Perennial Flowers For Early, Mid, And Late Blooms

Kevin Hollatz

23 Dec 2023 • 3 min read

Kevin Highlighting Perennials For Each Season

What do you have that blooms all year?

One of the most common questions I fielded over the years working in retail garden centers was: What do you have that blooms all year? Since I live in a cold climate, zone 4, that question is relevant to April through October, and the answer is none.

The response usually differed from what they hoped for and was often disappointing. But once I pointed out they could have blooms all season by planting combinations of early, mid, and late bloomers to achieve year-long color, they would become rather excited. Oh good, more flowers!

Blooming perennials play an essential role supporting pollinators

But beyond their aesthetic appeal, flowering perennials also play an essential role in supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing pollen and nectar. Additionally, many flowering perennials are relatively low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels. Once established, many perennials require little more than occasional watering and fertilizing to thrive, making them a cost-effective and time-saving choice for homeowners looking to beautify their outdoor spaces.

And so the hunt would begin assembling a collection of blooming perennials, paying attention to sizes, colors, and bloom periods.

I've compiled a list of perennials displayed in order of their bloom period: early, mid, and late. Blooming periods can vary depending on your situation. It may be a cold spring or a south-facing location next to a building where the soil heats up quickly, affecting when your plant begins to grow and when it will flower. Other variables include whether you use wood mulch or rock or have left the soil bare. These perennials are all favorites of mine that have done very well in our gardens but by no means an exhaustive list.

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