28 Low-Maintenance Perennial Plants That Return Every Year

There are about 300 iris species, but the bearded iris is among the most popular. The striking blooms, which can range from deep purple and blue to yellow and white, prefer full sun and well-drained soil to thrive, but require minimal watering. The iris flower is a favorite among pollinators, especially bees that are drawn to its vibrant petals.

Hardiness zones: 3-10

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Known for its deep yellow petals and dark brown center, the black-eyed Susan is popular for its long bloom period (flowers often last until the first frost). The perennial thrives in full sun, but can tolerate partial sun. They are deer resistant, yet attract pollinators like bees, butterflies and birds.

Hardiness zones: 3-9

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Any soil that is well-draining

Bloom time: Early summer to winter

Hydrangeas — a favorite among gardeners — have flowers that vary between pink, lavender and blue, depending on the soil pH. Hydrangea shrubs have a longer blooming season, typically from late spring through early fall. To ensure that they live a full life (50 years!), plant them in spring after the last spring frost or in fall before the first fall frost.

Hardiness zones: 3-9

Sunlight: Partial sun

Soil needs: Acidic, well-drained soil

Bloom time: Late spring to fall

Lavender's fragrant blooms add vibrant color to any garden. Not to mention, the strong scent deters pests like mosquitoes, moths and flies, making it a natural insect repellent. It grows especially well in areas with hot temperatures and little rain, making it a great addition for extreme climates.

Hardiness zones: 5-9

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Alkaline-rich, well-drained and sandy soil

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

A symbol of love, beauty and romance, roses come in many varieties — like English roses, grandiflora roses and garden roses. Rose bushes come back every year, but keep in mind that every rose variety may prefer slightly different conditions.

Hardiness zones: 5-8

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Loam soil

Bloom time: Late spring to early autumn

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The star-shaped flower heads may give off the same look as daisies, but they're an entirely different type of perennial. The plants, which can grow anywhere from eight inches to eight feet in height, come to life in late summer, giving bees and butterflies an important late-season pollen supply.

Hardiness zones: 3-8

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Well-drained, loamy soil

Bloom time: Late summer to fall

Just when you're wishing winter away, these gorgeous yellow flowers begin to bloom. Aside from their cheerful color, daffodils provide nectar for bees and other early-season pollinators. Daffodils are known to multiply quickly and return to bloom each spring with little effort. They prefer sun, but can tolerate partial shade and they're not fussy about soil.

Hardiness zones: 3-8

Sunlight: Full sun or partial shade

Soil needs: Loose, loamy soil that is slightly acidic

Bloom time: Late winter to early spring

This easy-to-grow plant has strong stems, large leaves and bright flowers in shades of berry red, pink and purple. Use them to attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. The sun-loving plant requires a lot of water and the foliage can be cut back after flowering to encourage growth. Added bonus? When crushed, the flowers release a spicy fragrance that's perfect for tea.

Hardiness zones: 4-9

Sunlight: Full or half sun

Soil needs: Rich, moisture-retaining soil

Bloom time: Early summer to early fall

This hardy and versatile perennial is as carefree as it gets: Yarrow is pest-resistant, quick to spread and a major pollinator. Since it grows quickly, use it as ground cover or to fill large spaces. Once the red, yellow, pink or white flowers bloom, cut them (a.k.a. deadhead) when their color starts to fade to encourage more flower growth.

Hardiness zones: 3-9

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Any soil that is well-draining

Bloom time: Summer

Believe it or not, these purple pom-pom flowers are actually a part of the onion family. Once planted, they can be left untouched for years, especially since rodents, deer and pests tend to avoid them. Their skinny stems rise to 30 inches in height, making them stand out against ground covers and low-growing varieties.

Hardiness zones: 3-9

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil

Bloom time: Summer to fall

Not only are tulips possibly one of the easiest perennial flowers to grow, they're one of the most colorful. The elegant flower blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, yellow and orange. Plant bulbs in the fall and you should see blooms by early spring. The only downside? Tulips may only come back for a few years before you need to plant new bulbs.

Hardiness zones: 3-8

Sunlight: Partial or full sun

Soil needs: Loose, well-draining soil with a neutral pH

Bloom time: Early spring

Add some contrast to the grasses and greens in your garden with golden-yellow spikes. Some consider Goldenrod a weed — and that's because it grows quickly and can overtake your garden if not treated with care.

Hardiness zones: 2-8

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Any soil with decent drainage

Bloom time: Late summer to fall

One of the most common perennials, peonies make elegant cut flowers. The beautiful blooms come back every year and have been known to live for up to 100 years (yes, that means they may outlive you). They have a sweet scent and large, beautiful flowers that are most commonly pink but can also be white, red, orange or yellow.

Hardiness zones: 2-8

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil needs: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Defined by its tall stems and bell-shaped blooms, the Foxglove comes in a few color variations: white, pink, red, yellow and shades of purple. The short-lived perennials are ideal for pollinators, tolerate shade well and attract hummingbirds, all while resisting rabbits and deer. If you're lucky, you'll have blooms in the first year, but most likely in the second.

Hardiness zones: 4-9

Sunlight: Full sun to part shade

Soil needs: Well-draining, loamy soil

Bloom time: Early to mid-summer

If your neighborhood deer nibble on everything in sight, consider planting a patch of Shasta Daisies. Along with being deer and rabbit-resistant, these short-lived perennials grow in clumps, filling up any empty spots with bright bursts of white and yellow. Bonus: You can cut the flowers at the stem for an instant vase filler or centerpiece, and they'll regrow in no time.

Hardiness zones: 5-8

Sunlight: Full sun, but tolerates some shade

Soil needs: Well-draining soil

Bloom time: Late spring to fall

Pollinators love these star-shaped flower clusters — and gardeners do too! Depending on the size of your space, choose between low-growing sedum (a great ground cover option) or upright sedum. Both varieties boast the same beautiful results: succulent-like leaves with tiny pink, red or yellow flowers.

Hardiness zones: 3-10

Sunlight: Full sun (low-growing sedum tolerates partial shade)

Soil needs: Well-draining, coarsely-textured and gravelly soil

Bloom time: Summer to fall

Daylilies survive through almost anything — fluctuating temperatures, irregular watering and so on. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can find the right option to suit your garden or landscaping. And while each stem grows several flowers, keep in mind the buds only bloom for one day.

Hardiness zones: 4-9

Sunlight: Full sun or partial shade

Soil needs: Not picky, but prefers fertile and loamy soil

Bloom time: Early summer

Starting in early spring, low-growing phlox blooms as ground cover. During the summer months, the tall phlox — anywhere from three to five feet in height — pop up, creating a colorful backdrop for any low-growers. These star-shaped flowers emit a strong fragrance and require little TLC.

Hardiness zones: 2-9

Sunlight: Full sun but tolerates shade

Soil needs: Moist but well-draining soil

Bloom time: Spring to summer

Lupines are frequently spotted in the wild, but you can also grow these spiky flowers in your garden at home. Throughout their short life — typically 3 to 4 seasons — stems can grow up to five feet tall, complete with red, white, yellow, pink or purple blooms that resemble pea flowers.

Hardiness zones: 4-7

Sunlight: Full to partial sun

Soil needs: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil

Bloom time: Spring to summer

Make a bold statement by planting Coneflowers in a range of pinks, purples, oranges and yellows. Since they're a part of the daisy family, these trouble-free blooms bare similar qualities: They grow fast, self-sow seeds all season long, attract butterflies and tolerate little or no water.

Hardiness zones: 3-9

Sunlight: Full to partial sun

Soil needs: Tolerates most soil, but prefers nutrient-rich loam

Bloom time: Summer to fall