Ditch the annuals: why perennials are the smart gardener’s secret

Let’s be frank – annuals are a fleeting fancy, a constant cycle of planting, watching, and then… heartbreak. I’ve always favored perennials, and for good reason: they deliver a significantly better return on my investment, year after year. It’s simple, elegant gardening value.

The beauty of repeat performance

While annuals demand annual attention, only to wither at season’s end, a perennial provides a consistent, beautiful return. I adore the idea of merging flora into mature, multi-layered tapestries of color and texture – a testament to enduring beauty. It’s not about chasing fleeting trends; it’s about building a landscape that thrives, not just survives.

Some argue for the vibrancy of seasonal change, but frankly, I find more satisfaction in witnessing the slow, deliberate growth of plants that return bigger and better each year. There’s a quiet strength in that resilience, a tangible connection to the natural rhythms of the garden.

Now, let's delve into some outstanding perennial choices – 17 beauties ready to elevate your landscape. We've linked to vendors to help you find these treasures, and please note that commissions may be earned through our affiliate links. These aren’t just pretty flowers; they’re carefully selected for their contribution to a unified, thriving design.

Top perennials for temperate climates

1. Balloon Flower (Platycodon spp.): These easy-to-grow stars, preferring full sun to part shade, offer a delightful return in July and August. Their silvery-green stems and star-shaped blossoms create a focal point, and a touch of blue complements neighboring red bee balm beautifully. ‘Sentimental Blue’ Balloon Flowers are readily available at Nature Hills Nursery. Learn more here.

2. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): A native wildflower that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, Black-Eyed Susan provides continuous color throughout the summer. ‘Glitters Like Gold’ cultivar can be found at Nature Hills Nursery. Explore this cultivar here.

3. Blazing Star (Liatris spicata): Attracting pollinators with its spikes of pink, purple, or white blossoms, Blazing Star adds dramatic verticality to the garden. It’s surprisingly sturdy and blooms from the bottom up, making it a long-lasting addition to vase arrangements. Eden Brothers offers seeds, and Nature Hills Nursery provides plants. Find seeds here.

4. Bugleweed (Ajuga): This evergreen ground cover thrives in full sun to part shade and is ideal for suppressing weeds. ‘Chocolate Chip’ Ajuga, available at Nature Hills Nursery, offers stunning foliage color and year-round interest. Discover ‘Chocolate Chip’ here.

5. Clematis (Clematis spp.): These climbing vines add instant elegance to any garden. Regal® Diamantina™ Clematis, with its velvety burgundy blossoms, is available at Nature Hills Nursery. See this variety here.

6. Coneflower (Echinacea): A garden staple in my family, Coneflower provides consistent color and attracts songbirds. ‘Strawberry Seduction’ is available at Nature Hills Nursery. Get ‘Strawberry Seduction’ here.

7. Cranesbill Geranium (Geranium spp.): This mounding perennial adds a touch of color to borders and beds. ‘Rozanne’ is a popular cultivar, available at Burpee. Find ‘Rozanne’ here.

8. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serphyllum): A fragrant culinary herb that makes a stunning ground cover. It’s drought-tolerant and available at Eden Brothers and Nature Hills Nursery. Purchase Creeping Thyme here.

9. Daylily (Hemerocallis): With its elegant petals and vibrant colors, the Daylily is a timeless favorite. ‘Happy Returns’ is available at Nature Hills Nursery. Grab ‘Happy Returns’ here.

10. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): The quintessential scent of the garden, English Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s available at True Leaf Market. Find English Lavender seeds here.

11. Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica): These elegant irises add a touch of drama to the garden. They’re available at Eden Brothers. Purchase Siberian Iris here.

12. Giant Allium (Allium giganteum): These towering bulbs create a whimsical and unforgettable display. They’re available from Eden Brothers. Find Giant Allium bulbs here.

13. Hellebore (Helleborus orientalis): A winter-blooming beauty, Hellebore heralds the arrival of spring. ‘Phoebe’ is a delicate pink cultivar available at Burpee. Find ‘Phoebe’ here.

14. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae): A late-season favorite, New England Aster provides a final burst of color before winter. It’s available at Eden Brothers. Purchase New England Aster seeds here.

15. Montauk Daisy (Nipponanthemum nipponicum): This charming daisy adds a touch of whimsy to the garden. It’s available at Nature Hills Nursery. Find Montauk Daisy here.

16. Perennial Tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata): A low-maintenance perennial that thrives in sunny locations. It’s available at True Leaf Market. Purchase Perennial Tickseed seeds here.

17. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): A drought-tolerant perennial that adds texture and color to the garden. ‘Strawberry Seduction’ is available at Nature Hills Nursery. Get ‘Strawberry Seduction’ here.

Ultimately, choosing perennials is about investing in a landscape that delivers enduring beauty and value – a testament to the patient art of gardening.