Low Growing Perennials That Bloom All Summer: 10 Perfect Picks
Perennials are the gift that keeps on giving. Once they are established in the garden, they will return year after year, providing colorful blooms and foliage all season long. If you're looking for low growing perennials that bloom all summer with minimum maintenance, we have you covered. Here are ten perfect picks for your garden that will bring you joy throughout the summer.
1. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a low-growing, drought-tolerant perennial that produces masses of yellow or gold daisy-like flowers all summer. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Deadheading spent blossoms will encourage continued blooming.
2. Sedum
Sedums are low-growing, succulent-like plants that come in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures. They are incredibly easy to care for and provide interest throughout the growing season. The best thing about sedums is that many of them bloom for several weeks in late summer and early fall. One of our favorites is 'Autumn Joy,' which produces large, pinkish-red blooms and attracts pollinators.
3. Salvia
Salvias are a diverse group of plants that include annuals, perennials, and shrubs. The low growing perennials we recommend for summer blooming are Salvia nemorosa and Salvia x sylvestris. Both produce spiky flowers in shades of blue, purple, and pink. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
4. Dianthus
Dianthus, also known as pinks, are a low-growing perennial with fragrant, pink, white, or red flowers. They are excellent as a border or rock garden plant and prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and reblooming.
5. Gaura
Gaura, also known as wandflower, is a graceful perennial with delicate, pink or white, star-shaped flowers that bloom all summer and into fall. They are drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and love full sun. Their upright growth habit provides height and structure to the garden.
6. Echinacea
Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a popular perennial that comes in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, yellow, and white. They are attractive to pollinators and make a great cut flower. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
7. Veronica
Veronica, also known as speedwell, is a low-growing perennial with spiky clusters of blue, pink, or white flowers that bloom all summer. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and deadheading spent blooms will encourage continued blooming.
8. Penstemon
Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, is a low-growing, drought-tolerant perennial with tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red. They attract pollinators and look great in mass plantings. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
9. Nepeta
Nepeta, also known as catmint, is a low-growing perennial with fragrant, blue or lavender flowers that bloom all summer. They are attractive to pollinators, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
10. Heuchera
Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is a low-growing perennial with attractive foliage in shades of green, purple, bronze, and silver. They produce delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. They prefer partial shade and well-draining soil.
FAQs
What is a low-growing perennial?
A low-growing perennial is a plant that has a mature height of less than 18 inches. They are perfect for groundcovers, borders, and rock gardens.
What is deadheading?
Deadheading is the process of removing spent blossoms from a plant. This encourages new growth and prolongs the blooming season.
Are low-growing perennials good for containers?
Yes, many low-growing perennials are great for containers. Make sure to use a well-draining soil mix and keep them well-watered in hot weather.
Do low-growing perennials need fertilizer?
It depends on the plant and the soil. In general, low-growing perennials do not require a lot of fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring should be sufficient for most plants.
Can I divide low-growing perennials?
Yes, many low-growing perennials can be divided in the spring or fall to create new plants. This will also help rejuvenate older plants and encourage better blooming.
