When I was younger, all I wanted was to see the flowers in my mom’s garden bloom every day of the year.
Now that I’m older and passionate about gardening myself, I still have the same wish: for my perennials to bloom forever.
Although there are no perennials that can bloom for so long, some do have the ability to bloom multiple times a year, and today’s article is all about them! Let’s dive into finer details, shall we?
What Makes A Perennial Rebloom?
Most popular perennials that we all know and love naturally bloom in cycles. When their blooming period comes around, they bloom. And, after some time, those blooms fade.
Some perennials will bloom again if deadheaded or lightly pruned the right way.
It doesn’t have to be excessive, just enough to provide a stimulus. Weather conditions, care routine, and sunlight also play a role in this.
14 Perennials That Keep Coming Back With More Blooms
1: Coreopsis (USDA Zones 4-9)
Coreopsis offers sunny yellow and baby pink flowers that are known to bloom for very long periods of time and often rebloom if deadheaded properly.
2: Salvias (USDA Zones 3-8)
Salvias attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds to the garden with their vibrant, nectar-rich blooms in early summer as well as in fall after a light prune.
3: Catmint (Nepeta) (USDA Zones 3-8)
Catmint is a very hardy, drought-tolerant perennial that offers soft purple and blue flowers that come back quick after a light trim.
4: Daylilies (Reblooming Varieties) (USDA Zones 3-9)
Although not all daylily varieties rebloom, certain types like ‘Stella De Oro’ absolutely can. They bloom in cycles from spring all the way to fall.
Pet note: I’d be careful with daylilies if you have cats, since they can be very dangerous for them. Dogs may get an upset stomach if they chew on them too, so this one is best kept away from curious pets.
5: Veronica (Speedwell) (USDA Zones4-9)
Veronicas offer tall spikes of colorful flowers that rebloom with regular deadheading. They’re perfect for making garden borders look pretty and elegant.
6: Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) (USDA Zones 3-9)
Blanket flowers practically bloom nonstop in warm weather, as long as they’re cared for correctly. They’re also quick to rebloom when cut back.
7: Shasta Daisy (Improved Varieties) (USDA Zones 4-9)
Certain Shasta daisy varieties bloom again in late summer after already blooming in spring. They offer classic white petals with yellow centers.
8: Coneflower (USDA Zones 3-9)
Coneflowers are super easy to grow and maintain. They bloom for a very long time and self-sow quite easily. You want to cut back this perennial lightly to encourage reblooming.
9: Yarrows (USDA Zones 3-9)
This low-growing perennial blooms early and may rebloom in late summer too. It’s perfect for drawing pollinators to dry gardens.
Pet note: Yarrow is one I’d plant with a little caution if you have pets that like to nibble. It can be toxic to dogs and cats, so I’d keep it out of reach or choose a more pet-friendly option.
10: Geranium (Cranesbill) (USDA Zones 4-8)
Geraniums are hardy perennials with multiple bloom cycles throughout the year. They have a low-growing nature and are great for planting around the edges of a garden.
11: Hellebores (USDA Zones 4-9)
Hellebores are known for winter/spring blooms, but some varieties keep flowering into summer. They’re quite shade-tolerant and low maintenance, meaning easy to care for in the long run.
Pet note: Hellebores are beautiful, but they’re not the best choice for spots where dogs or cats can chew on them. They’re considered toxic to pets, so I’d plant them with care.
12: Penstemon (USDA Zones 4-9)
This perennial offers vibrant, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, lavender, and deep red. These blooms are especially loved by bees and return if cut back after their flowering period.
13: Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower) (USDA Zones 3-7)
Scabiosa flowers are compact and bloom all season long with regular deadheading. The delicate, button-like flowers shine bright in the garden, especially if paired with darker, contrasting plants.
14: Black-Eyed Susan (USDA Zones 3-9)
Rudbeckia flowers bloom for weeks at a time and often rebloom when trimmed. They’re great for adding color and a classic sunny flair to the garden in late summer.
Pet note: Black-eyed Susans are usually more of a mild concern, but they can still cause stomach upset if pets eat them. If your dog or cat is a plant-chewer, I’d keep an eye on this one.
Tips To Keep Perennials Blooming Longer
Conclusion
In my opinion, perennials that bloom multiple times a year are the best kind of perennials. I mean…who in their right mind wouldn’t want his/her garden to be blooming and filled with bright color all the time? I’d love it!
Unfortunately, we don’t have year-round blooming perennials (yet?), so perennials that bloom multiple times a year with gaps are your best bet.
Certain perennials return naturally on their own, while others may need a little push in the form of a light trim to get going and begin reblooming.
How about close up photos of deadheading?
Hi Pam! 😊 Is there a specific plant you’d like to see a close-up of for deadheading? I’d be happy to help with that! We also have a few articles that show how to deadhead some of these perennials step by step. Just let me know which one you’re working with! 🌸✂️✨
How about Hellbournes, also known as Lenten roses. And what about Marigolds?
Hi! 😊 I actually mention Hellebores (Lenten roses) in the article, they’re number 11 on the list! 🌸 As for marigolds, they aren’t true perennials, but with regular deadheading, they bloom continuously through the season. 🌿✨
I purchased a few foxglove plants because I thought they were perennial. Now I am finding out that they are actually biennial. Can anyone give me advice on these plants?
Hi Dorothy! Great question! 😊 Foxgloves are technically biennial, meaning they usually grow leaves the first year and bloom the second then they often die off. BUT! If you let them go to seed, they’ll self-sow and come back year after year like a perennial patch. To help them along:
🌿 Leave a few flower spikes to dry and drop seeds;
🌱 You can also collect and scatter seeds in late summer;
🌸 Some varieties like ‘Foxy’ will bloom the first year, so check your plant tag.
With a little planning, you can enjoy their tall, magical blooms for many seasons! 💜✨
I am never sure when to deadbeat lantanas. The flowers fade into small seed bulbs after bloomimg…should I snap those off for more blooms?
Hi Linda 🙂 Yes, once lantana flowers fade and start turning into little seed berries, you can snip those off. Many lantanas keep blooming without much help, but removing the seed heads can tidy the plant and may encourage more flowers.
This its very helpful information. Do you have suggestions for plants to put in that can survive hot dry summers 100+?
Hi Lisa! So glad it helped! 😊 I just asked my friend who lives in Arizona (similar climate to what you mentioned), and she swears by black-eyed Susans, blanket flowers, and salvia. She also has recommends Russian sage and yarrow, because they thrive in heat and barely need water once established! 😊
I have too many crummy shears for cutting,,,, what brand do you recommend and what is best maintenance to keep sharp and clean?
Hi Colleen! 😊 I totally get that, I’ve gone through a bunch of crummy shears too! 😅 My go-to now is Felco, a bit of an investment, but super sturdy and easy to maintain. For keeping them sharp and clean, I wipe the blades after each use (especially if I’m pruning something sappy), give them a quick rub with rubbing alcohol, and sharpen them every few weeks with a little sharpener or whetstone. A drop of oil on the pivot point helps keep them moving smoothly too!
Can you clarify where these best grow (sun vs shade, moist vs dry soil, etc)? I am in zone 7 in Virginia
Hi Kristy 🙂 In zone 7 Virginia, most of these do best with good drainage and at least part to full sun, but it depends on the plant. Catmint, salvia, coreopsis, coneflowers, yarrow, and black-eyed Susans like sun and fairly well-drained soil. Hellebores prefer more shade and richer soil, and phlox appreciates moisture plus good airflow.
We see that they are up to zone 9 but we doubt they will do well in AZ which where we live is zone 9.
Hi 🙂 That’s a good point. Zone numbers only tell part of the story, and Arizona heat, intense sun, and dry soil can be harder on some perennials than the zone rating suggests. I’d look for heat-tolerant choices and give afternoon shade if a plant struggles in your summer sun.
I received your calendar last year and loved it! I’ve requested it for this year but have had no luck receiving one.
If possible can you email me one?
Thank you
Hi Rita, where can l find out about zones as l liven in Brisbane Queensland Australia.
Hi Kerin 🙂 In Australia, USDA zones don’t always line up perfectly with local growing conditions, so I’d look up your Australian hardiness/climate zone through a local nursery, garden center, or Australian gardening site. Brisbane is warm and subtropical, so heat and humidity matter just as much as winter cold.
I love your articles! Thank you for all the tips to help my gardening succeed!
Hi Abby 🙂 Thank you so much, I’m really glad the tips are helping your garden succeed.
What can you tell me about Cock’s Comb?
Hi 🙂 Cock’s comb, or celosia, is usually grown as a warm-season annual. It loves heat, sun, and well-drained soil, and the blooms can last a long time. It’s a fun one if you want bold color and interesting texture in the garden.