21 Perennial Flowers to Grow Once and Harvest Forever

I know, I know, "forever" is a big promise, but these perennial flowers will last a long time with proper maintenance! Perennial plants are the backbone of a sustainable garden, unlike annual plants, which require constant attention.

In this blog, you'll find 22 perennial flowers that can become a constant presence in your garden, thanks to their resilience and natural growth habits. Keep in mind that most of these flowers share common requirements, such as pruning. Like I said, you'll still need to do some work.

Perennial Flowers

Oriental Poppy

Oriental poppies are known for their striking orange and red flowers that bloom in late spring. These perennials are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3-7 and can survive cold winters, making them perfect for northern gardens. The flowers of Oriental poppies only last a few days, but their striking appearance leaves a lasting impression. It's no wonder they are used as a symbol of remembrance for WWI.

Daylilies

Daylilies are a favorite among gardeners because they come in a variety of colors and are low maintenance. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and bloom from early summer to late fall. Daylilies are hardy in zones 3-9 and are excellent for filling flower beds with continuous color. Each daylily flower has a short blooming period of 1 to 5 weeks, but each plant produces many blooms, making up for the short blooming time.

Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susans have cheerful yellow flowers with dark centers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. They are long-blooming perennials that thrive in full sun and in zones 3-9. Black-eyed Susans are Maryland's state flower and symbolize encouragement and motivation.

Coneflower

Coneflowers, as the name suggests have stunning cone-shaped purple flowers that have been used throughout history for their medicinal properties and attractiveness to pollinators. They need a sunny spot and bloom from early summer to late fall. They grow in zones 3-8 but can handle colder climates with little effort.

Peonies

Peonies are long-lived perennials that bloom in late spring to early summer, gracing gardens with their large, fragrant blooms in shades of pink, white, and red. Thriving in zones 3-8, they prefer a sunny spot with partial shade. While they are not aggressive climbers, peonies benefit from sturdy support for their heavy blooms. Remarkably, peonies can live for over 100 years, often outlasting the gardeners who plant them.

Lavender

Lavender is not just a stunning perennial flower but also a prized herb known for its distinctive purple blooms and strong fragrance. Blooming from late spring to early summer, lavender thrives in full sun within zones 5-9. Once harvested, there are countless ways you can utilize it—from creating scented candles, soaps, and shampoos, to benefiting from its medicinal properties and natural moth-repellent qualities.

Hosta

Hostas are known for their lush, green leaves and are perfect for shady spots. While primarily grown for their foliage, they also produce lovely flower spikes in white, purple, and pink in late summer. Hostas thrive in zones 3-9 and are ideal for adding texture to your garden, whether it's an entryway or porch. With over 2,500 varieties of hostas available, the most popular ones feature striking yellow edges on their leaves.

Sedum

Sedum, or stonecrop, is a low-growing plant that thrives in poor soil and lots of sun. These drought-tolerant plants are popular in zones 3-9 and produce clusters of pink, red, or yellow flowers in late summer to early fall, resembling succulents that lend a cottage garden feel. Sedum plants are frequently chosen for green roofs due to their hardiness and minimal water requirements.

Bee Balm

Bee Balm is a magnet for pollinators with its vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers that explode like a firework display. Hardy in zones 4-9, Bee Balm blooms from mid-summer to early fall and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Its leaves can be harvested to make a fragrant herbal tea known as Oswego tea.

Yarrow

Yarrow produces clusters of tiny flowers in colors ranging from white to pink to yellow. This hardy perennial blooms from late spring to early fall and thrives in sunny spots within zones 3-9. Yarrow is renowned in holistic medicine for its extensive list of medicinal properties and has been used for centuries to treat wounds due to its powerful antiseptic properties.

Shasta Daisy

Shasta Daisies are classic daisies with white flowers and yellow centers, except they grow taller and in clusters. They bloom from early summer to early fall in full sun, thriving in zones 5-9. Shasta Daisies are ideal for cutting gardens and serve as excellent border plants. Named after Mount Shasta in California, where they were first bred, these daisies add a bright, cheerful touch to any garden landscape.

Coral Bells

Coral bells are named after the bell-shaped flowers that appear on tall, wiry stems. These delicate flower spikes, typically in shades of pink, bloom in late spring to early summer. Coral Bells prefer partial shade and thrive in zones 4-9. They are often used in gardens or along walkways to add some flair to the landscape.

Bleeding Heart

Bleeding Hearts are known for their heart-shaped pink or white flowers that dangle gracefully from arching stems once they bloom in late spring. They prefer partial shade and thrive in zones 3-9. Bleeding Hearts get their name from the unique shape of their flowers, which resemble a "bleeding" heart. It only makes sense that something so cute attracts equally cute creatures like hummingbirds!

Joe Pye Weed

Joe Pye Weed produces tall stems with clusters of mauve-pink flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The plant thrives in a sunny spot, can handle partial shade, and is well-suited for zones 4-9. It also works wonders for creating natural screens and natural fences. A fun fact about Joe Pye Weed is that it is named after a Native American healer who used the plant to treat fevers and other ailments.

Roses

Roses are beloved perennial flowering plants that come in many varieties like Hybrid Tea, Grandiflora, Floribunda, Climbing, and English roses, among the most well-known. Most roses thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. Roses require lots of care, but once they get started, they will climb, so make sure there is plenty of vertical space. They need pruning and care in late winter to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms the following spring. It's all worthwhile when you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh flowers at home.

Iris

Irises are perennials renowned for their stunning flowers and blade-like foliage, blooming in late spring to early summer in shades of white, blue, purple, red, and pink. They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, flourishing in both sunny spots and partial shade. Irises are low-maintenance plants with a short blooming period, but it's worth noting that even when not in bloom, their foliage remains a pretty addition to the garden.

Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise, also known as Strelitzia, is an exotic perennial plant native to Central and South America. It produces striking orange and blue flowers that resemble a bird in flight. Bird of Paradise thrives in tropical and subtropical climates but can be cultivated as a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. Though challenging to grow, the reward is a stunning backyard display once they bloom!

Clematis

Clematis is a perennial vine with popular types including Clematis montana, Clematis alpina, Clematis viticella, Clematis texensis, and Clematis 'Jackmanii'. Known for its showy flowers in colors like purple, white, blue, pink, yellow, and blends thereof, Clematis blooms from late spring to fall, depending on the variety. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 and is best grown on trellises, arbors, or against walls in flower gardens and landscapes to support its growth. Regular pruning and mulching are beneficial for promoting vigorous growth and abundant blooms.

Aster

Asters are late-season bloomers that produce daisy-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. They grow under full sun and bloom from late summer to fall attracting all kinds of pollinators. A fun fact is that "aster" comes from the Greek word meaning "star," referring to the shape of their flowers.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis, commonly known as Tickseed, is celebrated for its daisy-like flowers that bloom from early summer to fall, making them popular in floral arrangements. They come in shades of yellow, orange, and red and thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. This perennial keeps pollinators busy, attracting butterflies and bees, and the best part is it's low-maintenance.

Phlox

Phlox are known for their fragrant flower clusters that bloom from late spring to early summer in shades of pink, purple, white, and red. Native to North America, they grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 and are valued in gardens for their colorful blooms and attractiveness to pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. The name "phlox" comes from the Greek word meaning "flame," which alludes to their vibrant colors.

Final Thoughts

Adding perennial flowers to your garden is a smart choice for creating a sustainable, attractive, and low-maintenance landscape. These plants thrive in diverse climates across the United States and seamlessly integrate into any garden design. 

Remember, low maintenance doesn't mean neglect—you'll need to put in some initial effort to help them settle and thrive in their new environment. Once established, you can sit back and enjoy watching your flowers grow!