Do you like plants that come back year after year without having to replant them?
If so, you’ll love perennial plants! Perennials are a great way to add some color and life to your garden without too much effort.
There’s nothing quite like the sight of a beautiful perennial garden full of brightly colored flowers that seem to last forever. Here are just a few kinds of perennial plants that can brighten up any garden:
What Are Perennial Plants
A perennial plant is one that lives for more than two years. This is in contrast to annual plants, which live for just one growing season before dying, and biennial plants, which take two years to complete their life cycle.
Perennial plants are an important part of many gardens, as they provide a year-round dramatic display of color and texture. Some popular perennials include Amsonia, daylilies, Baptisia, and Foxglove.
Perennials can be either herbaceous or woody, meaning they have either non-woody stems (herbaceous) or woody stems (woody).
Herbaceous perennials die back to the ground each winter and resprout in the spring.
Woody perennials, on the other hand, retain their above-ground growth each year (although this growth may be dormant during the winter months). As a result, woody perennials are often used as foundation plantings or as accent plants in landscaping design. Also, many don’t know that pepper plants can be grown as perennial provided the right growing condition is present for the plant.
1. Amsonia
Scientific Name: Amsonia tabernaemontana
Classifications
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Rauvolfioideae
Tribe: Amsonieae
Genus: Amsonia
Amsonia is a genus of flowering plants that includes about 24 species. The plants are native to North and South America, and they are most commonly found in woodlands and prairies. Amsonia flowers are small and blue, and they typically bloom in the spring.
The plants are relatively easy to care for, and they are often used as ornamental plants in gardens. Amsonia is also known as Bluestar or dogbane, and it is sometimes confused with the similar-looking perennial hibiscus.
2. Floss Flower
Scientific Name: Ageratum houstonianum
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Ageratum
Species: A. houstonianum
It is a beautiful annual flower that adds color and interest to any garden. Also known as the bluemink, this plant gets its name from the long, silky tassels that adorn its flowers.
The flowers themselves are small and tubular, and they can be either white or shades of pink. The plant is native to Mexico, but it can be grown in many different climates.
In fact, it’s even drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for hot, dry summers. Best of all, the Floss Flower attracts bees and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to any pollinator garden.
3. Peruvian Day Lily
Scientific Name: Alstroemeria aurea
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Liliales
Family: Alstroemeriaceae
Genus: Alstroemeria
It is a beautiful flower that blooms in a variety of colors including white, yellow, pink, and red. Native to South America, it is a member of the Liliaceae family. The lily has a long history and has been used in a variety of traditional ceremonies.
It is a hardy plant that can be grown in a variety of climates. It is important to provide the plant with adequate moisture and well-drained soil. The plant will bloom from early summer to fall and can reach heights of up to six feet.
When planting the Peruvian Day Lily, it is important to space the bulbs 12-18 inches apart.
4. Baptisia
Scientific Name: Baptisia australis
Classifications
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Tribe: Sophoreae
Genus: Baptisia
Baptisia, also known as false indigo, is a beautiful and versatile plant that is native to North America. It grows best in full sun and prefers well-drained soil, but it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Baptisia can be used as an ornamental plant or as part of a naturalized landscape.
It has long been loved by gardeners for its deep blue or purple flowers, which appear in mid to late spring. The flowers are followed by dark green leaves that remain attractive throughout the summer.
In fall, the leaves turn yellow, providing beautiful contrast to the flowers. Baptisia is a wonderful plant for attracting bees and butterflies, and it makes an excellent cut flower.
5. Lavender
Scientific Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Classifications
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Subfamily: Nepetoideae
Tribe: Ocimeae
Genus: Lavandula
Lavender is a popular herb that has been used for centuries for its aroma and medicinal properties. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, but it is now grown around the world.
It can be used in a variety of ways, including in tea, as an essential oil, and in potpourris. The herb is also a popular ingredient in soaps and cosmetics.
Lavender has a wide range of benefits, including promoting relaxation, improving sleep quality, and reducing stress levels.
The herb is also said to have antimicrobial properties, making it an effective treatment for acne and other skin conditions. In addition to its many uses, lavender is also a beautiful plant that adds color and fragrance to any garden.
6. Helenium
Scientific Name: Helenium autumnale
Classifications
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Helenieae
Subtribe: Gaillardiinae
Genus: Helenium
The Helenium, also known as the sneezeweed, is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. The herb is used to relieve congestion and sinus pressure. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling.
In addition, the Helenium is often used as a natural insecticide. The plant exudes a strong smell that repels many pests, making it an ideal way to keep your garden free of harmful insects. Whether you’re looking for a natural remedy for allergies or a way to keep your garden pest-free, the Helenium is a versatile and effective plant.
7. Windflower
Scientific name: Anemone coronaria
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Anemone
Species: A. coronaria
The windflower (Anemone coronaria) is a beautiful flower that gets its name from the Greek word for “wind.” These flowers are native to the Mediterranean region, and they have been cultivated for centuries. The most commonly-grown variety is the red windflower, which features crimson petals and a yellow center.
8. Penstemon
Scientific Name: Penstemon Palmeri
Classifications
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Tribe: Cheloneae
Genus: Penstemon
The name “penstemon” comes from the Greek words for “five” and “stamen,” referring to the five stamens that are characteristic of the flowers. Most penstemons are herbaceous perennials, although a few are shrubs or subshrubs. The flowers are tubular and come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red. Penstemons are very popular with hummingbirds and bees, and they make excellent cut flowers.
9. Foxglove
Scientific Name: Digitalis purpurea
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Tribe: Digitalideae
Genus: Digitalis
The foxglove is a beautiful flower that grows in the wild. It gets its name from the fact that its blooms look like the gloves that foxes wear. The blooms are so striking, and they come in a wide range of colors. Foxgloves can be white, pink, purple, or even yellow. The flowers are very fragrant, and they attract bees and butterflies.
10. Hellebore
Scientific Name: Helleborus niger
Classifications
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Ranunculaceae
Subfamily: Ranunculoideae
Tribe: Helleboreae
Genus: Helleborus
Also known as Lenten roses, they are widely cultivated as ornamentals.
The most common hellebore species is Helleborus niger, which is native to the Pyrenees mountains of southwestern Europe. Hellebores are evergreen or semi-evergreen perennials that typically bloom in late winter or early spring.
They have large basal leaves and produce clusters of 2-10 flowers on erect stems. The flowers range in color from white to pink, purple, and yellow, and they are often marked with darker spots.
11. Primrose
Scientific Name: Primula vulgaris
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Ericales
Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Primula
Species: P. Vulgaris
Primroses are one of the first signs of spring, with their cheerful flowers adding a splash of color to the landscape after a long winter. They come in a wide range of colors, from vibrant oranges and yellows to more subdued shades of pink and purple.
Primroses can be planted in the ground or in containers, making them versatile additions to any garden.
12. Four o’clock flower
Scientific Name: Mirabilis jalapa
Classifications
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Nyctaginaceae
Genus: Mirabilis
Species: M. Jalapa
The four o’clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa) is a beautiful but often misunderstood plant. Native to Mexico and Central America, it has long been a favorite of gardeners in warm climates.
However, it has a reputation for being difficult to grow, and many people mistakenly believe that it is only suitable for arid regions. In reality, the four o’clock flower is quite adaptable and can be successfully grown in a variety of conditions.
It is an especially good choice for beginners, as it is relatively easy maintenance and tolerant of occasional neglect. With its brightly colored flowers that bloom in the late afternoon, the four o’clock flower is a welcome addition to any garden.
13. Catmint
Scientific Name: Anisomeles indica
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Anisomeles
Species: A. indica
Catmint is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. The name “catmint” comes from the fact that cats love it! They’re attracted to the plant’s strong, aromatic scent.
Catmint is often used in culinary dishes and as a decoration, but it also has a number of other uses. For example, it can be used to make tea, as a natural insect repellent, or even as a way to keep cats from scratching furniture.
14. Vervain
Scientific Name: Verbena officinalis
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Family: Verbenaceae
Genus: Verbena
Species: Verbena officinalis
Vervain (Verbena Officinalis) is a perennial flowering plant that has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, and is still used today for its various medicinal properties.
Vervain is most commonly used as an herb for anxiety and stress relief, as it is thought to have calming and sedative effects. It is also used to treat digestive problems, such as indigestion, gas, and diarrhea. Additionally, vervain is sometimes used topically to treat skin problems, such as acne and eczema.
15. Geraniums
Scientific Name: Geranium dissectum
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Geraniales
Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Geranium
Geraniums are a type of flowering plant that belongs to the genus Geranium. There are over 400 species of geranium, which are native to regions all over the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America.
Geraniums normally grow to be about 1-2 feet tall, and they have large, showy flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. One of the most popular types of geranium is the scented-leaved geranium, which has aromatic leaves that can be used in potpourri or as an ingredient in essential oils.