Top 10 Perennials for Long-Lasting Garden Color

Perennials form the backbone of a low-maintenance garden, but many have frustratingly short bloom periods—often just four weeks compared to all-season annuals. The Perennial Plant Association’s “Plant of the Year” awards highlight varieties that combine beauty with extended flowering. Here are ten all-star perennials that deliver season-long interest.

Blue Speedwell (Veronica ‘Sunny Border Blue’)

Dark blue, 7-inch spikes rise above low foliage—perfect for the front of the border. Bloom: Early summer to late autumn. Height: 18–24 in. Hardiness: To –40°F. Light: Full sun to very light shade.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’)

Horizontal, daisy-like petals give a sophisticated look. Excellent cut flower. Bloom: Midsummer to early autumn. Height: 2½–3 ft. Hardiness: To –40°F. Light: Sun.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’)

An American icon, this pass-along plant multiplies readily. Bloom: Midsummer to late fall. Height: 2–2½ ft. Hardiness: To –30°F. Light: Sun.

Purple-Leaved Beard-Tongue (Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’)

Pink-tinged white flowers above maroon-red foliage. Pairs beautifully with lighter backgrounds. Bloom: Early to late summer. Height: 2½ ft. Hardiness: To –40°F. Light: Sun.

Pink Astilbe (Astilbe ‘Sprite’)

Feathery plumes over fern-like foliage, often with a bronze cast. Moisture-loving. Bloom: Midsummer to early fall. Height: 18–20 in. Hardiness: To –30°F. Light: Partial sun to full shade.

Blue Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa columbaria ‘Butterfly Blue’)

Long-blooming, airy habit—ideal with Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’ for a classic blue-yellow combo. Bloom: Midsummer to early fall. Height: 12–14 in. Hardiness: To –30°F. Light: Full sun to very light shade.

Blue Perennial Sage (Salvia superba ‘May Night’)

Cold-hardy, showy, with lustrous blue-black flowers. Site where color won’t recede. Bloom: Midsummer to fall. Height: 22–28 in. Hardiness: To –25°F. Light: Full sun.

Purple Coralbells (Heuchera micrantha ‘Palace Purple’)

Spectacular crinkly, multicolored foliage; tiny flowers. Tough and versatile. Bloom: All summer. Height: 12–14 in. Hardiness: To –30°F. Light: Partial sun to partial shade.

Threadleaf Tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’)

Soft yellow flowers and ferny foliage complement everything. Bloom: Early summer to fall. Height: 16–18 in. Hardiness: To –35°F. Light: Full sun to very light shade.

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Large-scale perennial with colored foliage and honest flowers. Bloom: Midsummer to fall. Height: 3½–4 ft. Hardiness: To –30°F. Light: Full sun.