10 Easy Perennials Anyone Can Grow

Yarrow (Achillea spp.) is a garden stalwart that won’t be problematic if the weather turns dry. Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) blooms from early to late summer. Along with the rich red yarrow (pictured), blooms can also be found in orange-red (‘Paprika’), magenta pink (‘Cerise Queen’), rusty orange (‘Terracotta’) and more. Clump-forming golden yarrow (A. filipendulina) is less aggressive and blooms from early summer to early fall. Yarrow grows 1 to 3 feet tall and is hardy in Zones 3 to 9. Your local Lowe’s will stock plants best for your location.

Tips for Growing Yarrow: Yarrow works best when planted in a spot that takes advantage of full sun. It also thrives best in well-drained soil.

Threadleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata) is a drought-tolerant perennial that boasts handsome mounds of lacy foliage topped by small but plentiful golden-yellow flowers. Although the peak bloom season is in early summer, coreopsis continues to flower until fall if deadheaded (i.e., dead buds are snipped off). ‘Moonbeam’ (pictured) is the best-known variety. Newer selections come with pink or red flowers. Threadleaf coreopsis sometimes self-seeds but not to the point of becoming a pest. It grows 18 to 24 inches tall and is hardy from Zones 3 to 8.

Tips for Growing Threadleaf Coreopsis: Threadleaf coreopsis has a deep root system that tolerates dry, rocky soil but grows best in well-drained soil. It spreads by rhizomes but is easily controlled by dividing every two to three years.

With bright white petals surrounding yellow centers, Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum) have the classic daisy form that delights kids and adults alike. Growing with an upright habit, Shasta daisies bloom in early summer and often rebloom later in the season if deadheaded. Either way, they deliver a bright punch of color in sun or partial shade. Shasta daisies grow 2 to 3 feet and are hardy in Zones 4 to 8.

Tips for Growing Shasta Daisies: As Shasta daisies grow, they may need support to hold their stems and keep them from flopping, especially if located in partial sun. Modern varieties have stronger stems and may not need staking.

Although it prefers sun, the daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) will take a fair amount of shade and still bloom. Grassy foliage and a range of flower colors, including yellow, gold, pink, red and orange, guarantee a fan club for this feisty perennial. Heights range from 10 to 40 inches, and plants are rugged enough to withstand occasional trampling from pets and children. Daylilies are hardy in Zones 3 to 9.

Tips for Growing Daylilies: Daylilies have shallow, dense root systems. Even though they’re drought tolerant, they prefer soil that’s moist.

Stonecrop (Sedum spectabile) is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant perennial that’s practically foolproof — as long as it has sunlight and well-drained soil. It withstands heat, humidity and wind. And it shows off large, broccoli-like blooms for an extended period in late summer and early fall. ‘Crystal Pink’ (pictured) is a popular sedum with icy-pink flower heads and star-like blossoms. It’s effective when planted in groupings. ‘Crystal Pink’ grows 12 to 16 inches tall with flowers and is hardy in Zones 4 to 9.

Tips for Growing Stonecrop: Pruning stonecrop in early summer reduces height. When stonecrop grows too large in a cluster, forming a dead area in the center of the plant, the entire plant should be dug up, divided and replanted in the spring.

 If you can grow only one perennial in your sunny garden, this is a great choice. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida) is a rough-and-tumble prairie plant that prefers sun but takes partial shade. It tolerates both wet and dry soils, and it’s not bothered by heat or wind. Could it get easier? The large golden blooms, adorned with dark-brown centers, appear from midsummer to frost. ‘Goldsturm’ (pictured) is a popular cultivar with a more compact, mounded shape. Black-eyed Susan grows 2 to 3 feet tall and is hardy in Zones 5 to 9.

Tips for Growing Black-Eyed Susan: Staking isn’t required for black-eyed Susan. If planting in soil that easily dries, add soil amendments to help retain moisture. Fertilizer is generally not required but can be used in springtime if desired.

Another plucky prairie plant, purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is known for its prominent rusty cone surrounded by bright petals. In addition to light purple, there are varieties with white, yellow, orange or tomato-red flowers available. Although it prefers full sun, purple coneflower can take a fair amount of shade. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and is hardy in Zones 3 to 8.

Tips for Growing Purple Coneflower: Although they can grow tall, purple coneflower stalks are strong and rarely need staking. They grow best in poor or lean soil.

The flowers on Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) are tiny but plentiful. Massed on long stems, they top off lacy gray-green foliage in mid- to late summer. Like sedum, Russian sage tolerates heat, wind, drought and even poor soil — as long as it’s well drained. All it really needs is sunlight. Russian sage grows 2 to 5 feet tall, depending on the cultivar, and is hardy in Zones 3 to 9.

Tips for Growing Russian Sage: Full sun and well-drained soil are Russian sage’s friends. Soil that’s overly fertile may inhibit blooming.

Your garden will turn heads in mid- to late summer when Helen’s flower (Helenium autumnale) delivers its hot-colored blooms, ranging from orange to yellow to rusty red to brown, depending on the cultivar. Helen’s flower may not be as easily recognized as some of its fall growing companions, but it’s a real showstopper for your garden. Growing natively in wet meadows, Helen’s flower also does well in ordinary soil. It grows 3 to 6 feet tall and is hardy in Zones 3 to 8.

Tips for Growing Helen’s Flower: To encourage more flowers, trim off faded blooms. Good soil drainage is important, as is staking to support taller plants.

Once shunned because it was erroneously blamed for causing hay fever, goldenrod (Solidago spp.) has regained its popularity. The golden-yellow flower plumes look like exploding fireworks in late summer to early fall. This plant actually does better in poor soil. While some goldenrod species reach 4 to 6 feet, the arching stems on modern varieties are a more garden-friendly 1 to 3 feet tall. Goldenrod is hardy in Zones 5 to 9.

Tips for Growing Goldenrod: The ideal planting season for goldenrod is in the spring. It’s a sun-loving plant, so make sure it’s planted in a spot with lots of sun exposure. Goldenrod has an extensive root system, which can spread aggressively over time. To keep the spread under control, mature goldenrod plants should be divided every two to three years.