Posted by Brent Wilson on 9/13/2016 to
Design Tips
Okay, so there are thousands of perennial plants to choose from to plant in your garden. But you want the one's with the longest flowering season, right...and why not? Who wouldn't appreciate more flowers in their garden?
I selected the perennial plants in the listing below based on my own experience growing them in Zone 8 of mid-Georgia using these criteria: dependability, ease of growing, overall performance, longevity, and long bloom period. Keep in mind that most nurseries, including Wilson Bros Gardens, carry perennials on a seasonal basis.
Note: Make sure to check USDA Zones to make sure they will grow in your area. Find Your Zone >
Hardy Lantana
Flowering Period: Late Spring through Fall.
USDA Zones: check for each variety - Find Your Zone >
Light: Full to Mostly Sun
My Favorite Varieties: Sonset (pictured below), Miss Huff, Chapel Hill Yellow, Chapel Hill Gold, Mozelle (pink), Trailing Lavender.
Hardy Verbena
Flowering Period: Mid-Spring to Frost
USDA Zones: 6b-9b - Find Your Zone >
Light Needs: Full to Mostly Sun
My Favorite Variety: Homestead Purple
Hardy Ice Plant
Delosperma cooperi
Flowering Period: Mid-Spring to Frost
USDA Zones: 6a-10a - Find Your Zone >
Light Needs: Full to Mostly Sun
My Favorite Variety: Purple Ice Plant Delosperma cooperi
Mexican Petunia
Ruellia
Flowering Period: Late Spring to Frost
USDA Zones: 8a-10b (7b?) - Find Your Zone >
Light Needs: Full Sun or Part Shade
My Favorite Varieties: Purple Showers (pictured below), Katie Purple Dwarf
Perennial Salvia/Sage
Flowering Period: Mid-Spring through Early Winter
USDA Zones: check each variety - Find Your Zone >
Light Needs: Full Sun or Part Shade
My Favorite Varieties: Black & Blue, Hot Lips (pictured below)
Pincushion Flower
Scabiosa
Flowering Period: Early Spring to Mid-Winter
USDA Zones: 4a-9b - Find Your Zone >
Light Needs: Full to Mostly Sun
My Favorite Variety: Butterfly Blue
Butterfly Bush
Buddleai
Flowering Period: Late Spring to Frost
USDA Zones: 5a-9b - Find Your Zone >
Light Needs: Full to Mostly Sun
My Favorite Varieties: Black Knight (pictured below), Buzz Series, Lo & Behold Blue Chip
Black Eyed Susan Daisy
Rudbeckia
Flowering Period: Mid Summer to Early Fall
USDA Zones: 3a-9b - Find Your Zone >
Light Needs: Full Sun or Light Shade
My Favorite Variety: Goldsturm (pictured below)
Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Coreopsis verticillata
Flowering Period: Late Spring to Frost (if deadheaded)
USDA Zones: 5a-8b - Find Your Zone >
Light Needs: Full to Mostly Sun
My Favorite Varieties: Zagreb (pictured below), Moonbeam
Blanket Flower
Gaillardia
Flowering Period: Mid-Spring to Frost
USDA Zones: 2b-10b - Find Your Zone >
Light Needs: Full to Mostly Sun
My Favorite Varieties: Arizona Sun, Goblin, Mesa Yellow
Hummingbird Plant
Dicliptera suberecta
Flowering Period: Summer thru Fall
USDA Zones: 7a-10b - Find Your Zone >
Light Needs: Full Sun or Part Shade
Lenton Rose
Helleborus
Flower Period: Mid-Winter to Mid-Spring
USDA Zones: 4a-9b - Find Your Zone >
Light Requirements: Shade to Partial Shade (no afternoon sun)
My Favorite Varieties: Too many to name!