Yellow perennials light up gardens with their cheerful blooms, returning reliably each year to add warmth and vibrancy. These plants range from low-growing groundcovers to taller clumps, offering flowers in shades from pale lemon to deep gold. They bloom across seasons, from early spring to late fall, ensuring consistent color in sunny or shaded spots. Their durability makes them a low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking year-round impact.
Their flowers come in varied shapes—daisy-like, tubular, or clustered—often attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, boosting garden ecosystems. Foliage can be grassy, ferny, or broad, providing texture even when blooms fade. Many produce seeds or berries, adding interest into autumn. These plants pair well with purples, blues, or whites, creating dynamic borders or focal points.
Native to diverse regions, yellow perennials thrive in climates from cool temperate to warm subtropical, adapting to different soils, from sandy loams to moist clays. Some tolerate drought, while others prefer wetter conditions, suiting rain gardens or xeriscapes. They often spread gently, filling gaps naturally, though some need control to prevent overcrowding. Their versatility ensures a fit for any garden style.
In landscapes, yellow perennials shine in mixed beds, rock gardens, or containers, offering height variation for layered designs. They enhance cottage, prairie, or woodland themes, blending with grasses or shrubs. Many are deer-resistant, ideal for rural settings, and their cut flowers brighten indoor arrangements. With minimal care, they deliver lasting beauty, making them a garden essential.
Yellow Perennials
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
This native North American perennial features daisy-like, golden-yellow flowers with dark central cones, blooming from midsummer to fall. Growing 2–3 feet tall and wide, it’s drought-tolerant and attracts butterflies, ideal for sunny borders or wildflower gardens. Hardy in zones 3–9, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, adding cheerful pops of color.
Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata)
Known as tickseed, Coreopsis boasts bright yellow, star-shaped flowers from early summer to fall. Reaching 1–2 feet tall and wide, cultivars like ‘Moonbeam’ offer pale yellow blooms. Perfect for sunny beds or containers, it’s low-maintenance and attracts pollinators. Zones 4–9, it prefers full sun and tolerates poor, dry soils.
Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
Daylilies produce trumpet-shaped yellow flowers, with varieties like ‘Happy Returns’ blooming repeatedly from summer to frost. Growing 1–3 feet tall and wide, their grass-like foliage complements mixed borders or mass plantings. Hardy in zones 3–9, they thrive in full sun to part shade and adapt to various soils, needing occasional deadheading.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow’s flat-topped clusters of lemon-yellow flowers, like ‘Moonshine,’ bloom from early to late summer. Growing 2–3 feet tall and wide, its feathery foliage suits cottage gardens or sunny borders. Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, it attracts pollinators in zones 3–9, preferring full sun and well-drained soil.
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum superbum)
Cultivars like ‘Banana Cream’ start with lemon-yellow blooms fading to creamy white, flowering from early to late summer. Reaching 1–2 feet tall and wide, they’re ideal for borders or cut-flower gardens. Zones 5–9, they thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, needing deadheading to extend blooms.
Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
Yellow coneflower varieties, like ‘Sunrise,’ feature drooping, golden petals around a central cone, blooming from summer to fall. Growing 2–4 feet tall, they attract pollinators and birds, suiting sunny beds or prairie gardens. Zones 4–9, they prefer full sun and tolerate drought once established.
Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)
These spring-blooming bulbs offer cheerful, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers, lasting weeks in early to mid-spring. Growing 1–2 feet tall, they naturalize in lawns, borders, or woodland gardens. Hardy in zones 3–8, they need full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, with bulbs planted in fall.
Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus)
With showy, golden-yellow flowers in late spring to early summer, this iris grows 2–4 feet tall, thriving in moist or wet soils, perfect for pond edges or rain gardens. Its sword-like leaves add structure. Zones 4–9, it prefers full sun but tolerates part shade, spreading readily.
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Goldenrod’s arching plumes of tiny yellow flowers bloom from late summer to fall, reaching 2–6 feet tall. Native to North America, it’s excellent for pollinator gardens or meadows, attracting bees. Zones 4–8, it thrives in full sun and adapts to various soils, resisting drought and deer.
False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)
Resembling sunflowers, ‘Tuscan Gold’ produces bright yellow, daisy-like blooms from summer to fall. Growing 2–3 feet tall, it’s great for sunny borders or cutting gardens. Zones 4–9, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought and requiring minimal care once established.
Corydalis (Pseudofumaria lutea)
This shade-tolerant perennial offers tubular, yellow flowers from mid-spring to fall, growing 1–1.5 feet tall. Its ferny foliage suits woodland or rock gardens. Zones 5–8, it thrives in part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil, providing long-lasting color in low-light areas.
Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)
A shrubby perennial, forsythia bursts with vivid yellow flowers in early spring before leaves appear, growing 2–10 feet tall depending on the cultivar. Ideal for hedges or specimens, it’s hardy in zones 5–8, needing full sun for best blooms and well-drained soil, with pruning after flowering.
Yellow Wild Indigo (Baptisia sphaerocarpa)
This native perennial displays spikes of butter-yellow flowers in late spring to early summer, reaching 2–3 feet tall. Its blue-green foliage suits prairie or sunny gardens, attracting butterflies. Zones 5–8, it thrives in full sun and tolerates poor soils, being drought-resistant once established.
Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)
With yellow, daisy-like flowers from late summer to fall, sneezeweed grows 3–5 feet tall, perfect for back borders or wet meadows. Its vibrant blooms attract pollinators. Zones 3–8, it prefers full sun and moist soil, needing division every few years to maintain vigor.
Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum)
This woodland native produces bright yellow, four-petaled flowers in late spring to early summer, growing 1–2 feet tall. Ideal for shaded borders or naturalized areas, it attracts early pollinators. Zones 4–8, it thrives in part shade and moist, rich soil, self-seeding readily.
Yellow Trillium (Trillium luteum)
A spring-blooming native with single, lemon-scented yellow flowers atop mottled leaves, growing 1–1.5 feet tall. Perfect for woodland or shade gardens, it forms clumps over time. Zones 4–8, it prefers part to full shade and humus-rich, moist soil, adding delicate charm.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
This native perennial boasts clusters of bright yellow-orange flowers from early to late summer, attracting monarch butterflies. Growing 1–2 feet tall and wide, it’s perfect for sunny borders or pollinator gardens. Hardy in zones 3–9, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought with deep taproots.
Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa)
Sundrops produce cup-shaped, lemon-yellow flowers that open in daytime, blooming from late spring to early summer. Reaching 1–2 feet tall, they suit rock gardens or sunny edges. Zones 4–8, they prefer full sun and average soil, spreading gently to form dense patches with minimal care.
Missouri Primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa)
With large, saucer-like yellow flowers from late spring to summer, this low-grower reaches 6–12 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide. Ideal for rock gardens or front borders, it attracts pollinators. Zones 3–7, it thrives in full sun and well-drained, even gravelly soil, resisting drought.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)
Cultivars like ‘Arizona Sun’ offer yellow-tipped, daisy-like flowers with red centers, blooming from summer to fall. Growing 1–2 feet tall, they’re great for sunny beds or containers. Zones 3–10, they need full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat and drought with regular deadheading.
Yellow Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha)
This native columbine features nodding, golden-yellow flowers with long spurs, blooming late spring to early summer. Growing 2–3 feet tall, it’s ideal for shady borders or woodland gardens. Zones 3–8, it prefers part shade and moist, well-drained soil, attracting hummingbirds and self-seeding gently.
Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata)
Producing star-shaped, yellow flowers in whorled clusters from early to midsummer, this plant grows 2–3 feet tall. It suits moist borders or cottage gardens, spreading vigorously. Zones 4–8, it thrives in full sun to part shade and tolerates wet soils, needing control to prevent overgrowth.
Yellow Avens (Geum chiloense)
With semi-double, buttery-yellow flowers from late spring to summer, cultivars like ‘Lady Stratheden’ reach 1–2 feet tall. Perfect for borders or rock gardens, they attract pollinators. Zones 4–8, they prefer full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, benefiting from division every few years.
Yellow Foxglove (Digitalis grandiflora)
This perennial foxglove displays tubular, pale yellow flowers on spikes from late spring to early summer, growing 2–3 feet tall. Ideal for woodland or cottage gardens, it attracts bees. Zones 3–8, it thrives in part shade and moist, well-drained soil, offering a softer alternative to biennial foxgloves.
Yellow Cinquefoil (Potentilla aurea)
With five-petaled, golden-yellow flowers from early to late summer, this low-grower reaches 6–12 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide. Suited for rock gardens or edging, it forms neat clumps. Zones 3–7, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating poor conditions with minimal upkeep.
Yellow Lupine (Lupinus densiflorus)
Native to the West Coast, it produces dense spikes of bright yellow flowers in late spring to early summer, growing 1–3 feet tall. Great for wildflower or sunny gardens, it attracts pollinators. Zones 5–9, it needs full sun and well-drained soil, with deep roots resisting drought.
Yellow Beardtongue (Penstemon barbatus)
With tubular, yellow flowers on slender spikes from late spring to summer, this native grows 2–3 feet tall. Ideal for xeriscapes or pollinator gardens, it draws hummingbirds. Zones 4–9, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat and requiring little water once established.
Yellow Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum)
This orchid-like native offers pouch-shaped, yellow flowers with maroon accents in late spring, growing 1–2 feet tall. Perfect for shaded woodland gardens, it’s a rare beauty. Zones 3–7, it needs part shade, moist, humus-rich soil, and careful sourcing due to wild collection concerns.
Yellow Bellflower (Campanula thyrsoides)
Producing spikes of bell-shaped, creamy-yellow flowers in summer, this alpine perennial grows 1–2 feet tall. Suited for rock gardens or sunny borders, it forms tidy clumps. Zones 4–7, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating cool climates and needing minimal care.
Yellow Cushion Spurge (Euphorbia polychroma)
With dome-shaped clusters of yellow-green bracts in spring to early summer, it grows 1–1.5 feet tall and wide. Ideal for sunny borders or rock gardens, it’s deer-resistant. Zones 4–8, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, with sap requiring caution due to skin irritation.
Yellow Meadow Rue (Thalictrum flavum)
Airy clusters of tiny, yellow flowers bloom in midsummer, atop feathery foliage, reaching 2–4 feet tall. Perfect for shady borders or woodland gardens, it adds delicate texture. Zones 4–8, it prefers part shade and moist, well-drained soil, tolerating wetter conditions than most perennials.
Yellow Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens ‘Golden Candy’)
This evergreen perennial offers clusters of golden-yellow flowers in spring, growing 6–12 inches tall and wide. Great for rock gardens or edging, it forms dense mounds. Zones 3–9, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought and needing shearing after bloom for tidiness.
Yellow Anemone (Anemone ranunculoides)
This woodland perennial produces buttercup-like, bright yellow flowers in early spring, growing 6–12 inches tall and wide. Ideal for shaded borders or under trees, it spreads gently to form carpets. Zones 4–8, it thrives in part to full shade and moist, humus-rich soil, adding early-season cheer.
Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon)
With clusters of small, yellow flowers in late spring to early summer, this groundcover grows 1–2 feet tall and spreads widely. Perfect for shady slopes or woodland gardens, its variegated leaves add interest. Zones 4–9, it prefers part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil, needing control to manage vigor.
Yellow Alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis)
Also called basket-of-gold, it forms mounds of brilliant yellow flower clusters in spring, growing 8–12 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide. Suited for rock gardens or edging, it’s drought-tolerant. Zones 3–7, it needs full sun and well-drained, even poor soil, with shearing post-bloom to maintain shape.
Yellow Tickseed (Coreopsis grandiflora)
Featuring large, golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers from early to late summer, this cultivar grows 1–2 feet tall. Great for sunny borders or containers, it attracts butterflies. Zones 4–9, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat and drought with regular deadheading for extended blooms.
Yellow Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans ‘Golden Glow’)
This low-growing perennial offers spikes of yellow flowers in late spring, with golden-green foliage, reaching 4–6 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide. Ideal for groundcover or rock gardens, it spreads steadily. Zones 3–9, it prefers part shade and moist soil, tolerating full sun in cooler climates.
Yellow Stonecrop (Sedum kamtschaticum)
With star-shaped, yellow flowers in early summer, this succulent perennial grows 4–6 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Perfect for rock gardens or sunny borders, it’s drought-resistant. Zones 3–8, it thrives in full sun and well-drained, gritty soil, forming tidy mats with minimal maintenance.
Yellow Monkshood (Aconitum lycoctonum)
Producing spikes of hooded, pale yellow flowers in midsummer, this upright plant grows 2–4 feet tall. Suited for shady borders or woodland gardens, it adds height and drama. Zones 3–7, it prefers part shade and moist, well-drained soil, with all parts toxic, requiring careful handling.
Yellow Wax Bells (Kirengeshoma palmata)
With nodding, waxy, yellow flowers in late summer to early fall, this perennial grows 3–4 feet tall. Ideal for shady gardens or near water features, its maple-like leaves add texture. Zones 5–8, it thrives in part to full shade and moist, rich soil, offering late-season elegance.
Yellow Fumitory (Corydalis cheilanthifolia)
This ferny perennial bears spikes of tubular, yellow flowers from spring to early summer, growing 8–12 inches tall and wide. Great for rock gardens or shaded paths, it self-seeds gently. Zones 5–8, it prefers part shade and well-drained soil, providing delicate, continuous interest.
Yellow Globeflower (Trollius europaeus)
Producing round, lemon-yellow flowers in late spring to early summer, this clump-former grows 1–2 feet tall. Perfect for moist borders or bog gardens, it attracts pollinators. Zones 3–7, it thrives in part shade and wet, rich soil, needing consistent moisture for best performance.
Yellow Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis fruticosa)
With whorls of buttery-yellow flowers in early to midsummer, this shrubby perennial grows 2–4 feet tall and wide. Suited for Mediterranean or sunny gardens, it’s deer-resistant. Zones 5–9, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought and adding bold texture.
Yellow Helenium (Helenium hoopesii)
This early-blooming sneezeweed offers golden, daisy-like flowers from late spring to summer, growing 2–3 feet tall. Ideal for sunny borders or pollinator gardens, it draws butterflies. Zones 3–8, it needs full sun and well-drained soil, benefiting from division to maintain vigor.
Yellow Leopard’s Bane (Doronicum orientale)
With daisy-like, bright yellow flowers in early spring, this perennial grows 1–2 feet tall and wide. Great for shaded borders or woodland settings, it blooms before many others. Zones 4–7, it prefers part shade and moist, well-drained soil, needing deadheading to encourage reblooming.
Yellow Ice Plant (Delosperma nubigenum)
This succulent perennial displays vivid yellow, daisy-like flowers in late spring to early summer, growing 2–4 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide. Perfect for rock gardens or sunny slopes, it’s drought-tolerant. Zones 5–10, it thrives in full sun and gritty soil, forming colorful mats.
Yellow Ligularia (Ligularia dentata)
With large, yellow, daisy-like flowers from midsummer to fall, this bold perennial grows 3–4 feet tall. Ideal for moist, shady borders or near ponds, it adds dramatic foliage. Zones 4–8, it prefers part shade and wet, rich soil, requiring consistent moisture for vibrant blooms.
Yellow Meadow Sage (Salvia nemorosa)
Cultivars like ‘East Friesland Yellow’ produce spikes of pale yellow flowers from early to late summer, growing 1–2 feet tall. Suited for sunny borders or cottage gardens, it attracts bees. Zones 4–9, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, needing deadheading for prolonged bloom.