In the realm of gardening, perennials are the backbone of any landscape. These plants, which return year after year, are not only reliable but can also provide vibrant bursts of color and life to your garden. If you’re looking to add some quick-growing perennials to your garden that will bring it to life in no time, look no further. Here are nine fast-growing perennials that will fill your garden in a flash.
1. Agastache
Known by another name, hummingbird mint, this tall, clumping perennial features lovely spikes of flowers from summer to early fall in colors like red, pink, coral, yellow, white, purple, or hot pink. Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love it because it can withstand heat and drought once it gets established.
2. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, commonly known as tickseed, is a vibrant and versatile flowering plant that adds a burst of color to gardens and landscapes. With its daisy-like blooms in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red, Coreopsis attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies while providing long-lasting beauty from spring to fall. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, Coreopsis is an excellent choice for borders, beds, and containers, bringing cheerful charm and effortless elegance to any outdoor space.
3. Catmint
Catmint, also known as Nepeta, is a hardy perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. prized for its aromatic foliage and attractive spikes of lavender-blue flowers. Easy to grow and maintain, catmint is often used in gardens as a border plant or ground cover, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It is also known for its calming effects on cats, who are irresistibly drawn to its scent.
4. Salvia
Salvia, commonly known as sage, is a versatile herb prized for its aromatic foliage and culinary uses. With a distinctive earthy flavor and slightly peppery taste, sage adds depth to a variety of dishes, from savory meats and poultry to stuffing, soups, and sauces. In addition to its culinary applications, sage is also valued for its medicinal properties and is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, making it a popular ingredient in herbal remedies and teas.
5. Kniphofia
Kniphofia, also known as “red hot poker” or “torch lily,” is a striking perennial plant prized for its tall spikes of tubular flowers that resemble glowing torches. Native to Africa, Kniphofia species come in a variety of vibrant colors ranging from red and orange to yellow and cream. These bold blooms attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies and add a dramatic flair to garden borders, making them a popular choice among gardeners seeking eye-catching ornamentals.
6. Perennial Geranium
Perennial geraniums, also known as cranesbills, are beloved garden plants prized for their long-lasting blooms and easy-care nature. These hardy perennials feature delicate, five-petaled flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white, which contrast beautifully with their deeply lobed foliage. With their ability to thrive in various soil types and climates, perennial geraniums are versatile additions to garden borders, rockeries, and containers, providing year-round beauty and charm to any landscape with minimal maintenance required.
7. Daylily
Daylily, scientifically known as Hemerocallis, is a vibrant flowering plant prized for its stunning blooms and easy care. These perennial flowers come in a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes, adding beauty to gardens and landscapes. Daylilies thrive in various soil types and sunlight conditions, making them versatile and adaptable. With their long blooming period and low maintenance requirements, daylilies are a popular choice for beginner gardeners and seasoned horticulturists alike.
8. Gaura
Their popular name, butterfly flower, comes from the way these delicate blossoms resemble butterflies dancing in the breeze. This perennial can withstand droughts and has an extended flowering period, lasting the entire summer. Gaura plants have an airy texture and form, making them lovely accent plants in mixed perennial borders. They are often referred to as “whirling butterflies” due to their resemblance to butterflies in motion. The flowers of gaura are held at the tips of long, dark stems that sway and dance in the breeze, adding a whimsical touch to the garden
9. Lavender
While not all varieties of lavender thrive in the South’s heat, you can still enjoy this beloved perennial’s fragrant purple blooms and silvery foliage if you select the proper kind. In addition to having a beautiful fragrance, the aromatic leaves resist rabbits and deer. Lavender is a versatile and fragrant plant that is beloved for its calming properties. Its delicate purple flowers and aromatic scent make it a popular choice for aromatherapy, skincare, and culinary purposes. Lavender has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and reduce stress. It is also known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
