Love flowers that stay around? Don’t worry, you’re in good company. There’s just something special about a garden abuzz with flowers from early June to late August—without planting all over again each year. That’s the magic of perennials. Unlike annuals (which kiss you goodbye come next spring), perennials are the gift that keeps giving. In this guide, we’re exploring 15 of the brightest, boldest, and most hardworking perennials that will buzz your garden all summer long with color.
Whether you’re dipping your toes into gardening or you’ve been elbow-deep in soil for decades, this list is full of practical information, a dash of humor, and hard-won growing advice. Ready to be introduced to your new favorite flowers?
1. Coneflower (Echinacea)
This native North American stunner is a pollinator’s paradise. With daisy-like petals in shades from purple to pink (and now even yellow or orange!), coneflowers are hardy, drought-tolerant, and can bloom from June through September.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining, even poor soil works
- Bonus: Birds love the seed heads in fall
2. Black-Eyed Susan
These sunny yellow blooms with dark centers look a bit like mini suns. They spread like a dream, so be ready for a whole patch in just a few seasons.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Adaptable
- Oops Tip: They can get a bit weedy if you’re not watching
3. Shasta Daisy
Pure white petals and a golden center make this classic a timeless favorite. It pairs well with just about any plant, kind of like denim jeans for your garden.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Rich, well-drained
- Tidbit: Deadhead for more blooms
4. Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Cheerful, dainty, and tough as nails. These yellow (sometimes pink or red) bloomers are a hit with butterflies—and gardeners who forget to water now and then.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Sandy or average
- Watch out: Some varieties are short-lived
5. Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Though each bloom lasts just one day, a mature plant pumps out tons of buds, giving you constant color for weeks. Or months, really.
- Sunlight: Full sun to light shade
- Soil: Moist but well-draining
- Reality Check: Rabbits think they’re tasty
6. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Do you like bees? You’ll adore this. These shaggy blooms resemble fireworks and draw hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Oh, and they have a minty scent.
- Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Moist, rich
7. Salvia
Not only are salvias bold and rich in color, they’re also deer-resistant (phew!). Red, pink, blue, and purple are the colors of these spikey blooms.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Hot Tip: Cut back after first bloom for a second round
8. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
With warm tones of red, orange, and yellow, these flowers look like little sunsets. Plus, they bloom like crazy.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Sandy, well-drained
- Quirk: Short-lived, but reseeds generously
9. Yarrow (Achillea)
Yarrow is a visually striking filler, with clusters of little blooms with flat crowns. Almost indestructible, and great in bouquets.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Dry, poor soil preferred
- Don’t Forget: Can spread aggressively
10. Russian Sage (Perovskia)
It’s gorgeous, so it doesn’t matter if it’s not sage. Lavender-blue blossoms on silvery stems billow in the breeze like lavender.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, dry
- Note: Can get floppy—plant it near sturdy friends
11. Veronica (Speedwell)
Clean spires of purple, pink, or blue blooms that make excellent borders. They provide little in return for a great deal.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Average, well-drained
- Perk: Long blooming with deadheading
12. Catmint (Nepeta)
Gray-green foliage and lavender-like blossoms with a mild fragrance. Deer and bunnies ignore it, but pollinators love it.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Average
- Bonus: Drought-tolerant, fuss-free
13. Garden Phlox
These fragrant flower clusters resemble vibrant clouds. Excellent for butterfly gardens and back borders.
- Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Moist, rich
- Gripe: Watch for powdery mildew
14. Heliopsis (False Sunflower)
Looks like a sunflower, acts like a perennial. It’s a bit taller, so it shines in the back row of garden beds.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Truth: It might need staking
15. Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower)
Whimsical, airy, and constant bloomers. Bees are obsessed—and honestly, so are we.
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Whoops: Can get leggy, so cut it back a bit
Final Thoughts
Let’s be real—gardening isn’t always sunshine and roses. Sometimes it’s weeds and wilting. But choosing perennials that bloom all summer long? That’s like putting your flower beds on cruise control. Less work. More wow.
Whether you’re looking for bright yellows, rich purples, or pale pastels, this list has something for every garden—and every gardener. So go ahead, dive in, get your hands muddy, and sow some happiness that will grow every year. You’ve got this. And your summer garden’s gonna show it.