Learn about 10 long blooming plants including shrubs and perennials that work well in many garden environments.
Coreopsis Moonbeam
The first of this wonderful list of long-blooming plants is Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam.’ This variety has been around for a long time, and there are so many new varieties available. Watch out, you may become addicted. Many are shades of gold. However, I know of at least one that is a rosy pink, and recently I saw a gorgeous deep burgundy colored one.
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Invincibelle Spirit’
This is the only shrub I’ve included in the list, but if you like hydrangea flowers, you must purchase a Hydrangea arborescens. It’s not the same a the beautiful blue mopheads, but it’s super hardy in a cold climate, blooms it’s head off and comes in a pink variety too. This variety is ‘Invincibelle Spirit.’
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’
The original white version. Cut it back in the spring for sturdier blooms. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty. I love the green color when they start to bloom, and they are pretty dried too.
Hemerocallis – aka Daylily
So many colors in this all-summer bloomer. It has been bred over and over to produce some stunning color combinations. See more about growing Daylilies in your garden.
Nepeta racmosa aka Catmint
I love the gray-green foliage with lavender flowers of catmint. My cat likes it too. 😉 This hardy perennial fills in a space well and can be cut back mid-season to produce a whole new plant. Works well in flower arrangements, and the deer leave it alone. This variety is ‘Walker’s Low.’
Hardy Geranium ‘Sanguineum’
This is a perennial geranium not to be confused with the showy annual geraniums sold in the nursery. I personally have about a dozen different varieties and have written about them in Cuckoo for Cranesbills. This magenta colored one is Geranium Sanguineum also known as Bloody Cranesbill. This tough guy that self-seeds and shows up all over the place in the garden.
Hardy Geranium ‘Orion’
Another hardy geranium in a pretty blue color called ‘Orion.’ So far it has not shown itself as a self-seeder but comes back readily in its spot every year.
Leucanthemum superbum aka Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisies are very common perennials and one of the easiest to grow. Sometimes the foliage starts to look at little ratty in late summer but the flowers keep on going. An obvious choice for cut flowers, and one that does well in many soil conditions.
Lychnis coronaria aka Rose Campion
Rose campion shows up all over the garden. Don’t worry it’s super easy to pull up, and quite frankly you probably won’t want to unless you are growing a formal garden, and then you probably wouldn’t plant it anyway. Another great cut flower, so bright and striking in the garden.
Achillea millefolium aka Yarrow
The white yarrow was here when we purchased the property. I believe it is the original common form and I’ve moved it all over the place. This guy will grow anywhere. Yarrow comes in a number of colors including gold and shades of pink. Yarrow flowers dry well so you can enjoy them all year round in arrangements and wreaths.
Achillea millefolium ‘Pretty Woman’
There are many pretty colored yarrows. The is a newer variety called ‘Pretty Woman.’ They are beautiful but not quite as hardy as the white.
Perovskia atriplicifolia aka Russian Sage
Another good one to dry is this Russian Sage. This pretty perennial is also drought tolerant, but not a fan of wet feet. Some varieties can reach upwards of four feet but this one is ‘Little Spire,’ a dwarf variety, which only grows to around two feet.
Echinacea purpurea aka Purple Coneflower
Last but not least one of my first loves, is this Eastern North American native, It grows very well for me here in Pennsylvania. That is if I can keep the rodents away long enough to get it established. They love to eat new spring growth. This is the common variety, easily grown from seed, however, you would not believe the new hybrids that come out every year. Check out this fabulous gallery from HGTV.
More long blooming plants not pictured here:
- Rudbeckia
- Campanula
- Gaillardia
- Veronica
- Astilbe
- Salvias
- Buddleia
If you love flowers, this list of long blooming plants is great for beginning gardeners and will allow you to enjoy flowers all season long.
Karen says
Great list, Patti! When I was younger I always wanted to grow annuals because they tend to be so much showier than perennials. Fast forward a few years and I so appreciate the stability of a great perennial. There’s some new-to-me varieties on this list so I’ve got fresh inspiration. Thanks!
Laura says
So ironic that I found this post today as I was just at the garden shop buying several of these perennials for a new front garden bed at my hose! I got Russian sage, cone flower, Shasta daisy and lavender. If my budget allowed, I would have gotten rose campion too! I’ve bookmarked this article for next year’s planting season! Cheers!
Patti Estep says
Hi Laura,
How fun! Perennials can be addicting but since they come back every year I always feel justified in spending money on them.
Thanks for stopping by!
Patti
Lesley says
Ya know! I’ve had fun this year collecting seeds for next year from. This years fallen flowers, Cosmos is a good one! The place in the flower that holds the seed are always SO amazing looking! To me lol I may be just odd! 🌸🌺
Patti Estep says
Hi Lesley,
You are not odd at all. Collecting seeds it a great way to save money and grow flowers that you love the next season. My sister-in-law has the most beautiful spot of zinnias that she re-grows from seed every year.
Cosmos are really pretty airy flowers. In fact, there is a beautiful chocolate one that I have my eye on.
Enjoy your flowers and thanks for stopping by,
Patti
Rosemary Burritt says
I was without my perennial gardens for 2 years because of a move from NJ to PA. But this year I have it back and LOVE IT! I look out the front and my spirits are instantly lifted. The Butterflies and the bird visitors are wonderful. Love this site! came upon it via http://www.pinterest and so so glad I did. I am having a great time reading! I think the secret to perennials is raised beds with great soil. I tried half heartedly and my success with poor clay soil was not good. A lot of money waisted! I am busy cleaning out old beds of Boston and English ivy. What a mess. When cleaned out it will have a big load of good soil placed on top and it will be fun to garden. Thanks again for the great site!
Patti Estep says
Hi Rosemary,
I agree raised beds are a big help for any gardening. Glad that you are enjoying you new place and found this site.
Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by,
Patti
Maureen says
This year I hope to embrace my “inner gardener”! This list is the first place I am going to start!
Betty says
What are some good perennials for shady areas?
Patti Estep says
Hi Betty,
I did a post called 7 out of the ordinary shade perennials that you may like. Most of them bloom either in the spring or late summer. I also like hellebore and begonia grandis for shady spots. Some hardy geraniums will bloom in partial shade and they are long bloomers. You may want to try finding some good shade lovers with pretty foliage that will last all season long such as coral bells or foam flowers.
Hope this helps,
Patti
Meg Fisher says
Pictures are great. What are the names of the flowers?
Patti Estep says
Hi Meg,
There is a description of each plant below the picture. Let me know if there is a specific one (you can describe it) that you want to know more about.