Perennial flowers are plants that return year after year, offering reliable beauty with less replanting compared to annuals. They establish deep root systems, enabling them to survive winter dormancy and regrow each spring. Their bloom periods vary, with some providing color for weeks or months. These plants thrive in a range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and adapt to various soil types, though many prefer well-drained sites. Some are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for low-water gardens, while others flourish in moist environments.
Many perennials attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local ecosystems. Their flowers, ranging from delicate spikes to bold clusters, create dynamic displays when paired with complementary foliage or mixed with other perennials for continuous seasonal interest. Maintenance is generally low, with tasks like deadheading spent blooms to extend flowering or dividing clumps every few years to maintain vigor. Cutting back in late fall or early spring keeps plants tidy and encourages healthy growth. These practices maximize their longevity and performance.
Drought Tolerant Perennial Flowers
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- Description: Flat clusters of tiny flowers in shades of yellow, pink, red, or white atop fern-like, aromatic foliage. Adds a soft texture to borders.
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Growth Rate: Moderate; spreads via rhizomes, forming clumps 1–3 feet tall and wide.
- Care Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Deadhead to extend blooms. Divide every 3–4 years to control spread. Tolerates poor soil and drought once established.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.)
- Description: Vibrant, daisy-like flowers in red, yellow, or bicolor patterns with a slightly hairy texture. Compact varieties are great for borders.
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Growth Rate: Fast; grows 1–2 feet tall and wide within a season.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly to prolong blooming. Avoid overly rich soil to prevent flopping. Highly drought-tolerant.
Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
- Description: Spikes of lavender-blue flowers with aromatic, gray-green foliage. Attracts pollinators and resists deer and rabbits.
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast; forms clumps 1–3 feet tall and wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Shear back after first bloom to encourage reblooming. Low water needs once established.
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
- Description: Airy spikes of lavender-blue flowers with silvery-gray, aromatic foliage. Adds a wispy, shrub-like texture.
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July–October).
- Growth Rate: Moderate; reaches 3–5 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide over a few seasons.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Cut back to 6–12 inches in early spring to promote bushy growth. Avoid overwatering.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Description: Fragrant, purple flower spikes on compact, silvery-green foliage. Ideal for borders or herb gardens.
- Bloom Time: Early to late summer (June–August, longer in mild climates).
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate; grows 1–2 feet tall and wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained, low-fertility soil. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Avoid wet conditions to prevent root rot.
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
- Description: Large, daisy-like flowers with purple, pink, or white petals and raised, cone-shaped centers. Attracts pollinators and birds.
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July–October).
- Growth Rate: Moderate; reaches 2–4 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil. Deadhead to extend blooms, but leave some seed heads for wildlife. Drought-tolerant once established.
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
- Description: Bright, daisy-like flowers in yellow, pink, or red. Varieties like ‘Moonbeam’ or ‘Zagreb’ are compact and reliable.
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Growth Rate: Fast; grows 1–2 feet tall and wide in one season.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Deadhead to prolong blooms. Tolerates poor soil and drought; divide every 2–3 years.
Sedum (Sedum spectabile)
- Description: Star-shaped flowers in pink, red, or white atop thick, succulent foliage. ‘Autumn Joy’ is a popular cultivar.
- Bloom Time: Late summer to late fall (August–November).
- Growth Rate: Moderate; grows 1–2 feet tall and wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Cut back in spring to encourage growth. Avoid overwatering to prevent rot. Extremely drought-tolerant.
Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro)
- Description: Spherical, metallic-blue flower heads on spiky stems with silvery-green, thistle-like foliage. Adds bold texture.
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July–September).
- Growth Rate: Moderate; reaches 2–4 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding. Low water needs and thrives in poor soils.
Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
- Description: Tubular flowers in pink, purple, red, or white, loved by hummingbirds. ‘Husker Red’ has bronze foliage for added interest.
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Growth Rate: Moderate; grows 1–3 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Deadhead to extend blooms. Avoid wet soils; drought-tolerant once established.
Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)
- Description: Spikes of purple, blue, or pink flowers with aromatic foliage. ‘Caradonna’ and ‘May Night’ are long-blooming varieties.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall (May–September).
- Growth Rate: Moderate; reaches 1–2 feet tall and wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Deadhead and cut back after blooming to encourage reblooming. Highly drought-tolerant.
Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
- Description: Soft, fuzzy, silver-gray leaves with occasional spikes of small, purplish flowers. Grown primarily for foliage.
- Bloom Time: Early to midsummer (June–July, foliage persists year-round).
- Growth Rate: Fast; spreads to form groundcover 1–1.5 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil. Remove flower stalks if foliage is preferred. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)
- Description: Airy clusters of purple flowers on tall, slender stems. Adds height and movement; attracts butterflies.
- Bloom Time: Early summer to late fall (June–October).
- Growth Rate: Fast; grows 3–4 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Deadhead to encourage continuous blooming. Self-seeds in warm climates; drought-tolerant.
Stonecrop (Sedum telephium)
- Description: Clusters of star-shaped pink or red flowers, often transitioning to bronze in fall, atop succulent foliage. ‘Matrona’ is a standout.
- Bloom Time: Late summer to late fall (August–November).
- Growth Rate: Moderate; grows 1–2 feet tall and wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Cut back in spring to promote growth. Highly drought-tolerant; avoid overwatering.
Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa columbaria)
- Description: Delicate, pincushion-like flowers in blue, pink, or white atop wiry stems. Attracts butterflies and bees, adding soft texture to borders.
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Growth Rate: Moderate; grows 1–2 feet tall and wide within a season.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil, prefers neutral to alkaline conditions. Deadhead regularly to extend blooms. Drought-tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.
Threadleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata)
- Description: Fine, needle-like foliage with bright yellow or pink daisy-like flowers. ‘Moonbeam’ is a compact, long-blooming cultivar.
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Growth Rate: Fast; reaches 1–2 feet tall and wide in one season.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Deadhead to prolong blooms. Thrives in poor, dry soils; divide every 2–3 years to maintain vigor.
Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus)
- Description: Small, button-like yellow flowers on aromatic, silvery-gray foliage. Compact, mound-forming, ideal for edging or rock gardens.
- Bloom Time: Early to late summer (June–August).
- Growth Rate: Moderate; grows 1–2 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained, low-fertility soil. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Highly drought-tolerant; avoid wet conditions.
Globe Centaurea (Centaurea macrocephala)
- Description: Large, thistle-like yellow flower heads on sturdy stems with coarse, green foliage. Adds bold structure to gardens.
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to late summer (July–August).
- Growth Rate: Moderate; reaches 3–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance; thrives in poor soils.
Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber)
- Description: Clusters of small, star-shaped red, pink, or white flowers atop slender stems. Attracts pollinators and has a slightly wild look.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall (May–September).
- Growth Rate: Fast; grows 2–3 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Deadhead to encourage reblooming. Tolerates dry, rocky soils; may self-seed in ideal conditions.
Sea Holly (Eryngium planum)
- Description: Metallic-blue, thistle-like flower heads surrounded by spiky bracts. Unique, sculptural appearance with silvery foliage.
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July–September).
- Growth Rate: Moderate; grows 2–3 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Low water needs; avoid heavy, wet soils. Deadhead to control self-seeding. Resists deer.
Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
- Description: Spikes of tubular purple, blue, or orange flowers with aromatic, mint-like foliage. Popular with hummingbirds and bees.
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July–September).
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast; reaches 2–4 feet tall and 1–3 feet wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Deadhead to extend blooms. Drought-tolerant; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Kniphofia (Kniphofia uvaria)
- Description: Torch-like spikes of red, orange, or yellow flowers fading to cream. Adds dramatic verticality to gardens.
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Growth Rate: Moderate; grows 2–4 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage reblooming. Drought-tolerant; protect crowns in winter in colder zones.
Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi)
- Description: Low-growing, succulent groundcover with vibrant pink, purple, or yellow daisy-like flowers. Ideal for rock gardens.
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Growth Rate: Fast; spreads 1–2 feet wide, 4–6 inches tall.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained, sandy soil. Avoid overwatering; no need to deadhead. Highly drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri)
- Description: Airy, butterfly-like white or pink flowers on slender stems. Delicate, wispy appearance for borders or containers.
- Bloom Time: Early summer to late fall (June–October).
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast; grows 2–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Deadhead to prolong blooms. Tolerates heat and drought; cut back in spring for bushier growth.
Artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana)
- Description: Silvery, feathery foliage with small, insignificant yellow flowers. Grown primarily for its drought-tolerant, textured leaves.
- Bloom Time: Midsummer (July–August, foliage is the main attraction).
- Growth Rate: Moderate; grows 1–2 feet tall and 1–3 feet wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Prune to maintain shape. Extremely drought-tolerant; thrives in poor, dry soils.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
- Description: Clusters of bright orange or yellow star-shaped flowers. Attracts butterflies, especially monarchs, and resists deer.
- Bloom Time: Early summer to late summer (June–August).
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate; grows 1–2 feet tall and wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Avoid disturbing deep taproot. Drought-tolerant; no need for frequent watering once established.
Liatris (Liatris spicata)
- Description: Tall, feathery spikes of purple or white flowers that bloom from top to bottom. Attracts pollinators and adds vertical interest.
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July–September).
- Growth Rate: Moderate; grows 2–4 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Deadhead to extend blooms. Drought-tolerant; avoid wet soils to prevent rot.
Perennial Sage (Salvia sylvestris)
- Description: Spikes of deep purple or blue flowers with aromatic foliage. Compact varieties like ‘Blue Hill’ are long-blooming.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall (May–September).
- Growth Rate: Moderate; grows 1–2 feet tall and wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Deadhead and cut back after blooming for reblooming. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
- Description: Bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers that open in the evening, attracting nocturnal pollinators. Adds a wildflower aesthetic.
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Growth Rate: Fast; grows 2–5 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.
- Care Tips: Full sun, well-drained soil. Tolerates poor, dry soils. May self-seed; deadhead to control spread. Highly drought-tolerant.