30 Beginner-Proof Perennial Flowers That Anyone Can Grow

Perennial flowers are nature’s ultimate low-effort reward. Unlike annuals that need to be replanted every year, perennials come back season after season with no complicated gardening skills required. Whether you’re brand new to gardening or just want plants that won’t make you work overtime, these blooms are as easy as it gets. Tough, colorful, and low-maintenance, they thrive in a variety of conditions and keep your garden looking great with minimal effort. Here are 30 beginner-proof perennial flowers that practically take care of themselves—and yes, you can absolutely grow them.

Black-Eyed Susan

This bright and cheerful flower is a staple in many gardens. Its golden yellow petals and dark brown centers attract butterflies and bees. Black-Eyed Susans are drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun. They bloom from summer to early fall, offering long-lasting color. These hardy plants spread easily, making them perfect for filling garden beds. They’re resistant to most pests and diseases. Just plant them in well-drained soil and let them do their thing. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers

Coneflower (Echinacea)

Coneflowers are known for their daisy-like shape and resilience. These drought-tolerant plants thrive in full sun and poor soil. They bloom from mid-summer to early fall and come in a variety of colors. Coneflowers attract pollinators and even seed-eating birds in fall. They are deer-resistant and require very little care once established. Perfect for wildflower gardens or borders, they self-seed easily. You can also divide them every few years to create more plants. Just cut them back in late fall or early spring.

Daylily

Daylilies are incredibly forgiving and perfect for beginners. Their trumpet-shaped blooms come in many colors and sizes. Each flower only lasts a day, but the plant produces many buds. They’re adaptable to a range of soil types and prefer full sun to partial shade. Daylilies are drought-tolerant and low maintenance. They work beautifully in mass plantings or as borders. Divide clumps every few years to keep them healthy. They’re tough enough to survive most climates.

Hosta

Hostas are shade-loving perennials with lush foliage. They come in many sizes, colors, and variegated patterns. While primarily grown for their leaves, they also produce lovely flower spikes in summer. Hostas prefer rich, moist soil and protection from intense sun. They’re perfect for filling in shady areas under trees or along borders. Slugs and snails are their main pests, so keep an eye out. Mulching helps retain moisture and discourage weeds. Divide them every few years to refresh their growth.

Lavender

Lavender is as functional as it is beautiful. With its fragrant purple spikes, it’s a pollinator magnet and great for aromatherapy. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy soil. Lavender prefers dry conditions, making it drought-tolerant and low maintenance. It’s great in borders, rock gardens, and containers. Prune it after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Lavender also deters deer and rabbits. Plus, it makes an excellent dried flower.

Peony

Peonies are beloved for their lush, fragrant blooms. They come in a range of colors from white to deep red. Once planted, they can thrive for decades with minimal attention. Peonies need full sun and well-drained soil to bloom well. They benefit from support to hold up their large flowers. Don’t plant them too deep, as this can prevent blooming. They die back in winter but return each spring stronger. Just give them space and time to establish.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedums are succulent perennials that love sun and poor soil. Their fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers add texture to any garden. Sedums come in both groundcover and upright varieties. They’re incredibly drought-tolerant and thrive on neglect. Bees and butterflies love their late-season blooms. Sedums work well in rock gardens, borders, or even containers. They’re also great for erosion control on slopes. Just plant them where they’ll get lots of light.

Shasta Daisy

Shasta Daisies are classic white flowers with sunny yellow centers. They bloom from early summer through fall. These cheerful perennials prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Shasta Daisies are low-maintenance and great for cutting. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering. They’re deer-resistant and attract butterflies. Divide them every few years to maintain vigor. A sunny spot in the garden is all they really need.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, brings long-lasting yellow or pink blooms to the garden. These sun-loving flowers bloom from early summer to fall. They’re drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and thrive even in poor, sandy soil. Coreopsis is a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies with ease. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming throughout the season. It works beautifully in borders, wildflower gardens, or as a cheerful filler. Just give it good drainage and plenty of sunlight for best results.

Bleeding Heart

This shade-loving perennial is known for its heart-shaped flowers. Bleeding Hearts bloom in spring and early summer. They thrive in moist, rich soil with protection from harsh sun. Their delicate, fern-like foliage adds texture. Once they finish blooming, the plant goes dormant. They’re ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders. Water regularly during dry spells. Pair them with hostas for season-long interest.

Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)

Red Hot Poker adds drama with its tall spikes of fiery red, orange, or yellow flowers. These striking blooms appear in early to midsummer. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in hot, dry conditions. The bold flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Red Hot Poker is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. Mulch in winter to protect the roots in colder climates. Deadhead spent blooms for a cleaner appearance and to encourage more flowers.

Yarrow

Yarrow produces clusters of tiny flowers in various colors, blooming from late spring through summer. This hardy perennial thrives in poor, dry soil and full sun. It’s extremely pest-resistant and attracts a variety of pollinators. Yarrow makes an excellent cut or dried flower, adding charm indoors and out. It spreads easily, so be sure to give it space in your garden. Deadheading encourages continued blooming throughout the season. Divide every few years to maintain plant health and prevent overcrowding.

Phlox

Phlox offers fragrant blooms in shades of pink, purple, white, and red. Tall varieties are great for borders, while creeping types make excellent groundcovers. Phlox thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Mildew can be a problem, so provide good air circulation. Water at the base to keep foliage dry. Deadheading extends the bloom season. Divide clumps in early spring or fall.

Penstemon

Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, features tubular blooms in shades of purple, pink, red, and white. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, especially in drier climates. These flowers attract hummingbirds and bees with their nectar-rich blooms. Penstemon blooms from late spring to summer and has upright stems that add height to borders. It’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established. Avoid overwatering, as it prefers dry conditions. Deadhead to encourage continued flowering and cut back in fall.

Balloon Flower

Named for its balloon-like buds, this flower pops open into star-shaped blooms. Balloon flowers come in shades of blue, pink, and white. They bloom in summer and prefer full sun to part shade. Once established, they’re drought-tolerant and easy to grow. Deadheading encourages repeat blooming. They don’t like to be moved, so plant them where they can stay. Great in borders or rock gardens. Cut them back in fall to tidy up.

Columbine

Columbine is known for its unique, spurred blossoms in a variety of colors. It thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil. This perennial is an early spring bloomer, making it great for bridging seasons. Columbine attracts hummingbirds and bees, adding life to your garden. It readily self-seeds, creating natural-looking clusters over time. The foliage is delicate and fern-like, staying attractive even after flowering. Columbine is low-maintenance and deer-resistant. It’s perfect for woodland gardens and mixed beds.

Hellebore (Lenten Rose)

Hellebores bloom in late winter to early spring, often pushing through snow. Their downward-facing flowers come in a range of colors from cream to deep purple. Hellebores prefer shade and rich, well-drained soil. These perennials are evergreen in many climates and very cold-hardy. They’re deer- and rabbit-resistant and incredibly long-lived. Little maintenance is needed aside from trimming old foliage in late winter. They’re perfect for shady borders and underplanting shrubs.

Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee Balm bursts with vibrant, shaggy blooms in red, pink, purple, and white. It’s a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This perennial loves full sun but can tolerate part shade. It prefers moist, rich soil and can spread quickly. Powdery mildew can be an issue, so give it good air circulation. Deadhead to keep flowers coming and divide every few years. Bee Balm is great for cottage gardens and naturalized areas. It’s also edible and often used in teas.

Jacob’s Ladder

This shade-loving perennial features delicate, fern-like leaves and clusters of bell-shaped flowers. Jacob’s Ladder blooms in spring, offering blue, lavender, or white hues. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and cooler conditions. The foliage remains attractive after blooming. It’s great for woodland or shade gardens. This plant is relatively pest-free and low-maintenance. Cut back after blooming to encourage fresh foliage. It pairs well with hostas and ferns.

Lungwort

Lungwort has spotted or mottled foliage and early-spring flowers in pink, purple, or blue. It thrives in shady areas with moist, well-drained soil. The plant’s foliage adds texture and remains attractive throughout the season. Lungwort is deer-resistant and relatively pest-free. It works well as a groundcover under trees or in shade borders. Water during dry spells for best performance. Deadheading isn’t necessary but can neaten the plant. It spreads slowly, forming dense clumps over time.

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

Blanket Flowers bring bold red, orange, and yellow tones to the garden. These sun-loving perennials bloom from summer through fall. They thrive in poor, dry soil and require little maintenance. Deadheading encourages continuous flowering. They’re drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. Blanket Flowers attract pollinators and are perfect for hot, sunny borders. They may reseed or return from roots each year. Cut them back in late fall or early spring.

Ajuga (Bugleweed)

Ajuga is a groundcover perennial with glossy leaves and spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers. It thrives in part shade to full sun and moist soil. Ajuga spreads easily and fills in bare patches quickly. It’s great for erosion control on slopes or shady spots. The foliage remains colorful even without blooms. It’s deer- and pest-resistant. Ajuga is virtually maintenance-free once established. Just thin it occasionally to prevent overcrowding.

Astilbe

Astilbe features feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and lavender. It thrives in moist, shady areas and adds a touch of elegance. The fern-like foliage remains attractive even when not in bloom. Astilbe is perfect for woodland gardens or shady borders. Water it regularly, especially in dry periods. Divide every few years to keep it healthy. Mulching helps retain soil moisture. This plant is also deer-resistant.

Gaura (Whirling Butterflies)

Gaura produces delicate, butterfly-like flowers that dance in the breeze. Blooms are typically white or pink and appear from late spring into fall. This perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Gaura is extremely drought-tolerant and ideal for hot, dry climates. Its airy habit makes it great for adding movement to a garden. It’s deer-resistant and rarely bothered by pests. Cut it back in late fall or early spring to refresh growth.

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Coral Bells are prized for their vibrant, ruffled foliage that comes in shades of lime green, bronze, purple, and burgundy. While their delicate flower spikes bloom in late spring, it’s the colorful leaves that steal the show year-round. Heuchera thrives in part shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for borders, containers, and shady gardens. It’s a low-maintenance plant that’s largely pest-free and deer-resistant. In early spring, you can trim back any damaged leaves to keep the plant looking fresh. Dividing the plant every few years helps maintain its health and vigor. Pair Coral Bells with ferns or hostas for an eye-catching contrast in texture and color.

Japanese Anemone

Japanese Anemones offer graceful, poppy-like blooms in pink or white. They bloom from late summer into fall, adding color when most perennials are fading. These plants do best in part shade and moist, well-drained soil. They’re perfect for woodland borders or cottage gardens. Japanese Anemones spread by underground runners, so give them room. They’re relatively pest- and disease-free. Mulch helps retain moisture. Cut back after frost for a clean winter garden.

Ice Plant

Ice Plant is a drought-tolerant succulent with daisy-like flowers. It thrives in full sun and sandy or rocky soil. The flowers come in vibrant pink, purple, and yellow shades. Ice Plant is great for hot, dry areas and rock gardens. It forms a dense mat, making it excellent for groundcover. It blooms heavily in summer and continues into fall. The foliage stays evergreen in warmer climates. It’s low-maintenance and needs very little water.

Veronica (Speedwell)

Speedwell produces spiky blooms in shades of blue, pink, and purple. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Blooming from early summer to fall, it attracts bees and butterflies. This compact plant is ideal for borders, rock gardens, or cottage-style beds. It’s low-maintenance, pest-resistant, and easy to grow. Deadheading encourages more blooms and keeps the plant tidy. Divide clumps every few years to promote vigorous growth.

Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny is a vibrant groundcover with trailing golden-green foliage. It thrives in moist soil and part sun to full shade. The small yellow flowers bloom in late spring. It spreads quickly, making it ideal for covering bare spots or hanging baskets. Creeping Jenny is easy to grow and tolerates wet conditions. It’s often used around ponds or paths. Cut it back if it gets too wild. It adds a lush, cascading effect wherever it’s planted.

Hardy Geranium

Hardy Geraniums are not to be confused with annual geraniums. These perennials offer delicate flowers in shades of pink, blue, purple, and white. They bloom off and on from spring to fall. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Hardy Geraniums are deer-resistant and low maintenance. They make great groundcovers or border plants. Deadhead for more blooms, or shear back after flowering to refresh growth. They’re perfect for cottage gardens and naturalized spaces.