Looking for plants that keep on giving? These popular perennials will brighten up your landscape with gorgeous blooms and come back year after year—all without you having to worry about special winter protection.
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++Bellflower (Campanula)
Just like the name suggests, the Bellflower features charming, bell-shaped blooms in beautiful shades. There are tons of different varieties out there, so you can easily find the perfect match for your specific garden style. Whether you’re looking to fill a polished flower bed, add some color to a meadow, or round out a wild cottage garden, this perennial is a fantastic choice. Best of all, it’s not a one-hit wonder—it’ll bring you joy for many seasons to come.
++Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii)
Catmint offers lovely blooms with a color palette that often reminds people of lavender. But this hardy perennial brings some extra “superpowers” to the table. While it emits a scent that cats find absolutely irresistible, it actually acts as a natural deterrent for annoying pests like wasps and mosquitoes. Planting this on your balcony, patio, or near your garden seating area is like giving those buzzing party-crashers a natural eviction notice.
++Fall Aster (Symphyotrichum)
The Fall Aster usually stays between 8 and 20 inches tall, making it a bit more compact than many other perennial varieties. What it lacks in height, it makes up for with incredibly vibrant colors and a bloom time that stretches from late summer well into autumn. It’s a low-maintenance rockstar that will keep your garden looking lively long after other plants have faded. It’s super versatile for almost any spot in your yard.
++Blanket Flower (Gaillardia grandiflora)
If you want a perennial that packs a punch, the Blanket Flower is for you. Its multi-colored petals—usually a stunning mix of red and yellow—are a total eye-catcher. In fact, you often don’t even need to plant other flowers nearby because the Gaillardia creates a “sea of color” all on its own. It grows in a dense, bushy habit, so the blooms sit nice and close together for maximum impact.
++Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis)
For those looking for a perennial that shines in the autumn, the Japanese Anemone is a top-tier pick. These flowers feature delicate petals with soft color accents that bring a real sense of elegance to the garden when they open in the fall. They are tough, too—they’ll sprout right back up after a cold winter. Unlike some summer varieties, this type is a true hardy perennial that can handle the frost.
++Monkshood (Aconitum napellus)
Are you on the hunt for perennials with deep, saturated blue flowers? Monkshood might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a reliable grower that returns year after year, blooming typically from July through August. It’s a great way to bring some cool, regal tones to your garden right as the summer heat kicks in. (Just a pro-tip: keep in mind that Monkshood is toxic, so handle with care!)
++Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger)
Want some color during those dreary winter months? Look no further than the Christmas Rose. This amazing plant is famous for blooming right through the snow in some years. It’s virtually unfazed by hard frosts and can start showing off its gorgeous flowers as early as late fall. It’s a favorite for winter garden beds or even as a hardy choice for cemetery plantings during the cold season.
++European Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)
Goldenrod is about as low-maintenance as it gets. Even with very little attention, it’ll reward you with masses of tiny flowers that form dense, bright yellow clusters. Goldenrod blooms during the warm summer months and is a total magnet for pollinators, providing plenty of pollen and nectar for bees and butterflies. It’s a classic choice for anyone putting together a natural-looking cottage or wildflower garden.