From Tiny Sprout to Showstopper: 11 Perennials That Get Big Fast • Schisandra & Bergamot

Not all perennials take years to mature. Some spring to life and size up quickly, giving you a full, lush garden in record time.

Whether you’re starting from seed, a small pot, or a bare root, these 11 fast-growing perennials bring instant drama, color, and coverage to your landscape.

Bee Balm (Monarda)

Hummingbird moth hovering and feeding on vibrant red bee balm flower against a blurred green background. — Photo Credit: Chris F/Pexels

This pollinator favorite shoots up quickly and spreads fast, creating colorful clusters that attract bees and butterflies all season long.

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

A brown butterfly rests on a purple flower spike among a dense cluster of blooming lavender or sage plants. — Photo Credit: Isa Macouzet/Unsplash

With silvery stems and clouds of purple flowers, Russian sage grows tall and wide in just one season. It’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, too.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)

Bright yellow Black-eyed Susan flowers with dark brown centers and green leaves growing outdoors in a garden setting. — Photo Credit: robbihoy/Pixabay

Bright yellow blooms appear early and multiply fast. Once established, this plant fills space quickly and returns stronger each year.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis)

Close-up of vibrant orange and red daylilies with yellow centers against a blurred green background. — Photo Credit: manfredrichter/Pixabay

Tough, forgiving, and fast-growing, daylilies form big clumps in no time. They’re perfect for mass planting or filling bare garden borders.

Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

A monarch butterfly perched on purple wildflowers with a blurred green and light background. — Photo Credit: Julie Dalton/Pexels

This towering native perennial can reach up to 6 feet in one season. It adds vertical interest and attracts pollinators with large mauve flower clusters.

Catmint (Nepeta)

A bee is perched on a cluster of purple flowers with green leaves, in an outdoor setting. — Photo Credit: PollyDot/Pixabay

Low, spreading, and blooming quickly with soft purple flowers, catmint fills in borders beautifully while suppressing weeds.

Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

Clusters of vibrant pink phlox flowers in full bloom with green leaves in the background. — Photo Credit: dabors2/Pixabay

Known for its tall stems and vibrant blooms, garden phlox establishes fast and delivers bold color from midsummer to fall.

Hostas

A variegated hosta plant with green leaves edged in creamy white, growing in soil with other leafy plants in the background. — Photo Credit: Vladdon/Deposit Photos

Though often sold small, hostas bulk up fast, especially with consistent moisture. Their large leaves add instant texture to shady spots.

Gooseneck Loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides)

Close-up of white Gooseneck Loosestrife flowers blooming on curved green stems with green foliage in the background. — Photo Credit: khairil77/Deposit Photos

With graceful white flower spikes and fast-spreading roots, this plant quickly forms a striking mass—perfect for naturalistic or cottage gardens.

Peonies (Herbaceous types)

A bright pink peony flower in full bloom, surrounded by green leaves. — Photo Credit: KarenJubinville/Pixabay

While peonies are known for being long-lived, many varieties grow quickly once established, giving you lush foliage and blooms by the second year.

Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)

A close-up of two white daisies with yellow centers against a dark, blurred background. — Photo Credit: Veronika_Andrews/Pixabay

Shasta daisies bloom fast and spread quickly by clumping. They brighten any garden with their crisp, classic white petals and yellow centers.

No need to wait years for your garden to shine. These fast-growing perennials deliver size, color, and presence in just a season or two. Plant them once, and let the show begin.