Plants that return every year are called perennials. (You can learn more in our article What’s the Difference Between Annual and Perennial Flowers.) So you’ll find flowers that come back every year described as “perennial flowers” in seed catalogs, online, or at the nursery. Here are a few of our very favorites so you can get an idea of the perennial flower options available for you to add to your garden.
BEARDED IRIS (IRIS GERMANICA)
Springtime blooms with shapes like frilly dresses open in a wide array of colors from these bulb flowers with lance-shaped leaves. Blooms are available in shades including blue, brown, peach, pink, purple, white, yellow, and lots of double-colored options.
Growing Zones: 3 through 10
Size: 12 inches to 40 inches tall by 1 foot to 2 feet wide
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Average soil that provides a good amount of drainage; performs well in sandy or gravel soil, so heavier soils may be amended with gypsum or well-rotted compost to improve texture
For more information, see our article How to Grow and Divide Bearded Iris.
BEE BALM (MONARDA)
Also called bergamot, horsemint, and Oswego tea, bee balm is a great way to add some color and drama to the garden. Blossoms resemble fireworks atop tall blue-green stems and can be found in shades including pink, purple, red, and white.
Growing Zones: 3 through 9
Size: 1 foot to 8 feet tall by up to 2 feet wide
Sun: Performs at its best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade
Soil: Slightly acidic to neutral soil rich in organic material that provides even moisture
For more information, see our article What You Need to Know About the Bee Balm Plant.
BUTTERFLY BUSH (BUDDLEJA DAVIDII)
A shrub may not have been your first thought when you’re looking for perennial flowers, but the butterfly bush produces some serious blooms. The large, attention-grabbing flowering spikes come in shades including blue, pink, red, yellow, and multicolored.
Growing Zones: 5 through 9
Size: 4 feet to 12 feet tall by 3 feet to 8 feet wide
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Slightly acidic to neutral soil with pH level between 6.0 and 7.0 that provides moderate moisture and a good amount of drainage
For more information, see our article How to Grow Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii).
CONEFLOWER (ECHINACEA PURPUREA)
Coneflowers offer long-lasting blooms that resemble mauve daisies for a very minimal investment of time and energy on the part of the gardener. There are varieties in different shades of pink and purple as well as types with droopy, spiky, or ruffled blossoms.
Growing Zones: 3 through 8
Size: 2 feet to 5 feet tall by 18 inches to 2 feet wide
Sun: Full sun to partial shade, but performs at its best in full sun
Soil: Average soil that provides a good amount of drainage and is medium to dry
For more information, see our article How to Grow Echinacea (Coneflowers).
I hope I have piqued your interest in perennial flowers. For more ideas. please click the link below.
Article by the Gardening Channel
Source: What Flower Comes Back Every Year? – Gardening Channel
