7 Small Perennial Flowers

Written by Crystal
Updated: June 7, 2023
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There’s something extra special about small perennial flowers. They’re sometimes overlooked because they’re not big and flashy. But that’s part of what makes them so charming. They’re the underdogs of the flower world, quietly going about their business while adding a touch of beauty to any space they occupy. They don’t need a lot of fuss or fanfare; they’re happy just being themselves. If you’re looking for a little bit of understated elegance in w, then consider planting some small perennials. Read on to learn about the best small perennial flowers.

1. Barrenwort

Barrenwort is a genus of small perennial flowers

Barrenwort is a genus of small perennial flowers

©YUMIK/Shutterstock.com

First, on our list of small perennial flowers, we have Epimedium x youngianum, also known as barrenwort. It’s a genus of flowering plants in the family Berberidaceae. Most species are endemic to China, with further outposts in Europe and Northern Asia. A few species occur in the western United States, Mexico, and Central America. The genus name refers to the ancient Greek city of Ephesus.

Epimedium species are herbaceous perennials that grow from rhizomes or tuberous roots. The leaves are borne on long petioles and are variable in shape. The flowers are borne in spring or early summer on racemose or spicate inflorescences and are bisexual and zygomorphic. The sepals and petals are similar, and the outer 3-4 sepals are sometimes modified into wing-like structures. These are small but noticeable perennials.

2. Sissinghurst White

Sissinghurst white

Sissinghurst white are small perennial flowers

©Peter Turner Photography/Shutterstock.com

Pulmonaria officinalis, also known as Sissinghurst white, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae. They’re one of the more delicate small perennial flowers. The majority of the species are endemic to Europe. A few species occur in Asia and Africa.

Pulmonary species are also herbaceous perennials. The leaves are opposite, decussate, or whorled. Full sun is necessary for at least part of the day for the best cultivation. The flowers are white and borne in spring on racemose inflorescences.

3. Wood Anemone

Wood anemones are small yet stunnig wildflowers

Wood anemones are small yet stunning wildflowers

©Mariola Anna S/Shutterstock.com

The Anemone sylvestris, also known as the wood anemone, is a beautiful and delicate wildflower. Native to Europe and Asia, it was first in North America, where it is now a common sight in woodlands and forests. The plant grows to a height of 12-18 inches and has small, white flowers with yellow centers. The leaves are compound, with each leaflet being 3-4 inches long.

The plant blooms from April to June. Wood anemones are happy in moist woods and shady areas. They prefer soil that is rich in organic matter. The best time to plant them is in the spring or fall. Wood anemones are not very drought tolerant, so they need to stay moist during dry periods. These lovely flowers make a great addition to any wildflower garden.

4. Ingwersen Variety

Geranium macrorrhizum.

Geranium macrorrhizum is a small but stunning plant

©R R/Shutterstock.com

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersen’s Variety is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that is perfect for gardens of all sizes. It is a member of the Geraniaceae family and is native to Europe. The ‘Ingwersen’s Variety’ cultivar derives its name from the German botanist Carl Ludwig Ingwer von Ingwersen. He helped make discoveries about these flowers that would pave the way for botanists to come.

This plant is easy to care for and does not require much attention. It prefers well-drained, average to dry soil and full sun to partial shade. The flowers are pink or white and appear in early summer. The foliage is green with silver streaks. ‘Ingwersen’s Variety is a great choice for adding color and interest to your garden.

5. Red Trillium

Red trillium is a small perennial flower

Red trillium is a perennial in the lily family

©Pascal Guay/Shutterstock.com

The Trillium erectum, also known as the red trillium, or wake robin, is a perennial herb in the lily family that is native to North America. The flowers are typically red but can also be pink, white, or purple. The Trillium erectum blooms in April and May and thrives in deciduous forests and parks across the eastern United States.

The plant gets its name from the Latin word for “three,” as it has three leaves, three petals, and three sepals. The Trillium erectum is an important food source for a variety of animals, including deer, rabbits, and squirrels. The plant’s flowers are also a favorite of bees and butterflies.

6. Crimson Beauty

Phlox flowers

Most crimson beauty flowers are a deep crimson red, although some Phlox sublata flowers can be pink

©Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock.com

Crimson beauty perennials (Phlox sublata) are one of the most popular types of flowers. They are popular for their beautiful crimson flowers and their ability to bloom throughout the year. These small perennial flowers are native to Asia and have been cultivated for centuries. They are typically grown in gardens and used as ornamental plants.

Crimson perennials are easy to care for and require little maintenance. They are also resistant to pests like aphids. When planting crimson beauty perennials, it is important to choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Propagate by seed or division.

7. Merry Bells

Merry bells or bellwort

Merry bells are hardy plants despite their dainty appearance

©Sergey V Kalyakin/Shutterstock.com

Uvularia Grandiflora, more commonly known as merry bells, is a charming addition to any garden. Despite its dainty appearance, this hardy plant is quite resilient and can tolerate high and low temperatures. Merry bells also produce an attractive white flower that blooms throughout the spring and summer.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the plant is also known for its aromatic properties. The leaves and flowers of merry bells emit a pleasant scent that has been described as similar to jasmine. Moreover, the plant is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and pruning. Merry bells are a cute easy-to-care-for plant; consider adding some to your garden.

Summary of 7 Small Perennial Flowers

#FlowerColor
1 BarrenwortPurple
2Sissinghurst WhiteDelicate white
3Wood AnemoneWhite with yellow centers
4Ingwersen VarietyPink or white
5Red TrilliumRed, pink, white, or purple
6Crimson BeautyDeep crimson or pink
7Merry BellsWhite or yellow

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Mariola Anna S/Shutterstock.com


Sources

  1. Jenny Dunklee, Available here: https://gardening.org/11-low-growing-perennials/
  2. University of Florida Staff, Available here: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/MG/MG03500.pdf
  3. L.H. Greene, Available here: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/perennial-gardening-7-402/
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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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