Maintaining an annual flower bed, though very beautiful, can be a lot of work. You have to fertilize the soil, plant the seeds, and nurture the flowers, only to pull them out once Old Man Winter comes knocking. Then, you start the process all over again when the temperature begins to rise.
That’s why even the most avid gardeners and plant enthusiasts have a fondness for perennials. With the warm months around the corner, you can achieve faster results by purchasing perennial flowers that bloom all summer.
What are perennials and why do we love them?
Perennials are flowers and plants that live for more than two years, whereas annuals live for only one growing season. Many homeowners want a beautiful garden in front of their home, but not everyone has the time to care for one. Perennials’ low maintenance and annual blooms make them a popular choice for homes across the country.
Most popular perennial flowers that bloom all summer
Certain perennials are more commonly found in gardens and around homes than others. Here are 15 that stand out as being particularly desirable.
1. Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susan give you the best of both worlds. This plant has become extremely popular because it resembles a sunflower but with almost none of the maintenance.
2. Dalmatian bellflowers
Don’t let the name fool you — this flower has enough color to liven up any home or garden. Their proclivity to spread make them ideal plants to use as groundcover.
3. Russian sage
The flowers of the Russian sage are small, but the plant itself takes up quite a bit of space, making it a very economical choice. If your home has a large cement base you’re looking to cover, these flowers are the perfect choice.
4. Lavender
From the medicine cabinet to the kitchen, lavender has a seemingly unlimited number of uses. Plus, this plant will fill your yard with its sweet, calming smell.
5. Dahlia
These bold blooms come in a wide range of colors and can be easily incorporated into any existing or new garden. And, unlike most plants, these flowers thrive in some shade. Although dahlias are perennials, they are tuberous rooted plants and should be replanted every spring after resting.
6. Butterfly weed
Most gardeners cringe at the word “weed,” but in this case, it’s actually a good thing. This low-maintenance, vibrant yellow and orange flower grows as easily as a weed, making it perfect for those who just want to grow a “set it and forget it” garden.
7. Lenten rose
Not many flowers bloom while there’s still snow on the ground, but this one does! Not actually a rose but a member of the buttercup family, the lenten rose will add great pops of color to a garden at a time when not much else might be growing in it.
8. Valerian
Because of their captivating smell, valerian flowers were used in the 16th century as an early form of perfume. They can also grow to a towering 5 feet tall, making them a wonderful flower to plant around the circumference of your house or against a fence.
9. Daylily
These hardy perennials are known for their stunning, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a wide variety of colors, including yellows, oranges, reds, and pinks. Each bloom lasts for just one day, but with numerous buds on each stem, they provide a continuous display of color. Daylilies thrive in full sun to partial shade and are remarkably low maintenance.
10. Coneflower
Coneflowers, also known as echinacea, are beloved for their daisy-like appearance and sturdy nature. Available in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow, coneflowers add a touch of wild beauty to any garden. They bloom prolifically from early summer to fall and are great for attracting pollinators.
11. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, or tickseed, brings a sunny disposition to gardens with its bright yellow or bi-colored flowers. These hardy perennials bloom from early summer to fall and are easy to grow in well-drained soil and full sun. Coreopsis is excellent for borders and works well in wildflower gardens.
12. Blanket flower
Blanket flowers are known for their rich, warm colors and daisy-like appearance. These perennials produce blooms in shades of red, orange, and yellow, adding a festive touch to gardens. Blanket flowers bloom from early summer to fall, prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and are very tolerant of dry conditions.
13. Shasta daisy
Shasta daisies, with their pure white petals and yellow centers, are a quintessential summer flower. They bloom profusely from early summer to fall, providing a classic and timeless look to gardens. Shasta daisies prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
14. Catmint
Catmint is a tough and aromatic perennial that produces soft, lavender-blue flowers from early summer into fall. It’s an excellent border plant and is particularly attractive to bees and butterflies. Catmint thrives in full sun to partial shade and is very drought tolerant once established.
15. Phlox
Phlox, particularly the tall garden phlox, is known for its dense clusters of fragrant flowers that bloom in a variety of colors including pink, white, red, and purple. These flowers are a staple of cottage gardens and can bloom from mid-summer to early fall. Phlox thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
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