Every fall, I like to think ahead to the blooms and colors that will greet me once the snow melts. Planting perennials now means a garden that practically takes care of itself later. These plants sleep through the winter and return each spring with renewed life and beauty.
Here are 15 perennials worth planting before the chill sets in—you’ll be so glad you did when your garden wakes up in spring.
Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are cheerful, hardy blooms that return year after year. They attract pollinators and add vibrant color to early spring beds. Plus, they’re low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.
Black-Eyed Susans
These sunny yellow blooms bring warmth and cheer to any garden. They thrive in full sun and poor soil, making them a gardener’s dream. By spring, they’ll burst into color with minimal effort.
Daylilies
Daylilies are nearly indestructible and adapt to most climates. Their trumpet-like flowers bloom in a range of colors and spread beautifully over time. You’ll love how effortlessly they fill garden borders.
Hostas
Perfect for shady spots, hostas bring lush greenery and texture. Their leaves return bigger each year, creating a serene, layered look. Come spring, they’re one of the first to bring life back to the garden.
Peonies
Peonies may take patience, but they’re worth every wait. Their big, fragrant blooms make a stunning spring display. Once settled, they’ll reward you for decades with minimal care.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum’s succulent leaves and late-season flowers add year-round appeal. They’re incredibly hardy and resist both drought and cold. When spring arrives, their new shoots are among the first to appear.
Bleeding Heart
This delicate, romantic flower adds charm to shady or woodland gardens. Its heart-shaped blooms dangle gracefully in early spring. Even when the flowers fade, the foliage remains soft and pretty.
Catmint
Catmint produces fragrant purple blooms that attract bees and butterflies. It’s tough, long-blooming, and looks beautiful edging walkways. Once planted, it needs very little attention.
Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral Bells come in a variety of leaf colors, from deep burgundy to lime green. Their airy blooms rise above the foliage in spring, adding height and texture. They look great in both borders and containers.
Phlox
Phlox brings clouds of colorful blooms that fill the air with fragrance. It spreads beautifully and adds a soft, cottage-garden feel. In spring, it’s one of the first perennials to truly shine.
Lupines
These stately spikes of flowers make a striking spring statement. Lupines fix nitrogen in the soil, helping other plants thrive. Their bold colors make them an instant favorite in garden beds.
Salvia
Salvia’s tall purple spikes attract hummingbirds and bees. It’s easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and blooms early. A must-have for adding both structure and color to spring gardens.
Yarrow
Yarrow’s feathery foliage and flat-topped blooms bring rustic charm to any space. It thrives on neglect and poor soil conditions. Once spring hits, it fills in beautifully with vibrant clusters of color.
Siberian Iris
These elegant, low-maintenance irises bloom early in the season. Their sword-like leaves add structure even before flowering. Once established, they return with graceful blooms year after year.
Hellebores (Lenten Rose)
Hellebores bloom when little else does—often before the snow fully melts. Their nodding flowers come in rich, muted tones that last for weeks. They’re the first sign of hope after winter’s long rest.
Planting perennials in fall is like setting a gift aside for your future self. Come spring, these hardy beauties will rise up and fill your garden with color, fragrance, and life. A little work now means a breathtaking reward later.
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