Perennials that bloom for extended periods bring long-lasting color to gardens, often flowering for six to eight weeks or more with proper care. Many people love them because they reduce the need for frequent replanting. Many of these perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, though some adapt to partial shade or moister conditions. Most of these flowers also fit various garden styles, from formal beds to naturalistic landscapes. These plants often attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local ecosystems.
For gardeners aiming to maximize impact with minimal effort, these perennials are a smart choice. Their durability, adaptability, and extended bloom periods create dynamic, ever-changing displays. With proper selection and care, they provide months of beauty year after year.
Longest Flowering Perennials
Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Description: Aromatic, gray-green foliage with spikes of lavender-blue flowers. Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant once established. Hardy in USDA zones 4–8.
- Care Tips: Shear back after first bloom to encourage reblooming. Resists deer and rabbits.
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Description: Bright yellow, pink, or red daisy-like flowers. Varieties like ‘Moonbeam’ or ‘Zagreb’ are particularly long-blooming.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, tolerates poor soil and drought. Zones 4–9.
- Care Tips: Deadhead to extend blooming; divide every 2–3 years to maintain vigor.
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July–October).
- Description: Large, daisy-like flowers in purple, pink, or white with prominent cone-shaped centers. Attracts pollinators and birds.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil. Zones 3–9.
- Care Tips: Deadhead to prolong blooms, but leave some seed heads for wildlife.
Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
- Bloom Time: Early summer to fall (June–September, depending on cultivar).
- Description: Trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors (yellow, orange, red, pink). Reblooming varieties like ‘Stella d’Oro’ extend the season.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade, adaptable to most soils. Zones 3–9.
- Care Tips: Remove spent blooms daily and cut back foliage after flowering.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.)
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Description: Vibrant red, yellow, or bicolor daisy-like flowers. Compact varieties like ‘Goblin’ are ideal for borders.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, highly drought-tolerant. Zones 3–10.
- Care Tips: Deadhead regularly; avoid overly rich soil to prevent flopping.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Description: Flat clusters of tiny flowers in yellow, pink, red, or white atop fern-like foliage. Attracts pollinators.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, tolerates drought and poor soil. Zones 3–9.
- Care Tips: Cut back after first bloom to encourage reblooming; divide every 3–4 years.
Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall (May–September).
- Description: Spikes of purple, blue, or pink flowers. Varieties like ‘Caradonna’ or ‘May Night’ are reliable bloomers.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant. Zones 4–9.
- Care Tips: Deadhead and cut back after blooming to promote additional flushes.
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Description: Classic white petals with yellow centers. Varieties like ‘Becky’ bloom longer with deadheading.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, prefers moist conditions. Zones 5–9.
- Care Tips: Deadhead regularly and divide every 2–3 years to prevent overcrowding.
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July–October).
- Description: Airy spikes of lavender-blue flowers with silvery-gray foliage. Adds a wispy texture to gardens.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, highly drought-tolerant. Zones 5–9.
- Care Tips: Cut back in early spring to encourage bushy growth; avoid overwatering.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July–October).
- Description: Golden-yellow flowers with dark brown centers. ‘Goldsturm’ is a popular long-blooming cultivar.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade, adaptable to most soils. Zones 3–9.
- Care Tips: Deadhead to extend blooms; leave some seed heads for birds.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Bloom Time: Early summer to late summer (June–August, sometimes longer in mild climates).
- Description: Fragrant purple flower spikes with silvery-green foliage. Attracts bees and butterflies.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, prefers low fertility. Zones 5–8.
- Care Tips: Prune after flowering to maintain shape; avoid wet, heavy soils.
Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July–September).
- Description: Clusters of fragrant flowers in pink, white, purple, or red. ‘David’ is a long-blooming white variety.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade, moist, well-drained soil. Zones 4–8.
- Care Tips: Deadhead and ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
Sedum (Sedum spectabile)
- Bloom Time: Late summer to late fall (August–November).
- Description: Star-shaped flowers in pink, red, or white atop succulent foliage. ‘Autumn Joy’ is a favorite for long blooms.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant. Zones 3–9.
- Care Tips: Cut back in spring; avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)
- Bloom Time: Early summer to late fall (June–October).
- Description: Airy clusters of purple flowers on tall, slender stems. Attracts butterflies and adds height to borders.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, tolerates drought. Zones 7–11 (grown as an annual in colder zones).
- Care Tips: Deadhead to encourage continuous blooming; self-seeds in warm climates.
Hardy Geranium (Geranium spp.)
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall (May–September).
- Description: Delicate, saucer-shaped flowers in pink, purple, blue, or white. Varieties like ‘Rozanne’ are renowned for extended blooms.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, adaptable to various conditions. Zones 4–8.
- Care Tips: Shear back after first bloom to encourage reblooming; divide every 3–4 years.
Tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata)
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Description: Fine, thread-like foliage with bright yellow or pink flowers. ‘Moonbeam’ and ‘Zagreb’ are compact, long-blooming cultivars.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant. Zones 4–9.
- Care Tips: Deadhead regularly to prolong blooms; thrives in poor soils.
Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus)
- Bloom Time: Early summer to late summer (June–August).
- Description: Small, button-like yellow flowers atop aromatic, silvery-gray foliage. Adds texture to borders.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, highly drought-tolerant. Zones 6–9.
- Care Tips: Prune after flowering to maintain shape; avoid wet soils.
Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa columbaria)
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Description: Delicate, pincushion-like flowers in blue, pink, or white. Attracts butterflies and bees.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, prefers neutral to alkaline conditions. Zones 4–9.
- Care Tips: Deadhead frequently to extend blooming; ensure good drainage.
Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
- Bloom Time: Late spring to late summer (May–August).
- Description: Airy spikes of tiny, bell-shaped flowers in pink, red, or white above colorful foliage (purple, bronze, or green).
- Growing Conditions: Partial shade to full sun, well-drained soil. Zones 4–9.
- Care Tips: Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming; divide every 3–4 years.
Speedwell (Veronica spicata)
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Description: Spikes of star-shaped flowers in blue, purple, pink, or white. ‘Royal Candles’ is a compact, long-blooming variety.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, moderately drought-tolerant. Zones 3–8.
- Care Tips: Deadhead to prolong blooms; cut back in fall for tidy growth.
Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)
- Bloom Time: Early summer to late summer (June–August).
- Description: Feathery plumes of pink, red, white, or peach flowers above fern-like foliage. Ideal for shady gardens.
- Growing Conditions: Partial to full shade, moist, well-drained soil. Zones 4–8.
- Care Tips: Keep soil consistently moist; divide every 3–4 years to prevent crowding.
Threadleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’)
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Description: Soft yellow, daisy-like flowers on delicate, needle-like foliage. Extremely long-blooming with minimal care.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant. Zones 3–9.
- Care Tips: Deadhead to maintain blooms; avoid over-fertilizing.
Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis)
- Bloom Time: Late summer to late fall (August–October).
- Description: Elegant, cup-shaped flowers in white or pink on tall stems. ‘Honorine Jobert’ is a long-blooming cultivar.
- Growing Conditions: Partial shade to full sun, moist, well-drained soil. Zones 4–8.
- Care Tips: Mulch to retain moisture; can spread aggressively in ideal conditions.
Hardy Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica)
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to late fall (July–October).
- Description: Dangling, bell-shaped flowers in red, purple, or pink. Adds a tropical flair to temperate gardens.
- Growing Conditions: Partial shade, moist, well-drained soil. Zones 6–9.
- Care Tips: Mulch in winter to protect roots in colder zones; prune in spring.
Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June–September).
- Description: Tubular flowers in pink, purple, red, or white, popular with hummingbirds. ‘Husker Red’ is a reliable choice.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant. Zones 4–9.
- Care Tips: Deadhead to extend blooms; avoid wet, heavy soils.
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July–September).
- Description: Vibrant, shaggy flowers in red, pink, or purple. Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade, moist, well-drained soil. Zones 4–9.
- Care Tips: Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew; deadhead regularly.
Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro)
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July–September).
- Description: Spherical, metallic-blue flower heads on spiky stems. Adds unique texture and attracts pollinators.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant. Zones 3–8.
- Care Tips: Deadhead to prevent self-seeding; low-maintenance once established.
Helenium (Helenium autumnale)
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to late fall (July–October).
- Description: Daisy-like flowers in yellow, orange, or red. ‘Moerheim Beauty’ is a long-blooming cultivar.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, moist, well-drained soil. Zones 3–8.
- Care Tips: Deadhead to prolong blooms; divide every 3–4 years for vigor.
Stonecrop (Sedum telephium)
- Bloom Time: Late summer to late fall (August–November).
- Description: Clusters of star-shaped flowers in pink or red, often transitioning to bronze in fall. ‘Matrona’ is a standout variety.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant. Zones 3–9.
- Care Tips: Cut back in spring; avoid overwatering to prevent rot.