11 Low-Growing Perennials
Low-growing perennials don’t require much maintenance but will add color and texture to your garden. They can help you create a vibrant and easy-to-manage landscape.
These 11 varieties of low-growing perennials will add a pop of color to your outdoor space this spring and all summer long.
1. Eastern Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla Patens)
This elegant perennial flower is native to the prairies and meadows of North America. Its bright purple blooms resembling fuzzy pompoms are a sight to behold in early spring.
| Scientific Name: | Pulsatilla Patens |
| Growth Rate: | Slow |
| Native Range: | North America, Europe, and Asia |
| Hardiness Range: | USDA zones 3-8 |
| Exposure: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Needs: | Well-draining, alkaline soil |
| Tolerate: | Drought, poor soil, deer-resistant |
| Fertilizing Needs: | Not necessary |
| Pruning Needs: | Deadheading after flowering |
2. Perennial Pinks (Dianthus sp.)
These charming little flowers come in various colors and are known for their fragrant, spicy scent. They’re a great addition to any garden as they can bloom for several weeks in the summer, and some species even have a second bloom in the fall.
| Scientific Name: | Dianthus sp. |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Native Range: | Europe and Asia |
| Hardiness Range: | USDA zones 3-9 |
| Exposure: | Full sun |
| Soil Needs: | Well-draining, neutral to alkaline soil |
| Tolerate: | Drought, heat, and deer-resistant |
| Fertilizing Needs: | Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer |
| Pruning Needs: | Deadheading after flowering |
3. Dwarf Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)
This popular perennial is a favorite among gardeners, and for a good reason.
Its bright purple petals and cone-shaped center can add a pop of color to any garden, and it’s known for its medicinal properties and ability to attract pollinators.
| Scientific Name: | Echinacea Purpurea ‘Kim’s Knee High’ |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Native Range: | North America |
| Hardiness Range: | USDA zones 3-8 |
| Exposure: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Needs: | Well-draining, dry to medium soil |
| Tolerate: | Drought, heat, and deer-resistant |
| Fertilizing Needs: | Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer |
| Pruning Needs: | Deadheading after flowering |
4. Plantain Lilies (Hostas)
These low-growing perennials are a favorite for shady areas, with their large, lush foliage in shades of green, blue, and variegated. They are easy to care for and can be a great way to add texture and contrast to your garden.
| Scientific Name: | Hosta sp. |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate to fast |
| Native Range: | Asia and North America |
| Hardiness Range: | USDA zones 3-9 |
| Exposure: | Partial to full shade |
| Soil Needs: | Rich, moist soil |
| Tolerate: | Deer-resistant |
| Fertilizing Needs: | Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer |
| Pruning Needs: | Remove dead leaves in the fall |
5. Bishop’s Hat (Barrenwort Epimedium)
This unique perennial gets its name from its delicate, heart-shaped leaves resembling a bishop’s hat. It also has small, delicate flowers that bloom in shades of pink, white, and yellow in early spring.
It’s a great choice for shady areas and can tolerate dry conditions.
| Scientific Name: | Epimedium Grandiflorum |
| Growth Rate: | Slow to moderate |
| Native Range: | Asia and Europe |
| Hardiness Range: | USDA zones 4-9 |
| Exposure: | Partial shade |
| Soil Needs: | Well-draining, moist soil |
| Tolerate: | Deer-resistant |
| Fertilizing Needs: | Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer |
| Pruning Needs: | Remove dead leaves in the fall |
6. Flowering Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum)
This low-growing thyme is aromatic and beautiful, with pink or purple flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.
It’s a great choice for rock gardens or as a ground cover.
| Scientific Name: | Thymus Serpyllum |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Native Range: | Europe and North Africa |
| Hardiness Range: | USDA zones 4-9 |
| Exposure: | Full sun |
| Soil Needs: | Well-draining, dry to medium soil |
| Tolerate: | Drought, poor soil, deer-resistant |
| Fertilizing Needs: | Not necessary |
| Pruning Needs: | Trim after flowering to maintain shape |
7. Perennial Violets (Viola Odorata)
These charming little flowers are known for their sweet fragrance and delicate purple or white blooms. They can bloom for several weeks in the spring and attract butterflies.
| Scientific Name: | Viola Odorata |
| Growth Rate: | Slow to moderate |
| Native Range: | Europe and Asia |
| Hardiness Range: | USDA zones 5-8 |
| Exposure: | Partial shade to full shade |
| Soil Needs: | A moist, well-draining soil |
| Tolerate: | Deer-resistant |
| Fertilizing Needs: | Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer |
| Pruning Needs: | Deadheading after flowering |
8. Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma)
This succulent-like plant is a great choice for hot, dry areas, as it can tolerate drought and heat. Its vibrant, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, yellow, and purple can add a splash of color to your garden all summer.
| Scientific Name: | Delosperma spp. |
| Growth Rate: | Fast |
| Native Range: | Southern Africa |
| Hardiness Range: | USDA zones 5-9 |
| Exposure: | Full sun |
| Soil Needs: | Well-draining, sandy soil |
| Tolerate: | Drought, heat, poor soil, salt, and some foot traffic |
| Fertilizing Needs: | Once a year in spring, with a balanced fertilizer |
| Pruning Needs: | Deadheading to encourage blooming and trimming back after flowering to maintain shape |
9. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia Aristata)
This short-lived perennial is known for its bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow, which bloom all summer long. It’s a great choice for attracting pollinators and can even be used in cut flower arrangements.
| Scientific Name: | Gaillardia Aristata |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Native Range: | North America |
| Hardiness Range: | USDA zones 3-10 |
| Exposure: | Full sun |
| Soil Needs: | Well-draining, average to sandy soil |
| Tolerate: | Drought, heat, and poor soil |
| Fertilizing Needs: | Once a year in spring, with a balanced fertilizer |
| Pruning Needs: | Deadheading to encourage blooming and cutting back in late summer to promote a second bloom |
10. Silver Mound Artemisia (Artemisia Schmidtiana)
This low-growing perennial is prized for its silvery-gray foliage, which can add color and texture to your garden.
It’s also drought-tolerant and can be a great choice for rock gardens.
| Scientific Name: | Artemisia Schmidtiana |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Native Range: | Central Asia, Europe |
| Hardiness Range: | USDA zones 4-9 |
| Exposure: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Needs: | Well-draining, average to poor soil |
| Tolerate: | Drought, heat, and deer |
| Fertilizing Needs: | Infrequent fertilization |
| Pruning Needs: | Cut back hard in late summer to promote bushier growth |
11. Creeping Phlox (Phlox Subulata)
This easy-to-grow ground cover is known for its delicate, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, blue, and white, which bloom in the spring. It’s a great choice for adding color to rock gardens, borders or even as a lawn substitute.
| Scientific Name: | Phlox Subulata |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Native Range: | Eastern and Central United States |
| Hardiness Range: | USDA zones 3-9 |
| Exposure: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Needs: | Well-draining, average to sandy soil |
| Tolerate: | Drought, heat, and poor soil |
| Fertilizing Needs: | Once a year in early spring, with a balanced fertilizer |
| Pruning Needs: | Deadheading to encourage blooming and shearing back after flowering to maintain shape. |
FAQ:
What is a Short-Height Perennial?
A short-height perennial is a plant that grows to a relatively small size, typically less than 18 inches in height. These perennials can add texture and color to low-growing areas, such as garden borders or rock gardens.
What’s a Short-Lived Perennial?
A short-lived perennial is a plant with a lifespan of 2-3 years or less.
These plants typically bloom profusely during their short lifespan and can add color and texture to a garden or landscape, but they require more maintenance and replanting to ensure continued growth and blooms.
What Perennial Has the Longest Bloom Period?
The perennial with the longest bloom period varies depending on the climate, growing conditions, and the plant. Some perennials with particularly long bloom periods include yarrow (Achillea), coneflower (Echinacea), and bee balm (Monarda).
These perennials can bloom for several months, providing a long-lasting burst of color to the garden or landscape.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for plants that don’t require much attention but can make your garden look more beautiful and vibrant, consider the low-growing perennials above.
