Perennial plants that return every year feel sort of like a spring surprise—a joyful present for making it through winter’s chill as they come back to life. Some perennials are easier to care for compared to others, though—but not the foolproof plants on this list.
These low-maintenance beauties are the kind that thrive with low-key effort, rewarding you with their verdant vigor and showy blooms year after year. Whether you have a green thumb or a track record of forgetting to water (we listen and we don’t judge) these perennials are here to make your life easier—and your garden prettier.
- Madeline Hooper, gardening expert and host of the PBS show Garden Fit
- Juliet Howe, gardening expert and founder of Twigs Designs
- Andrew Porwol, a seasoned gardener and founder of Sapcote Garden Centre
Hostas
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If you had to describe hostas in three words, it’d be hardy, lush, and easy. These low-maintenance perennials come in a variety of sizes, leaf shapes, and colors, and provide beautiful foliage in any yard. “They don’t self-sow or invade other plants, so they make great companions at the border,” notes gardening expert Madeline Hooper, host of the PBS show Garden Fit. “Additionally, they are so easy to divide. Once mature, I divide them in half or quarters.”
Cone Flowers
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This drought tolerant, native pollinator comes in a rainbow of colors and is a rockstar when it comes to attracting butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds. “Its daisy-like flower will remain in bloom from mid-summer to Halloween,” says Juliet Howe, gardening expert and founder of Twigs Designs.
“They are happy in full sun or partial shade, and they can grow fairly tall—five feet if they are especially happy.” For that reason, she recommends placing them behind smaller flowers in your garden bed. This beautiful, herbaceous perennial comes back bigger and better every year and is perfect for clipping.
Geum “Totally Tangerine”
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For a splendid burst of sunshiney hues, add this lively perennial bloomer to your garden. It offers a pop of peachy-orange and is a beacon to local pollinators.
“Totally Tangerine is a long-blooming perennial that grows well in unfavorable soil and is pest-resistant—it is an underappreciated option,” says Andrew Porwol, a seasoned gardener and founder of Sapcote Garden Centre. “It consistently produces flowers from late spring to early fall, offering long-lasting color in contrast to many delicate perennials.”
Russian Sage
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These beautiful perennials add visual splendor to any garden throughout the year. They look a bit like lavender with their light blue hue, but typically grow much taller—about three to four feet. Hooper says this is one of her favorite low-maintenance perennials because they’re independent plants that don’t require staking, and even after they’ve bloomed they still look pretty.
“Once the tiny blossoms fade, their seed pods keep the show going, and they can stay standing even in winter, adding great interest in your garden and a home for little creatures,” Hooper says. “I cut them down in early spring to allow for the new growth to form.”
Hellebore
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The standout feature of this easy perennial is that it likes to put on a colorful show in winter. “While the rest of the garden slumbers, the mighty, mighty hellebore shines,” Howe says. “The Hellebore is also known as the winter rose, Christmas rose and lenten rose because—you guessed it—that’s when it’s in bloom.” She tells us this plant wants dappled shade and soil that is well-drained (damp but not soggy), and that planting them under a large deciduous tree is ideal.
Arkansas Blue Star
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This low-maintenance beauty starts the season with feathery green foliage and starry blue flowers, then steals the show in fall with a golden-yellow glow once temperatures drop, Porwol says. He adds, “Once established, it can withstand drought and is resistant to deer, which makes it a great option for easy landscaping.” Plant this easy perennial in clusters for a billowy, soft effect or consider mixing it with bold-textured perennials for some wow-worthy contrast.
Lavender
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Lavender is a veritable feast for the senses—beautiful to look at, wonderfully fragrant, and a magnet for bees and butterflies. “Its silver green leaves and tall grass-like stems, crowned with purple flowers, makes the short walk down my garden path feel like a minute in paradise,” Howe tells us.
She adds, “Lavender is truly drought tolerant and thrives on neglect. Water it for the first season then, simply enjoy it. You can trim it back after the blooms fade for a neater look and a good chance of a second bloom, however, it will continue to grow and thrive if you leave the spent blooms alone.”
Geranium Rozanne (Cranesbill)
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A true overachiever, this hardy perennial blooms basically non-stop from late spring to frost. “It’s a low, bush-like plant that blooms profusely all season long and one of the few perennials that add the most beautiful bright blue color,” Hooper says. “They will grow in moderate shade, but also love the sun.”
Note that they have a sprawling, vine-like growth habit and can be trained to climb up neighboring bushes for a stunning effect.
