37 Low-Maintenance Perennial Flowers That Bloom Again and Again

Whether you love the appeal of rose bushes or the versatility of hydrangeas, there are an array of perennial flowers and plants that can add beauty to your home garden. These low-maintenance flowers establish deep root systems that are able to withstand harsh weather conditions, unlike annuals that complete their life cycle in a year. The best part? They bloom again and again, for decades, and some can even live for more than a century.

Ahead, you’ll find a colorful assortment of our favorite perennial plants to consider, even if you have a small garden. And along with zone requirements, we’ve sprinkled in helpful care tips for all of these easy-to-grow flowers—think sunlight requirements, soil needs, and average bloom times. Keep in mind that most perennials have a brief bloom season, which can last a couple days to a few weeks. If you grow perennials from seeds, the blooms can take a few years to fully thrive. That’s why it’s best to plant a mix of perennials and annuals to set your garden up for success. View perennials as the foundation of your garden layout and rely on annuals (such as summer flowers and fall foliage) to fill in the gaps.

Liatris (Blazing Star)

Also known as blazing star, liatris is a grass-like perennial that you’ll find in arresting shades of purple, pink, and white. They’re a great choice for supporting pollinators—think bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Stick to six to eight hours of direct sunlight to help them thrive.

Hardiness zones: 3-8

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Well-drained soil that is neutral or slightly acidic

Bloom time: Mid-summer to early fall

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Sedum (Autumn Joy)

Go for this easy-to-grow plant, which flourishes with at least six hours of direct sunlight. It’s drought-tolerant and also known as a four-season perennial, thanks to its changing colors and texture year-round.

Hardiness zones: 3-9

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: loose, sandy soil

Bloom time: Late summer to fall

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Cranesbill Geraniums

If your goal is to add more pollinators to your garden, cranesbill geraniums are a good choice. They grow up to two feet tall and since they spread over time, they make great ground cover plants. They’re also resistant to deer and rabbits.

Hardiness zones: 4-8

Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun

Soil needs: rich, well-drained soil

Bloom time: Late spring to early fall

Astilbe

Place this hardy perennial in a shady corner to add color and a dose of sophistication to your garden. Often seen in colors like pink and white, they have tall, feathery blooms that can bring beauty to cut arrangements. They tend to be deer- and pest-resistant, too.

Hardiness zones: 4-9

Sunlight: partial to full shade

Soil needs: moist, well-drained soil

Bloom time: late spring to late summer

Catmint

Often referred to as nepeta, catmint releases a herbal scent that’s known to attract cats, as its name suggests. It blooms from late spring through the summer season and has flowers in colors, including lavender-blue, pink, and white. Add them to rock gardens, borders, you name it.

Hardiness zones: 3-8

Sunlight: full sun

Soil needs: well-drained soil

Bloom time: late spring to early fall

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Russian Sage (Salvia Yangii)

This woody shrub has a weeping effect: It starts growing tall, but then falls over due to the weight of the long panicles of flowers. The pale blue flowers transform into a bright, cyan-blue throughout summer. Though the sun-loving plant has a sage-like aroma, the blooms are not edible.

Hardiness zones: 4-9

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Tolerates a variety of well-draining soil

Bloom time: Mid-summer to fall

RELATED: Plants That Will Attract Hummingbirds to Your Home Garden

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Helenium Autumnale (Sneezeweed)

With sunny yellow, orange, and red flowers, this hardy perennial thrives in full sun and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Despite its name, the blooms shouldn’t impact your allergies—the dried leaves and flowers were historically used by Native Americans to create a snuff.

Hardiness zones: 3-8

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Moist, acidic soil

Bloom time: Late summer to fall

Platycodon (Balloon Flower)

Platycodon are a herbaceous flowering perennial that can thrive for decades in the right conditions (they prefer full sun and a hardiness zone between 3 and 8). They’re nicknamed the balloon flower because of their puffy, round buds that turn into star-shaped flowers every summer.

Hardiness zones: 3-8

Sunlight: Full sun, but can tolerate partial shade

Soil needs: Well-drained, loamy soil

Bloom time: Summer

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Heuchera (Coral Bells)

This hardy ground cover plant pops up in shades of green, amber, burgundy, and more. In late spring to early summer, its small, bell-shaped flowers attract pollinators and hummingbirds. The colorful foliage works well as a border in woodlands or rock gardens.

Hardiness zones: 4-8

Sunlight: Full sun or part shade

Soil needs: Rich, well-draining soil

Bloom time: Spring to summer

RELATED: Best Ground Cover Plants for Care-Free Gardens

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Daffodils

Just when you’re wishing winter away, these gorgeous yellow flowers begin to bloom. Aside from their cheerful color, daffodils provide nectar for bees and other early-season pollinators. Daffodils are known to multiply quickly and return to bloom each spring with little effort. They prefer sun, but can tolerate partial shade and they’re not fussy about soil.

Hardiness zones: 3-8

Sunlight: Full sun or partial shade

Soil needs: Loose, loamy soil that is slightly acidic

Bloom time: Late winter to early spring

RELATED: Here’s What Your Birth Month Flowers Symbolize

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Roses

A symbol of love, beauty, and romance, roses come in many varieties—like English roses, grandiflora roses, and garden roses. Rose bushes come back every year, but keep in mind that every rose variety may prefer slightly different conditions.

Hardiness zones: 5-8

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Loam soil

Bloom time: Late spring to early autumn

RELATED: 85 Flower Meanings That Will Take Your Bouquet to the Next Level

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Lupines

Lupines are frequently spotted in the wild, but you can also grow these spiky flowers in your garden at home. Throughout their short life—typically 3 to 4 seasons—stems can grow up to five feet tall, complete with red, white, yellow, pink, or purple blooms that resemble pea flowers.

Hardiness zones: 4-7

Sunlight: Full to partial sun

Soil needs: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil

Bloom time: Spring to summer

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Allium

Believe it or not, these purple pom-pom flowers are actually a part of the onion family. Once planted, they can be left untouched for years, especially since rodents, deer, and pests tend to avoid them. Their skinny stems rise to 30 inches in height, making them stand out against ground covers and low-growing varieties.

Hardiness zones: 3-9

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil

Bloom time: Summer to fall

RELATED: Summer Flowers for a Stunning Backyard Oasis

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Rudbeckia Hirta (Black-Eyed Susan)

Known for its deep yellow petals and dark brown center, the black-eyed Susan is popular for its long blooming period (flowers often last until the first frost). The perennial thrives in full sun, but can tolerate partial sun. They are deer-resistant, yet attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds.

Hardiness zones: 3-9

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Any soil that is well-draining

Bloom time: Early summer to winter

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas—a favorite among gardeners—have flowers that vary between pink, lavender, and blue, depending on the soil pH. Hydrangea shrubs have a longer blooming season, typically from late spring through early fall. To ensure that they live a full life (50 years!), plant them in spring after the last spring frost or in fall before the first fall frost.

Hardiness zones: 3-9

Sunlight: Partial sun

Soil needs: Acidic, well-drained soil

Bloom time: Late spring to fall

RELATED: Best Fall Flowers to Transform Your Garden Into an Autumn Paradise

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Bearded Iris

There are about 300 iris species, but the bearded iris is among the most popular. The striking blooms, which can range from deep purple and blue to yellow and white, prefer full sun and well-drained soil to thrive, but require minimal watering. The iris flower is a favorite among pollinators, especially bees that are drawn to its vibrant petals.

Hardiness zones: 3-10

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Achillea (Yarrow)

This hardy and versatile perennial is as carefree as it gets: Yarrow is pest-resistant, quick to spread, and a major pollinator. Since it grows quickly, use it as ground cover or to fill large spaces. Once the red, yellow, pink, or white flowers bloom, cut them (a.k.a. deadhead) when their color starts to fade to encourage more flower growth.

Hardiness zones: 3-9

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Any soil that is well-draining

Bloom time: Summer

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Lavender

Lavender’s fragrant blooms add vibrant color to any garden. Not to mention, the strong scent deters pests like mosquitoes, moths, and flies, making it a natural insect repellent. It grows especially well in areas with hot temperatures and little rain, so it’s a great addition for extreme climates.

Hardiness zones: 5-9

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Alkaline-rich, well-drained and sandy soil

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Astereae (Asters)

The star-shaped flower heads may give off the same look as daisies, but they’re an entirely different type of perennial. The plants, which can grow anywhere from eight inches to eight feet in height, come to life in late summer, giving bees and butterflies an important late-season pollen supply.

Hardiness zones: 3-8

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Well-drained, loamy soil

Bloom time: Late summer to fall

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Monarda Didyma (Bee Balms)

This easy-to-grow plant has strong stems, large leaves, and bright flowers in shades of berry red, pink, and purple. Use them to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The sun-loving plant requires a lot of water and the foliage can be cut back after flowering to encourage growth. Added bonus? When crushed, the flowers release a spicy fragrance that’s perfect for tea.

Hardiness zones: 4-9

Sunlight: Full or half sun

Soil needs: Rich, moisture-retaining soil

Bloom time: Early summer to early fall

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Tulips

Not only are tulips possibly one of the easiest perennial flowers to grow, they’re one of the most colorful. The elegant flower blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, yellow, and orange. Plant bulbs in the fall and you should see blooms by early spring. The only downside? Tulips may only come back for a few years before you need to plant new bulbs.

Hardiness zones: 3-8

Sunlight: Partial or full sun

Soil needs: Loose, well-draining soil with a neutral pH

Bloom time: Early spring

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Solidago (Goldenrod)

Add some contrast to the grasses and greens in your garden with golden-yellow spikes. Some consider Goldenrod a weed—and that’s because it grows quickly and can overtake your garden if not treated with care.

Hardiness zones: 2-8

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Any soil with decent drainage

Bloom time: Late summer to fall

Peonies

One of the most common perennials, peonies make elegant cut flowers. The beautiful blooms come back every year and have been known to live for up to 100 years (yes, that means they may outlive you). They have a sweet scent and large, beautiful flowers that are most commonly pink but can also be white, red, orange, or yellow.

Hardiness zones: 2-8

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

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Digitalis Dalmatian (Foxglove)

Defined by its tall stems and bell-shaped blooms, the Foxglove comes in a few color variations: white, pink, red, yellow, and shades of purple. The short-lived perennials are ideal for pollinators, tolerate shade well, and attract hummingbirds, all while resisting rabbits and deer. If you’re lucky, you’ll have blooms in the first year, but most likely in the second.

Hardiness zones: 4-9

Sunlight: Full sun to part shade

Soil needs: Well-draining, loamy soil

Bloom time: Early to mid-summer

Leucanthemum (Shasta Daisy)

If your neighborhood deer nibble on everything in sight, consider planting a patch of Shasta Daisies. Along with being deer- and rabbit-resistant, these short-lived perennials grow in clumps, filling up any empty spots with bright bursts of white and yellow. Bonus: You can cut the flowers at the stem for an instant vase filler or centerpiece, and they’ll regrow in no time.

Hardiness zones: 5-8

Sunlight: Full sun, but tolerates some shade

Soil needs: Well-draining soil

Bloom time: Late spring to fall

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Stonecrop (Sedum)

Pollinators love these star-shaped flower clusters—and gardeners do too! Depending on the size of your space, choose between low-growing sedum (a great ground cover option) or upright sedum. Both varieties boast the same beautiful results: succulent-like leaves with tiny pink, red, or yellow flowers.

Hardiness zones: 3-10

Sunlight: Full sun (low-growing sedum tolerates partial shade)

Soil needs: Well-draining, coarsely-textured and gravelly soil

Bloom time: Summer to fall

Daylily (Hemerocallis)

Daylilies survive through almost anything—fluctuating temperatures, irregular watering, and so on. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can find the right option to suit your garden or landscaping. And while each stem grows several flowers, keep in mind the buds only bloom for one day.

Hardiness zones: 4-9

Sunlight: Full sun or partial shade

Soil needs: Not picky, but prefers fertile and loamy soil

Bloom time: Early summer

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Phlox

Starting in early spring, low-growing phlox blooms as ground cover. During the summer months, the tall phlox—anywhere from three to five feet in height—pop up, creating a colorful backdrop for any low-growers. These star-shaped flowers emit a strong fragrance and require little TLC.

Hardiness zones: 2-9

Sunlight: Full sun but tolerates shade

Soil needs: Moist but well-draining soil

Bloom time: Spring to summer

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Echinacea (Coneflowers)

Make a bold statement by planting Coneflowers in a range of pinks, purples, oranges, and yellows. Since they’re a part of the daisy family, these trouble-free blooms bare similar qualities: They grow fast, self-sow seeds all season long, attract butterflies, and tolerate little or no water.

Hardiness zones: 3-9

Sunlight: Full to partial sun

Soil needs: Tolerates most soil, but prefers nutrient-rich loam

Bloom time: Summer to fall

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Butterfly Bush (Summer Lilacs)

Just like the name implies, the blossoms on these shrubs attract butterflies in the summer and fall months. While the flowers come in white and dark purple, the lavender-pink blossoms are the most appealing to the winged pollinators. The shrub is low maintenance, but will require annual pruning to keep it in tip-top shape for the coming year.

Hardiness zones: 5-10

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Any well-draining soil

Bloom time: Summer to fall

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Hostas

Add a tropical flair to your garden with this low-maintenance foliage, which comes in a variety of green shades with white or purple flowers. While many tout Hostas as shade-loving plants, that’s not necessarily the case: the lighter the leaves, the more sun it needs to thrive. Otherwise, they’re fairly tolerant and can live for decades if properly cared for.

Hardiness zones: 3-9

Sunlight: Partial shade

Soil needs: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil

Bloom time: Summer to fall

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Mother of Thyme

The Mother of Thyme is a low-growing ground cover plant full of color and fragrance. Also referred to as the Creeping Thyme Plant, this perennial will thrive between stepping stones or surrounding a vegetable garden. Not to mention, the leaves are ideal for making potpourris and calming teas.

Hardiness zones: 4-8

Sunlight: Full sun, but tolerates some shade

Soil needs: Loose, sandy or rocky soils with good drainage

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Clematis

Clematis is a popular perennial climbing plant defined by its vibrant petals that are purple, pink, or blue. The vining plant, which can be winded along a fence, trellis, or pergola, blooms twice a year—once during early summer and once again late summer or late fall.

Hardiness zones: 4-9

Sunlight: Full sun, but tolerates partial shade

Soil needs: Loamy sand with good drainage

Bloom time: Early to mid-summer, then again late summer to late fall

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Amsonia (Blue Star)

These low-maintenance plants are commonly referred to as Blue Star flowers due to their periwinkle blue petals that bloom in clusters. Thriving in hot and humid climates, the Amsonia pairs well with larger leaved plants, like peonies and hostas (also among the best perennial flowers).

Hardiness zones: 3-11

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Soil needs: Any well-draining soil

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

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False Indigo (Baptisia)

One or two years after planting, dense clusters off blue-purple flowers will bloom on long spikes. False Indigo are basically disease- and pest-free, which means little can get in their way from growing year after year. Over the years, they’ll grow up to four feet in height and fill out like a shrub.

Hardiness zones: 5-9

Sunlight: Full sun, but tolerates light shade

Soil needs: Prefers well-draining soil, but tolerates dry soil

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Coreopsis (Tickseed)

This cheery flower has more than 80 species, all of which share a similar butter-yellow shade. The low-maintenance, drought-tolerant perennial has a relatively short life, lasting three years in southern climates and four years in the north.

Hardiness zones: 4-9

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Not picky, but prefer sandy and rocky soils

Bloom time: Late spring to summer

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Salvias (Sage)

The kitchen herb you’ve come to know and love is actually a type of Salvia. This flowering beauty works well as a garden border, attracting bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies all summer long. Over time, they’ll grow anywhere from 18 inches to five feet tall, despite the heat or drought conditions.

Hardiness zones: 5-10

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Not picky, but prefer loamy and sandy soils

Bloom time: Spring to summer

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