Looking to fill your garden with plants that can survive harsh winters, bounce back from neglect, and still bloom beautifully year after year? Hardy perennials are your garden’s best long-term investment.
These resilient plants can handle cold snaps, poor soil, and unpredictable weather—all while putting on a reliable show each season.
Whether you’re a beginner gardener or just tired of replanting every spring, this list is packed with 29 strong, low-maintenance perennials that thrive in a wide range of climates. From bold blooms to textured foliage, they’ll keep your garden thriving with minimal effort.
1) Peony
Peonies are beloved for their large, luxurious blooms and rich fragrance. These classic perennials are incredibly hardy, often living for decades with minimal care. Once established, peonies can handle tough winters and reward you with stunning flowers each spring.
They come in a wide range of colors including white, pink, red, and even yellow. Peonies are excellent for borders and cutting gardens, and their lush foliage remains attractive even after blooming.
Peonies prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid planting too deep and allow time for them to settle—some peonies may take a year or two to bloom, but once they do, they’re remarkably dependable.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Sarah Bernhardt | 3–8 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Bowl of Beauty | 3–8 | Late Spring |
| Festiva Maxima | 3–8 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Coral Charm | 3–8 | Mid Spring |
2) Astilbe
Astilbe brings feather-like plumes of flowers to shaded or partially sunny spots in your garden. It blooms in shades of white, pink, red, and purple, rising above attractive fern-like foliage.
This hardy perennial thrives in cooler climates and prefers consistently moist soil. It’s perfect for woodland gardens, shady borders, or alongside water features. Astilbe is also deer-resistant and excellent for adding vertical interest.
Although it prefers partial shade, some varieties can tolerate full sun if kept well-watered.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Astilbe ‘Fanal’ | 4–8 | Early to Mid Summer |
| Astilbe ‘Bridal Veil’ | 4–9 | Mid Summer |
| Astilbe ‘Visions’ | 4–9 | Early to Mid Summer |
| Astilbe ‘Peach Blossom’ | 4–8 | Mid to Late Summer |
3) Bleeding Heart
Bleeding heart is a shade garden favorite, known for its elegant, heart-shaped pink or white flowers that dangle from arching stems. It blooms in spring, adding romance and charm to shady borders or woodland areas.
This plant prefers cool, moist conditions and dies back in summer after blooming—so consider pairing it with later-emerging perennials like hostas or ferns.
Bleeding heart is deer-resistant, easy to grow, and very cold-hardy. Just give it protection from strong afternoon sun and it will return faithfully each year.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Dicentra spectabilis | 3–9 | Spring to Early Summer |
| Dicentra ‘Alba’ | 3–9 | Spring |
| Dicentra ‘Valentine’ | 3–9 | Spring to Early Summer |
| Dicentra ‘Gold Heart’ | 3–9 | Mid to Late Spring |
4) Hellebore (Lenten Rose)
Hellebores are some of the first flowers to bloom, often pushing through snow in late winter or early spring. These hardy perennials offer long-lasting blooms in muted tones of green, cream, pink, purple, and near-black.
They thrive in partial to full shade and well-drained soil, making them perfect for woodland gardens or underplanting shrubs. Hellebores are also deer- and rabbit-resistant, and their leathery evergreen leaves provide year-round interest.
Once established, hellebores are drought-tolerant and require little maintenance—just remove old leaves in late winter before new growth emerges.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Helleborus orientalis | 4–9 | Late Winter to Spring |
| Helleborus ‘Ivory Prince’ | 4–9 | Early Spring |
| Helleborus ‘Double Ellen’ | 4–9 | Spring |
| Helleborus ‘Onyx Odyssey’ | 4–9 | Late Winter to Spring |
5) Brunnera (Siberian Bugloss)
Brunnera is a shade-loving perennial prized for its heart-shaped, often silvery leaves and small, bright blue flowers that resemble forget-me-nots. It blooms in early spring and continues to impress with its foliage all season long.
This plant thrives in cool, moist, shady areas and pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns, and hellebores. Brunnera is deer-resistant, low-maintenance, and tolerant of cold winters.
It’s perfect for shady borders, woodland paths, or as a groundcover under deciduous trees.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Brunnera macrophylla | 3–8 | Early Spring |
| Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ | 3–8 | Spring |
| Brunnera ‘Looking Glass’ | 3–8 | Mid to Late Spring |
| Brunnera ‘Silver Heart’ | 4–8 | Spring |
6) Japanese Anemone
Japanese anemones bring graceful elegance to the late-summer garden. Their tall, wiry stems hold delicate blooms in shades of white, pink, or rose above lush, dark green foliage. These perennials add movement and lightness to borders.
They thrive in partial shade but will also grow in full sun if the soil is moist and rich. Japanese anemones are long-lived, spreading slowly over time to form beautiful colonies.
Once established, they’re very hardy and reliable, providing color when most other perennials are fading.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’ | 4–8 | August to October |
| Anemone ‘September Charm’ | 4–8 | Late Summer to Fall |
| Anemone ‘Queen Charlotte’ | 4–8 | August to October |
| Anemone ‘Pamina’ | 4–8 | Late Summer to Fall |
7) Baptisia (False Indigo)
Baptisia is a rugged perennial with tall spikes of blue, purple, or yellow pea-like flowers in late spring. It has a bushy form with attractive blue-green foliage that looks great all season.
This plant is extremely drought-tolerant once established and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s native to North America and highly resistant to deer and pests.
Though it can take a few years to mature, Baptisia forms a deep root system and becomes a long-lasting, no-fuss perennial.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Baptisia australis | 3–9 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’ | 4–9 | May to June |
| Baptisia ‘Solar Flare’ | 4–9 | Late Spring |
| Baptisia ‘Twilite Prairieblues’ | 4–9 | Spring to Early Summer |
8) Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbine adds a whimsical, woodland charm to gardens with its nodding, multi-colored flowers and delicate, fern-like foliage. It thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
A spring bloomer, columbine self-seeds gently, spreading around the garden without becoming invasive. It’s loved by hummingbirds and butterflies and adds a fairytale-like quality to shady borders.
Columbine is short-lived but reseeds easily, providing ongoing beauty without much effort.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Aquilegia vulgaris | 3–8 | Spring |
| Aquilegia ‘Winky Blue and White’ | 3–8 | Mid to Late Spring |
| Aquilegia ‘Songbird Mix’ | 3–9 | Spring |
| Aquilegia canadensis | 3–9 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
9) Goatsbeard
Goatsbeard is a bold, moisture-loving perennial that produces tall, creamy-white plumes resembling astilbe on a grander scale. It thrives in part shade and rich, moist soil—making it ideal for woodland edges or rain gardens.
This hardy perennial forms a large clump of finely divided foliage, offering a strong vertical element and lush texture.
It’s very long-lived, deer-resistant, and able to handle cold winters with ease.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Aruncus dioicus | 3–7 | Early to Mid Summer |
| Aruncus ‘Kneiffii’ | 4–7 | Summer |
| Aruncus ‘Horatio’ | 4–7 | Early Summer |
| Aruncus aethusifolius | 3–8 | Summer |
10) Lady’s Mantle
Lady’s Mantle is a charming, old-fashioned perennial grown for its velvety, scalloped leaves and frothy lime-green flowers. It’s perfect for softening the edges of paths, borders, or containers.
This tough plant thrives in sun or shade and tolerates a range of soils. Water droplets bead beautifully on its foliage after rain, adding visual interest even when not in bloom.
Lady’s Mantle is also deer-resistant and makes an excellent groundcover in cooler climates.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Alchemilla mollis | 3–8 | Late Spring to Summer |
| Alchemilla erythropoda | 3–8 | Late Spring |
11) Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
Lungwort is one of the earliest perennials to bloom in spring, with clusters of pink, purple, or blue flowers and striking foliage—often spotted or silvered. It thrives in shady, moist conditions and brightens up dim corners of the garden.
It’s extremely cold-hardy and deer-resistant, with leaves that remain attractive into summer. Lungwort pairs well with hostas, ferns, and brunnera for a textured shade garden.
Avoid dry or overly sunny spots, and it will return reliably year after year.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Pulmonaria ‘Raspberry Splash’ | 3–8 | Early to Mid Spring |
| Pulmonaria ‘Trevi Fountain’ | 4–9 | Spring |
| Pulmonaria ‘Diana Clare’ | 3–8 | Late Winter to Spring |
| Pulmonaria ‘Opal’ | 4–8 | Early Spring |
12) Ajuga (Bugleweed)
Ajuga is a low-growing, spreading groundcover that thrives in sun or shade and offers rich foliage in shades of green, burgundy, or bronze. In spring, it sends up spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers.
It’s ideal for filling gaps between stepping stones, under shrubs, or in shaded beds where grass struggles to grow. Ajuga is extremely hardy, adaptable, and resistant to deer and rabbits.
Once established, it requires almost no maintenance and forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Ajuga reptans ‘Black Scallop’ | 3–9 | Spring to Early Summer |
| Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’ | 3–10 | Late Spring |
| Ajuga ‘Chocolate Chip’ | 4–9 | Mid Spring to Early Summer |
| Ajuga ‘Catlin’s Giant’ | 3–9 | Spring |
13) Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heuchera is grown primarily for its colorful foliage, which ranges from lime green to deep purple and even silvery tones. Delicate flower spikes appear in late spring to early summer, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators.
This hardy perennial thrives in part shade to full shade and well-drained soil. It’s perfect for borders, containers, or groundcover in woodland gardens.
Heucheras are evergreen in mild climates and extremely cold-hardy. They’re also deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ | 4–9 | Early Summer |
| Heuchera ‘Lime Rickey’ | 4–9 | Late Spring to Summer |
| Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ | 4–9 | Early Summer |
| Heuchera ‘Marmalade’ | 4–9 | Spring to Early Summer |
14) Jacob’s Ladder
Jacob’s Ladder gets its name from its ladder-like arrangement of leaflets. It produces clusters of delicate blue, lavender, or white flowers in spring and early summer. The lacy foliage remains attractive throughout the season, adding fine texture to shade gardens.
This hardy perennial prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It’s excellent for woodland gardens, shady borders, or beneath deciduous trees. Jacob’s Ladder is deer-resistant and cold-hardy, returning year after year with minimal fuss.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Polemonium caeruleum | 3–8 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Polemonium ‘Stairway to Heaven’ | 3–8 | Spring |
| Polemonium ‘Brise d’Anjou’ | 4–8 | Late Spring |
| Polemonium ‘Touch of Class’ | 3–8 | Spring to Early Summer |
15) Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill)
Hardy geraniums are dependable, low-maintenance perennials that spread gently and bloom repeatedly throughout the growing season. Their five-petaled flowers come in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white, and the foliage often turns brilliant shades in fall.
They tolerate sun or partial shade and are resistant to deer and most pests. Perfect for borders, slopes, and underplantings, these perennials are known for their ability to thrive in tough conditions and cold climates.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Geranium ‘Rozanne’ | 4–8 | Late Spring to Frost |
| Geranium sanguineum | 3–8 | Late Spring to Mid Summer |
| Geranium ‘Biokovo’ | 4–8 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ | 4–8 | Late Spring to Summer |
16) Foamflower
Foamflower is a dainty, shade-loving perennial with frothy spikes of tiny white or pale pink blooms in spring. Its heart-shaped leaves, often marked with dark veins, add interest long after flowering ends.
This plant thrives in moist, shady woodland conditions and is a great choice for naturalizing under trees or mixing with hostas and ferns. It’s hardy, deer-resistant, and easy to grow in cooler climates.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Tiarella cordifolia | 3–8 | Spring |
| Tiarella ‘Sugar and Spice’ | 4–9 | Mid to Late Spring |
| Tiarella ‘Spring Symphony’ | 4–9 | Spring |
| Tiarella ‘Running Tapestry’ | 4–8 | Late Spring |
17) Solomon’s Seal
Solomon’s Seal is a graceful, arching perennial with dangling, bell-shaped white flowers in spring. It thrives in full to partial shade and adds elegant movement to shaded borders or woodland gardens.
After flowering, it produces dark blue berries and golden fall foliage. It’s incredibly hardy, deer-resistant, and a long-lived, low-maintenance addition to shady gardens.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Polygonatum odoratum | 3–9 | Spring |
| Polygonatum ‘Variegatum’ | 3–9 | Spring |
| Polygonatum biflorum | 3–8 | Late Spring |
| Polygonatum multiflorum | 4–8 | Spring to Early Summer |
18) Geum
Geum is a cheerful perennial with bright, nodding blooms in orange, red, or yellow, and attractive clumps of fuzzy foliage. It prefers cooler climates and performs best in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
This low-maintenance plant is long-blooming and attracts pollinators. Deadheading encourages repeat flowering. Geum adds pops of warm color to cottage-style and mixed perennial borders.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ | 5–8 | Late Spring to Summer |
| Geum ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ | 3–7 | Late Spring to Mid Summer |
| Geum ‘Lady Stratheden’ | 4–8 | Spring to Early Summer |
| Geum ‘Mai Tai’ | 4–8 | Late Spring |
19) Campanula (Bellflower)
Campanula, or bellflower, is a hardy perennial known for its charming bell- or star-shaped blooms in shades of blue, lavender, and white. It blooms in late spring or summer and fits well into borders, rock gardens, or cottage plantings.
It prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Campanula spreads slowly and is often used as a groundcover or in mass plantings. It’s cold-hardy, long-lived, and easy to care for.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Campanula carpatica | 3–8 | Late Spring to Summer |
| Campanula glomerata ‘Superba’ | 3–8 | Early Summer |
| Campanula poscharskyana | 3–8 | Summer |
| Campanula lactiflora ‘Loddon Anna’ | 4–8 | Midsummer to Fall |
20) Ligularia
Ligularia is a bold perennial with dramatic foliage and tall spikes or daisy-like clusters of yellow or orange flowers. It thrives in moist, shady areas and is ideal for planting near ponds, streams, or boggy beds.
It brings a tropical look to cool-climate gardens and pairs beautifully with hostas and ferns. Ligularia needs consistent moisture and some protection from hot afternoon sun.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Ligularia ‘The Rocket’ | 4–8 | Mid to Late Summer |
| Ligularia ‘Othello’ | 4–8 | Summer |
| Ligularia ‘Desdemona’ | 4–8 | Late Summer |
| Ligularia ‘Britt Marie Crawford’ | 4–8 | Mid to Late Summer |
21) Cimicifuga (Bugbane)
Cimicifuga, now often called Actaea, is a stately, late-blooming perennial with tall spikes of fragrant white flowers and deeply cut foliage, often in rich purple or bronze tones. It thrives in moist, partly shaded gardens and adds height and drama to the back of borders.
It blooms in late summer to fall, offering much-needed vertical interest when other shade plants are winding down. Bugbane is also deer-resistant and well-suited to woodland or cottage gardens.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Actaea simplex ‘Brunette’ | 4–8 | Late Summer to Fall |
| Actaea racemosa | 4–8 | Midsummer |
| Actaea ‘Black Negligee’ | 4–8 | Late Summer |
| Actaea ‘Hillside Black Beauty’ | 4–8 | Summer to Early Fall |
22) Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium)
Joe Pye Weed is a towering native perennial that produces large, domed clusters of pink to purplish flowers in late summer and early fall. It thrives in full sun to part shade and moist soil, making it perfect for rain gardens and naturalized borders.
Loved by pollinators, especially butterflies, this plant adds height and drama to the garden. Despite its size, it’s low maintenance and very cold-hardy.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Eutrochium purpureum | 4–9 | Late Summer to Fall |
| Eutrochium ‘Little Joe’ | 4–8 | August to September |
| Eutrochium ‘Baby Joe’ | 4–8 | Summer |
| Eutrochium maculatum | 3–8 | August to October |
23) Siberian Iris
Siberian Iris is a graceful, low-maintenance perennial with narrow, upright foliage and elegant blooms in purple, blue, white, or yellow. It’s very hardy and thrives in sunny or partly shaded spots with moist, well-drained soil.
Unlike bearded iris, Siberian iris doesn’t need regular division and is generally disease-free. Its refined foliage looks attractive even when not in bloom.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Iris sibirica ‘Caesar’s Brother’ | 3–9 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Iris sibirica ‘Butter and Sugar’ | 3–9 | Late Spring |
| Iris sibirica ‘Silver Edge’ | 3–9 | Spring to Early Summer |
| Iris sibirica ‘Shirley Pope’ | 3–9 | Late Spring |
24) Trollius (Globe Flower)
Trollius, or Globe Flower, is a cheerful, moisture-loving perennial with buttercup-like blooms in golden yellow or orange. It prefers cool climates, part shade, and consistently moist soil—ideal for boggy borders or near water features.
Its deeply divided leaves and globe-shaped blooms create a lush, cottage garden look. Trollius is very hardy and perfect for early-season color.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Trollius europaeus | 3–7 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Trollius chinensis ‘Golden Queen’ | 3–7 | Late Spring |
| Trollius ‘Alabaster’ | 4–7 | Spring to Early Summer |
| Trollius ‘Lemon Queen’ | 4–7 | Late Spring |
25) Primrose
Primroses are early bloomers that bring vibrant color to shady borders and woodland gardens in late winter to early spring. Flowers come in a variety of cheerful colors, often with a bright yellow center.
They prefer cool, moist conditions and well-drained soil. These charming perennials are compact, hardy, and ideal for naturalizing under trees or in rock gardens.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Primula vulgaris | 3–8 | Late Winter to Spring |
| Primula ‘Wanda’ | 4–8 | Early Spring |
| Primula ‘Blue Zebra’ | 4–8 | Early Spring |
| Primula auricula | 3–8 | Mid Spring |
26) Culver’s Root
Culver’s Root is a tall, elegant native perennial with spires of white, lavender, or pink flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. It prefers full sun and moist, rich soil.
This plant adds vertical interest and movement to rain gardens, prairie-style plantings, or wildlife gardens. It’s hardy, pollinator-friendly, and looks great in masses or as a structural accent.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Veronicastrum virginicum | 3–8 | Summer |
| Veronicastrum ‘Fascination’ | 4–8 | Late Summer |
| Veronicastrum ‘Apollo’ | 4–8 | Mid to Late Summer |
| Veronicastrum ‘Lavendelturm’ | 4–8 | Summer |
27) Filipendula (Meadowsweet)
Filipendula produces fluffy, creamy-white or pink flower clusters above large, fern-like leaves. It thrives in moist soil and cool climates, often used in wildflower meadows or woodland edges.
This hardy perennial adds a romantic, soft texture to the garden and is great for attracting pollinators. It prefers partial shade but can handle full sun with adequate moisture.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Filipendula ulmaria | 3–8 | Mid to Late Summer |
| Filipendula rubra ‘Venusta’ | 3–7 | Summer |
| Filipendula kamtschatica | 4–8 | Mid Summer |
| Filipendula ‘Plena’ | 4–8 | Summer |
28) Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker)
Kniphofia, or Red Hot Poker, is a striking perennial with tall flower spikes in fiery hues of red, orange, and yellow. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is tolerant of drought once established.
These bold plants add a tropical touch to borders and attract hummingbirds and pollinators. Despite their exotic appearance, many varieties are cold-hardy and resilient in tough conditions.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Kniphofia ‘Flamenco’ | 5–9 | Summer |
| Kniphofia ‘Redhot Popsicle’ | 5–9 | Mid to Late Summer |
| Kniphofia ‘Papaya Popsicle’ | 5–9 | Summer to Fall |
| Kniphofia ‘Alcazar’ | 6–9 | Late Summer |
29) Artemisia (Wormwood)
Artemisia is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial prized for its finely textured, silvery foliage. Though not grown for flowers, its aromatic leaves create a soft contrast in mixed borders and rock gardens.
It thrives in poor, dry soil and full sun and is perfect for low-maintenance, deer-resistant plantings. Artemisia pairs well with bold-flowered perennials and grasses.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ | 5–9 | Summer (inconspicuous) |
| Artemisia ludoviciana | 4–9 | Late Summer |
| Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’ | 3–8 | Late Spring to Summer |
| Artemisia absinthium | 4–9 | Mid Summer |