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With some beautiful, flowery perennials, you can create a strong and colorful base for your garden. No matter the type of garden or environment you are growing them in, adding some colorful perennial flowers can provide you with that bright burst of color that you are looking for. Plus, these flowers will come back year after year, growing beautifully as they come and go.
Whether you want a low-maintenance garden full of perennials or a few perennial flowers as a backdrop for an ever-changing parade of annuals, it is always good to have an understanding of this wide-ranging plant group.
As you read these descriptions, take special note of the growing conditions required for each type of flower. Certain plants may only grow as perennials in some zones and annuals in others. Many plants need to be in their ideal environment with the correct amount of sun for optimal bloom growth. Let’s jump in and look into some of the colorful perennial flowers to plant in your garden!
Allium
Scientific Name: Allium
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Middle East
- Plant Size: 1–4 feet tall, 3–10 inches wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 4–10
Several types of Allium are commonly grown for ornamental purposes. They are related to onions, and they bloom in the early spring. These perennials also enjoy full sun. The more decorative varieties do smell like onions, but they are not edible. You can recognize this plant by its spindly foliage and firework-shaped bursts of flowers.
Some Allium varieties have blooms and foliage all season long, while others lose their blooms and foliage before the summer. While Allium is known for its lavender blooms, this perennial can also be pink, yellow, green, and white.
Anemone
Scientific Name: Anemone spp.
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: North America
- Plant Size: 6 in.–4 ft. tall, 2–3 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Plant Zone: 3–10
These ethereal flowers can appear in several different forms. These perennial flowers can bloom in white, purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. The blooms often consist of a single flower, but they can also have two blooms.
Different varieties can also grow in different manners. For example, some grow from bulbs, while others grow from rhizomes. Some varieties do best in the shade, while others need a bit more sun. Certain varieties only need minimal water, while others need more.
Aster
Scientific Name: Symphyotrichum
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: North America
- Plant Size: 1–6 ft. tall, 1–4 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3, 6–8
If you want a colorful flower that picks up the slack in the Fall, Asters are a beautiful choice. The delicate and fluffy blooms can be pink, white, purple, or blue. The tiny petals echo the plant’s spindly leaves. Asters are easy to grow, and easy to care for.
These plants need plenty of space so that the roots have plenty of room to grow. Asters can take a few years to develop, and they may need to be routinely re-planted. Sun is essential if you want plenty of blooms.
Balloon Flower
Scientific Name: Platycodon grandiflorus
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: China, Korea, Japan, Russia
- Plant Size: 1–2 1/2 ft. tall, 1–1 1/2 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Plant Zone: 3–8
Balloon Flowers are named for the balloon-like buds produced by this plant that then burst into star-shaped blooms. These perennial blooms are often purple or blue, though they can also be white or pink. The beautiful colors attract plenty of pollinators. Balloon flowers are easy to grow but can be a bit more sensitive to sun and harsh growing conditions.
These plants can spread to a degree, but they are not too aggressive. If you live somewhere particularly hot, it is a good idea to provide the balloon flower with some amount of shade.
Black-Eyed Susan
Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: North America
- Plant Size: 2–3 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3–7
This classic perennial is one of the most popular plants in perennial gardens that attract pollinators. The Black-Eyed Susan is named for the black centers of these flowers that are ringed in golden petals. The leaves of this plant are somewhat hairy, and this feature is ideal for driving away pests.
It is a good idea to deadhead this plant regularly to encourage the growth of more blooms. This plant can self-seed if you do not deadhead. This is fine, as long as you do not mind increasing the population of Black-Eyed Susans in your garden.
Blazing Star
Scientific Name: Liatris spicata
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: North America
- Plant Size: 2–4 ft. tall, 9–18 inches wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3–9
A relative of the Aster, Blazing Star has similar petals but a different flower structure. The flowers have spikes rather than the starry-shaped appearance that Asters have. These flowers can be white or purple. They look great with other pollinator-friendly plants.
You can grow these flowers from seeds or bulbs. However, bulbs are often the most effective way to grow this plant. Provide this plant with plenty of sun and good well-drained soil. While the early stages of this plant’s growth can be somewhat intensive, it is an easy grower once it has been established.
Bleeding Heart
Scientific Name: Dicentra spectabils
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Asia
- Plant Size: 6 in–3 ft tall, 1–3 ft wide
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Plant Zone: 3–9
Named for its heart-shaped blooms, this plant blooms for a long time and then often dies away for the rest of the season. Be sure to plant it in the company of other plants that may provide foliage when this one stops displaying foliage. You can find pink, white, or red varieties of this plant.
These are usually very easy to grow. The only issues that you should be aware of are issues that are common to flowers within gardens. Well-draining soil is key for this plant since while it likes plenty of hydration, it is prone to root rot.
Bugloss
Scientific Name: Brunnera macrophylla
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Asia, Europe
- Plant Size: 12–18 in. tall; 18–30 in. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shade
- Plant Zone: 3–8
Bugloss, also known as false forget-me-not, has tiny blue blossoms and large, heart-shaped leaves. It is most often found in woodland areas and along borders. It often is compared to forget-me-nots.
This plant is fairly low-maintenance, as long as it has plenty of shade. Its rhizomatous roots make it an effective spreader over time. It is not too aggressive, so it is not considered invasive. This is another plant that does well in partial or full shade.
Butterfly Weed
Scientific Name: Asclepias tuberosa
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: North America
- Plant Size: 1–2 ft. tall, 12 to 18 in. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3–9
Bring color into your garden, not just with its vibrant orange perennial flowers but with the butterflies that these flowers attract. Butterfly Weed needs some time to establish itself and bloom. It can take a few years after planting for you to see blooms.
This plant is fairly drought-resistant, and it does well in the sun. Make sure that this plant gets plenty of water, as it is being initially introduced into a new environment. In general, this plant does very well in a range of conditions.
Chrysanthemum
Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum spp.
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Asia, Europe
- Plant Size: 4 to 36 in. tall and 12 to 36 in. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 5–9
This one is another flower that contributes a lot of colors to your Fall garden. You can get these flowers in a range of colors including red, orange, yellow, green, purple, white, and pink.
Plant chrysanthemums in your garden in the springtime to get the most advantage out of your plants. This will also help your plants survive until the next year. Plentiful blooms can be aided by regular fertilization, deadheading during the summer, full sun, and well-drained soil. These flowers also need plenty of water.
Clematis
Scientific Name: Clematis
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Nursery-created hybrid, China
- Plant Size: 7 to 10 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Plant Zone: 4–8
Get some color in your garden with this perennial flower called Clematis. This plant comes in many colors, including blue, purple, red, white, and pink. Some of these colors can be combined. The vine can climb up supports such as a trellis or fence.
Plant this shade friendly flowering vine strategically to give it the best chance. It is best grown as a plant start rather than from seed. Plant the root ball very deeply. Taking this action protects the plant against disease and heat.
Coneflower
Scientific Name: Echinacea purpurea
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: North America
- Plant Size: 2–5 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Plant Zone: 3–8
Coneflowers are known for their medicinal properties and their ability to attract pollinators. They are also known for being tough and drought-resistant. You will probably recognize Coneflower from its light lavender petals. However, this flower can come in many other colors.
While Coneflowers love the sun, they can do well in partial shade as long as they are planted in well-drained soil. However, keep an eye out for droopy blooms in the shade. If you notice drooping, you may want to relocate your plants to a sunnier area.
Coral Bells
Scientific Name: Heuchera spp.
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: North America
- Plant Size: 8–18 in. tall, 12–24 in. wide
- Sun Exposure: Partial Shade
- Plant Zone: 8–18 in. tall, 12–24 in. wide
Not only does this plant add color to the garden through its tiny flowers, but it also adds warm color thanks to its foliage. Coral Bells are very popular amongst pollinators. These plants may be red, orange, pink, or coral.
Coral Bells are a great choice if you need colorful perennials in a shady part of your garden. If they get too much sun, these plants can lose their color. Since they enjoy the shade, you must make sure the soil in the shade is well-draining.
Coreopsis
Scientific Name: Coreopsis spp.
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: North America, Central America, South America
- Plant Size: 2–4 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 2–11
Coreopsis is a lovely plant native to North America that comes in several varieties. The flowers can be red, orange, yellow, white, and pink. When choosing the right variety for you, keep in mind that there are annual and perennial types. The perennial varieties may take a few years to bloom.
Well-draining soil and a solid amount of sun are the only requirements for success in this plant. They will be fine in partial sun, especially in a warm area, but they will often become rather spindly. Deadheading can also improve the length of this plant’s blooming period.
Hardy Geranium
Scientific Name: Geranium spp.
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Mediterranean
- Plant Size: 6 to 24 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Plant Zone: 3–9
Whatever space you want to fill in your garden, there may be a Hardy Geranium variety to suit your needs. Often, they can be lush groundcover with small, colorful flowers. Different varieties bloom for different lengths of time, and there can be a range of colors in the flowers. The geranium’s perennial blooms may be blue, purple, white, and pink.
Keep this plant dry since it does not do well in overly moist soil. These plants can do well in full sun or partial shade. If grown in partial shade, be careful not to over-water the plant. Take note of the variety of Geranium that you are growing, since this can dictate the amount of sun you should give it.
Creeping Thyme
Scientific Name: Thymus spp.
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Europe
- Plant Size: 2–6 in. tall, and 6–18 in. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 4–9
Get a multi-sensory experience with your groundcover by choosing Creeping Thyme. It is an effective groundcover that provides a lovely, herbaceous fragrance. This groundcover is made up of tough, tiny leaves and colorful little flowers. You can find varieties of purple, pink, and white flowers.
This plant grows best in well-drained soil and full sun. However, Creeping Thyme can do just fine in partial shade. Just like many herbs, this plant does well in poor soil. It does not do well with overly moist soil.
Daffodils
Scientific Name: Narcissus
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Europe, North Africa
- Plant Size: 6–30 in. tall, 6–12 in. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Plant Zone: 4–8
When Daffodils appear in your garden, you’ll know that it is springtime! Whether you love the classic yellow Daffodils or one of the other color variations, these flowers are a beautiful addition to an early spring garden. Choose blooms that are orange, white, red, pink, or a mix of a few colors.
These plants are generally very easy to grow, and they can be relied upon to emerge year after year in the proper conditions. Provide them with plenty of sun and consider digging them and replanting them each year.
Daylily
Scientific Name: Hemerocallis fulva
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Asia
- Plant Size: 9 to 12 inches
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3–9
These easy and robust lilies can easily thrive in a range of conditions. The bright orange blooms and the narrow foliage provide plenty of growth in a garden. The blooms themselves only last a day, but they are quickly replaced by more. Encourage blooms by planting them under plenty of sun.
Dianthus
Scientific Name: Dianthus spp.
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia, Africa
- Plant Size: 6–36 in. tall, 6–24 in. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3–10
When choosing a Dianthus plant, keep in mind that these can be annuals, biennials, or perennials. Some of this comes down to the zone you grow them in, while the rest can depend on the specific species you get. Some varieties will also grow lower to the ground.
Even though these plants are commonly known as “pinks” they can come in white, red, and purple in addition to pink. Provide your pinks with plenty of sun, but be aware that they often do not do well with too much heat.
Hibiscus
Scientific Name: Hibiscus spp.
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Asia, North America
- Plant Size: 3–10 ft. tall and 2–8 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Plant Zone: 5–11
If you want some color in your garden, Hibiscus is a great choice. Choose your variety carefully since some species do best in warmer zones while others deal better with the cold. In some cases, Hibiscus can be an annual. Choose blooms that are red, orange, yellow, white, or pink.
Give your plant access to plenty of sun if you want a robust blooming. Ensure that the Hibiscus is planted in well-drained but moist soil.
Hydrangea
Scientific Name: Hydrangea spp.
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Asia, North America, South America
- Plant Size: 3–15 ft. tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Plant Zone: 3–9
Hydrangea flowers may be tiny and delicate, but they can make a big statement as they grow in large puffs. They can be pink, blue, white, green, or red. The acidity of the soil impacts the color of the blooms for certain Hydrangea species.
Be selective when it comes to the location of your plants. Hydrangeas prefer partial shade and a decent amount of humidity. Some hydrangea varieties do well in shade gardens and colder climate hardiness zones.
Ice Plant
Scientific Name: Delosperma, Lampranthus
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Africa
- Plant Size: 3–6 in. tall, 12–24 in. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 5–10
Lampranthus and Delosperma are two genera that can be called “Ice Plant” and both genera look very similar. They have fairly fleshy foliage and thin petals. The plant is also covered in a hair-like substance.
Ice Plants can be groundcovers or shrubs, and they can be in many different colors. They can be red, purple, pink, orange, yellow, or a combination of colors. These plants do particularly well in warm locations.
Iris
Scientific Name: Iris
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia, North America
- Plant Size: 6 in. to 4 ft. tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3–9
This uniquely shaped flower makes a striking addition to any perennial garden. You can grow these flowers from bulbs or rhizomes. Many varieties have multiple bloomings during the growing season.
The ideal growing conditions for your Iris will depend on the particular species. In general, Irises enjoy at least some sun, well-draining soil, and plenty of watering.
Larkspur
Scientific Name: Delphinium
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: North America
- Plant Size: 4 to 6 ft. tall, 1 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3–7
For a burst of deep color, consider the beautifully blue Larkspur flower for your garden. These plants can grow very tall, so some staking may be necessary. You may also want to plant these flowers near a fence for protection.
These plants are generally easy to grow. However, it is a good idea to take special care when it comes to moisture due to the sensitivity of these plants to root rot. In certain zones, Larkspur is grown as an annual rather than a perennial.
Lavender
Scientific Name: Lavandula spp.
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Europe
- Plant Size: 2–3 ft. tall, 2–4 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 5–9
This fragrant and useful herb also provides a striking appearance. There are a few different types of Lavender that you can choose from. In general, this plant grows in the form of a shrub. Grow this plant in well-draining soil and full sun for best results. However, Lavender can withstand a variety of conditions.
Lenton Rose
Scientific Name: Helleborus orientalis
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Europe
- Plant Size: 12–18 in tall and wide
- Sun Exposure: Partial sun, can tolerate full sun
- Plant Zone: 4–9
Despite the name, these flowers are not roses. The Lenten Rose is named for its similar look to a Rose and the fact that it blooms close to the Christian period of lent, which takes place in early spring. Hellebores are perennials that prefer shade, so keep that in mind when planning out your flower garden.
One similarity that this plant shares with Roses is that there are heirloom and modern cultivar varieties of both. You can find red, deep purple, yellow, pink, violet, and cream-colored Lenten Roses.
Montauk Daisy
Scientific Name: Nipponanthemum nipponicum
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Japan
- Plant Size: 18 to 36 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 5–9
For a pop of yellow amid white petals, choose the Montauk Daisy. This plant is fairly robust with thick green leaves and sturdy stalks that support the blooms. The key to growing this plant is well-draining soil and plenty of sun. Provide this plant with some shade if you live in a warm zone.
Peony
Scientific Name: Paeonia
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Central Asia
- Plant Size: 2–3 ft. tall and wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Plant Zone: 3–8
Known for its iconic blooms and intoxicating fragrance, the Peony is sure to be the pride of any garden. There are several peony cultivars that you can choose from, depending on the colors and size you want.
Pay attention to the variety you get, as some species do better in different zones than others. These plants are known to survive for a very long time. Some can even grow for a century worth of growing seasons.
Rose
Scientific Name: Rosa spp.
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia, North America
- Plant Size: 6 inches to 20 ft tall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: Species dependent
You may think that Roses are a difficult plant to grow. However, they may be easier than you think. Certain varieties indeed need attention to thrive, but many types can do well with minimal intervention. These red flowering bushes are some of the most popular flowering plants and can grow in a wide variety of hardiness zones.
Set your Roses up for success by preparing them well in the winter and spring. Keep them clean and trimmed back after blooming to make the next bloom robust. Choose red, orange, yellow, pink, white, violet, and multicolored roses.
Stonecrop
Scientific Name: Hylotelephium telephium
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia
- Plant Size: 1–2 ft.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3–9
While it is less showy than some other flowers on this list, Stonecrop still provides plenty of color and texture to the garden. Also known as Sedum, this plant has tiny pink flowers and very succulent-like green foliage. Prioritize well-draining soil for this plant since it can be prone to rot.
Yarrow
Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia
- Plant Size: 2–3 ft
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 3–9
This large-flowered plant may be considered a weed in some areas, but it is also considered a beautiful native plant. Yarrow flowers are most frequently yellow, but they can also be red, pink, or white. It can grow well in a variety of conditions, and it is even somewhat drought-resistant.
Final Thoughts
Use this information to create a garden that you will love. A garden with colorful perennial flowers will allow you to show off your garden space with pride. Combine some of these perennial flowers to create an enduring tableau, or sprinkle them throughout your garden to provide a strong base.
These beautiful flowers are sure to provide a pop of color year after year. As noted earlier in the article, not all of these flowers will be perennial if you plant them outside of the recommended hardiness zones. You can still plant them as an annual though, and enjoy their beautiful colors by planting them each year.
