Garden

7 MUST HAVE Perennials for Every GARDEN – Perfect for Beginners and Busy Gardeners

Written by Emily Belkoff

Over the years, I’ve discovered some true garden gems that not only survive but flourish with little attention. 

Today, I’m excited to share my top 7 perennials that are perfect for beginners and busy gardeners alike.

Benefits of Choosing Low-Maintenance Perennials

Low-maintenance perennials are a godsend for busy gardeners like me. They come back year after year, saving time and money on replanting. These hardy plants often resist pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments. Plus, they create a beautiful, evolving landscape that attracts pollinators and brings life to your garden.

1. Asters: Vibrant Fall Blooms

Growing Conditions and Care

Asters are my go-to for late-season color. They thrive in average garden soil with a slightly acidic to alkaline pH. I give mine a dose of multi-purpose fertilizer and a cozy blanket of compost in spring. That’s it!

Chelsea Chop Technique for Asters

Benefits of Chelsea Chop

This pruning technique has been a game-changer for my asters. It results in denser growth and double the flowers!

How to Perform Chelsea Chop

At the end of May, I cut back about half the length of the stems. The results are stunning – a more compact plant with an abundance of blooms.

2. Catmint: Pollinator-Friendly Purple Beauty

Ideal Growing Conditions

Catmint loves the sun and isn’t fussy about soil. It’s been one of the most forgiving plants in my garden.

Maintenance and Pruning

Spring and Autumn Care

I simply cut back the old stems in spring or autumn. Easy peasy!

Chelsea Chop for Extended Blooming

Like with asters, I perform the Chelsea Chop on my catmint at the end of May. After its spectacular June bloom, I shear it down for a second, albeit less showy, flowering.

3. Heuchera (Coral Bells): Versatile Foliage Plant

Adaptability to Various Conditions

Heucheras are incredibly versatile. I’ve successfully grown them in pots, borders, sun, and semi-shade. They’re nearly indestructible!

Color Varieties and Placement

Sun Exposure for Vibrant Colors

For the most vivid colors, I plant heucheras in full sun or light shade. The purples and limes really pop!

Recommended Varieties

My favorites include ‘Lime Marmalade’, ‘Black Taffeta’, and ‘Amethyst’. Their bold colors add year-round interest to my garden.

4. Hostas: Shade-Loving Foliage Champions

Optimal Growing Conditions

Hostas thrive in semi-shade with moist soil. I’ve found they perform best with about 4-5 hours of sunlight.

Varieties and Color Options

Best Varieties for Beginners

For newcomers, I recommend trying ‘Guacamole’ or ‘Sum and Substance’. Their lime-green leaves are stunning and easy to care for.

Companion Planting with Hostas

I love pairing hostas with ferns for an enchanted garden look. The contrast in textures is simply magical!

5. Brunnera: Heart-Shaped Leaves and Forget-Me-Not Flowers

Growing Requirements

Brunnera prefers semi-shade and can handle drier conditions, making it perfect near my birch trees.

Popular Varieties

Jack Frost and Silver Heart

These varieties, with their silver-speckled leaves, are my absolute favorites. They add a touch of whimsy to shaded areas.

Companion Planting Ideas

I adore my brunneras paired with Annabelle hydrangeas. The contrast of textures and colors is simply breathtaking.

6. Geranium ‘Rozanne’: Long-Blooming Wonder

Growing Conditions and Care

‘Rozanne’ thrives in semi-shade to light shade. It’s been the most versatile perennial in my garden.

Blooming Period and Habits

This beauty starts blooming in June and doesn’t stop until frost! No deadheading required – it’s truly a plant-and-forget perennial.

Companion Planting Suggestions

I love how ‘Rozanne’ weaves through my other plants. It looks particularly stunning with roses and brunnera.

7. Sedum: Drought-Tolerant Fall Bloomer

Ideal Growing Conditions

Sedum is perfect for those sunny, dry spots in your garden. It thrives in poor soil where other plants struggle.

Maintenance and Pruning

Chelsea Chop for Compact Growth

I’ve started using the Chelsea Chop on my sedums, resulting in more compact plants with increased flower production.

Benefits for Pollinators

In late summer and fall, when many flowers have faded, sedum becomes a bustling pollinator hub in my garden.

Conclusion: Creating a Low-Maintenance Perennial Garden

Combining Different Perennials for Year-Round Interest

By mixing these seven perennials, you can create a garden that offers interest from spring through fall with minimal effort.

Tips for Success with Easy-to-Grow Perennials

Remember, even low-maintenance plants appreciate a good start. Prepare your soil well, choose the right location, and your perennials will reward you with years of beauty. 

Hi! I'm Emily!

I'm a mom who's passionate about creating beautiful gardens without the hassle. Here, I share simple tips that actually work for busy people like us.

From picking the right plants to making them thrive, I'll help you create an outdoor space you'll love!

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