique
- Blooming period: Late spring
Nothing says “spring is here” quite like my pink tulips popping up after a long winter.
Benefits: Attracts pollinators
Care tips:
- Protection from deer and rabbits
- Not safe for cats and dogs
- Deadhead spent blooms but keep leaves intact
- May need annual replanting for consistent blooms
14. Dalmation Iris
- Blooming period: May and June
I adore my Dalmation Iris not just for its beautiful blooms, but also for its striking blue and white sword-shaped leaves.
Benefits:
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Drought tolerant
- Resistant to rabbits and deer
Care tip: Not safe for cats or dogs
15. Double Play Candy Corn Spirea
- Blooming period: Late spring to early summer
This multicolored marvel never fails to impress visitors to my garden. It’s like having a living rainbow!
Benefits:
- Safe for cats and dogs
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Drought tolerant
Care tip: Protection from deer and rabbits
16. Sparkling Stars Masterwort
- Blooming period: Late spring to early fall
The unique star-like flowers of my Masterwort add such interesting texture to my garden beds.
Benefits:
- Rabbit and deer resistant
- Safe for cats and dogs
- Attracts pollinators
Part Sun to Full Shade Perennials
17. Hosta
- Variety: Patriot Hosta
My Patriot Hostas are the stars of my shaded areas. Their white-bordered leaves and purple flowers are simply stunning.
Benefits: Attracts pollinators
Care tips:
- Protection from deer and rabbits
- Not safe for cats or dogs
18. Astilbe
- Variety: Visions in Red
- Blooming period: Mid to late summer
The dramatic plumes of my Visions in Red Astilbe add a touch of romance to the shaded corners of my garden.
Benefits:
- Attracts pollinators
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Safe for cats and dogs
19. Ostrich Fern
My Ostrich Ferns transport me to a tropical paradise right in my own backyard. They’re the perfect addition to any shaded area.
Benefits:
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Safe for cats and dogs
20. Gold Heart Bleeding Heart
The Gold Heart Bleeding Heart is my absolute favorite perennial. It’s the first to emerge in spring, bringing hope after a long winter.
Benefits:
- Attracts pollinators
- Deer and rabbit resistant
Care tip: Not safe for cats or dogs
Bonus Perennial Flowering Shrubs
Hydrangea
No garden is complete without the classic beauty of hydrangeas. Their large, showy blooms are always a crowd-pleaser.
Rose
And who could forget the timeless elegance of roses? These perennial shrubs offer endless varieties to suit any garden style.
There you have it – my top 20 perennials plus two bonus flowering shrubs! Remember, the key to a beautiful garden is choosing plants that suit your specific conditions and bring you joy. Happy gardening, everyone!