Top 10 Perennials for Showstopping Landscapes

Perennials are a foundational element of showstopping landscapes. They are reliable, hardy, and add depth, color, texture, and interest to your garden. When combined with colorful annuals, trees, and shrubs, your landscape design gets off to an incredible start.

One of the beautiful aspects of perennials is their ability to endure winter and regrow the following season, making them a great investment. You’ll often see perennials in public boulevards, parks, gardens, and many neighbors’ yards because they are tried and true in Wisconsin landscapes. They handle temperature changes, bloom prolifically, and return each season to do it all over again.

Perennials are chosen within a landscape design for many reasons, such as height, bloom length and timing, insect attraction, and animal repellent properties. The collaboration between the landscape designer and the project owner is where the process gets interesting and fun. Some perennials are chosen, and some are not, depending on the specific goals of the project.

Our Team’s Favorite Perennials

Putting all those considerations aside, here are our team’s favorite perennials. Find a few to add to your landscape or work with us to prepare a design tailored to your specific interests.

1. Russian Sage. Looking for a stunning, low-maintenance plant to add height and color to your garden’s back border? Look no further than Russian sage! Its feathery purple stalks create a captivating display all season long.
Growing Habit: 3–5 ft tall, 2–4 ft wide | Full sun | Blooms mid- to late summer

2. Salvia. Salvia, or sage, offers a versatile and vibrant addition to any garden. From the classic blue hues to striking pinks and white, there’s a salvia to suit every taste. These drought-tolerant plants attract pollinators while providing long-lasting blooms throughout the growing season.
Growing Habit: 1.5–3 ft tall, 1.5–2 ft wide | Full sun | Blooms late spring to early fall

3. Daylily. Daylilies boast a varying array of colors, from classic yellows and oranges to vibrant pinks and purples. These low-maintenance beauties thrive in various soil conditions and sunlight levels, making them a versatile and reliable addition to your landscape.
Growing Habit: 1.5–4 ft tall, 1–3 ft wide | Full sun to part shade | Blooms early to late summer, depending on variety.

4. Black-Eyed Susan. Bring a touch of classic beauty to your garden with the beloved black-eyed Susan. Its cheerful daisy-like blooms on sturdy stems create a vibrant display that just keeps getting better each year.
Growing Habit: 2–3 ft tall, 1.5–2 ft wide | Full sun | Blooms midsummer to fall

5. Purple Coneflower. Add a touch of regal elegance to your garden with the stunning purple coneflower. Similar to the black-eyed Susan but with a captivating purple hue, this flower is a must-have for any pollinator-friendly garden.
Growing Habit: 2–4 ft tall, 1.5–2 ft wide | Full sun | Blooms mid- to late summer

6. Creeping Phlox. Creeping phlox offers a vibrant splash of color to any spring garden, available in shades of pink, purple, white, and even red. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in various conditions, making it a reliable choice for gardeners seeking easy-care beauty.
Growing Habit: 4–6 in tall, spreads 1–2 ft | Full sun to part shade | Blooms mid- to late spring

7. Hosta. Create a lush and inviting atmosphere in your shady garden with the versatile hosta. Its wide variety of sizes and leaf colors, from green to variegated to blue, adds texture and interest to any shady spot.
Growing Habit: 6 in to 3 ft tall, 1–6 ft wide (varies by variety) | Part to full shade | Blooms mid- to late summer (flowers on tall stalks)

8. Bee Balm. Attract a flurry of hummingbirds and essential pollinators to your garden with native bee balm. Bee balm shines with its stunning pink blooms, while other cultivars bring shades of red, purple, and white to your garden. It’s not just beautiful—it attracts beneficial insects and adds a unique twist to your dishes with its edible flowers.
Growing Habit: 2–4 ft tall, 1.5–3 ft wide | Full sun to part shade | Blooms mid- to late summer

9. Sedum. Sedum effortlessly combines versatility and low-maintenance charm. From lush groundcover to bold upright accents, these adaptable plants truly shine. With succulent foliage and blooms that vary by type, sedum evolves beautifully—starting with fresh greens in spring and transitioning to rich autumn hues of pink, red, and copper.
Growing Habit: 6 in to 2 ft tall, 1–2 ft wide | Full sun | Blooms late summer to fall

10. Astilbe. Astilbe offers a graceful addition to shady gardens, boasting feathery plumes in a range of colors from pure white to deep red, including pink, purple, and lavender. These low-maintenance perennials thrive in moist, shaded conditions, making them a versatile choice for any landscape.
Growing Habit: 1–3 ft tall, 1–2 ft wide | Part to full shade | Blooms late spring to mid-summer

Perfect for Wisconsin

These perennials thrive in Wisconsin’s climate, offering the perfect blend of beauty and resilience. Imagine the unique colors and textures they could bring to your landscape. Share your favorites with us, or let’s collaborate to incorporate some of these stunning perennials into your garden design. Your dream landscape is just a conversation away!

Contact Us.