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.

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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!
Yarrow

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common name Yarrow |
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botanical name Achillea spp. |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 1-4’ |
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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

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common name Baneberry |
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botanical name Actaea spp. |
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sun requirements Partial to full shade |
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height 2-6’ |
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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

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common name Winter Aconite |
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botanical name Eranthis hyemalis |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 3-6” |
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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

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common name Lady Bells |
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botanical name Adenophora spp. |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 1-3’ |
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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

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common name Butterfly Weed |
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botanical name Asclepias tuberosa |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 1-3’ |
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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

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common name False Spirea |
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botanical name Astilbe spp. |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 1-4’ |
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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

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common name Masterwort |
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botanical name Astrantia major |
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sun requirements Partial shade |
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height 1-3’ |
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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

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common name Basket of Gold |
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botanical name Aurinia saxatilis |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 8-12” |
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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

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common name Blue False Indigo |
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botanical name Baptisia australis |
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sun requirements Full sun |
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height 3-6’ |
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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

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common name Pigsqueak |
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botanical name Bergenia crassifolia |
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sun requirements Full sun to full shade |
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height 1-2’ |
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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

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common name Boltonia |
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botanical name Boltonia asteroides |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 3-6’ |
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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

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common name Bluebell |
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botanical name Campanula rotundifolia |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 6-18” |
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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

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common name Snow in Summer |
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botanical name Cerastium tomentosum |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 6-12” |
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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

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common name Maiden Pink |
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botanical name Dianthus deltoides |
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sun requirements Full sun |
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height 6-12” |
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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

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common name Pacific Bleeding Heart |
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botanical name Dicentra formosa |
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sun requirements Partial shade |
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height 1-2’ |
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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

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common name Gas Plant |
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botanical name Dictamnus albus |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 2-4’ |
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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’

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common name Salvia ‘Violet Queen’ |
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botanical name Salvia x superba ‘Violet Queen’ |
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sun requirements Full sun |
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height 1-2’ |
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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

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common name Rattlesnake Master |
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botanical name Eryngium yuccifolium |
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sun requirements Full sun |
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height 4-6’ |
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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

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common name Sneezeweed |
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botanical name Helenium autumnale |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 3-5’ |
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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

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common name Daylily |
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botanical name Hemerocallis spp. |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 1-3’ |
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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

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common name Evergreen Candytuft |
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botanical name Iberis sempervirens |
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sun requirements Full sun |
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height 6-12” |
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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

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common name Leopard Plant |
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botanical name Ligularia dentata |
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sun requirements Partial to full shade |
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height 3-5’ |
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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

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common name Cardinal Flower |
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botanical name Lobelia cardinalis |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 4-5’ |
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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

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common name Wild Lupine |
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botanical name Lupinus perennis subsp. gracilis |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 1-3’ |
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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

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common name Maltese Cross |
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botanical name Silene chalcedonica |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 2-3’ |
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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

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common name Plume Poppy |
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botanical name Macleaya cordata |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 5-8’ |
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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

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common name Musk Mallow |
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botanical name Malva moschata |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 2-3’ |
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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

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common name Catmint |
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botanical name Nepeta spp. |
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sun requirements Full sun |
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height 1-3’ |
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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

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common name Herbaceous Peony |
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botanical name Paeonia spp. |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 1-3’ |
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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

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common name Oriental Poppy |
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botanical name Papaver orientale |
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sun requirements Full sun |
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height 2-4’ |
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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

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common name Wild Cranesbill |
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botanical name Geranium maculatum |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 18” |
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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

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common name Moss Pink |
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botanical name Phlox subulata |
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sun requirements Full sun |
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height 4-6” |
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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

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common name False Dragonhead |
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botanical name Physostegia virginiana |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 3-4’ |
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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

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common name Balloon Flower |
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botanical name Platycodon grandiflorus |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 1-2’ |
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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

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common name Showy Jacob’s Ladder |
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botanical name Polemonium pulcherrimum |
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sun requirements Partial shade |
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height 16” |
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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

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common name Lungwort |
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botanical name Pulmonaria spp. |
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sun requirements Partial to full shade |
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height 8-18” |
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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

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common name Black-Eyed Susan |
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botanical name Rudbeckia fulgida |
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sun requirements Full sun |
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height 2-3’ |
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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’

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common name Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ |
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botanical name Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’ |
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sun requirements Full sun |
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height 1-2’ |
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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

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common name Globeflower |
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botanical name Trollius spp. |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 2-3’ |
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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.