These perennials are known for their hardiness, ability to withstand cold winters, and their beautiful flowers or foliage. They are well-suited for various garden settings, such as borders, rock gardens, and naturalized areas.
Keep in mind that while these plants are hardy in Zone 5, some may require specific care, such as well-draining soil, full sun, or partial shade, to thrive in your garden.
1) Peonies (Paeonia spp.)
These lush, romantic flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and come in shades of white, pink, and red. Plant them in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Peonies are low-maintenance, but be sure to provide support for the heavy blooms.
2) Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.)
With their bright yellow petals and dark center, these cheerful flowers bloom from summer to fall. They love full sun and well-draining soil. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and divide every 3 – 4 years to maintain vigor.
3) Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)
Available in a wide range of colors, daylilies are easy to grow and bloom from early summer to fall. Plant them in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Remove spent flowers daily to keep the plants looking tidy.
4) Hostas (Hosta spp.)
These shade-loving plants are prized for their attractive foliage that comes in various colors and patterns. Plant them in rich, moist soil and partial to full shade. Slugs can be a problem, so use organic bait or handpick them to keep your hostas looking their best.
5) Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.)
These native prairie plants feature large, daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. They bloom from summer to fall and attract pollinators. Plant them in full sun and well-draining soil. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming.
6) Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)
With their feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, and white, astilbes add texture and color to shady gardens. They prefer moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
7) Coral bells (Heuchera spp.)
These evergreen perennials are loved for their colorful foliage that ranges from deep purple to caramel. They also produce delicate sprays of flowers in late spring to summer. Plant them in partial shade and well-draining soil. Divide every 3 – 4 years to maintain vigor.
8) Salvia (Salvia spp.)
With their spikes of vibrant flowers in shades of blue, purple, and red, salvias are a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
9) Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
This tough, drought-tolerant plant features silvery foliage and clouds of lavender-blue flowers in late summer to fall. Plant it in full sun and well-draining soil. Cut back the stems to the ground in early spring to encourage new growth.
10) Sedum (Sedum spp.)
These succulent plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with fleshy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and yellow. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Sedums are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
11) Bee balm (Monarda spp.)
With their shaggy, colorful flowers that bloom in summer, bee balm is a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies. Plant them in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Pinch back young plants to encourage bushiness and prevent powdery mildew by ensuring good air circulation.
12) Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
This easy-to-grow, drought-tolerant plant features silvery foliage and spikes of lavender-blue flowers that bloom from late spring to fall. Plant it in full sun and well-draining soil. Cut back the stems after the first flush of flowers to encourage repeat blooming.
13) Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Known for their bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red, coreopsis bloom from summer to fall. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.
14) Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)
These classic, white daisies with yellow centers bloom from summer to fall. They love full sun and well-draining soil. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming and divide every 3 – 4 years to maintain vigor.
15) Siberian iris (Iris sibirica)
With their elegant, grass-like foliage and showy flowers in shades of blue, purple, and white, Siberian irises add a touch of grace to any garden. They prefer full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Divide every 3 – 4 years to maintain vigor.
16) Blanket flower (Gaillardia spp.)
These drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants feature daisy-like flowers in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. They bloom from summer to fall and attract butterflies. Plant them in well-draining soil and deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
17) Yarrow (Achillea spp.)
With their flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers in shades of yellow, pink, and red, yarrow adds a delicate texture to the garden. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Yarrow is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
18) Bleeding heart (Dicentra spp.)
These charming, old-fashioned perennials feature heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white that dangle from arching stems in spring. They prefer partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Cut back the foliage after it turns yellow in summer.
19) Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina)
Prized for its soft, silvery foliage that feels like velvet to the touch, lamb’s ear also produces spikes of small, purple-pink flowers in summer. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Trim back the foliage in late winter to keep the plant tidy.
20) Baptisia (Baptisia spp.)
Also known as false indigo, these native plants feature spikes of showy, pea-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, and yellow that bloom in late spring to early summer. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Baptisia is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.
21) Allium (Allium spp.)
These ornamental onions produce spherical clusters of tiny flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white that bloom in late spring to early summer. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Alliums are deer-resistant and low-maintenance.
22) Liatris (Liatris spp.)
Also known as blazing star, these native prairie plants feature spikes of fluffy, purple flowers that bloom from the top down in summer. They love full sun and well-draining soil. Liatris is drought-tolerant and attracts butterflies.
23) Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
With their delicate, bell-shaped flowers in a range of colors, including red, pink, purple, and yellow, columbines add a touch of whimsy to the garden in late spring to early summer. They prefer partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Columbines self-seed readily, so deadhead spent flowers if you don’t want them to spread.
24) Veronica (Veronica spp.)
These easy-to-grow perennials feature spikes of small, colorful flowers in shades of blue, purple, and pink that bloom in summer. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming and cut back the foliage in late fall.
25) Phlox (Phlox spp.)
With their clusters of fragrant, colorful flowers that bloom in summer, phlox is a garden favorite. They prefer full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming and divide every 3 – 4 years to maintain vigor.
