Gardening enthusiasts know the joy of seeing their garden flourish with vibrant colors and lush greenery. If you’re looking to quickly transform your garden, fast-growing perennials are your best bet. These plants not only provide beauty but also offer a host of benefits such as attracting pollinators, resisting pests, and requiring minimal maintenance. Here are nine fantastic fast-growing perennials that will fill your garden in a flash.
Agastache (Hummingbird Mint)
Agastache, also known as hummingbird mint, is a tall, clumping perennial that stands out with its lovely spikes of flowers from summer to early fall. These flowers come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, coral, yellow, white, purple, and hot pink. Hummingbird mint is beloved by pollinators like bees, butterflies, and, of course, hummingbirds. It’s highly tolerant of heat and drought once established, making it a resilient addition to your garden.
To care for Agastache, plant it in well-drained soil and place it in a location that receives full sun. Water the plant regularly until it’s established, then it can tolerate dry conditions.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis, with its bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of gold, yellow, and even bicolor with red centers, is a robust perennial that thrives in hot, dry environments. These cheerful flowers bloom from early to late summer and are known for their ability to withstand deer. Coreopsis is also a favorite among butterflies and bees, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens.
Plant Coreopsis in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it requires minimal watering and can thrive in drought conditions. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage continuous blooming.
Catmint
Catmint is one of the easiest perennials to cultivate, adapting well to various soil types and growing conditions. It features faintly fragrant, fuzzy, gray-green foliage that is unappealing to deer and rabbits. The plant produces clusters of small, tubular flowers that can range from blue to purple, adding a soft touch to any garden.
For optimal growth, plant catmint in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
Salvia (Sage)
Salvia, commonly known as sage, is a perennial that attracts a variety of pollinators with its attractive purple, white, or pink flowers. The tubular-shaped blossoms are particularly popular with hummingbirds. Depending on the variety, salvia can bloom from late spring to early fall, providing a long season of color. Additionally, salvia is deer-resistant, making it a hardy choice for gardens in deer-prone areas.
Plant salvia in full sun and well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance and requires minimal watering once established. Regular deadheading will promote prolonged blooming.
Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker)
Kniphofia, also known as red hot poker, adds drama to the garden with its spiky, exotic-looking blossoms. These flowers bloom from summer to October and come in shades of red, bicolor, orange, peach, and gold. The plant is a magnet for pollinators, especially hummingbirds, and adds a unique vertical element to the garden.
To grow kniphofia, plant it in full sun and well-drained soil. It thrives in dry conditions and requires minimal watering once established. Cut back the flower stalks after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance.
Perennial Geranium (Cranesbill Geranium)
Perennial geraniums, sometimes called cranesbill geraniums, are hardy groundcovers that spread quickly and feature butterfly-like blooms from late spring to early summer. Some varieties even rebloom later in the season. These plants are excellent for filling in garden beds and providing continuous color.
Plant perennial geraniums in well-drained soil and a location that receives full sun to partial shade. They are low-maintenance and require minimal watering once established. Trim back the plants after the first bloom to encourage a second round of flowers.
Daylily
Daylilies are known for their large, vibrant blooms that last only one day, but each plant produces numerous flowers, providing weeks of continuous color. Daylilies come in almost every hue imaginable and can bloom in the early, middle, or late summer, depending on the variety. They are easy to grow and are excellent for adding bursts of color to the garden.
Plant daylilies in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They require regular watering, especially during dry spells, and benefit from occasional fertilizing to promote vigorous blooming.
Gaura (Butterfly Flower)
Gaura, also known as butterfly flower, is named for its delicate blossoms that resemble butterflies dancing in the breeze. This perennial is drought-tolerant and has an extended flowering period, blooming throughout the entire summer. The flowers can be white or pink and add a whimsical touch to the garden.
For best results, plant gaura in full sun and well-drained soil. It requires minimal watering once established and benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage new blooms.
Lavender
Lavender is beloved for its fragrant purple blooms and silvery foliage. While not all varieties thrive in the South’s heat, selecting the right type can allow you to enjoy this perennial’s beauty and aroma. Lavender is also resistant to rabbits and deer, making it a practical choice for gardens prone to these pests.
Plant lavender in full sun and well-drained soil. It prefers dry conditions and requires minimal watering once established. Prune the plants after blooming to maintain their shape and encourage new growth.