Great Perennials for Mid-Atlantic Gardens

Regional Gardening, Best Perennials, Mid-Atlantic Gardening

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Perennial flowers are fabulous additions to our gardens. When carefully selected, wave after wave of colorful blooms will be enjoyed in your Mid-Atlantic garden from spring to fall. Reliable plants, they come back stronger and bigger when winter turns to spring, ready to start another spectacular show.

Selecting the right perennial plant might be challenging for Mid-Atlantic gardeners. If you are looking for beautiful, low-maintenance, and hardy perennial plants that will sail through the challenges of the seasons in the Mid-Atlantic region, you may want to consider these top performing perennial varieties. As you will note, some have also received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society!

Guide Information

Hardiness	5 - 7
Heat Zones	3 - 6
Plant Type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height
Spread
Maintenance	Low, Average
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics	Plant of Merit, Showy
Landscaping Ideas	Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders

Great Perennials for the Mid-Atlantic Region

Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle)

Cultivated since the 19th century, award-winner Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle) provides a lovely finish to a border or a path edge and blends beautifully with most perennials. This clump-forming perennial forms dense, leafy mounds of scallop-edged, toothed, densely hairy, light green leaves which nicely retain moisture beads after the rain.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Amorpha canescens (Lead Plant)

Native to North America, Amorpha canescens, or Lead Plant, is a hardy deciduous shrub boasting aromatic, silver-gray feathery leaves and blue-purple flower spikes with golden anthers. Flowering in late spring to early summer, it draws bees, butterflies, and other insects. Though it often retreats to the ground in winter, it vigorously regrows in spring. This tough shrub tolerates heat, drought, and wind, making it ideal for borders, meadows, and windbreaks, and serves as an erosion control agent.

Hardiness	2 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Amsonia tabernaemontana (Blue Star)

Chosen as one of the 75 Great Plants for American Gardens by the American Horticultural Society, Amsonia tabernaemontana (Blue Star) is an exceptional perennial. It features delicate, pale blue, star-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer, attracting insects and hummingbirds. With attractive foliage and golden fall color, it is a low-maintenance, disease-resistant garden plant.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early), Fall
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Anemone tomentosa ‘Robustissima’ (Japanese Anemone)

Highly robust and vigorous, Anemone x hybrida ‘Robustissima’ is a sensational Japanese Anemone with single, soft pink cup-shaped blossoms borne on reddish stems. Dancing and swaying in the breeze, the eye-catching 5-petalled blossoms are gracefully carried on wiry reddish stems above mounds of divided, grape-like, dark green foliage.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Late), Fall
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed)

Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial known for its vibrant orange to yellow-orange blooms all summer. Deer-resistant and easy to grow, it features upright stems with lance-shaped leaves. Its showy flowers attract pollinators, followed by decorative seed pods in fall. Unlike other milkweeds, it lacks milky sap.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Baptisia australis (False Indigo)

Baptisia australis (False Indigo) is a hardy perennial that offers long-lasting beauty. In spring, it showcases spikes of indigo blue flowers reminiscent of Lupines, attracting pollinators. Its blue-green, trifoliate leaves provide an attractive backdrop throughout the season. The plant forms intriguing seedpods that turn black in fall and persist into winter if left untrimmed.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart)

Renowned for its grace and charm, Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart) is a delicate herbaceous perennial with arching stems adorned with pendulous pink flowers, resembling hearts with white petals. The blooms gracefully hover above the attractive, soft green, divided foliage. It typically blooms for 4-6 weeks in late spring to early summer. Ideal for shaded borders and woodland gardens.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)

Eupatorium maculatum (Spotted Joe-Pye Weed)

Eupatorium maculatum, also known as spotted Joe-Pye weed, is a striking perennial wildflower native to North America. It features tall, sturdy stems, whorled leaves, and large, fluffy, mauve-pink flower clusters that bloom in mid to late summer. A favorite of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, it thrives in moist environments and is commonly used in naturalistic and native plant gardens, contributing both height and color.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	5' - 8' (150cm - 240cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Iberis sempervirens (Evergreen Candytuft)

Iberis sempervirens (Evergreen Candytuft) is a delightful, low-growing perennial that adds charm to your garden in spring. Its pure white flowers, adorned with delicate yellow dots, stand out against the dark green foliage. This fabulous plant shouldn’t be overlooked, as it brings a touch of elegance to any landscape.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Liatris spicata (Blazing Star)

Appreciated for its striking vertical flower spikes and fine-textured foliage, Gayfeather or Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) is a valuable perennial. Its button-shaped, purple, rosy red, or white flowers resemble blazing stars and bloom sequentially over several weeks, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. With attractive foliage that stays lush all summer and turns bronze in fall, this easy-to-grow plant adds a strong vertical accent to sunny borders

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread	9" - 2' (23cm - 60cm)

Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ (Catmint)

Renowned for its abundant blooms and impressive height, Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ (Catmint) is a robust perennial with aromatic, gray-green foliage. It produces tall spikes of rich violet-blue flowers, up to 12 inches (30 cm) long, throughout the growing season. Plant it in large drifts for a colorful and fragrant garden display.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Salvia yangii (Russian Sage)

Russian Sage (Salvia yangii) is a hardy and drought-resistant perennial with slender white stems adorned with small, lavender-blue flowers. Its finely-dissected gray-green leaves add to its delicate appearance. Blooming from mid-summer to fall, it thrives in challenging conditions such as heat and poor soils. With its long-lasting blooms and striking winter stems, it is a valuable addition to any garden, especially for xeriscaping.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox)

Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox) is a spreading wildflower with semi-evergreen foliage. It produces abundant clusters of fragrant, saucer-shaped flowers in mid to late spring, ranging in shades of lilac, rose, or blue. With its low, creeping growth habit, it forms a beautiful carpet of blooms, making it a charming addition to woodland gardens. Native to eastern North America.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	9" - 1' (23cm - 30cm)
Spread	9" - 1' (23cm - 30cm)

Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ (Solomon’s Seal)

Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ (Variegated Solomon’s Seal) is a stunning shade-loving perennial with arching stems. It boasts fragrant, vase-shaped, creamy-white flowers with green tips in late spring to early summer. The elegant bright green foliage is adorned with creamy white splashes and turns yellow in fall. This classic beauty is perfect for shady woodland gardens or part-shade to full-shade borders.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	9" - 1' (23cm - 30cm)

Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’ (Rough Goldenrod)

Adding a burst of color to the late-season garden, Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’ (Rough Goldenrod) creates a spectacular display with its bright yellow arching flower panicles. Blooming for weeks, it attracts a variety of beneficial insects. With fine-textured leaves and controlled spreading, it harmonizes well with other perennials.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Late), Fall
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Hardy Geraniums (Cranesbill)

Hardy geraniums are a garden favorite, boasting abundant flowers and lush foliage that adds texture. They are incredibly resilient, resisting pests and diseases, making them low-maintenance. These plants are known for their easy growth, making them a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)

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Achillea (Yarrow)

Achillea is valued for its pleasantly fragrant, feathery foliage and its long-lasting, conspicuous, flat umbel flowers. Vital ingredient of herbaceous borders or prairie plantings, Achillea blooms for weeks from late spring to late summer, in a wide range of colors sgrdegdfsghfg

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

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Aquilegia (Columbine)

Aquilegia, also known as Columbine or Granny’s Bonnet, is a superb perennial for any garden. Its delicate, bell-shaped flowers form beautiful clusters, complemented by lacy foliage that emerges early in the year. Blooming abundantly for 4-6 weeks from mid-spring to summer, Columbine bridges the gap between early spring bulbs and the peak of the garden season.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)
Spread	6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm)

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Aster amellus (Italian Aster)

With its lavender-blue starry flowers, the Italian Aster (Aster amellus) adds a bold splash of color to the late-season garden. It blooms early, avoids the need for staking, and is resistant to mildew, making it a reliable and low-maintenance choice for any garden.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Late), Fall
Height	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

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Aster novae-angliae (New England Aster)

New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae) provides an outstanding late-season show with its violet or lavender daisy-like flowers. This tall and spectacular Aster is easy to grow, long-lived, and attracts butterflies with its nectar-rich blooms. It brings cheerful fall color and adds beauty to any garden.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Late), Fall
Height	1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm)
Spread	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)

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Campanula glomerata (Clustered Bellflower)

Campanula glomerata, commonly known as Clustered Bellflower, is a clump-forming perennial with dense clusters of vibrant, bell-shaped flowers in shades of purple, blue, or white. Blooming in late spring to early summer, this charming plant features toothed, lance-shaped leaves and adds a touch of color and elegance to gardens, borders, and rockeries.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)

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Echinops (Globe Thistle)

Echinops (Globe Thistle) is a trouble-free and low-maintenance plant that brings outstanding contrast, interest, and color to the summer garden. With bold, globe-shaped flowers in steel blue or pristine white, these blooms add enchantment and beauty. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, Echinops is a valuable addition to any landscape.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)

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Hardy Perennial Salvias (Sage)

Hardy perennial salvias create stunning combinations with other perennials and ornamental grasses, thanks to their vertical, densely packed flower spikes in shades of rich indigo-blue, violet, and purple. Their vibrant colors add a striking contrast to the garden landscape.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)
Spread	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)

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Hemerocallis (Daylilies)

Hemerocallis, commonly known as daylilies, are hardy and versatile perennial plants that produce stunning flowers in a wide range of colors and patterns. With their long blooming season, ease of care, and ability to adapt to various growing conditions, daylilies are a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	1' - 4' (30cm - 120cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

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Iris sibirica (Siberian Iris)

Siberian Irises are elegant, easy-to-grow perennials with striking flowers in shades of blue, purple, red-violet, yellow, and even orange or brown in newer varieties. Their upright, blade-shaped foliage remains fresh all season, adding texture and charm. With a long bloom time, they make a captivating addition to any garden.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

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Leucanthemum x superbum (Shasta Daisy)

Renowned for its magnificent blooms and vibrant green foliage, Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) is a cherished perennial. Offering a diverse selection of cultivars, there is a Shasta Daisy suited for every garden. These low-maintenance plants enchant with weeks of colorful flowers, beginning in early to mid-summer, making them a delightful addition to any landscape.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)

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Monarda (Bee Balm)

Vibrant and distinctive, Monarda (Bee Balm) is a summer-blooming perennial that adds a splash of color to borders. Whether planted individually or in groups, its eye-catching flower heads create a captivating display, making it a standout plant in any garden.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	1' - 4' (30cm - 120cm)
Spread	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)

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Paeonia (Peonies)

Beloved for their abundant blooms, the beauty of their exquisite flowers, their delightful fragrance, and their bold foliage changing shades over the seasons, peony flowers add a dazzling splash of color in the landscape.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 7' (60cm - 210cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

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Papaver orientale (Oriental Poppy)

With their striking, silky-satin flowers in vibrant shades of red, orange, white, or pink, Oriental Poppies (Papaver orientale) are the stars of the late spring to early summer garden. These eye-catching perennials add a touch of drama and beauty to any landscape.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

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Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox)

Phlox paniculata, a garden classic, offers showy, fragrant flowers that bloom from summer to early fall. Its diverse colors, including white, lavender, pink, and red, create stunning round heads that sway in the breeze, spreading a delightful fragrance throughout the garden.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

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Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)

Prized for its vibrant warm hues, Rudbeckia fulgida is a stunning herbaceous perennial that adds a burst of golden yellow to the late summer garden. Adorned with prominent brown or black central cones, its profuse flowers covers the lance-shaped foliage, creating a captivating display atop sturdy stems.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan) Read More

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum, commonly known as stonecrop, is a diverse genus of succulent plants that includes a wide range of species and cultivars. These hardy and drought-tolerant plants feature fleshy leaves and vibrant flowers, making them popular choices for rock gardens, borders, and containers. They are low-maintenance and attract pollinators to the garden.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	3" - 2' (8cm - 60cm)
Spread	6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm)

Sedum (Stonecrop) Read More

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

Best Flowering Crabapples for the Mid-Atlantic Region Read More

Great Shrubs with Fruits for Winter Interest for Mid-Atlantic Gardens Read More

Mid-Atlantic Gardening: Great Perennials for Dry Soil Read More

Fragrant Flowering Trees for Mid-Atlantic Gardens Read More

Best Trees for Mid-Atlantic Gardens Read More

Best Shrubs for Mid-Atlantic Gardens Read More

Best David Austin Roses for Mid-Atlantic Gardeners Read More

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Mid-Atlantic

Guides with

Mid-Atlantic

Clive Nichols

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.