21 Flowering Perennials For Wisconsin Gardens

Wisconsin winters are not for the faint of heart, and they last a really long time. Even in ‘mild’ seasons, there is snow. And ice. And bone-chilling cold. But just when we think we can’t take it anymore, we notice some little green shoots popping up through the cold, hard dirt in our perennial beds. And we know everything is going to be okay.

For a Wisconsin gardener, the first few sights and smells of spring are intoxicating. They fill us with hope and allow us to imagine a landscape that’s no longer gray and brown. It’s part of the joy of living in a region with a true change of seasons. And it’s one of the reasons many of us live here. 

A ray of purple or pink daisy-like petals fans out around a prominent brown seed cone on this Wisconsin favorite. Flowers are typically 5-6 inches wide atop strong stems with coarse, lance-shaped leaves. 

Blooms will replenish without being deadheaded, but the plant’s overall appearance will be greatly improved by snipping off spent blooms. Divide every 3-4 years to address crowding, and this one will keep coming back for decades. 

Grow coneflowers in prairie gardens or near the back of mixed perennial beds. Its nectar is very attractive to pollinators, and seed heads that are left in place for winter will help birds and other critters survive the long, cold months. Our favorites include Butterfly Kisses, Merlot, and Green Envy. 

Clematis

	botanical name Clematis spp.
	bloom colors Purple, pink, white
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 6-12 feet tall
	hardiness zones 3-8

For a whimsically twisted, rambling vine full of sweet-smelling, star-shaped flowers, consider letting a clematis plant climb your backyard fence or trellis. Some species bloom for an extended period of time in early spring, while others wait a little longer, and some will bloom again and again all season long.  

Leaves are typically heart-shaped and brightly colored. Stems are semi-woody and flexible. Grow clematis in a location with full sun, but keep roots cool by covering them with rocks or the leaves of another plant. Cut the entire plant back to about 12 inches above the ground after it has finished flowering for the season. 

Most clematis are hardy to zone 4, which includes a good chunk of Wisconsin, but there are also quite a few that can handle zone 3’s frigid winter temperatures.

Look for clematis in the Atragene group if you are located in northwest Wisconsin, and you’ll have no problem filling a sunny trellis with this cottage garden darling. For a colorful vine of sweet nodding blooms, give Maidwell Hall, Jacqueline Du Pre, or Rosy O’Grady a try. 

Astilbe

	botanical name Astilbe spp.
	bloom colors Purple, red, pink, white
	sun requirements Part sun, shade
	height 1-3 feet tall and wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

If you’re looking to add some texture and color in an area of the yard that has a little bit of shade, consider working some astilbe into the mix. This clump-forming perennial features fern-like foliage in varying shades of green and spiky, feathery flower plumes of red, pink, purple, and white.

Astilbe sizes range from dwarf varieties that come in just under a foot tall to larger cultivars that reach heights of up to 3 feet. This perennial grows well beneath ornamental tree canopies and in the shadows of mature shrubs, so use it in the woodland or shade garden for some pretty puffs of color. 

Although astilbe will grow well in uneven terrain (around tree roots, rocks, etc.) it does require a lot of moisture, so plan accordingly. Bridal Veil, Red Sentinel, and Fanal are all popular astilbe cultivars sold in Wisconsin garden centers.  

Catmint

	botanical name Nepeta
	bloom colors Purple, blue, pink, white
	sun requirements Full sun to part shade
	height 1-3 feet tall and wide
	hardiness zones 3-8

If you are looking for a low-maintenance perennial, catmint is your plant. A mounding plant with sprays of silver-green foliage radiating out from a central clump, catmint’s arching racemes are actually composed of a multitude of small, tubular flowers. 

Equally at home in a natural setting, a formal landscape, and a pot on the patio, catmint will usually flower again if you cut it back after the first blooms have faded. While this genus does require full sun in order to flower predictably, it will benefit from a little shade in the late afternoon. 

Small varieties such as Walker’s Low and Cat’s Pajamas make nice border plants, while Blue Moon and Dawn to Dusk will be larger and behave more like shrubs. All catmint plants will require watering during their first year but should not need supplemental irrigation once established. 

Creeping Phlox

	botanical name Phlox subulata
	bloom colors Purple, pink, white
	sun requirements Full sun to part shade
	height 6-12 inches tall, 1-2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

All phlox cultivars in the subulata species will return perennially in Wisconsin gardens. Commonly known as creeping or moss phlox, these beautiful spring bloomers feature loose clusters of tiny, fragrant flowers with tubular petals. We often find them spilling over rock walls, scrambling up slopes, or blanketing the ground beneath other perennials. 

Leaves are thin and pinnate, resembling rosemary or fern foliage. As plants spread, this creates a mat of leaves and flowers that are roughly 2-3 times wider than they are tall. Shear plants back to half their height after the first wave of blooms is complete, and you will likely get another round of flowers. 

A few tried and true Wisconsin-friendly creeping phlox varieties are ‘Snowflake’, ‘Eye Shadow’, and ‘Blue Emerald’. Make sure they are planted in soil that drains well and that they are not exposed to hot, late afternoon sun. 

Black-eyed Susan

	botanical name Rudbeckia hirta
	bloom colors Yellow, orange, red
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

Native to the meadows and prairies of the Midwest, black-eyed Susan flowers are among the easiest to grow in Wisconsin landscapes. Flowers are simple in form, with broad rays of narrow petals fanning out around a prominent brown seed cone. Blooms are typically yellow, but they can also be shades of orange and red. 

Stems and leaves are hairy and coarse, which repels pests and provides a nice textural contrast to flowers with softer foliage.

Grow black-eyed Susans in the pollinator garden to draw bees and butterflies, or work some into the cutting garden. It also pairs well with spiky purple plants like Russian Sage or Salvia. 

For a variety that will return perennially for many years to come in Wisconsin, try Becky, Goldsturmm, or Indian Summer. 

Sedum

	botanical name Sedum spp.
	bloom colors Red, pink, yellow, white
	sun requirements Full sun to part shade
	height 6-24 inches tall, 12-24 inches wide
	hardiness zones 3-10

With broad fleshy leaves like a succulent and a high tolerance for late summer heat, you’d think the sedum genus would be more at home in Arizona than it would be in Wisconsin. But this hardy plant is a Midwest gardener’s go-to for ending the perennial season with a colorful bang. 

Referred to casually as ‘stonecrop,’ this plant comes in dense, low-growing, groundcover varieties as well as taller cultivars with a looser, bouquet-like habit. Flower heads are complex, with a tight cluster of miniature, star-shaped flowers fanning out in a corymb. Foliage and stems are thick and cactus-like. 

In Wisconsin, sedum needs plenty of sunshine, good airflow, and well-draining soil. It will also need to be dug up and divided every few years once established. For border and groundcover applications, try ‘Angelina’ or ‘Blue Spruce’. For a taller, shrubbier sedum variety, consider ‘Autumn Joy’ or ‘Black Jack’. 

Daylily

	botanical name Hemerocallis spp.
	bloom colors Red, orange, yellow, purple, pink
	sun requirements Full sun to part shade
	height 1-5 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-10

Although flowers on this beloved perennial bloom for only one day, each plant sends up multitudes. And not all at the same time. The result is a steady parade of graceful, classic lily flowers for a good chunk of the summer in Wisconsin. Ranging in size from dwarf to giant, daylilies also come in a broad range of colors. 

Relatively maintenance-free, daylilies will thrive in less-than-perfect soil with less-than-perfect irrigation and are highly resistant to pests and diseases. Just make sure they get plenty of sun. Foliage is strappy and upright, with a fanning habit that resembles ornamental grass when they’re not in bloom.

Once established, they will spread rapidly by clump and must be divided often to prevent diminished bloom production. Varieties that have stood the test of time in Wisconsin include Stella D’Oro, Happy Returns, and Caterhine Woodbury.

Shasta Daisy

	botanical name Leucanthemum x superbum
	bloom colors White
	sun requirements Full sun to part shade
	height 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 4-9

A pollinator favorite in Wisconsin gardens, Shasta daisies draw bees and butterflies in droves with their sunny yellow centers and their open ray of crisp white petals. Blooming in mid to late summer at a time when some of the more delicate perennials are starting to shut down, Shasta daisies can handle a lot of heat and drought. 

Since they are hardy only down to about -20, they might not be a good choice for Wisconsin gardeners in zone 3, but the rest of the state can grow them with minimal effort. And they will keep returning for many, many years.

Leaves and stems are glossy and dark green with coarse or ‘toothed’ margins. Spent flower heads should be snipped off about halfway down their stems to hide the cut. Aim for a spot just above a set of healthy leaves. Regional favorites include Becky, Alaska, and Snowcap. 

Cranesbill

	botanical name Geranium spp.
	bloom colors Pink, purple, white
	sun requirements Full sun to part shade
	height 6-24 inches tall, 1-3 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

Do not let this plant’s botanical name confuse you; it is not a relative of the annual plant we call geranium (pelargonium), and it is very much a perennial. In Wisconsin landscapes, cranesbill typically plays the role of groundcover, rambling over the feet of other plants, trees, and shrubs. 

Flowers are delicate and single-form, floating above a soft foliage base in shades of pink, purple, and white. Leaf color varies from dark green to chartreuse, depending on the variety. And most turn a brilliant shade of red when fall winds move in. 

Plant cranesbill varieties high in the soil as they do not like deep roots. They are also vulnerable to mildew problems, so airflow and good drainage are a must.

Cut them back after a wave of flowering and they will likely repeat. Rozanne, Johnson’s Blue, and Kashmir White are all varieties you’re likely to encounter at your local nursery. 

Aster

	botanical name Symphotrychum spp.
	bloom colors Blue, pink, purple, red, white
	sun requirements Full sun to part shade
	height 1-6 feet tall, 1-3 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-8

A fall staple in Wisconsin, asters keep the garden colorful during the dog days of summer and long into the fall. Resembling garden mums, which are typically sold seasonally as annuals in Wisconsin, asters have small, daisy-like blooms with sunny yellow centers. 

Mature size varies greatly between cultivars, with some of the tallest asters requiring staking for stability. Leaves can be either smooth or hairy, and branches can either be multi-stemmed or singular. Flowers are particularly attractive to birds and pollinator bees who are feverishly flitting about during the last few weeks of the growing season.

This perennial has a handful of classifications, with the most familiar varieties being from the New York and New England groups. Try Bluebird, Barr’s Pink, or Purple Cloud for a reliable blast of late-season color. 

Bleeding Heart

	botanical name Lamprocapnos spectabilis
	bloom colors Pink, red, white
	sun requirements Part shade to full shade
	height 1-3 feet tall and wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

This beloved perennial is often a Wisconsin gardener’s answer to the question, ‘What kind of flowering plant can I grow in the shade?’

On this woodland staple, heart-shaped pink, red, or white flowers droop from graceful arching stems in spring. Leaves are bright green and sharply cut, radiating out from prominent stems that are often a rich burgundy color. 

Bleeding heart prefers moist soil and a location with some protection from strong winds. Plants will typically bloom for a few weeks and then fade into the landscape background. Foliage will turn yellow by midseason but should be left in place until it’s completely browned out. Valentine, King of Hearts, and Alba are all common to Wisconsin’s woodland landscapes. 

Coral Bells

	botanical name Heuchera spp.
	bloom colors Pink, red, white
	sun requirements Part sun to full shade
	height 1-2 feet tall and wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

Prized mostly for their colorful, ruffled foliage and a high tolerance for shade, coral bells plants do send up flower spikes in early summer. Individual blooms are tiny and bell-shaped, fanning out along the stem’s axis, but they do add color and texture in a shady spot. 

Most heuchera species will do well in Wisconsin, but if you live in zone 3 choose something from the sanguinea species.

These cultivars will survive even the most brutal of winter temperatures. Amber Waves is a favorite for its gold leaves and fall interest. Chocolate Ruffles and Fire Chief will give you pops of deep red. 

Bearded Iris

	botanical name Iris germanica
	bloom colors Purple, yellow, blue, white, orange
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

There are several iris species that will grow well in Wisconsin, but for tried and true success, choose something from the bearded or German iris family.

Cultivars in this group will have sword-like foliage and six-petaled flowers with three vertical ‘standards’ and three down-drooping ‘falls.’ A fuzzy little ‘beard’ on petal midribs attracts pollinators and gives this perennial its common name. 

Iris will grow without much fuss if they have ample sunshine, well-drained soil, and properly planted rhizomes. As long as you don’t plant them too deep or cover them with mulch, they will flower for several weeks in spring.

Be prepared to dig them up and divide them every few years to prevent crowding. For a little drama in the yard, try Purple Serenade, Stairway to Heaven, or Acapulco Gold.   

Dianthus

	botanical name Dianthus spp.
	bloom colors Pink, red, purple, white
	sun requirements Full sun to part shade
	height 6-24 inches tall and wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

Casually known as ‘pinks’ due to their most common hue and their sheared petal edges, dianthus plants make a wonderful addition to the Wisconsin landscape. Flowers are small and single or semi-double form, floating above foliage that’s grassy and blue-green in color. 

You’ll find dianthus in rock gardens and border plantings, often covering the feet of other perennials in the garden. Once established, they have a matt-like habit and sprawl sideways. They have a slightly spicy scent, and their nectar is particularly attractive to pollinators. 

You can’t really go wrong with any selection from the 300 cultivars that are in circulation today, but Cherry Vanilla, Kiss and Tell, and Candy Floss will all pack a pretty pink punch that’s sure to delight. Follow the nursery tag if you’re in zone 3 as there are a handful of dianthus varieties that will not survive if temps dip below -30. 

Coreopsis (Tickseed)

	botanical name Coreopsis spp.
	bloom colors Orange, yellow, red, pink, white
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

If low-maintenance, long-blooming, and drought tolerant sounds like an attractive list of plant qualities to you, consider adding some coreopsis to your Wisconsin garden.

This sturdy plant has wispy, fern-like foliage and a round, shrubby habit. Its cheerful little flowers can be single-form or semi-double, and they cover the plant’s exterior almost completely. 

Coreopsis gets its Tickseed nickname from the little black seeds that cover its central cone. Resembling the pesty insect in size and shape, these seeds are particularly attractive to finches, bees, and butterflies.

To keep these plants flowering all season long, deadhead or shear them back after a flower cycle is complete. ‘Jehtro Tull’, ‘Sun Up’, and ‘Red Elf’ are all reliable winners in this genus. 

Potentilla

	botanical name Potentilla fruticosa
	bloom colors Pink, yellow, white
	sun requirements Full sun to part shade
	height 2-4 feet tall and wide
	hardiness zones 2-8

While this scrubby little gem looks like something tropical you might find in a Florida landscape, potentilla actually thrives in Wisconsin’s extreme weather conditions. Also known as cinquefoil due to its five-lobed leaves, this perennial has a dense, round habit with a forest green color. 

Blooming in waves from summer through fall, potentilla’s surface is covered with tiny buttercup flowers in shades of yellow, white, or pink.

Shear after blooming to encourage another round and tidy up the plant’s overall appearance. Larger varieties can be used as foundation plantings, while smaller cultivars will grow well in a container or border. Try Primrose Beauty, Happy Face Yellow, or Abbotswood. 

Delphinium

	botanical name Delphinium spp.
	bloom colors Pink, red, purple, white, blue
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-4 feet tall and wide
	hardiness zones 3-7

Prized for their upright habit, extreme cold tolerance, and true blue cultivars, delphinium flowers are featured heavily in Wisconsin gardens. Each vertical spire is comprised of many small, buttercup-shaped flowers on a vertical axis, and they will come and go all summer long if deadheaded regularly.

Stems are strong but flowerheads are very heavy, so unless this perennial is planted next to a fence or some other sturdy structure, staking is highly recommended.

Plant delphinium with low-spreading perennials like dianthus or cranesbill for a pretty pastel pairing. Popular varieties include Bluebird, King Arthur, and Aurora Deep Purple. 

Peony

	botanical name Paeonia spp.
	bloom colors Pink, red, white, yellow
	sun requirements Full sun to part shade
	height 2-7 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

Although they can grow quite large and resemble a shrub, peonies are actually flowering perennial plants that thrive in regions with cold winters. And once established, a single plant can live for up to 50 years!

Each peony plant offers a bounty of big, beautiful blooms set against a deep green base that’s rounded and full. Flowers are heavy, especially when wet, so Wisconsin gardeners have learned to place hoop supports around them early in the growing season. 

Peonies like a lot of sun and need to be spaced properly to prevent powdery mildew. They can be expected to bloom off and on for a period of about six weeks.

Deadhead spent flowers once the cycle is complete by cutting stems off halfway down, and the foliage will remain attractive long into fall. For a dash of classic peony charm, add Sweet Marjorie, Paula Fay, or Scarlet O’Hara into your Wisconsin garden. 

Asiatic Lily

	botanical name Lilium spp.
	bloom colors Pink, white, yellow, red
	sun requirements Full sun to part shade
	height 1-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-8

Asiatic lilies are the most cold-hardy type of lily and the easiest to grow, which makes them a favorite in Wisconsin landscapes. Blossoms are typically 4-5 inches wide and have petals that flex backward in a star shape. Some face upward on thick singular stems, while others droop downward on more delicate, multi-branched foliage. 

All have exposed throats and prominent stamens that either stand tall or hang down from the blooms’ centers. Plant Asiatic lilies in loamy, well-drained soil and make sure they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.

Make sure roots are kept moist but never experience standing water. Be prepared to divide them every 3-4 years to prevent crowding and diminished flower production. Citronella, Blackout, and Fire King are a few varieties you’ll likely encounter in your local garden center.

Bee Balm

	botanical name Monarda
	bloom colors Pink, purple, red, white
	sun requirements Full sun to part shade
	height 1-4 feet tall and wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

Extremely attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, bee balm is a native perennial with whimsical, fringy flowers in vivid hues of red, pink, purple, and white. Individual petals are tubular and arching, with prominent stamens. Leaves and stems are dark and dense with a pleasant scent and a firm, upright habit. 

Plant bee balm with sun-loving yellow perennials like coreopsis or Black-eyed Susan for a buzzing pollinator garden.

Once established, its rhizomatous roots will spread aggressively by clumping. Divide them every few years to keep them from crowding out nearby plants. Wisconsin favorites include Grape Gumball, Jacob Kline, and Blue Moon.