We are often asked here at the Garden Center which perennials will bloom all season long and unfortunately the answer is pretty much “there is no such thing”, at least compared to how long Annuals bloom for. There are some, however, which will get you real close to that goal. The plants listed here will make a great choice for those looking to establish a perennial garden.
* Achillea(Yarrow) – Available in an assortment of colors, this plant thrives in poor soils. Repeat blooms are often possible when the plant is cut back after the first blooming spell.
* Campanula(BellFlower) – Profuse bloomer which is ideally situated in partial shade. If plant starts to look too long or ratty looking a good trimming will often make it look good again and encourage a new set of blooms. Campanula tends to start blooming in the Springtime, and will often last into the early Summer months.
* Coreopsis(Tickseed) – Available in several different shades of yellow, as well as white and red. Only the yellows, however, are a true perennial in many areas of the country. Blooms can last several months if regularly deadheaded.
* Echinacea(Coneflower) – Not only is it used for tea, it’s also used because the blooms last for months! Many new cultivars have appeared on the market over the past few years making the choices far better than just purple or white. There are also dwarf varieties available.
* Gaillardia(Blanket Flower) – An often overlooked plant, Gaillardia has absolutely beautiful bi-color blooms with a daisy-like shape that will continue to bloom pretty much throughout the entire Summer.
* Liatris(Gayfeather) – Tall flower spikes top this plant available in whites, pinks, and purples. The blooms will last from Spring through to MidSummer.
* Monarda(Beebalm) – Not only will this perennial bloom for a long time, it’s also great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. How can you go wrong!
* Scabiosa(Pincushion Flower) – This one tends to be an aquired taste! Blooms sit atop slender, weak looking stalks high above the foliage. If you do aquire the taste for this perennial you will be well rewarded though as it’s a long bloomer, from Spring through Summer. It’s best, however, to provide it with regular deadheading to encourage new, slightly shorter blooms.
* Sedum spectabilis(Stonecrop) – A great choice for a later blooming perennial, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is, as the name implies, a fall bloomer. The plant holds onto it’s blooms for a long time, and even when the blooms are spent they can actually look quite attractive in the Winter garden. Another benefit is they will attract birds who love to eat the dried seedheads.