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.

Low growing Creeping Phlox perennial 2
Low growing Creeping Phlox perennial

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)

Eastern Pasque Flower
Eastern Pasque Flower

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
Growing guide

2. Perennial Pinks (Dianthus sp.)

Perennial Pinks

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
Growing guide

3. Dwarf Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)

Dwarf Purple Coneflower
Dwarf Purple Coneflower

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
Growing guide

4. Plantain Lilies (Hostas)

Plantain Lilies
Plantain Lilies

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
Growing guide

5. Bishop’s Hat (Barrenwort Epimedium)

Bishops Hat
Bishop’s Hat

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
Growing guide

6. Flowering Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum)

Flowering Thyme
Flowering Thyme

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
Growing guide

7. Perennial Violets (Viola Odorata)

Perennial Violets
Perennial Violets

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
Growing guide

8. Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma)

Hardy Ice Plant
Hardy Ice Plant

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
Growing guide

9. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia Aristata)

Blanket Flower
Blanket Flower

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
Growing guide

10. Silver Mound Artemisia (Artemisia Schmidtiana)

silver mound
silver mound

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
Growing guide

11. Creeping Phlox (Phlox Subulata)

Creeping Phlox
Creeping Phlox

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.
Growing guide

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.

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