4 Best Perennial Flowers For Zone 9

Written by Crystal
Published: October 11, 2022
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When choosing the perfect flower for zone 9, Bellis perennis should always be at the top of the list. Also known as the English daisy or lawn daisy, this perennial is adaptable to various growing conditions and blooms continuously from spring through fall. Cheerful, delicate daisies are the perfect way to tie any type of garden together.

What other perennial flowers for zone 9 should you know about? Read on to find out!

1. Monkshood

aconitum napellus

The monkshood can withstand low temperatures.

©iStock.com/LianeM

Monkshood is a zone 9 gem. This incredible perennial is not only hardy, but it’s also beautiful and can reach up to six feet in height. It has dark green leaves and produces beautiful blue flowers that bloom in the summer. This plant is native to Europe, but it has been successfully cultivated in zone 9 gardens for many years.

One of the things that make monkshood so popular with gardeners is its hardiness. This plant can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an excellent choice for gardens in colder climates. In addition to their hardiness, these perennials for zone 9 are also very easy to care for.

2. Alpine Aster

alpine aster

Plant alpine asters in a place where the soil is well drained.

©iStock.com/chrisdorney

Alpine aster is perfect for beginner gardeners, as it is very forgiving and easy to care for. These perennials thrive in full sun to partial shade. If you live in an area with hot summers, it’s best to plant them in an area that receives some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from burning. When choosing a location, also make sure the soil is well-drained. Alpine asters will not do well in soggy soil. 

Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot for your alpine asters, it’s time to prepare the soil. Add some organic matter, such as compost or manure, to help improve drainage and increase nutrients. If your soil is particularly heavy, you may also want to consider amending it with sand.

After amending the soil, dig a hole. Make the hole twice as wide as the plant’s root ball and just as deep. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and loosen any tangled roots before planting. Water well after planting. 

Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again. If you live in an area with high humidity or rainfall, plant alpine asters in raised beds or on slopes to improve drainage and prevent rot. Finally, fertilizing is unnecessary, but if you choose to do so, use a balanced fertilizer formulated for flowers. Apply in early spring according to package directions. Enjoy the stunning blooms!

3. Anemone Blanda

anemone blanda

Anemone blanda is drought tolerant.

©iStock.com/PaulMaguire

When you’re looking for the best perennial flowers for zone 9, look no further than Anemone blanda. This variety of anemone is hardy in zones 5-9 and will come back to bloom each year with minimal care. Anemone blanda is a member of the buttercup family and is native to Europe. The flowers of this variety are typically blue, violet, or white and have seven or eight petals. These lovely perennials bloom from February to May, making them a welcome sight during the last few months of winter. 

Anemone blanda is quite drought tolerant. To plant, simply find a location in your garden that meets the light and soil requirements and dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the root ball. Gently remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole, taking care not to break any roots. Backfill the hole with soil and water well. 

Sometimes Anemone blanda variety gets a reputation for being weedy due to its ability to self-seed. If you don’t want it popping up all over your garden, simply deadhead spent flowers as soon as they start to fade.

4. Aquilegia

columbine flower young

Young columbine plants can be transplanted.

©Dajra/Shutterstock.com

Aquilegia, also known as columbine, is a delicate and graceful flower that is easy to grow in any garden. The Latin word for aquilegia, aquilinum, means “eagle-like,” referring to the spurs of the bloom that resemble the talons of an eagle. It also refers to aquarius (water carrier), because of how the nectar collects like water in a bucket.

Aquilegia makes a beautiful cut flower and can be planted so that the blooms can be enjoyed up close. The plant itself may become somewhat unattractive late in summer, but this can be easily remedied by planting low-growing greenery around the base so that the blooms rise above it. Most varieties of aquilegia self-seed and are adaptable, making them a perfect choice for any gardener. 

Aquilegia will grow in almost any type of soil, but it must be well-drained. To maintain attractive foliage, the soil must be kept uniformly moist. When the leaves begin to yellow, or the plant looks wilted, it is time to water. Overwatering will cause the roots to rot, so check the soil before watering. Full sun is best for optimum growth, but aquilegia will also grow in partial shade. 

Once the plant has finished blooming for the season, allow the seed heads to mature so that they can self-seed for next year. If you do not want the plant to self-seed, cut off the seed heads before they mature. Aquilegia is a hardy plant and does not require much maintenance beyond deadheading and occasional watering. 

Up Next

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3 Best Perennial Flowers For Zone 6

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/PaulMaguire


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About the Author

Crystal is a dedicated writer at A-Z Animals, focusing on topics related to mammals, insects, and travel. With over a decade of experience in the world of research and writing, she also fulfills the role of a skilled video and audio engineer. Residing in sunny Florida, alligators are Crystal's favorite animal.

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