Buy Perennials That Bloom All Summer

Buy Perennials That Bloom All Summer

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  1. Russian Sage Zones: 5-8
    As low as $29.40
  2. Black Scallop Ajuga Zones: 4-9
    As low as $69.99
  3. Denim 'n Lace Russian Sage Zones: 4-9
    As low as $49.69
  4. Grosso Lavender Zones: 5-8
    As low as $44.99
  5. Chocolate Chip Ajuga Zones: 4-9
    As low as $49.99
  6. Happy Returns Daylily Zones: 2-9
    As low as $39.99
  7. May Night Salvia Zones: 3-8
    As low as $39.99
  8. Becky Shasta Daisy Zones: 5-9
    As low as $29.40
  9. Tiny Monster Geranium Zones: 4-11
    As low as $49.79
  10. Magnus Purple Coneflower Zones: 3-8
    As low as $29.99
  11. Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan Zones: 3-9
    As low as $39.59
  12. Little Goldstar Black-Eyed Susan Zones: 4-9
    As low as $39.59
  13. Autumn Joy Sedum Zones: 3-9
    As low as $39.99
  14. Visions in White Astilbe Zones: 4-8
    As low as $49.79
  15. Apricot Sparkles Daylily Zones: 3-9
    As low as $39.99
  16. Blue False Indigo Zones: 3-9
    As low as $39.99
  17. Vision in Pink Astilbe Zones: 4-8
    As low as $49.79
  18. Firewitch Dianthus Zones: 3-9
    As low as $39.99
  19. PowWow Wild Berry Coneflower Zones: 3-9
    As low as $29.40
  20. Ghost Lamium Zones: 4-9
    As low as $39.99
  21. Caramel Coral Bells Zones: 4-9
    As low as $19.50
  22. Alabama Jubilee Daylily Zones: 3-9
    As low as $39.99
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Perennials That Bloom All Summer at Nature Hills Nursery

What’s the key to creating a floral masterpiece? Is it the colors that go into it or the various textures used throughout? Is it grand displays of topiary trees or elegantly trained vines placed strategically to catch the light?

The answer is all of the above, or perhaps none, depending on your tastes. However, if you’re a gardener looking to maximize the flower power, there’s one trait each and every plant in your garden should have: a long bloom period.

That’s exactly what you’ll find right here at Nature Hills Nursery with our selection of perennials that bloom all summer.

You might think these perennial flowers hard to find, but it’s as easy as browsing through this category. From Ghost Lamium to Coreopsis Creme Brulee, the options for summer perennials are just shy of endless.

Why Plant Extended Bloom Perennials

We’re all looking for a way to get the most from our garden, but most of us don’t have 30 hours a week to spend on upkeep and meticulous bloom scheduling. 

You could always go for the notoriously long-flowering annuals, but they won’t come back next year. Over time, you’ll find yourself spending hours and hours getting up close and personal with the dirt as you deadhead or plant yet another batch. The time and labor is tough enough, and we didn’t even get into the expense of replacing the flowering plants year after year.

Using perennial flowers and shrubs is a much more sustainable way to garden. They’ll be back each year and often don’t require the relentless deadheading. While perennial flowers have several benefits going for them, many perennials bloom for only a couple of weeks each year. 

A short blooming period is not a concern if you choose perennial flowers that bloom all season. Some of the top choices include Happy Returns Daylily, Denim ‘n’ Lace Russian Sage and Chocolate Chip Ajuga. Not only do extended bloom perennials give you far less work, but they serve up more eye candy that lasts from early spring to late fall. 

Reasons to include long-blooming perennials in your landscape:

  • Repeat blooms year after year
  • Low-maintenance, giving you more time for enjoyment
  • More cost-effective and labor-effective than annuals over time 

Extended bloom times can also mean there’s a smorgasbord for local beneficial pollinators. Monarch butterflies will rush to PowWow Wild Berry Coneflower, while bees and other butterflies will revel in Vision in Red Astilbe.

#ProPlantTips on Preparing a Feast for Your Pollinators >>

Endless Bloom Perennials Garden Plan

Yes, the thought of creating an endless bloom perennials garden plan can be intimidating. But it’s really not that tough once you know the basics. Here’s what you’ll want to be on the lookout for when selecting your extended-bloom perennials:

  • USDA growing zone
  • Sun exposure
  • Moisture requirements
  • Mature height and spread

Growing Zones:

It doesn’t matter how pretty the perennial you’re eyeing is if it’s not rated for your growing zone. Unless you choose a flowering plant that thrives in your zone, it’s beauty — and life — will be short lived. Make sure you pay attention to the growing zone numbers under the Plant Highlights on our product pages. 

Not sure what growing zone you’re in? No problem, just enter your zip code in the field above the U.S. map on the product pages. 

Plenty of plants are OK to grow throughout much of the United States in zones 3 to 9. Examples include May Night Salvia and Autumn Joy Sedum.

Sun Exposure:

Some plants love being in the hot summer sun all day long while others would much rather stay in the shade. There are plenty who like a bit of both. It’s important to know your landscape so you can pick long-blooming perennials that’ll thrive in the amount of light your yard provides.

Here’s a helpful hint:

  • Full Sun: Six or more hours of direct sunlight per day
  • Partial Shade: Anywhere from four to six hours of direct sunlight per day
  • Full Shade: Maximum of four hours of direct sunlight per day

Moisture Requirements:

You’ll often find plants are fond of medium moisture with well-drained soil. This means not too wet and not too dry with soil that’ll hold water long enough for the roots to soak up what it needs, but not long enough that the plant is sitting in water. 

If you live in a wetland, look for plants that enjoy a bit more water or are adaptable to many soil types. If you’re somewhere that experiences long periods of drought, Little Goldstar Black-Eyed Susan and Provence Lavender will work well, as both are drought tolerant.

Well-Drained Soil: What Does It Mean? >>

Mature Height and Spread:

The last thing you’ll want to figure into your perennial browsing is the mature height and spread of your selected flowering plants. The mature height and spread tell you how tall and wide the plant will be if left to its own devices year after year. 

Perennials generally reach their mature height in one season because they die back and start over year after year. Mature height and spread will determine how you use them in your garden. Low growers can be ground cover. Taller, flowering perennials would be great for mid- to back-row planting.

A great planting location can make or break your success as a gardener. 

Learn more about Proper Plant Site Selection Being the Key to Successful Plantings >> 

Popular Long Blooming Perennials for Full Sun

1. Purple Coneflower

Not only is this part of the prestigious group of perennials that flower all summer long, but it’s also a native. This means Purple Coneflower is easy to take care of and will drive the pollinators to your garden in droves.

It’ll pair beautifully with perennial shrubs like butterfly bushes. This extended bloom perennial blooms from late spring to early fall. It likes full sun and well-drained soil but doesn’t require much moisture once it’s established.

2. Becky Shasta Daisy

There’s just something about perennial daisies that bloom all summer, and Becky Shasta is one of the best. It’s been improved from the original shasta daisy to feature stronger stems that don’t require staking throughout the season. 

This summer-blooming perennial’s white flowers and lush green foliage make an eye-catching focal point in a perennial garden or a classic addition to your pollinator garden. No matter which garden Becky ends up in, you’ll soon see why it was named Perennial of the Year in 2003.

3. Peachies Pick Stokes Aster

From early summer to fall, Peachies Pick Stokes will be the star of your garden all season long. Its dark green leaves are the perfect backdrop for the vibrantly hued purple-blue flowers. The frilly petals add texture and interest to your landscape, along with plenty of pollinators.

This perennial likes full sun with a bit of morning shade. You’ll also want to check and make sure the soil is well-drained as it doesn’t like staying wet, especially in dormancy. These extended bloom perennials add great color to summer beds, borders and containers.

Popular Long-Blooming Perennials for Full or Partial Shade

1. Jack Frost Brunnera

With their frosty look, the leaves of Jack Frost will have you feeling the cool brush of a winter wonderland against your cheek. The bright baby blue flowers bloom in early spring and continue for weeks. It’s a great way to usher in the beginning of the warmer seasons.

Winner of the 2021 Perennial Plant of the Year, this stunner goes well in perennial flower beds, borders, understory plantings, and even works as ground cover. Throw in the fact that it’s a shade-loving plant that doesn’t mind dry soil, and you have a combination that’s hard to beat.

2. Lamium Purple Dragon

Sometimes called Purple Dragon Nettle, this Lamium variety will light up your shady areas whether it’s in bloom or not. From spring until fall, Purple dragon sends up show-stopping clusters of deep magenta flowers. 

When we say show-stopping, we mean it too. These blooms are larger than any other Lamium variety. From foliage to flowers, bloom time to maintenance, this perennial is the whole package.

3. Delta Dawn Coral Bells

Oh, let us count the reasons we love Delta Dawn. First, there’s the unique foliage comprised of a dynamic red and lime-yellow duo that’s sure to draw the eye. Second, you’ll adore the sprays of delicate, white bellflowers that appear in the spring. 

The third would have to be the pollinators that are sure to stop by for a snack. And fourth is the ease with which you can keep Delta Dawn happy and healthy. This carefree, shade-loving extended bloomer is the perfect addition to your garden.

What to Do to Further Maximize Bloom Time

Yes, picking the right flowering plants gets you well on your way to a garden full of extended blooming perennials. But there are still ways to give your garden the best chance at prolonged flowering times.

One of the best ways to keep the perennial shrubs and plants happy is by pruning regularly. This means grabbing your favorite pair of gardening shears and taking off the appropriate amount during the appropriate time. 

If you aren’t quite sure when that is or what that means, be sure to check out each plant’s #ProPlantTips for care in their product description. There, our garden experts lay out any special requirements and recommendations.

As blooms start to turn brown and fade, that’s another great time to prune them off. This allows the plant to start focusing on other things, such as producing more flowers or strengthening the root system.

Another key to long bloom times is to divide your perennials once they reach their maximum size. Not only does this give you more plants to work with, but it’ll also keep the original plant growing vigorously. 

There are plenty of things to keep in mind when it comes to growing a healthy garden. So many in fact, that sometimes it’s hard to keep them all straight. That’s alright — we’ve got it all down for you to reference as needed.

How to Grow Healthy Plants >>

Where to Plant When Designing the Perfect Extended Blooming Garden

Once you’ve picked your plants and understand their care instructions, it’s time to get down to designing. We have plenty of inspiration if that’s what you’re on the hunt for.

Create A Destination Spot In Your Landscape >>

However, if you’d like to do it all on your own, we suggest starting on paper and drawing out your plans. This gives you leeway to switch things around and configure spaces without having to dig everything back up again.

Try adding in taller plants like Magnus Purple Coneflower or Little Spire Russian Sage towards the back of your displays. Then, fill in front areas with shorter options like Rozanne Geranium or Carmel Coral Bells.

For a more natural look, always plant in odd numbers. Planting in threes or fives is ideal for smaller spaces while planting in sevens and nines works well for larger areas. 

Plan Your Garden by Planting In Threes >>

If you have any questions, reach out to your local extension office — they’ll always be up-to-date on the best options for your region. Or chat with our plant experts; they’re always happy to help find plants that’ll work in your garden.

Browse our extended bloom perennials category for fantastic perennials that bloom all summer long.