Now in Bloom! The Best Perennials for Spring, Summer, and Fall in Sunny Gardens
A sunny garden is a true blessing—especially when it bursts into bloom from spring through fall. With the right mix of perennials, you can keep your garden colorful and lively all season long. Discover the top sun-loving perennials for each time of year, complete with details on height, flower shape, and design tips.
Spring – A Light and Cheerful Start
1. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
This evergreen perennial forms dense mats and is perfect as a ground cover or border plant.
- Height: 10–15 cm (4–6 in)
- Flower shape: Masses of small, star-shaped blooms
- Garden style: Rock gardens, cottage gardens, naturalistic plantings
2. Basket-of-Gold (Alyssum saxatile)
Thriving in dry, well-drained soil and full sun, this evergreen perennial is ideal for rock gardens.
- Height: 15–20 cm (6–8 in)
- Flower shape: Small clusters of bright yellow flowers
- Garden style: Rock gardens, naturalistic plantings
3. Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris)
Though small, this plant enchants with its violet, bell-shaped flowers. Plant in groups of 3–5 for best effect. Prefers lime-rich, well-drained soil and attracts bees.
- Height: 5–20 cm (2–8 in)
- Flower shape: Bell-shaped
- Garden style: Rock gardens, wildflower gardens
4. Leopard’s Bane (Doronicum orientale)
A charming yellow perennial perfect for edging sunny borders. A favorite among early pollinators.
- Height: 15–40 cm (6–16 in)
- Flower shape: Daisy-like, radiating blooms
- Garden style: Natural gardens, pollinator-friendly gardens
Summer – Color and Long Blooming Power
5. Delphinium (Delphinium spp.)
A striking vertical accent in any perennial border. Requires staking and may rebloom if cut back after first bloom. Watch out for snails.
- Height: 120–180 cm (4–6 ft)
- Flower shape: Tall, dense floral spikes
- Garden style: Cottage gardens, formal borders
6. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
This drought-tolerant native thrives in sunny spots and attracts bees and butterflies with ease.
- Height: 80–120 cm (2.5–4 ft)
- Flower shape: Daisy-like with a prominent cone center
- Garden style: Prairie gardens, wildlife-friendly gardens
7. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
An evergreen subshrub known for its fragrant blooms and pollinator appeal. Regular pruning keeps it compact.
- Height: 40–60 cm (16–24 in)
- Flower shape: Spikes of tiny fragrant flowers
- Garden style: Mediterranean gardens, gravel beds, rustic gardens
8. Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri)
A long bloomer that adds movement and grace to borders. Its airy stems and butterfly-like flowers work beautifully in naturalistic designs.
- Height: 60–100 cm (24–40 in)
- Flower shape: Delicate, butterfly-like flowers on slender stems
- Bloom time: June to October
- Garden style: Prairie gardens, modern landscapes, informal borders
Fall – A Bold Floral Finale
9. New York Aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii)
One of the last perennials to bloom, making it vital for bees in late summer and fall. Looks especially striking paired with ornamental grasses.
- Height: 60–100 cm (24–40 in)
- Flower shape: Small, star-shaped flowers with yellow centers
- Bloom time: September to early November
- Garden style: Natural gardens, pollinator-friendly beds
10. Autumn Joy Sedum (Sedum telephium)
With its succulent leaves and drought tolerance, this perennial is perfect for hot spots. Its flower heads persist attractively into winter.
- Height: 40–60 cm (16–24 in)
- Flower shape: Dense, flat-topped flower clusters
- Garden style: Gravel gardens, modern borders, bee gardens
11. Sneezeweed (Helenium hybridum)
A robust perennial that spreads by rhizomes and fills space quickly. Water well in dry spells and give it compost in spring.
- Height: 60–140 cm (2–4.5 ft)
- Flower shape: Daisy-like with a prominent dome-shaped center
- Bloom time: July to October
- Garden style: Country-style gardens, vibrant late-season borders
