15 of Our Favorite Perennials for the Landscape

Jan 29, 2019

When considering the broad and diverse collection of perennials, it was difficult to narrow the list down to only 15. In order to make this list, each plant must meet all of the following criteria: low yearly maintenance, long lived in the landscape, a long season of interest, and it has to have that X factor that makes it someone's favorite. Are there others? Certainly, but we think these are the ones you absolutely can't miss.

US Perennial Trial Sites:

Chicago Botanical Garden, Glencoe, IL. Zone 5
Dallas Arboretum, Dallas, TX. Zone 8
Four Star Greenhouse, Carleton, MI. Zone 6
University of Minnesota, Morris, MN. Zone 4

Pleasant View Gardens, Loudon, NH. Zone 5
University of Georgia, Athens, GA. Zone 8
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. Zone 6
Walters Gardens, Zeeland, MI. Zone 6

Panicum virgatum 'Apache Rose'
PRAIRIE WINDS® Grasses

Midsize, dense and upright habit
Rosy red panicles instead of the common tan
Height: 4'
Width: 2½'
Zones: 4-9
Exposure: Full Sun

More About 'Apache Rose'

Hosta 'Autumn Frost'
SHADOWLAND® Collection

Exceedingly showy, unique color scheme
Consistent performance year after year
Height: 12"
Width: 24"
Zones: 3-9
Exposure: Part - Full Shade

More About 'Autumn Frost'

Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome'
SUMMERIFIC® Collection

Densely compact, rounded habit - rather than vase shape
Massive 7-8” flowers the length of the stem
Height: 4'
Width: 4½-5'
Zones: 4-9
Exposure: Full - Part Sun

More About 'Berry Awesome'

Heuchera 'Black Pearl'
PRIMO® Series

Extremely vigorous and rugged - even in full sun!
Very intense black color
Height: 8-10"
Width: 18-20"
Zones: 4-9
Exposure: Full Sun - Full Shade

More About 'Black Pearl'

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Blue Paradise'
PRAIRIE WINDS® Grasses

Vase shaped, incredibly full habit stays upright through winter
Four seasons of color
Height: 3-3½'
Width: 2'
Zones: 3-9
Exposure: Full Sun

More About 'Blue Paradise'

Nepeta faassenii 'Cat's Meow'

Tidy, dense habit that keeps its shape all season long
Well-branched stems carry long spikes of flowers, purple calyxes extend season of color
Height: 12-24"
Width: 10-14"
Zones: 3-8
Exposure: Full Sun

More About 'Cat's Meow'