Perennials are the heart of any garden. They return year after year, bringing stunning color, texture, and charm to outdoor spaces. What’s better? Many of them are easy to grow, making them the perfect option for gardeners of all skill levels. The most beautiful perennials not only grace your garden with vibrant blooms, but they also attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, which help keep the garden buzzing and healthy.
In this blog, we’ll dive into some of the best perennial flowers you can plant to make your lawnshine from spring to late summer. I’ll also share some helpful tips on growing, soil preferences, and unique features of each plant. So grab your gloves—let’s explore the wonders of perennials together!
Most Beautiful Perennials
1. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral Bells are a must-have in any perennial garden. Known for their striking foliage that ranges from lime green to deep purple, they add color even when they’re not in bloom. These plants produce delicate, bell-shaped flowers in late spring or early summer, which make them an excellent choice for mixed borders or lawnbeds.
Growing Tips: Coral Bells thrive in partial shade. They’re easy to grow, making them perfect for beginners. Ensure the soil doesn’t get too soggy, as they don’t do well in overly wet conditions.
Pollinator Attraction: Their small, delicate blooms attract hummingbirds and bees, making them both beautiful and beneficial.
2. Japanese Anemone (Anemone Hupehensis)
If you’re looking for a plant with graceful beauty, Japanese Anemones are the answer. They bloom in late summer to early fall with pink, white, or lavender blooms that add elegance to gardens. They stand tall, often reaching two to three feet tall, making them perfect for the back of flower borders.
Growing Tips: They love direct sunlight to part shade and well-drained soil. They are low-maintenance, though they prefer consistent moisture.
Fun Fact: The graceful stems of Japanese Anemones sway beautifully in the wind, adding dynamic movement to your yard.
3. Dahlia
Dahlias are renowned for their showy blooms, which come in a kaleidoscope of colors, including red, pink, yellow, and even bi-color varieties. These lush flowers make stunning lawndisplays and are perfect for cutting to create beautiful bouquets.
Growing Tips: Dahlias prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Make sure to plant them in a spot where they receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight. Fertilize during the growing season for the best blooms.
Bloom Time: These perennial plants bloom from mid-summer to late fall, offering long-lasting color throughout the season.
4. Balloon Flower (Platycodon)
Balloon Flowers are named for their fun, balloon-like buds that burst open into star-shaped flowers. They bloom in mid-summer and are available in shades of blue, pink, and white, bringing a whimsical touch to your lawn.
Growing Tips: These perennials thrive in full sun or part shade and need well-drained soil. Once established, they are drought-tolerant and require minimal care, making them a great choice for a low-maintenance yard.
Pollinator Appeal: Bees love Balloon Flowers, making them a great addition if you’re aiming to attract beneficial insects.
5. Lenten Rose (Helleborus)
The Lenten Rose is a perennial that blooms in late winter to early spring, offering beauty at a time when most other plants are still dormant. Its bell-shaped flowers come in shades of pink, purple, white, and even green.
Growing Tips: Lenten Roses prefer part shade and rich soil. They are hardy plants and can survive harsh winters, making them a perfect choice for cold climates.
Fun Fact:They are not actually roses! They get their name from their rose-like blooms and the fact that they flower around the time of Lent.
6. Cranesbill (Geranium)
Cranesbill, or hardy geranium, is one of the most versatile and easy-to-grow perennials. It produces delicate, five-petaled blooms in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white throughout the summer.
Growing Tips: It’s a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that can also act as ground cover.
Pollinator-Friendly: These cheerful flowers are magnets for butterflies and bees, making them a perfect addition to any pollinator lawn.
7. Lavender (Lavandula)
No perennial garden is complete without lavender! Known for its soothing fragrance and beautiful purple blooms, lavender is a favorite for both gardeners and pollinators. Lavender blooms in mid-summer and can be enjoyed all season long.
Growing Tips: For best results, make sure your lavender has enough space to grow. Overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation, increasing the risk of disease. Regular pruning will help maintain its shape and encourage a fuller bloom.
Fertilize the plant lightly during the growing season to ensure those beautiful flowers come back strong year after year. You can look at getty Images for inspiration on how lavender can add beauty to your garden design.
Pollinator Appeal: Bees love lavender, so it’s perfect if you’re looking to support local pollinators.
8. Penstemon
Penstemon, or beardtongue, is a beautiful perennial with tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, and blue. It blooms from late spring through summer and adds vertical interest to any yard.
Growing Tips: It’s pest resistant and relatively easy to grow and does well in rock gardens or areas with poor soil.
Pollinator-Friendly: Hummingbirds are especially attracted to Penstemon, making it a great choice for anyone looking to invite these beautiful birds into their lawns.
9. Peony (Paeonia)
Peonies are classic flowers known for their large, fluffy blooms in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. They bloom in late spring to early summer and are some of the most beautiful perennial flowers around.
Growing Tips: They don’t like being moved, so choose your planting spot wisely. Once established, they require little care and will reward you with stunning blooms year after year.
Fun Fact: Peonies can live for decades, often blooming in the same spot for over 50 years!
Conclusion
Perennial plants offer so much more than just beautiful blooms. They’re resilient, easy to care for, and come back year after year to bring joy to your garden. Whether you’re looking for plants that attract pollinators or add vibrant colors to your flower beds, the most beautiful perennials are sure to make your garden a stunning oasis.
Plants with attractive foliage can add year-round interest to your garden, even when they aren’t in bloom. For the best growth, many of these plants require sun and well-drained soil conditions. Most perennial varieties are tough plants that can easily survive winters, especially if they fall within the appropriate USDA hardiness zone. A great example is the native plant species that are well adapted to local climates and are known for their resilience, making them perfect for low-maintenance gardens. These plants thrive in challenging conditions and are built to last.
Happy gardening!
