12 Low Maintenance Perennial Flowers For Your Garden

Are you looking for beautiful and colorful flowers to add to your garden but don’t have a lot of time or energy for upkeep? If so, you’re in luck! Some grow low and slow wile others keep blooming all summer long.

There are plenty of low maintenance perennial flowers that can thrive in your garden with minimal care and attention. These hardy plants require little watering, pruning, or fertilizing, making them perfect for busy gardeners or those who are still working on getting their green thumb.

Low Maintenance Perennial Blazing Star Flowers
Low Maintenance Perennial Blazing Star Flowers

So,

let’s take a look at some of the most stunning low maintenance perennial flowers that will not only add beauty and color to your garden, but also save you time and effort.

whether you’re a beginner gardener or an experienced one, get ready to be inspired by these gorgeous and easy-to-care-for plants. 🌼

1. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ (Hylotelephium telephium)

Sedum Autumn Joy
Sedum Autumn Joy

Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is a hardy perennial that gardeners love for its low maintenance and stunning autumn blooms. This succulent-like plant features fleshy, grey-green leaves that form a compact, mounding habit. As fall approaches, the foliage turns a rich burgundy color, strikingly contrasting the pinkish-mauve flower heads that emerge in late summer.

Overall, Sedum’ Autumn Joy’ is a beautiful addition to any garden, providing a burst of color and requiring minimal care.

Botanical Name: Hylotelephium telephium
Growth Rate: Fast
Native Range: Asia and Europe 
Hardiness Zones:3-9
Dangers:None
Soil Needs: Well-drained 
Tolerate:Drought, heat and poor soil
Ease of CareEasy
Diseases   Generally none 
PropagationLong
FertilizerNot required 
PestsGenerally none 
Blooming PeriodLong 
Pruning Cut back in spring to encourage bushier growth
Water needs:Low to moderate 

2. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)

Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Bush

The Butterfly Bush, also known as Buddleja, is a popular perennial shrub that is highly sought after by gardeners for its ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators. This easy-to-grow plant features long, slender spikes of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and red, which bloom in mid-summer and last well into autumn.

In addition to its beauty and pollinator-friendly nature, Butterfly Bush is also prized for its versatility, as it can be trained into a small tree or left to grow as a bush. Whether you have a large garden or a small balcony, this plant will bring color and life to your outdoor space.

Botanical Name: Buddleja 
Growth Rate: Fast
Native Range: Asia, Africa, and the Americas
Hardiness Zones:5-9
Dangers:None 
Soil Needs: Well-drained 
Tolerate:Drought, heat, pollution
Ease of CareEasy
Diseases   None serious 
PropagationCuttings 
FertilizerMinimal 
PestsNone serious 
Blooming PeriodLong 
Pruning Regular 
Water needs:Moderate 

3. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

Blanket Flower 2
Blanket Flower

The Blanket Flower, or Gaillardia, is a hardy low growing perennial that adds color to any garden. This plant features large, daisy-like flowers with bright yellow or orange-red petals and a red-brown center. The blooms last from early summer until fall, making them a long-lasting addition to your garden.

In addition to its drought tolerance and pollinator-friendly nature, Blanket Flower is also low-maintenance and can grow in various soil types. Whether you have a rock garden or a meadow, this plant will add color and life to your outdoor space.

Botanical Name: Gaillardia 
Growth Rate: Moderate
Native Range: North and South America 
Hardiness Zones:3-10
Dangers:None 
Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy soil
Tolerate:Drought, heat, poor soil
Ease of CareEasy
Diseases   Powdery mildew, rust
PropagationSeed, division
FertilizerBalanced fertilizer 
PestsAphids, thrips
Blooming PeriodLong
Pruning Deadheading can encourage more blooms
Water needs:Regular 

4. Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

Garden Phlox 2
Garden Phlox

Garden Phlox, or Phlox paniculata, is on my list as one of the top perennial flowers that bloom all summer. prized for its fragrant and colorful blooms. This plant features dense clusters of flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and red that color in mid-summer and last for several weeks. The flowers are beautiful to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, making them a great addition to any pollinator garden.

In addition to its beauty and pollinator-friendly nature, Garden Phlox is also highly resistant to deer and rabbit damage, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with high wildlife activity.

Botanical Name: Phlox paniculata
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Blooming period Long 
Hardiness Zones:3-8
LightFull to partial sun 
Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
Tolerate:Partial shade
Ease of CareEasy
Diseases   Powdery mildew
PropagationDivision, cuttings, seeds
FertilizerBalanced fertilizer in early spring
PestsSpider mites, thrips
Humidity High
Pruning Cut back after blooming to promote a second flush of blooms
Water needs:Consistent moisture required

5. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

New England Aster
New England Aster

The New England Aster, also known as Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, is a stunning native perennial flower that blooms in late summer and early fall. This plant features large clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers that are beautiful to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. 

In addition to its beauty and pollinator-friendly nature, New England Aster is also highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden.

Botanical Name: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Native Range: North America
Hardiness Zones:3 to 8
Dangers:None significant
Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
Tolerate:Drought, heat, humidity, deer
Ease of CareEasy
Diseases   Powdery mildew, rust, aster yellows
PropagationDivision or seed
FertilizerLight, balanced fertilizer in early spring
PestsAphids, spider mites
Blooming PeriodLong
Pruning Cut back in spring before new growth emerges
Water needs:Moderate

6. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow
Yarrow

Yarrow, or Achillea millefolium, is a hardy perennial flower known for its delicate and feathery foliage and clusters of tiny flowers in shades of yellow, white, pink, or red. This plant is highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to any pollinator garden.

In addition to its pollinator-friendly nature and versatility, Yarrow is also prized for its medicinal properties, with traditional uses including treating wounds, reducing fever, and easing digestive issues.

Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium
Growth Rate: Fast
Native Range: Northern hemisphere
Hardiness Zones:3 to 9
Dangers:None
Soil Needs: Well-draining, poor soil
Tolerate:Drought, heat, deer
Ease of CareEasy
Diseases   Powdery mildew
PropagationDivision or seed
FertilizerNot necessary
PestsAphids, spider mites
Blooming PeriodLong
Pruning Cut back after blooming to promote rebloom
Water needs:Low

7. Blazing Star (Liatris)

Blazing Star
Blazing Star

Blazing Star, or Liatris, is a striking native perennial flower known for its tall spikes of purple, pink, or white flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. This plant is highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any pollinator garden.

In addition to its beauty and pollinator-friendly nature, Blazing Star is also highly adaptable to various soil types and light conditions, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of garden settings, from borders and meadows to rock gardens and containers.

Botanical Name: Liatris
Growth Rate: Moderate
Native Range: North America
Hardiness Zones:3-9
Dangers:None significant
Soil Needs: Well-draining, average to dry soil
Tolerate:Drought, heat, deer
Ease of CareEasy
Diseases   None significant
PropagationDivision or seed
FertilizerLight, balanced fertilizer in early spring
PestsAphids, spider mites
Blooming PeriodLong
Pruning Cut back in late fall or early spring
Water needs:Low to moderate

8. Primrose (Primula vulgaris)

Primrose
Primrose

Primrose, or Primula vulgaris, is a charming early-spring blooming perennial flower native to Europe and Asia. This plant is often confused as a weed and features clusters of delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow and is highly attractive to early-season pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

In addition to its early-season beauty and pollinator-friendly nature, Primrose has been used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine for various ailments, including coughs, colds, and headaches.

Botanical Name: Primula vulgaris
Growth Rate: Slow
Native Range: Europe, Asia
Hardiness Zones:3-8
Dangers:Toxic to pets 
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
Tolerate:Partial shade
Ease of CareEasy
Diseases   Fungal
PropagationSeed, division, cuttings
FertilizerBalanced
PestsAphids and spider mites
Blooming PeriodLong
Pruning Not required 
Water needs:Regular 

9. False Goat’s Beard (Astilbes)

False Goats Beard 1
False Goat’s Beard

False Goat’s Beard, or Astilbes, are graceful and elegant perennial flowers known for their feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. This plant is highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to any pollinator garden.

In addition to its beauty and pollinator-friendly nature, False Goat’s Beard is also deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas where deer are common.

Botanical Name: Astilbe
Growth Rate: Fast
Native Range: Asia, North America
Hardiness Zones:3-9
Dangers:None
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained, acidic
Tolerate:Shade, wet soil
Ease of CareEasy
Diseases   Powdery mildew, crown rot
PropagationDivision, seed
FertilizerLow nitrogen
PestsSlugs, snails
Blooming PeriodLong
Pruning Remove spent flowers
Water needs:Consistent moisture needed 

10. Lungwort  (Pulmonaria)

Lungwort
Lungwort

Lungwort, or Pulmonaria, is a unique and attractive perennial flower known for its striking foliage and delicate flowers. The leaves of this plant are green with white or silver spots, creating a lovely contrast in shady garden areas. The flowers are typically pink, purple, or blue and are highly attractive to early-season pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

In addition to its beauty and pollinator-friendly nature, Lungwort has been used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine to treat respiratory ailments, thanks to its purported lung-cleansing properties.

Botanical Name: Pulmonaria
Growth Rate: Medium
Native Range: Europe, Western Asia
Hardiness Zones:4-8
Dangers:None
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
Tolerate:Shade, poor soil 
Ease of CareEasy
Diseases   Powdery mildew, leaf spot
PropagationDivision, seed
FertilizerNot required
PestsSlugs, snails
Blooming PeriodLong 
Pruning Remove spent flowers and foliage
Water needs:Average to moist

11. Catmint (Nepeta)

Cat Mint
Cat Mint

Catmint, or Nepeta, is a hardy and attractive perennial flower known for its striking blue-purple flowers and fragrant foliage. This plant is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, as it is desirable to these essential insects.

According to horticultural expert David Salman, “Catmint is a great choice for garden areas that receive full sun and have well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a great choice for busy gardeners.”

In addition to its beauty and pollinator-friendly nature, Catmint is also known for its purported medicinal properties, which include treating anxiety and insomnia. The essential oil extracted from the plant is calming and can be used in aromatherapy.

Botanical Name: Nepeta
Growth Rate: Fast
Native Range: Europe, Asia, Africa
Hardiness Zones:3-8
Dangers:None 
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Tolerate:Drought, poor soil
Ease of CareEasy
Diseases   None significant
PropagationDivision, seed
FertilizerNot required
PestsNone significant
Blooming PeriodLong
Pruning Cut back after flowering
Water needs:Average 

12. Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea)

coneflower
coneflower

Purple Coneflowers, or Echinacea purpurea, is a popular perennial flower known for its striking pink-purple petals and spiky central cones. In addition to their beauty, these flowers are also highly valued for their medicinal properties, which include boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.

In addition to their medicinal and ornamental benefits, Purple Coneflowers are also highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. If you’re looking for a low-growing option they are also available in dwarf varieties

Botanical Name: Echinacea purpurea
Growth Rate: Medium 
Native Range: Central and Eastern North America
Hardiness Zones:3-9
Dangers:None
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Tolerate:Drought, heat
Ease of CareEasy
Diseases   Powdery mildew, aster yellows
PropagationDivision, seed
FertilizerLow nitrogen
PestsJapanese beetles
Blooming PeriodLong
Pruning Deadhead after flowering
Water needs:Average

Discover More Ways To Grow 👇

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *