10 Most Hardy Perennial Flowers

For many of us, the busyness of daily life can make it challenging to find time to appreciate nature. But you don’t need a ton of time. Spending even a few minutes watering plants and pulling weeds can help us work out our minds and bodies! And there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing the most hardy perennials bloom in your front yard!

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, there’s no denying that spending time in the garden can be good for the mind, body, and soul. Make life easier by planting perennials that are resilient. Read on to learn about the hardiest perennials.

1. Clematis

Did you know that clematis is a member of the buttercup family? This family also includes well-known flowers, such as anemones, celandines, and poppies. It’s definitely one of the most hardy perennials.

Clematis is a genus of about 300 species of flowering plants that are native to various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Australia. The most common type of clematis is the large-flowered clematis, prized for its showy blooms. However, there are also many other exciting varieties of clematis, including the early-flowering type and the sweet-scented alpine clematis.

Regardless of the type, all clematis plants are popular for their vigorous growth and ability to quickly cover trellises and fences. So, if you’re looking for a beautiful climbing plant for your garden, consider adding a clematis to your collection.

2. Catmint

Like its name, catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family that cats seem to enjoy. It’s popular for its strong, aromatic scent and its ability to attract cats. Catmint is easy to grow and can start from seeds, cuttings, or divisions. It prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade, and it does best in well-drained soil.

Once established, catmint is quite drought-tolerant. It will spread rapidly by runners, so it is best suited for areas where it can run rampant, such as a rock garden or naturalized area.

To harvest, cut the stems just above where the leaves emerge. The leaves can be fresh or dried for use in potpourris, sachets, or oils. The flowers can also work in bouquets or dried for arrangements. Catmint is an easy plant to grow and care for, and it makes an attractive addition to any garden.

3. Stonecrop

Belonging to the Sedum genus, stonecrop is a succulent plant that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant grows in rocky soil and has fleshy, oval-shaped leaves that are green or purple in color.

The flowers are small and yellow or white in color. Stonecrop is a popular choice for gardens because it is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. The plant is also known for its ability to attract bees and butterflies.

4. Daylilies

Daylilies are one of the most popular flowers due to their simple beauty and easy care. These hardy perennials come in a wide range of colors and bloom throughout the summer. Daylilies are relatively tolerant of both heat and drought, making them a low-maintenance option for gardeners in many different climates.

The flowers are also attractive to bees and other pollinators, making them a valuable addition to any garden. While daylilies are not typically problematic, they can be susceptible to infestations of aphids or daylily rust. These pests can be controlled with careful monitoring and treatment with insecticide or fungicide as needed. With a little bit of care, daylilies can provide months of color in any garden.

5. Peony

Peonies are one of the most popular flowers, both in North America and Europe. They’re popular for being one of the most hardy perennials and can survive in a wide range of conditions. Peonies are actually quite versatile and can even be grown in locations that experience very hot summers. They prefer full sun but will also do well in partial shade and only need to be watered about once a week.

In terms of soil, peonies are not particularly picky and will grow in both sandy and clay soils. They are also relatively resistant to pests and diseases. All these factors combine to make peonies a low-maintenance option for gardeners who want to add a touch of beauty to their yards.

6. Lavender

You might recognize this hardy perennial from its iconic fragrance. Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant herb that has many uses, both in the garden and around the house. While it is often used as a dried flower or oil, fresh lavender can also be helpful in cooking and crafts.

Lavender prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. It is important to water lavender regularly, especially during dry periods. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it will need pruning annually in order to promote new growth. When planting lavender, it is important to space the plants evenly so that they have room to grow.

7. Russian Sage

Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a drought-tolerant perennial that is commonly used as an accent plant in gardens. Its water needs make it one of the most hardy perennials worldwide. It is native to the steppes of central Asia, and it gets its common name from the fact that it was once used as a substitute for sagebrush in Russia.

Russian sage is a member of the mint family, and it has square stems and small, blue-lavender flowers that bloom in late summer. The plant grows to be about three feet tall and wide, and it is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. Russian sage is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much fertilizer or pruning. Propagation by seed, division, or cuttings works well. And it makes an excellent addition to any dry garden.

8. Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family. It is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The plant has a long history of use in herbal medicine, and it is still used today for its wide range of medicinal properties.

Yarrow is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, making it effective for treating wounds and infections. It is also diaphoretic, meaning that it helps to promote sweating and relieve feverish symptoms. In addition, yarrow is a bitter herb that can stimulate appetite and aid digestion. Overall, yarrow is a versatile and powerful herbal remedy with a long history of traditional use.

9. Black-eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans are one of the most popular flowering plants in the United States. Also known as Rudbeckia hirta, these cheerful yellow flowers are easy to grow and they’re captivating. If you’re interested in growing black-eyed Susans, here are a few tips to get you started.

First, choose a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil. Black-eyed Susans prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Next, sow the seeds directly in the ground in early spring or start them indoors about six weeks before the last frost date.

Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them. They should have about 12 inches between them. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, and fertilize monthly with a general-purpose fertilizer. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. With a little care, you’ll soon have a beautiful patch of black-eyed Susans in your garden!

10. Bearded Iris

Last on our list of the most hardy perennials, let’s talk about the bearded iris. The bearded iris is a perennial plant that blooms in the spring. It is hardy, meaning it can withstand cold weather and frost.

Bearded iris is also drought-tolerant, so it does not require a lot of water. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Bearded iris comes in many colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white. The flowers have six petals, and the center of the flower is often a different color than the petals.

Bearded iris grows from rhizomes, which are thick, fleshy roots. The plant multiplies quickly, so it is important to divide the rhizomes every three to four years. This will help to keep the plant healthy and prevent it from spreading out of control.

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