39 Recommended Perennials for Zone 3 and 4 Gardens

Cold-hardy species must be especially tough to survive extreme weather in zones 3 and 4. Here, seasoned grower Jerad Bryant shares 39 ideal plants for these frosty regions. Whether you live in Alaska, Montana, or the upper reaches of Maine, these perennials are perfect for your home garden.

Bergenia crassifolia with large, leathery green leaves and dense clusters of bright pink flowers on red stems.

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Frost-tolerant perennials excel in some of the coldest USDA zones 3 and 4! The further north you go in the U.S., the colder it gets. Wind, ice, and rain are common, and the growing seasons are shorter than in southern regions. Plant species must have expert defenses to stay safe and sound despite adverse conditions. 

To survive, most plants enter winter dormancy. They suck energy and nutrients into their roots and ride out the storms under snow, fall leaves, and soil. Like spring bulbs, they emerge with new shoots as snow melts, days lengthen, and temperatures warm in spring. 

Whether you like native plants, ornamental flowers, or showy foliage, there’s sure to be a plant on this list for you. Peruse these 39 recommended perennials that are perfect for frosty zone 3 and 4 perennials! 

Violet

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Violet Queen Salvia
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Milkweed

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Milkweed/Butterfly Flower Seeds

Yarrow

Colorado Blend Yarrow Seeds

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Colorado Blend Yarrow Seeds

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium displaying flat-topped clusters of small, vibrant red flowers above feathery green foliage.
It thrives in North America, Europe, Asia, attracting pollinators with umbrella-like flower clusters.
common-name common name Yarrow
botanical-name botanical name Achillea spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-4’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Yarrow is a large group of perennial wildflowers that thrive throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Some are native to the U.S., though many non-native species grow wild throughout the states. They sprout tight flower clusters that resemble umbrellas! Bees and other pollinators use the clusters as landing pads while they collect pollen and nectar.

Though wild types commonly have yellow or white blooms, cultivars offer exceptional blooms in many shades and sizes. Try ‘Paprika’ for clusters with red petals and yellow centers, or choose ‘Summerwine’ for its wine-red flowers that fade to pink. 

Baneberry

A red baneberry plant showcasing vibrant colored berries nestled among green foliage.
Baneberries grow white flower clusters, later forming poisonous berries enjoyed by birds but toxic to humans.
common-name common name Baneberry
botanical-name botanical name Actaea spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial to full shade
height height 2-6’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Baneberries are herbaceous perennials that sprout fleshy leaves and stems with white flower clusters. After pollination and fertilization, the flowers morph into poisonous white or red berries. Though they’re toxic to humans, birds love the berries. Pollinators like bees, moths, butterflies, and hoverflies visit the flowers in spring for nutritious rewards. 

Bugbanes are similar perennial that thrive in cold zones 3 and 4. Their flowers form long spikes that stand erect. Both baneberries and bugbanes are now in the same genus, Actaea

Grant these species shade, moisture, and fertile soil. Cover them with compost in the fall to protect their roots during the winter. 

Winter Aconite

Bright yellow flowers with deeply lobed petals and prominent yellow stamens, rising from small, jagged green leaves.
It produces yellow buttercup-like blooms surrounded by green collars; plant tubers late summer for winter blooms.
common-name common name Winter Aconite
botanical-name botanical name Eranthis hyemalis
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 3-6”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-7

Winter aconite forms tuberous roots underground. They lie dormant under the soil during summer, fall, and early winter. Then, as the snow melts, they emerge in early spring. These tough, hardy, and easy-to-grow perennials are ideal for beginner gardeners in zone 3 and 4 climates.

Winter aconite grows bright yellow buttercup-like blossoms off leafy stems. The leaves act as collars for the blooms, providing a green backdrop that helps them stand out in the landscape. Plant the tubers in late summer or early fall—you can expect blooms by late winter or early spring. 

Lady Bells

Adenophora stems holding nodding, bell-shaped flowers in pale lavender-blue above narrow, serrated green leaves.
Lady bells have blue-white bell-shaped blooms on upright stems, usually growing one to three feet tall.
common-name common name Lady Bells
botanical-name botanical name Adenophora spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-9

Lady bells are like large campanulas or bell flowers. They sprout blue-white bell-like blossoms off erect stems. Some species have more white blooms while others have more blue ones. Most stay between one and two feet tall, though some types can reach up to three feet.

For light blue flowers, try Adenophora bulleyana. It’s native to China and sprouts blossoms in the fall. For early blooms, opt for Adenophora liliifolia. It’s native from Europe to Siberia and blooms in midsummer rather than fall. You’ll love its light blue-white petals that shine under direct sunlight. 

Butterfly Weed

A close-up of orange butterfly milkweed blooms nestled among slender green leaves, capturing nature's delicate balance. In the blurred background, another cluster of butterfly milkweed blooms emerges, surrounded by lush foliage.
Native plants like butterfly weed support Monarch butterflies, offering nectar and leaves for adults and larvae.
common-name common name Butterfly Weed
botanical-name botanical name Asclepias tuberosa
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Native plants are often the best choices for cold regions, as they evolved to thrive with local conditions. Butterfly weed is a special native species that offers nectar and leafy greens for Monarch butterflies and their larvae. When you plant butterfly weed, you’re helping local critters survive!

Another reason to choose this milkweed species is because it sprouts readily and grows for many years. It forms tuberous roots underground that anchor it to the soil, hence its species name tuberosa. This milkweed is perfect for gardens in the southern and eastern U.S., and will remain perennial up to zones 3 and 4 in the Northeast.

False Spirea

Astilbe japonica forming fluffy, feathery plumes of tiny white flowers on upright stems above finely divided green leaves.
False spiraea, from genus Astilbe, produces fluffy blooms in varied colors.
common-name common name False Spirea
botanical-name botanical name Astilbe spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-4’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

False spiraea plants aren’t spireas at all! They’re herbaceous perennial species in the genus Astilbe. False spiraeas sprout fluffy plumes of blooms in many colors and sizes. The species types are native to China, Korea, and Japan. Nowadays, dozens of varieties and hybrids combine the species’ traits. 

False spireas need consistent moisture to perform at their best, especially when they grow under six to eight hours of direct sunlight. In spring, add organic mulch like compost or leaf mold around their roots to prevent moisture from evaporating easily. 

Masterwort

Astrantia major showcasing pale pink, star-shaped flowers with papery bracts above deeply lobed green leaves.
Masterwort produces lobed leaves and clustered blooms in red, pink, white, or purple hues mid-summer.
common-name common name Masterwort
botanical-name botanical name Astrantia major
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial shade
height height 1-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-7

Masterwort shines in the shade and explodes into bloom as the summer heat rises. It sprouts maple-like leaves with lobes and tight bunches of blooms atop its flowering stems. Many cultivars thrive in home gardens; they have flower petals with red, white, pink, or purple hues. 

Grow masterwort in the shade for the best results. It’ll die back in winter after forming seeds, and enter dormancy below the soil. Though masterwort thrives as a perennial in zone 4, it may not survive the winter in zone 3. Mulch the root zone in late fall or early winter to protect it from extreme frosts. 

Basket of Gold

Dense clusters of bright yellow blooms with delicate, rounded petals, surrounded by gray-green, lance-shaped leaves that form a thick, bushy mat near the base.
Basket of gold thrives in rocky gardens with yellow flowers and gray-green leaves, attracting pollinators.
common-name common name Basket of Gold
botanical-name botanical name Aurinia saxatilis
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 8-12”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-7

The basket of gold plant is a mustard relative from Europe and Turkey. It thrives in mountainous regions and performs well in backyards and rock gardens. Bright yellow mustard-like flowers bloom off of low-growing stems with gray-green leaves. The flowers lure pollinators in with their sweet scent and vivid colors. 

Basket of gold plants survive ice and snow storms, though they sometimes succumb to cold winter temperatures. Let the flowers fade and form seeds to ensure seedlings sprout in spring, just in case the mother plants die during the cool months. 

Blue False Indigo

Close-up of a flowering Blue False Indigo plant in a sunny garden. The leaves are palmately compound, with multiple leaflets arranged like fingers on a hand along the stem. It showcases tall spikes of densely packed, indigo-blue pea-like flowers.
This perennial has sweet pea-like blue blooms and fan-shaped leaves, thriving in zones 3-4.
common-name common name Blue False Indigo
botanical-name botanical name Baptisia australis
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 3-6’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Blue false indigo plants form lush sweet pea-like blossoms in deep blue-purple hues. Below the blossoms sprout fan-like leaves with three leaflets. This U.S. native perennial species is ideal for the Midwest and East Coast, though it’ll survive in Alaska in zones 3 through 4. 

Blue false indigo isn’t picky! It’ll thrive in poor soils so long as they’re well-draining. Ensure the site is sandy or loamy, and avoid planting this species in clay. 

Pigsqueak

Bergenia cordifolia with thick, glossy green leaves and clusters of bright magenta flowers on short, sturdy stems.
Pigsqueak leaves squeak when rubbed; pink, white, or purple blooms emerge in spring and early summer.
common-name common name Pigsqueak
botanical-name botanical name Bergenia crassifolia
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to full shade
height height 1-2’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Pigsqueak earns its name for the sound the leaves make when you rub them with your fingers! They make a ‘squeeeeak’ noise because of a glossy finish that squeals when you rub the leaves together. In spring and early summer, pink, white, or purple blossoms emerge on tall stems above the foliage.

This plant is hardy because of its thick roots—they anchor the species onto mountainsides and rocky sites. Piqsqueak originates from the Himalayas and parts of China, though it thrives in shady sites throughout temperate areas of North America. Established specimens tolerate poor soil, droughts, and recurring frosts. 

Boltonia

Boltonia asteroides with white, daisy-like flowers featuring yellow centers above slender green stems and thin leaves.
Boltonia, or false chamomile, resembles asters with thin leaves and white or blue flowers with yellow centers.
common-name common name Boltonia
botanical-name botanical name Boltonia asteroides
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 3-6’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-10

Boltonia, or false chamomile, is a native perennial to the U.S. that resembles American aster species. It sprouts thin, lance-shaped leaves and aster-like blooms with white or blue petals and yellow centers. The plants add structure and charm to borders, pollinator gardens, and tree wells.

Boltonia needs little water to thrive, though it’ll produce more blooms the more fertile and moist its soil is. The flowering stems may grow longer than six feet if they have ample water; stake them to keep them upright or water them less to create shorter plants with fewer blooms. 

Bluebell

Delicate, bell-shaped lavender to blue flowers hanging from slender stems, with roundish basal leaves.
They have slender stems with bell-shaped flowers, mostly blue but sometimes lilac, lavender, or white.
common-name common name Bluebell
botanical-name botanical name Campanula rotundifolia
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 6-18”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-6

Bluebells are lovely additions to the perennial border! They resemble bellflowers, with thin, spindly stems and dangling bell-shaped blooms. Bluebells are often blue, though some have lilac, lavender, or white flowers.

Bluebells prefer alpine conditions—they need well-drained soil, cool weather, and regular water. They form clumps over time, and they self-sow new seedlings in accommodating sites. Divide large clumps every three or four years for new propagules. 

Snow in Summer

Cerastium tomentosum with white, five-petaled flowers blooming above dense, silvery-gray leaves spreading along the ground.
Snow in summer has dense gray-green leaves and white blooms. It thrives in cold, desert, or coastal areas.
common-name common name Snow in Summer
botanical-name botanical name Cerastium tomentosum
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 6-12”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-7

Snow in summer earns the name because it looks like it’s frosty with ice despite warm, summer weather. Its leaves are gray-green and dense; use the plant as a ground cover or filler in rock garden crevices. This perennial thrives in freezing climates of zones 3 and 4, as well as desert or coastal regions. 

As spring turns to summer, tiny white flowers emerge all over the dense plants. The plants die back as winter returns, though they emerge fresh in spring. If the plants die completely in winter, dig up portions of healthy, living specimens in spring and transplant them to cover the bare soil. 

Maiden Pink

Dianthus deltoides showing clusters of bright magenta-pink flowers above narrow green grass-like leaves.
Maiden pink, a Dianthus species, has grassy foliage with pink flowering stems blooming summer into fall.
common-name common name Maiden Pink
botanical-name botanical name Dianthus deltoides
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 6-12”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Maiden pink is a species of Dianthus that closely resembles relatives like carnations, sweet Williams, and cheddar pinks. Grassy foliage emerges from a perennial clump, and flowering stems sprout in summer and fall. 

For white blooms, choose the tough cultivar ‘Albus.’ A range of types offer varying shades of red; ‘Zing,’ ‘Zing Rose,’ and ‘Vampire’ are all excellent choices. ‘Flashing Lights’ is perfect for those growers who can’t decide on a single shade of red—it blooms in pink, red, and scarlet hues. 

Pacific Bleeding Heart

Dicentra formosa with delicate, heart-shaped pink flowers dangling from arching stems above finely divided fern-like green foliage.
Pacific bleeding heart has pink, heart-shaped blooms and fern-like leaves.
common-name common name Pacific Bleeding Heart
botanical-name botanical name Dicentra formosa
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial shade
height height 1-2’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Many bleeding hearts exist, but the Pacific bleeding heart is a native species that helps local critters! It’s also frost and ice-tolerant, surviving well in zones 3 and 4 where other perennials may struggle. 

You may see this native plant growing wild in forests of the Pacific Northwest—long clusters of pink heart-shaped blossoms emerge from fleshy stems. The foliage is dainty, lacy, and ferny, offering lush backdrops for the prize-winning blooms. 

Bleeding hearts are tough because of their underground rhizomes. If the rhizomes die, their seeds can sprout new plants to fill bare sites.

Gas Plant

Dictamnus albus with purple-veined pink flowers on tall stems, surrounded by compound green leaves and forming seed pods.
Gas plant grows four-foot stems with azalea-like blooms; leaves release a lemon scent when crushed.
common-name common name Gas Plant
botanical-name botanical name Dictamnus albus
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 2-4’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

We often grow perennials to fill a spot we never want to plant in again. For this purpose, long-lived species like the gas plant are the best choices. Gas plants are slow-growing, though they last many years after establishing themselves. 

The plants reach around four feet tall when they’re mature, sprouting flowering stems with azalea-like blooms. After the blooms fade you’ll see seed pods forming in their place. The leaves and blooms emit a lemony scent when you rub or crush them. 

The pods are why this species goes by the name gas plant—if you place a match beneath the blooms they’ll ignite for a short time! This doesn’t damage the plant, but fire can be dangerous in the landscape. Use caution when trying this fun trick.

Salvia ‘Violet Queen’

Salvia nemorosa ‘Violet Queen’ with spiky clusters of violet-purple flowers growing above aromatic gray-green leaves.
Salvia ‘Violet Queen’ has blue flowering spikes that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Deadhead to prolong blooms.
common-name common name Salvia ‘Violet Queen’
botanical-name botanical name Salvia x superba ‘Violet Queen’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 1-2’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Sage is all the rage! Sage, or Salvia, is a pollinator magnet that fits nicely among other annuals and wildflowers. ‘Violet Queen’ is one lovely hybrid cultivar that starts well from seed. 

This variety sprouts erect flowering stems above the aromatic foliage. Blue blossoms emerge up and down the stems, luring bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Keep it blooming by deadheading the spent flowers, or let them fade so you can collect more sage seeds in autumn. 

Rattlesnake Master

Eryngium yuccifolium with rounded, spiny seed heads on tall stalks above narrow, grass-like leaves.
Rattlesnake master, a sea holly relative, has spiny white blooms attracting bees and syrphid flies.
common-name common name Rattlesnake Master
botanical-name botanical name Eryngium yuccifolium
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 4-6’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

This relative of sea holly is native to the U.S.! Rattlesnake master thrives in open, grassy sites throughout the Great Plains and eastern states. Clusters of sea holly-like blossoms emerge on stems above the grassy foliage. The blooms are white, attracting bees, syrphid flies, and other pollinators.

After blooms appear in spring, you may cut and dry them for use in floral arrangements. Or, leave the spent stems on the plant for ornamental interest; you’ll also provide seeds for hungry birds in winter! This species creates valuable habitat space for local moths who lay their eggs in the stems. Leave them be to give them a fighting chance for next year’s growing season. 

Sneezeweed

Helenium autumnale with bright red and yellow daisy-like flowers atop tall green stems with lance-shaped leaves.
Sneezeweed produces yellow daisy-like flowers above leafy stalks.
common-name common name Sneezeweed
botanical-name botanical name Helenium autumnale
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 3-5’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Sneezeweed blooms bright yellow flowers above leafy green growth. The leaves are oblong and lance-shaped, and they sprout alternately on tall stalks. The seedlings readily germinate from seeds, and you’ll find them commonly available in pollinator garden seed mixes like ‘Bring Home the Butterflies.’

Sneezeweed originates from the eastern, southern, and Midwest regions of the U.S. It prefers lots of direct sunlight and moist, fertile soil. Though gorgeous, its parts are toxic and inedible for humans and livestock. Plant this wild perennial in areas away from children, pets, and farm animals.

Daylily

Long, arching green leaves form a base for tall stems bearing large, trumpet-shaped blooms of orange-yellow shades.
Daylilies are hardy garden plants, available in yellow, purple, orange, red, or pink flowered varieties.
common-name common name Daylily
botanical-name botanical name Hemerocallis spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Daylilies are classic garden favorites! Though they originate from Asia and central Europe, they’re common in landscapes, old plantings, and backyards. The yellow-flowered cultivars are most common, though nowadays you can find varieties with purple, orange, red, and pink hues. 

Tough and long-lived in zones 3 and 4, perennial daylilies are perfect for freezing sites. They thrive with neglect, growing wider each year to form hardy clumps. Divide the clumps in fall or spring if they grow too large, and plant the divisions in new areas to spread your daylilies! Try to find a species that isn’t invasive to your area to plant.

Evergreen Candytuft

Iberis sempervirens with small, rounded clusters of pure white flowers covering low-growing, narrow green leaves.
Candytuft produces bright white flower clusters in spring, staying evergreen only in mild zone 7-8 winters.
common-name common name Evergreen Candytuft
botanical-name botanical name Iberis sempervirens
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 6-12”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Candytuft is delightfully cheery! It sprouts bright white blooms that shine under direct sunlight. In early spring, the entire plant produces white bloom clusters that cover the foliage entirely. Though it has the word evergreen in its name, it’s only evergreen in regions with mild winters like zones 7 and 8. In all other regions, it’s an herbaceous perennial that enters dormancy during winter.

Evergreen candytuft is superb for borders and edges! The tufting mounds spill out of the beds, creating large floral displays wherever they spread. The stems root freely when they touch the ground; divide them or take cuttings to propagate the plant. 

Leopard Plant

Leopard plant has round leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers, unlike other Ligularia species’ tall spires.
common-name common name Leopard Plant
botanical-name botanical name Ligularia dentata
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial to full shade
height height 3-5’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

The leopard plant is a favorite for its round, wide leaves, though it blooms bright, cheery flowers that also have ornamental interest. Unlike other species of Ligularia, this leopard plant sprouts clusters of yellow daisy-like blossoms rather than spires on tall stalks. 

Two cultivars are longtime garden favorites. ‘Othello’ and ‘Desdemona’ display maroon leaf undersides, veins, and stalks, while the upper surfaces are green. If the clumps grow too large, divide them in late winter or early spring as soon as you can work the soil.

Cardinal Flower

Red cardinal flowers bloom gracefully on a slender stem. The lush, elongated leaves create a verdant backdrop, accentuating the brilliance of the blooming flora in this garden scene.
Native pollinator plants attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making butterfly or wildflower gardens vibrant and full.
common-name common name Cardinal Flower
botanical-name botanical name Lobelia cardinalis
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 4-5’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

This moisture-loving wildflower excels in boggy sites and swampy environments. It’s a native species that thrives in the eastern U.S., though it sometimes pops up in the Southwest. You’ll see bright red flower spires that rise above the leafy limbs.

Because this plant is native to North America, it’s especially valuable for local pollinators and insect critters. Plant it in a butterfly, pollinator, or wildflower garden among other nectar-rich species. The space will be bursting with life in summer as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds flock to the site!

Wild Lupine

A close-up of Lupinus perennis flowers, showcasing purple petals in full bloom against a soft, blurred backdrop. The lush green leaves provide a lush contrast, enhancing the natural beauty of the floral arrangement.
Wild lupine attracts pollinators while its seeds provide food for birds and mammals in southern habitats.
common-name common name Wild Lupine
botanical-name botanical name Lupinus perennis subsp. gracilis
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Wild lupine graces the prairies, woodlands, and meadows of the southern U.S. It’s a native wildflower that attracts pollinators, while its seeds offer a nutritious food source for birds and mammals. 

Unlike hybrid and annual lupines, wild lupines are cold-hardy and may live for a few years in the same spot. Mature plants spread with seeds and rhizomes—propagate them in the fall as the weather cools and days shorten.

Maltese Cross

Lychnis chalcedonica displaying flat-topped clusters of brilliant red flowers above lance-shaped green leaves and thick stems.
It has brilliant red flowers shaped like Maltese crosses, contrasting beautifully with its dark green foliage.
common-name common name Maltese Cross
botanical-name botanical name Silene chalcedonica
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 2-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

The Maltese cross plant receives its name because of the shape its petals make—they look like a Maltese cross, which was a symbol of the Crusades. Their brilliant red hues shine under direct rays, creating a stunning contrast with the dark green foliage. 

This perennial likes consistent moisture, sandy or loamy soil, and plenty of direct sunlight. Stake heavy specimens if they grow tall, as they may flop over when their blooms sprout. 

Plume Poppy

Macleaya cordata with tall, branching tan flower plumes rising above large, lobed, blue-green leaves.
Plume poppies grow eight feet tall, resembling shrubs but are herbaceous, dying back each winter season.
common-name common name Plume Poppy
botanical-name botanical name Macleaya cordata
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 5-8’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Plume poppies are incredibly tall. They resemble shrubs, though they’re herbaceous perennials that lie dormant in winter before emerging at the start of the growing season. Plume poppies are truly spectacular—there aren’t many herbaceous species that reach eight feet tall like they do!

Their gray-green leaves are deeply lobed and resemble hands; they’re tropical-looking and stand out in cottages and backyards. The plants sprout long spires of tiny, creamy-white blossoms as the weather warms in spring and summer.

Musk Mallow

Malva moschata showing clusters of light pink, saucer-shaped flowers with five petals above rounded, deeply cut green leaves.
It thrives in cold regions, producing pink or white flowers and cheese-wheel shaped seeds.
common-name common name Musk Mallow
botanical-name botanical name Malva moschata
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 2-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Musk mallow is a native species that thrives in cold climates; it grows in frosty regions of Alaska, Maine, and Montana. It sprouts mallow blossoms that are white or pink and seeds that look like mini cheese wheels! 

When you rub up against musk mallow, it emits a soft odor, hence its name. Some growers dislike it, though it’s mild and not a concern in gardens far from doorways and windows. 

Two varieties offer choice blooms that are more showy than those of the species. Find ‘Alba’ if you prefer white blossoms on a short plant, and opt for ‘Rosea’ if you want pink blooms. 

Catmint

Spikes of tiny lavender-blue flowers bloom on arching stems, surrounded by aromatic, gray-green leaves.
Catmint stays low to the ground with showier blossoms and a slightly different aroma compared to catnip.
common-name common name Catmint
botanical-name botanical name Nepeta spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 1-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Catmint is similar to catnip, except it stays low to the ground and has a slightly different aroma. Its blossoms are more showy than catnip, and dozens of catmint varieties offer unique colors, shapes, and sizes. 

Though these species are different from catnip, they still attract plenty of cats! Place tall sticks in the dirt around the plant to protect your plants. The sticks prevent kitties from rolling around and crushing the tender stems. 

Herbaceous Peony

Paeonia lactiflora with large, deep pink, ruffled double flowers above lush, divided green leaves on strong stems.
Herbaceous peonies push out giant, fragrant blooms in late spring above lush divided leaves and strong stems.
common-name common name Herbaceous Peony
botanical-name botanical name Paeonia spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Herbaceous peonies are more cold-hardy than tree peonies and arguably more showy! They sprout lush, divided leaves in early spring. As the weather warms and days lengthen, they push out dinner-plate-sized blooms. Some have incredible fragrances, while others show off with intricate petals of many colors. 

So many peony cultivars exist that you’ll have a tough time choosing one! Opt for two or three, and plant them near each other for a spectacular show. Herbaceous types die to the ground in fall and winter, lying dormant for the cold months. Protect their roots with mulch or compost to keep them warm and healthy. 

Oriental Poppy

Pink 'Mrs Perry' poppies with deep purple centers in full bloom, adding a burst of color to the garden. Lush green plants form a verdant backdrop, enhancing the beauty of the delicate flowers.
Oriental poppies grow tall flowering stalks with four to six-inch blooms in red, orange, pink, or white.
common-name common name Oriental Poppy
botanical-name botanical name Papaver orientale
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-4’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-7

Oriental poppies, though not native to the U.S., are superb options for walkways, gardens, and borders. Their high-reaching flowering stalks sprout large, four to six-inch wide blooms with dainty petals. They come in all shapes and colors; find types with red, orange, pink, or white petals.

After Oriental poppies bloom and form seed pods, their foliage dies back and exposes bare soil. Plant these flowers in between late summer blooming species that can fill in the empty spaces the poppies leave behind. 

Wild Cranesbill

Geranium maculatum featuring clusters of lavender-purple five-petaled flowers above deeply lobed, toothed green leaves.
Wild cranesbill, a native Geranium species, grows well in temperate climates and moist forests throughout eastern states.
common-name common name Wild Cranesbill
botanical-name botanical name Geranium maculatum
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 18”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-11

Wild cranesbill is a true species of Geranium! Unlike the Pelargonium species we often call “geraniums,” wild cranesbill is frost tolerant and grows well in temperate climates. It’s also a native species to North America, growing wild throughout moist forests and meadows in eastern states. 

This wildflower is popular in the ornamental landscaping trade, which means you can find it commonly available online, at plant nurseries, and in garden centers. The species type has pink-white blooms, though cultivars offer more choices. Try ‘Elizabeth Ann’ for brown leaves and blue-purple flowers, or select ‘Album’ for its white blooms. 

Moss Pink

Thick, needle-like dark green leaves create a dense ground cover, punctuated by vivid scarlet flowers that bloom in clusters.
Moss pink is a low-growing spreader with needlelike leaves and colorful flowers perfect for slopes or rocks.
common-name common name Moss Pink
botanical-name botanical name Phlox subulata
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 4-6”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Moss pink, or creeping phlox, is a low-growing spreader perfect for hillsides, slopes, and rock gardens. The creeping stems sprout needlelike leaves that hold up well under direct sunlight. In late spring and early summer, dozens of flowers bloom all over the growing clumps. Many varieties exist with white, pink, purple, and blue petals. 

Moss pink dislikes growing in soggy, extremely fertile soil. Give it a well-drained loamy mix with more sand than clay. Add perlite, vermiculite, or pumice to the dirt before planting to help facilitate drainage in moist sites. 

False Dragonhead

Spikes of tubular, pale pink to lavender flowers with a snapdragon-like appearance and dark green, lance-shaped leaves.
False dragonhead has snapdragon-like blooms on spires, with buds opening bottom to top in moist gardens.
common-name common name False Dragonhead
botanical-name botanical name Physostegia virginiana
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 3-4’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-9

False dragonhead is one of the most frost-tolerant species on this list! It’s a native wildflower that prefers moist sites in eastern and central U.S. gardens. It’ll spread continuously with rhizomatous roots; they can quickly overtake an area! Root prune the clumps in spring, or divide them and plant the clumps in new sites. 

False dragonhead earns its name because of the blooms that resemble snapdragons or foxgloves. They form on flowering spires that emerge into the air, with the lowest buds opening first and the tallest ones opening last. A stunning ornamental native plant, false dragonhead is a well-performing perennial in moist sites.

Balloon Flower

Platycodon grandiflorus showing inflated purple flower buds opening to five-petaled, star-shaped violet flowers above dark green leaves.
Balloon flowers form balloon-like buds that pop, opening into flat lavender blooms kids love in gardens.
common-name common name Balloon Flower
botanical-name botanical name Platycodon grandiflorus
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-2’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Balloon flower is a fun choice for children’s gardens! They form flower buds that look like hot air balloons; you can pop them between their fingers. When they open, they form flat blooms with lavender petals. 

Though balloon flower is perennial in Zone 3 and Zone 4, it grows easily from seeds and often self-sows. Start seedlings from seeds, or source potted plants in spring from your local nursery.

Showy Jacob’s Ladder

Polemonium caeruleum with clusters of purple-blue, bell-shaped flowers on thin stems, above pinnate green leaves.
Showy Jacob’s ladder grows in rock crevices, keeping roots cool while leaves reach for filtered sunlight.
common-name common name Showy Jacob’s Ladder
botanical-name botanical name Polemonium pulcherrimum
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial shade
height height 16”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-8

Showy Jacob’s ladder is similar to the common type native to Europe and Asia. Unlike the common Jacob’s ladder, the showy species is native to the western U.S., from Alaska to California. Find it growing on cool hillsides in rocky areas.

Perfect for rock gardens, showy Jacob’s ladder tucks in nicely in rock crevices and cracks. This helps keep the roots cool while the leaves access direct sunlight. Put the plants in a partially shady site for best results—they’ll burn under intense afternoon heat. 

Lungwort

Lungworts bloom early with pink, blue, and purple flowers, holding leaves longer with moisture and cool temperatures.
common-name common name Lungwort
botanical-name botanical name Pulmonaria spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial to full shade
height height 8-18”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Lungworts are clump-forming ephemeral perennials that bloom in late winter and early spring. They’re ideal for cool regions, as they thrive when the weather is mild, moist, and frosty. They grow best in the shade, though some varieties tolerate direct sunlight for parts of the day. 

Before most other species bloom, lungworts push out multi-color blossoms with pink, blue, and purple petals. More leaves emerge after the blooms fade, and they’ll hold onto them if they stay cool and well-watered throughout the growing season. The clumps may enter summer dormancy without sufficient moisture and cool temperatures. 

Black-Eyed Susan

Sturdy plants with large, daisy-like yellow flowers featuring dark brown centers, supported by coarse, upright stems and rough-textured, oblong leaves.
This Midwest native produces yellow daisy-like flowers with dark centers, attracting pollinators in many U.S. gardens.
common-name common name Black-Eyed Susan
botanical-name botanical name Rudbeckia fulgida
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

This Midwest native plant grows throughout the United States! It’s a common perennial for landscape plantings, commercial beds, and pollinator gardens. Its leaves resemble coneflower foliage, and the blooms are daisy-like with yellow petals and brown-black centers.

A pollinator magnet, black-eyed Susan feeds bees and butterflies with nectar and pollen. The seeds that form on the blossoms are a nutritious food source for songbirds like American goldfinches. If you’re looking for a frost-hardy specimen that feeds local critters, this perennial black-eyed Susan is an excellent option. 

Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’

Hylotelephium Autumn Joy features large, flat clusters of star-shaped pink flowers that mature to a rusty-red color, set against succulent, gray-green foliage.
‘Autumn Joy’ sprouts fleshy leaves, later producing bright pink flower clusters on elongated summer stems.
common-name common name Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
botanical-name botanical name Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 1-2’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-10

‘Autumn Joy’ is unlike other sedums, which is why it was recently moved from the genus Sedum to the genus Hylotelephium. This succulent perennial sprouts fleshy leaves on short stems in spring and early summer. As the season progresses, the short stalks elongate and sprout bright pink flower clusters on their tips.

Unlike other succulent species, ‘Autumn Joy’ does well in frosty sites. It’ll save its energy in the fall by entering a dormant state; the aboveground parts die and redirect their nutrients to the roots. Cover the site with compost or mulch in autumn to protect the root zone from ice and snow. 

Globeflower

Trollius europaeus featuring bright orange, globe-shaped flowers with overlapping petals above deeply divided green foliage.
Globeflowers have round blooms in yellow or orange shades, with cultivars offering lighter or darker flowers.
common-name common name Globeflower
botanical-name botanical name Trollius spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 2-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-7

Globeflowers form globe-shapes with their blossoms, which is why they have the name globeflower. The blooms range from yellow to orange, though some cultivars offer lighter or darker shades than the species. 

Globeflowers look superb in cut flower arrangements, and repetitive deadheading encourages the plants to form more flowers. Keep cutting them throughout the growing season to force dozens of blooms while the weather is warm. For best results, keep their soil moist and fertile, and never let their roots dry out completely.

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