31 Perennials You Should Try Planting This Fall

Are you looking for some perennial plants to add to your garden this fall? There are many options to choose from, depending on your climate. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at some of her favorites, with names and pictures of each!

fall perennials

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Perennials are plants that grow and bloom year after year. Some species grow in full sun, while others prefer part sun or shade. Some do well in moist soils, and others thrive in dry soils. There are perennial ground covers and tall, vigorous shrubs.

Most are hardy and long-lived. Both those new to perennial gardening and experienced, avid gardeners with established plants will find inspiration from these 31 fall perennials you can plant before winter’s cold sets in.

Planning a Fall Perennial Garden

Before digging, select plants hardy to your climate and plant them in their preferred conditions. If you’re willing to go with native plants, native perennials are proven to support pollinators and local wildlife.

Once your plants are well-established, you will be rewarded with a hardy, low-maintenance flower garden. Whatever type of plant you are looking for, there’s probably a perennial for you.

Do a bit of advance planning and ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is my location and USDA Hardiness Zone?
  • How much space do I have?
  • How much sun do I have?
  • What is the soil quality and moisture retention capacity?
  • Are there deer or rabbits that can access the plants?
  • Do I want to attract butterflies, bees, or birds?
  • Do I want ground covers or low-growing plants, mid-size plants, or large plants?

Once you know the answers to these questions, start looking at plants to fill your garden! Plant them on a cool day and thoroughly water them after putting them in the ground. Many plants will benefit from a layer of mulch to help protect them from temperature extremes through the winter months. Mulch in the summer can help keep the roots moist and reduce weed growth.

Allium, Ornamental Onion

Close-up of flowering Allium caeruleum plants in a sunny garden. The plant has vertical tall stems with large rounded inflorescences. The inflorescences consist of many loose purple star-shaped flowers.
They bloom in late spring to early summer with globe-like, pale purple flowers on tall stems.

Scientific Name: Allium caeruleum

  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Geographic Origin: Central Asia
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Plant Height: 1-2 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 4-8

Allium caeruleum, or ornamental onion, blooms in late spring through early summer. Large globe-like, pale purple blooms atop tall stems. The onion-like leaves often dry and shrivel shortly before flowering, so the flower stalk appears to emerge directly from the ground with no leaves. Plants are strongly onion-scented when crushed and resistant to deer and rabbits. Their striking and showy flowers attract butterflies and other insects.

Alliums grow well in dry to slightly moist soils. Soils should be rich but very well-drained. Add some sand if necessary to improve drainage, as allium bulbs are prone to rot if continually wet. Plant in full sun for best growth and blooming.

Basket-Of-Gold

Close-up of a flowering plant Aurinia saxatilis, commonly known as Basket-of-Gold, is a herbaceous perennial plant with bright yellow flowers and silvery-green leaves. The leaves are small, lanceolate, and covered with fine hairs. The flowers are tiny, collected in inflorescences.
This low-growing perennial ground cover thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

Scientific Name: Aurinia saxatilis

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Central and southeastern Europe
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Plant Height: 6”-12”
  • USDA Plant Zone: 4-7

Basket-Of-Gold, sometimes called Yellow Alyssum, is a low-growing fall perennial that makes an excellent ground cover. It grows well in a location with full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. In areas with hot summers, this plant appreciates a bit of afternoon shade, or the leaves may die back and look rather scraggly. If this happens, prune heavily after flowering to encourage better leaf growth.

Basket-of-Gold blooms in the springtime with a mass of small bright yellow flowers. Leaves are simple, oblong, and silvery green. It is resistant to drought and dry soils and would make a nice addition to a rock garden or along edges and borders.

Aster ‘Wood’s Purple’

Close-up of a flowering plant Aster ‘Wood’s Purple’ in a sunny garden, near a wooden fence. Aster 'Wood's Purple' is a perennial plant known for its captivating purple flowers and lush foliage. The leaves are lanceolate, dark green, slightly serrated along the edges. Aster flowers are similar to daisies with bright purple petals surrounding a contrasting yellow center.
‘Wood’s Purple’ Aster prefers full sun and well-drained soil, blooming with showy purple flowers in early fall.

Scientific Name: Aster ‘Wood’s Purple’

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: North America
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Plant Height: 1-1.5 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 4-8

The ‘Wood’s Purple’ Aster is a cultivar that resembles the New England Aster in appearance but is much smaller. Because of its small size, it doesn’t require much pruning to keep it looking great. ‘Wood’s Purple’ Aster grows best in an area with full sun and average, well-drained soil.

‘Wood’s Purple’ Aster has a showy purple flower. Plants bloom in early fall and attract butterflies and other insects. Plants will spread over time, so give them plenty of space to grow and enjoy their annual abundance of flowers to welcome autumn.

Astilbe

Close-up of a flowering Astilbe plant in a sunny garden. Astilbe is a perennial plant cherished for its feathery plumes of flowers and lush foliage. It forms clusters of attractive, fern-like leaves, usually dark green, glossy, and deeply lobed. Astilba flowers appear on tall thin stems above bright pink foliage. The flowers are tightly packed together, creating a stunning display of color and texture. They have a delicate and airy appearance, reminiscent of fluffy plumes or torches.
This shrub offers various beautiful plume-like blooms in white, purple, and pink, attracting insects.

Scientific Name: Astilbe var.

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Asia, North America
  • Sun Exposure: Partial shade
  • Plant Height: 1-3 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 4-8

There are many varieties of Astilbe, and all have beautiful feathery plume-like blooms. Flower colors include shades of white, purple, and pink. They bloom from late spring through early summer and attract a multitude of insects. Astilbe makes a delightful addition to any shade garden.

Astilbe grows best in areas of shade with dappled sunlight. They like moist, rich, well-drained soils. Plants will eventually form clumps that can be divided every few years, if desired, to prevent overcrowding.

Black-Eyed Susan

Close-up of flowering plants Rudbeckia hirta, commonly known as Black-eyed Susan, in a sunny garden, against a blurred background. The plant has strong upright stems with rough, lanceolate leaves with serrated edges. Rudbeckia hirta produces large daisy-like flowers with prominent dark brown to black centers (resembling a "black eye") surrounded by golden yellow petals.
This native wildflower enhances sunny gardens with reliable summer blooms, attracting butterflies.

Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Central United States
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Plant Height: 2-3 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 3-7

Black-Eyed Susan is a classic native wildflower that makes a wonderful addition to a sunny perennial garden. Plants reliably bloom each summer.

They produce an explosion of bright flowers with showy bright yellow petals and dark brown centers. Their stunning flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.

These plants are easily grown from seed, and plants will readily self-seed. They can spread into a naturalized area, or you can remove new unwanted seedlings each spring to keep them contained in a particular area. Grow them in full sun with rich, moist, well-drained soil.

Bleeding Heart

Close-up of a flowering plant Lamprocapnos spectabilis in a sunny garden. Lamprocapnos spectabilis, commonly known as Bleeding Heart, is a unique and graceful perennial plant. It has curved stems covered with complex and deeply lobed leaves of a light green color. The flowers are pendulous and heart-shaped, dangling from curved stems like delicate earrings. The outer petals are pink and the inner petals are white.
This perennial blooms in spring with unique, showy, drooping pink flowers.

Scientific Name: Lamprocapnos spectabilis

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Asia
  • Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
  • Plant Height: 2-3 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 3-9

Bleeding hearts bloom each spring with clusters of unique drooping pink, heart-shaped flowers. The flowers are very showy. After blooming, the leaves typically die back. Grow it with other shade-garden staples, such as ferns or hostas, to fill in the space throughout the growing season after the Bleeding Heart leaves fade.

This perennial makes an excellent addition to a moist, fertile shade garden. It grows best in partial shade. Soil should be rich, moist, and well-drained. Ensure this plant doesn’t sit in wet or saturated soils, or the roots may rot and die.

Blue False Indigo

Close-up of Baptisia australis flowering plants in a sunny garden. Baptisia australis, commonly known as Blue False Indigo, is a robust and attractive perennial plant. The plant forms a group of upright stems with alternate, palmate leaves consisting of three elongated leaflets. The flowers of Baptisia australis are striking and reminiscent of pea flowers. They grow on tall, erect spines that emerge from the center of the plant. Flowers are bright purple.
This native wildflower blooms in summer with eye-catching pale purple, pea-like flowers on tall spikes.

Scientific Name: Baptisia australis

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Eastern United States
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Plant Height: 3-4 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 3-9

Blue False Indigo is a wildflower native to the eastern United States. It blooms in early to mid-summer and attracts butterflies. The flowers are very showy, pale purple, and pea-like. Flowers appear on tall spikes above the leafy base for a standout perennial bloom.

These plants grow best in full sun. They prefer average, well-drained soil. They enjoy moderate moisture but also do well in dry soils and tolerate some drought. This fairly large plant would be a good garden focal point. You can also grow it in a large area like a naturalized prairie garden.

Butterfly Milkweed

Close-up of Asclepias tuberosa flowering plant in a sunny garden. It is known for its bright orange flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The leaves of Asclepias tuberosa are long and narrow, arranged oppositely along the stems. They are dark green in color with a smooth texture. The flowers grow on the tops of the stems, forming bright flat-topped inflorescences. The individual flowers have a distinct shape, with five petals that curve backward and a central crown-like structure called a corona. Flowers are bright orange.
To attract butterflies, plant Butterfly Milkweed as it serves as a host plant for Monarch caterpillars.

Scientific Name: Asclepias tuberosa

Of all the fall perennials, this one attracts the most butterflies. This native plant is a primary host plant for the Monarch butterfly caterpillar, and many species of butterflies and bees are attracted to the flowers. Flowers grow in large orange clusters and bloom in early to mid-summer.

Butterfly Milkweed grows best in full sun. They prefer well-drained soils but are not too picky about soil quality. Plants are resistant to deer and rabbits, and established plants are quite resistant to drought.

Chrysanthemum ‘Hillside Sheffield Pink’

Close-up of a profusely flowering Chrysanthemum 'Hillside Sheffield Pink' in a sunny garden. It is a herbaceous perennial that forms dense mounds of foliage and produces profuse flowers. Chrysanthemum leaves have deep lobes and serrations, creating an attractive fern-like appearance. The flowers are daisy-shaped, with numerous petals radiating from a central disc. The petals are a beautiful pink color.
‘Hillside Sheffield Pink’ is a hardy mum with profuse salmon pink flowers and yellow centers.

Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum ‘Hillside Sheffield Pink’

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Asia
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Plant Height: 2-3 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 4-9

Chrysanthemum ‘Hillside Sheffield Pink’ is a hardy variety of mum that makes a fine addition to the perennial flower garden. There are many varieties of chrysanthemum, each with its own unique flower colors and forms.

‘Hillside Sheffield Pink’ blooms in profusion each autumn until the first frost. Flowers are cheerful salmon pink with yellow centers and attract butterflies.

Grow chrysanthemums in a sunny spot. They do best with well-drained soil rich in organic matter and consistently moist. Plants will slowly spread over time and can be divided every few years, as needed. These plants are resistant to deer and rabbits.

Clematis ‘Jackmanii’

Close-up of a flowering Clematis 'Jackmanii' plant in a sunny garden. The plant has climbing vines covered with dark green leaves. They are deeply lobed and have a glossy appearance, adding an attractive backdrop to the vibrant flowers. The flowers are large, showy, with velvety dark purple petals. Each flower is composed of six to eight sepals that overlap each other to form a star-like shape.
Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ is a resilient climbing vine with showy purple flowers that require support.

Scientific Name: Clematis ‘Jackmanii’

  • Plant Type: Vine
  • Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia, North & South America
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun to part shade
  • Plant Height: 7-10 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 4-8

Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ is a climbing vine with many stunning, showy purple flowers. ‘Jackmanii’ blooms annually in mid-summer. This variety of Clematis is an active climber and needs a trellis, arbor, or fence to cling to.

It is resistant to deer and rabbits. These plants are long-lived and, in ideal conditions, can live for up to 50 years!

They grow best in areas with full sun but also tolerate some afternoon shade. Give them a place with consistently moist soil and protect the roots with mulch or by planting other shade-providing perennials around them.

Columbine

Close-up of a flower of the Aquilegia canadensis plant on a blurred green background. The plant has small hanging flowers with a characteristic shape resembling a hat or an inverted bell. The flower is bright red with yellow parts. The petals are spurred and the sepals are elongated.
This native wildflower blooms in spring with attractive downward-dangling flowers in various colors.

Scientific Name: Aquilegia canadensis

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Eastern North America
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Plant Height: 1-3 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 3-8

Columbine is a wonderful spring-blooming native wildflower for the perennial garden. You can establish plants in the fall. The native species of columbine has red flowers, but many cultivars are available with flowers in shades of purple, pink, and yellow. Its flowers are uniquely shaped, dangle downwards, and are quite attractive.

Columbines attract hummingbirds but are resistant to deer and rabbits. In hot or sunny areas, the leaves may wither in the summer months. If this happens, prune off dead foliage.

Plants will regrow the following spring. Columbines are easily grown from seed and readily self-seed. Plants will bloom in the second year after sprouting and bloom reliably each spring.

Coral Bells

Top view, close-up of a flowering Heuchera plant, commonly known as Coral Bells. The plant has a cluster of basal leaves that grow in a mound. The leaves are heart-shaped with prominent veins. They are pale green and purple in color with silver markings. The flowers are formed in aerial clusters and rise above the foliage. The flowers are small, bright pink.
With many varieties, Coral Bells can serve as colorful, low-growing ground cover for shade gardens.

Scientific Name: Heuchera var.

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: North America
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Plant Height: 1-1.5 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 3-8

There are many varieties of coral bells. These low-growing plants make an excellent ground cover for a shade garden or around a rock wall.

Depending on the variety, flowers bloom in white, pink, and red shades. The leaves also vary in color and can be quite showy. Coral bells’ leafy rosettes will slowly spread over time, creating a mass of greenery. Divide as necessary to control outward spread.

Coral bells do well in an area with partial shade. Its soil should be moist, rich, and well-drained. Apply mulch in areas with cold winters to help protect the roots from frost, but remove heavy layers of mulch in the spring to encourage fresh spring growth.

Coreopsis

Close-up of flowering plants Coreopsis lanceolata in a sunny garden, against a blurred background. The plant forms compact clumps with upright stems. Leaves lanceolate, dark green. Coreopsis lanceolata produces stunning yellow daisy-like flowers with a characteristic shape with prominent yellow petals and a deep yellow centre.
With cheery yellow flowers and feathery foliage, this perennial adds beauty to gardens.

Scientific Name: Coreopsis lanceolata

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: North America
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Plant Height: 1-2 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 4-9

There are several species of coreopsis, and any would be a fine addition to a perennial garden. The lanceleaf coreopsis (C. lanceolata) is a wildflower native to the central and eastern United States. This plant has delicate feathery foliage and cheery, bright yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer.

The flowers are showy and attract butterflies and other pollinators. Deer and rabbits don’t generally bother these plants. Coreopsis looks great in any perennial garden.

They are not too picky about soil quality, although they prefer well-drained soil with regular moisture. Plants readily self-seed, so deadhead spent flowers to prevent extra seedlings, or be prepared to thin them regularly to control growth.

Cranesbill Geranium

Top view, close-up of flowering plants Geranium sanguineum in the garden. The plant has deeply lobed, palmate leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves are deeply divided into several lobes, giving them an intricate and decorative appearance. They are located in a basal rosette, diverging from the center of the plant. The flowers are purple, have five petals and have a characteristic saucer or cup shape.
The low-maintenance cranesbill geranium forms attractive clumps with pinkish-purple flowers in spring.

Scientific Name: Geranium sanguineum

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Europe
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Plant Height: 1-1.5 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 3-9

This low-maintenance geranium grows into attractive clumps. Solitary pinkish-purple flowers appear from late spring through early summer, and leaves turn red in the fall. This plant is home in perennial gardens, borders, cottage gardens, and rock gardens. Geraniums are resistant to both deer and rabbits.

The cranesbill geranium does best in areas with full sun to partial shade. They prefer average-quality soil that is moist but well-drained. The plants can be quickly grown from seed, cuttings, or by division.

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Close-up of a flowering Hydrangea quercifolia plant commonly known as Oakleaf Hydrangea in a sunny garden. This is a beautiful deciduous shrub with lush foliage that resembles oak leaves. The leaves are large, lobed and deeply serrated, dark green with a purple tint. The flowers of Hydrangea quercifolia are cone-shaped and collected in panicles. The inflorescences consist of both sterile and fertile white flowers.
This attractive, low-maintenance shrub has large leaves and white flower clusters.

Scientific Name: Hydrangea quercifolia

  • Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
  • Geographic Origin: Southeastern United States
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Plant Height: 6-8 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 5-9

Need an attractive native shrub for a sunny to partially shaded area? This hydrangea has large, deeply lobed green leaves and large clusters of white flowers that bloom from late spring through mid-summer.

Oakleaf hydrangea is a low-maintenance plant. It prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. These plants are sensitive to extreme cold and may need a bit of extra winter mulch in colder climates. The flowers bloom on old wood, so these should be pruned immediately after flowering ends if pruning is needed.

Ice Plant

Close-up of a flowering Delosperma cooperi plant in a sunny garden. This plant is commonly known as Purple Ice Plant or Trailing Ice Plant, is a delightful succulent plant known for its vibrant flowers and fleshy leaves. The plant forms a dense mat of hanging succulent stems that have cylindrical or needle-like leaves. Delosperma cooperi produces many attractive star-shaped flowers, with many thin bright purple petals and white centers.
Consider ice plant as an attractive ground cover for warmer climates with vibrant pink flowers.

Scientific Name: Delosperma cooperi

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Southern Africa
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Plant Height: 3”-6”
  • USDA Plant Zone: 6-10

If you live in a warmer climate zone and are looking for an attractive ground cover, consider ice plant. These plants look great in a rock garden or along the edge of a wall or other border. Delosperma cooperi’s flowers are showy and vibrant pink, blooming from summer through early fall. Its leaves are juicy and succulent, and they remain attractive in warm climates throughout the winter.

Ice plants love full sun conditions. Grow them in dry, well-drained soil, as these plants are not tolerant of wet or soggy soils. Deer and rabbits don’t generally bother them.

Lantana ‘Miss Huff’

Close-up of Lantana camara 'Miss Huff' flowering plant in a sunny garden. A small brown butterfly with black markings on its wings sits on a flower. Lantana camara 'Miss Huff' is a perennial plant with lush foliage. The leaves are gray-green in color, lanceolate in shape, with a rough texture. The flowers are large, showy, and include bright orange, yellow, and pink hues.
‘Miss Huff’ lantana blooms with fragrant multicolored flowers from mid-summer to frost.

Scientific Name: Lantana camara ‘Miss Huff’

  • Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
  • Geographic Origin: Central and South America
  • Sun Exposure: Full Sun
  • Plant Height: 3-4 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 7-10

Many lantana varieties are hardy only in the warmest climate zones, but ‘Miss Huff’ is hardy to zone 7. Give it a hard pruning each winter after the first frost, and add a layer of winter mulch. In the spring, the plant will regrow into a substantial shrub. Lantana likes a location with medium-moisture, well-drained soil.

Lantana plants bloom profusely each year. From mid-summer through frost, clusters of small multicolor blooms cover the plant. Yellow, orange, and pink flowers often appear in a single cluster. The leaves are strongly fragrant, and the flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Lambs’ Ear

Close-up of a flowering Stachys byzantina, commonly known as Lamb's Ear plant in a sunny garden. The plant has large, oval-shaped leaves covered with a dense layer of silver-gray or grey-green fluffy hairs, giving them a velvety texture. Lamb's Ear produces small tubular flowers that appear on tall thin stems. The flowers are tiny, pale purple, and bloom in dense inflorescences.
This low-growing ground cover has soft, fuzzy leaves, perfect for perennial gardens.

Scientific Name: Stachys byzantina

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Middle East
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Plant Height: 6”-1.5 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 4-8

Lambs’ ear is best recognized for its soft, fuzzy leaves. This low-growing plant makes an excellent ground cover and can be used as a filler plant for the perennial garden. Plant it in corners, along edges, and around borders. This plant slowly spreads and can be divided every few years, as needed, to keep it tidy.

Lambs’ ear is resistant to both rabbits and deer. This plant does well in average to poor-quality soil as long as the soil is well-drained. It performs best in full sun but may die back in mid-summer if it gets too hot and dry. Remove dead leaves to help improve air circulation and reduce the risk of rot.

Lavender

Close-up of blooming Lavandula angustifolia in the garden. The plant has thin vertical green stems with dense cylindrical inflorescences. The inflorescences consist of tiny dark purple flowers.
This famous fragrant herb is attractive to butterflies and resistant to deer.

Scientific Name: Lavandula angustifolia

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Europe
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Plant Height: 1-3 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 5-8

Lavender, or English lavender, is a woody herb with highly aromatic leaves and flowers. The pale purple spikes bloom in mid-to-late summer, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Plants are resistant to deer and rabbits.

Grow lavender in the herb garden, perennial garden, or cottage garden. The plants grow best with full sun. Lavender does well in average-quality soils that are dry to medium moisture.

Its soil should be well drained because plants are prone to root rot. Prune lavender every couple of years to encourage fresh, robust growth.

Lenten Rose

Close-up of a flowering plant Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as Lenten Rose. The plant has a bushy form with glossy leathery leaves with deep lobes. The flower is cup-shaped and faces down. The petals are pale pink in color and profusely strewn with dark pink freckles.
Every shade garden needs this resilient species with attractive flowers and a self-seeding habit.

Scientific Name: Helleborus orientalis

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Middle East
  • Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
  • Plant Height: 1-1.5 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 4-9

Lenten rose is a mainstay for the shade garden. These plants are hardy and resistant to deer and rabbits. They tolerate heavy shade and poor soils. Lenten rose will tend to spread by self-seeding. Divide clumps every few years, as needed, to prevent overcrowding.

Lenten rose is an evergreen plant; its leaves remain green throughout the winter, and the flowers emerge in early to mid-spring. All of the flowers are relatively large and showy, in shades of pink or white. This attractive plant is low-maintenance and a welcome addition to the landscape.

Lupine

Close-up of flowering Lupine plants in a sunny garden. Lupine, a striking perennial plant, has distinctive leaves and showy flowers. The plant has palmate leaves, consisting of several leaflets arranged like the fingers of a hand. The leaves are dark green, elongated and lanceolate. The bright purple flowers grow in tall, erect spikes that rise above the foliage. Each individual flower consists of a distinct pea-like shape with a banner, wings, and a keel.
These flowers prefer cooler climates and are unsuitable for hot and humid regions.

Scientific Name: Lupine var.

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: North America
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Plant Height: 3-4 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 4-8

Lupines grow best in cooler climates. They are not tolerant of long hot summers and high humidity. Many hybrid varieties are well-suited for the perennial garden. Lupines tend to be short-lived perennials or grown as annuals.

The flowers appear in late spring through mid-summer. Tall spikes of pea-like flowers appear atop large compound leaves. These plants are resistant to both deer and rabbits, and the flowers attract butterflies.

Peony

Close-up of blooming peonies in the garden. The plant has large, glossy green leaves that are deeply lobed and parted to form an attractive and voluminous mound of foliage. The flowers are large, lush, double, bomb-shaped, with layers of petals that create a voluminous and luxurious look. The petals are ruffled, pale pink.
Peonies are classic perennials with unique, showy flowers that prefer sunny to partially shaded areas.

Scientific Name: Paeonia lactiflora

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Asia
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Plant Height: 2.5-3 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 3-8

Peony is a classic garden perennial. Many varieties have been developed, each with unique flowers. Peonies bloom from mid to late spring. The flowers are large and extremely showy. Peonies benefit from support to prevent the large leaves and flowers from leaning toward the ground.

Peonies do best in an area with full sun to partial shade. The soil should be rich, fertile, and well-drained. Keep the roots moist and mulch in the winter to help protect them from freezing. These plants resist rabbits and deer, and their flowers attract pollinators and butterflies.

Pink Muhly Grass

Close-up of a flowering Muhlenbergia capillaris plant in a garden. Pink Muhly Grass is an attractive ornamental grass with distinct leaves and stunning pink flowers. The plant has thin, finely textured leaves that form a dense, rounded clump. Leaves are green and thin. The plant forms tall thin inflorescences of small feathery flowers of a bright pink hue.
Pink muhly grass is a low-maintenance ornamental grass with showy autumn blooms.

Scientific Name: Muhlenbergia capillaris

  • Plant Type: Ornamental grass
  • Geographic Origin: North America
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Plant Height: 2-3 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 5-9

Ornamental grasses can be a pleasing addition to the perennial garden. Pink muhly grass is a low-maintenance grass with showy autumn blooms. During the summer months, the leaves form a dense, rounded clump. Its flowers appear through mid-to-late fall, creating a beautiful pink haze around the plant.

Pink muhly grass grows best in full sun. The soil should be well-drained, with dry to medium moisture, and this plant is tolerant of sandy, poor-quality soils. It may spread by seed, but it generally is not an aggressive spreader. Deer and rabbits do not bother this grass.

Purple Coneflower

Close-up of blooming Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as Purple Coneflower plants in a sunny garden, against a blurred green background. The plant has lanceolate, dark green leaves with a slightly rough texture. The flowers are large, daisy-like, with thin purple petals surrounding a cone-shaped copper-colored center.
This native wildflower blooms with tall, pinkish-purple flowers from mid-summer to fall.

Scientific Name: Echinacea purpurea

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Eastern North America
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Plant Height: 2-5 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 3-8

Purple coneflower is a native wildflower of the eastern United States. It blooms from mid-summer through fall with tall, showy, pinkish-purple flowers. This hardy perennial is an excellent addition to a pollinator or wildlife garden. Its distinctive flowers attract butterflies in the summer and seed-eating birds in the fall.

Purple coneflowers are low maintenance and grow best in full sun, but they will tolerate some light shade. They grow in average, well-drained soil with low to medium moisture levels. These plants will spread over time by self-seeding, and can be divided every few years to prevent overcrowding.

Russian Sage

Close-up of Perovskia atriplicifolia flowering plant in a sunny garden. The plant has fragrant, silvery-gray leaves that are deeply divided and have a fine feathery texture. The flowers of Perovskia atriplicifolia are small, tubular, arranged in whorls on tall thin stems.
This sage prefers full sun, and has silvery green leaves, purple flowers, and a fragrant scent when crushed.

Scientific Name: Perovskia atriplicifolia

  • Plant Type: Woody perennial
  • Geographic Origin: China
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Plant Height: 2-4 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 5-9

Russian sage is an attractive sage variety that looks like it belongs in a desert landscape. It has pale silvery green leaves and tall spikes of small purple flowers that attract various pollinators. The leaves are fragrant when crushed. To keep plants neat and compact, prune severely in late winter to encourage fresh growth.

Russian sage grows best in a location with full sun, dry soil, and excellent soil drainage. Low maintenance, they are resistant to browsing deer and rabbits. Once established, these plants are also tolerant to drought and poor soil.

Shasta Daisy

Close-up of flowering Leucanthemum plants commonly known as Shasta Daisy in a sunny garden. The plant has lush green leaves with notches and deep lobes. The leaves are lanceolate, forming a basal rosette. The flowers are large, daisy-like in appearance, with white petals surrounding a conspicuous golden yellow center.
Shasta daisies are classic white flowers with yellow centers that bloom in early to mid-summer.

Scientific Name: Leucanthemum spp.

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Europe
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Plant Height: 1-2 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 5-9

This classic daisy-like flower has white petals and large yellow centers. The white flowers complement just about any other perennial in the garden. They bloom from early through mid-summer and attract butterflies.

This perky plant grows to a medium height in full sun and moderately moist soils. Pinch off spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prune plants back after flowering to encourage bushier growth. Individual Shasta daisy plants are somewhat short-lived, but they will form clumps that can be divided.

Siberian Iris

Close-up of flowering plants Iris sibirica, commonly known as Siberian Iris, in a sunny garden. This perennial plant has long, narrow, sword-shaped, dark green leaves. The leaves grow in clusters or fans, creating an elegant and upright shape. The flowers are large, compound, have six petals, known as waterfalls, and stand out in vibrant blue-violet. The waterfalls have unique veins and patterns.
They are hardy and low maintenance, preferring full sun and average to rich, moist soil.

Scientific Name: Iris sibirica

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Plant Height: 1-1.5 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 3-8

Siberian irises are hardy and low-maintenance plants. They grow best in full sun but will tolerate some shade, though they may not bloom as well with less light. Plant them in a location with average to rich, moist soil. Plants will spread outwards by rhizomes, and larger clusters can be easily divided.

There are many varieties of Siberian iris. Although many other cultivars exist, classic colors include single white, yellow, or purple flowers. The Siberian iris is a reliable bloomer from late spring through early summer. The flowers have a slight fragrance, and these plants are resistant to deer and rabbits.

Speedwell ‘Georgia Blue’

Top view, close-up of a flowering Speedwell 'Georgia Blue' plant in the garden. The plant has small, ovate or spear-shaped leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves grow densely and form a short, spreading habit, creating a carpet effect. The flowers are delicate and bright blue and purple. They have four petals and a tubular shape.
‘Georgia Blue’ is a hardy ground cover with violet-blue flowers.

Scientific Name: Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Europe
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Plant Height: 6”-9”
  • USDA Plant Zone: 5-9

Many species are within the genus Veronica, and several are hardy garden perennials. The speedwell known as ‘Georgia Blue’ is a low-growing plant that makes an excellent ground cover.

Grow it in full sun or a spot with afternoon shade, average moisture, and well-drained soil. It tolerates deer and rabbits and would look very nice as a border plant or in a rock garden.

‘Georgia Blue’ has pretty violet-blue flowers, each with four petals. It blooms primarily in spring but may develop a few additional blooms throughout the summer. In the fall, the leaves turn deep reddish brown before dying back for the winter.

Stonecrop

Close-up of a flowering Sedum acre plant, also known as Goldmoss Stonecrop or Goldmoss Sedum, in a sunny garden. It is a small undersized succulent plant with tiny, fleshy bright green leaves. The leaves are small and cylindrical, closely spaced along the stems. The plant produces clusters of small star-shaped flowers that are bright yellow.
Moss stonecrop is a low-maintenance ground cover that thrives in full sun and blooms with small yellow flowers.

Scientific Name: Sedum acre

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Africa, Asia, Europe
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Plant Height: 3”-6”
  • USDA Plant Zone: 4-9

Stonecrop, or moss stonecrop, is one of many varieties of Sedum. This particular species is a very easy-to-grow, low-maintenance perennial. It makes an excellent ground cover for a rock garden or border. These plants grow best in full sun with average medium-dry soil.

Moss stonecrop blooms reliably each spring. The flowers are small and yellow, growing in clusters atop taller stems. Their small green succulent leaves are evergreen and look fresh throughout winter. This stonecrop is tolerant to both deer and rabbits and is easily propagated by rooting stem sections.

Thyme

Thymus, commonly known as Thyme, is a small aromatic herb with distinctive leaves and delicate flowers. The plant has small narrow leaves, green-gray in color. The leaves are densely arranged along the stems and have a slightly hairy texture. Thyme produces small, clustered, pale lilac flowers. The flowers are small, tubular.
This versatile perennial herb attracts pollinators and tolerates deer and rabbits.

Scientific Name: Thymus spp.

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Mediterranean region
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Plant Height: 3”-6”
  • USDA Plant Zone: 5-8

Thyme is a familiar garden herb and an excellent addition to the perennial garden. There are many different species and cultivars; many are evergreen, slightly woody-stemmed, and creeping ground covers, but not all. Leaves are fragrant, and the small flowers typically attract butterflies and other pollinators. Thyme is not bothered by browsing deer or rabbits.

Thyme grows well in dry to medium soil. Its soil should be well-drained and allowed to dry between waterings. Thyme spreads freely by creeping and can be cut back periodically to control growth and maintain a dense, lusher appearance.

Vervain

Close-up of a flowering Verbena hastata plant against a blurred blue-gray background. The plant has tall spikes of flowers that bloom in shades of purple-blue. The flowers are collected in dense oblong brushes at the tops of the stems, creating a spectacular appearance. Each individual flower has five petals and is tubular in shape, with the petals flaring slightly at the top. A large bee sits on one of the inflorescences.
Blue vervain is a native plant with showy purple flowers that attract butterflies.

Scientific Name: Verbena hastata

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
  • Geographic Origin: Eastern North America
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Plant Height: 2-6 feet
  • USDA Plant Zone: 3-8

Vervain, or blue vervain, is an attractive native plant that would make a lovely addition to a perennial, wildflower, or butterfly garden or in many moist naturalized areas. It blooms from mid to late summer and attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Vervain’s flowers are showy spikes of small purple flowers.

Grow vervain in a location with full sun, but it tolerates dappled shade. This plant tolerates moist to wet soil and does not require much maintenance. It will spread by runners and self-seeding, so give it plenty of space or be prepared for regular thinning.

Final Thoughts

Fall is an excellent time to plant perennials. Do a bit of advance planning to become familiar with the sunlight, soil quality, and soil moisture at your site, then select plants that will perform well in your local environmental conditions.

If you have room for multiple plants, try a variety of colors and blooming times to create a varied garden with year-round blooms. An established perennial garden doesn’t require much regular maintenance and can attract many butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. Happy gardening!

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