Perennials are one of the best plants for beginners to start growing. Not only do they require less maintenance than annuals, but they are excellent at attracting pollinators if you eventually get into fruit and vegetable gardening.
I started my gardening journey with perennials and still love finding new species to plant every year. Here are 10 of the easiest perennial flowers for beginner gardeners.
Black-Eyed Susans
Black-Eyed Susans are a staple in many gardens, recognized by their bright golden-yellow petals circling a dark brown, dome-shaped center. They can grow up to 3 feet tall and spread about 1 to 2 feet wide, creating a vibrant display in any garden.
Black-eyed susans are so easy to grow that you often find them growing naturally in the wild.
Blooming Season: These flowers bloom from midsummer until the first frost, providing long-lasting color.
Care Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established, making them ideal for forgetful waterers. Regular deadheading encourages more blooms. They’re also excellent for attracting butterflies and beneficial insects.
Daylilies
Daylilies are versatile and hardy, coming in various colors, from vibrant oranges and reds to subtle pastels. Each flower lasts only a day (hence the name), but the plants are prolific bloomers.
Blooming Season: They typically bloom from early to mid-summer, with some varieties reblooming until fall.
Care Tips: Daylilies thrive in most soil types but prefer well-drained soil. They tolerate drought and need little care once established. Divide the clumps every few years to maintain vigor. They’re also pest-resistant and attract pollinators.
Lavender
Lavender is famed not only for its delightful fragrance but also for its silvery foliage and purple flower spikes. It’s an excellent choice for creating a sensory garden.
Blooming Season: It blooms from late spring to early summer, with some varieties offering a second bloom in the fall.
Care Tips: Lavender requires full sun and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Overwatering or heavy soil can lead to root rot. Pruning after the first bloom can encourage a second bloom and maintain a compact form.
Coneflowers
Coneflowers are known for their striking appearance, with tall stems topped by large, daisy-like flowers with raised centers. They come in pink, white, yellow, orange, and even green varieties. These are personally some of my favorite perennials to grow.
Blooming Season: Blooms appear from early summer to fall, providing a long season of color.
Care Tips: Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Coneflowers are drought-tolerant and attract birds and pollinators. Deadheading promotes more blooms, but leaving some spent flowers in fall provides seeds for birds.
Hostas
Hostas are beloved for their lush foliage, which comes in various greens, blues, and even variegated patterns. They are excellent for adding texture and contrast to shaded garden areas.
I have a hosta sitting in the shadiest part of my garden and I barely have to touch it.
Blooming Season: Though primarily grown for their foliage, they do bloom in summer, with tall spikes of lavender or white flowers.
Care Tips: Hostas prefer partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. They are low-maintenance but benefit from regular watering and mulching to retain soil moisture. Slugs and snails can be a problem, so vigilance and preventive measures may be necessary.
Russian Sage
Russian Sage is known for its airy spikes of lavender-blue flowers and silvery-green foliage, creating a misty, ethereal effect in the garden.
Blooming Season: It blooms from mid-summer to fall, attracting bees and butterflies.
Care Tips: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established and thrives in hot, dry conditions. Prune in early spring to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Peonies
Peonies are beloved for their large, showy, and often fragrant flowers, available in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. They can be herbaceous or tree-like, with lush green foliage.
Blooming Season: They bloom in late spring to early summer and are a classic choice for cut flower arrangements.
Care Tips: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Provide support for varieties with large blooms to prevent stems from drooping. Peonies are long-lived and can thrive for decades with minimal care.
Coral Bells
Coral Bells are prized for their vibrant foliage, which ranges from deep burgundy to lime green, and delicate bell-shaped flowers on slender stems.
Blooming Season: They bloom in late spring to early summer, adding a delicate touch to the garden.
Care Tips: Plant in partial shade to full sun in well-drained soil. They prefer moist but not waterlogged soil. Remove spent flower stalks to encourage more blooms and tidy up the plant.
Bee Balm
Bee Balm is a vibrant perennial known for its fragrant foliage and spiky flowers, which come in shades of pink, red, and purple. It’s a favorite of pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Blooming Season: Blooms from mid to late summer.
Care Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. It prefers moist conditions but can tolerate drought once established. Deadhead to encourage more blooms and prevent mildew by providing good air circulation.
Sedum
Sedum offers succulent leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers. They come in various sizes and colors, from groundcovers to taller varieties.
Blooming Season: They bloom from late summer into fall, providing late-season color and interest.
Care Tips: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. They are extremely drought-tolerant, making them ideal for xeriscaping or rock gardens. Divide every few years to maintain health and vigor.
Perennials for Beginners
Gardening with perennials is a rewarding experience, especially for beginners. These ten plants are just the starting point in a world filled with color, texture, and life. Give these a try and let your gardening journey begin!
