Living in regions with frozen ground soil, high winds, and below-freezing temperatures may pose some difficulties when it comes to growing perennials. However, this doesn’t mean that you have limited options for your garden. While not all flowers can survive the harsh climate, there are still plenty of vibrant and captivating perennials to choose from. The selection of hardy perennials is wider than you might think.

When you search for hardy perennials online, you often find the same overused lists of flowers and shrubs. However, this limits the variety of plants available to you. It’s time to think beyond the ordinary options like hostas, peonies, daisies, and hydrangeas. You’ll be surprised at the plethora of incredible plants that can brighten up your landscape!

So, what makes a perennial hardy? Well, a hardy perennial can survive freezing temperatures and frozen ground for at least three to four years. Additionally, hardy perennials thrive in sunlight, even full sun, depending on the climate.

If you’re looking for some top hardy perennials, here are our picks: Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), Foam Flower (Tiarella cordifolia), Goat’s Beard (Astilbe x), Mountain Rock Cress (Arabis caucasica), Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana), Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula rubra), Lungwort (Pulmonaria), Basket of Gold (Alyssum saxatilis), Sticky Purple Geranium (Geranium viscosissimum), Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus), Blanket Flower (Gaillardia x grandiflora), Daylilies (Hemerocallis), Leopard Plant (Ligularia x), Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Eastern Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus), Globe Flower (Trollius europaeus), Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida sp.), Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientalis), and Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa).

To be considered hardy, the plants must grow well in hardiness zone 3 and above. Therefore, it’s best to start with native perennials when searching for hardy plants that will thrive in your climate. Native plants have fought to survive in your area and have naturally adapted to their environment. So, they are proven to be successful choices for your garden and landscape.

The Blazing Star Liatrus is a tough and resilient flower that thrives in various climates. As a native plant, it can withstand extreme cold, drought, heat, and poor soil conditions without suffering from pests or diseases. What sets it apart is its visually stunning lavender flowers that grow in tall spikes. The flowers are small and star-shaped, blooming from the bottom up on the grass-like foliage. A favorite of butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, this perennial also has a prolonged blooming season. Its vertical aesthetic is awe-inspiring and tends to leave onlookers spellbound. Hardy to zones 3-9 and deer-resistant, it is an ideal choice for gardeners. Another great option is the Foam Flower (Tiarella cordifolia).

Foamflower is an exceptional perennial that can thrive in cold and wintry climates. What makes it a popular choice for landscaping is not only its pretty heart-shaped leaves but also its striking floral display. With its origins in the Midwest and New England, Foamflower is well-adapted to harsh winter conditions. The wand-like stems of this native plant bear small white flowers arranged in rows, giving the impression of foam hovering above the foliage. You can enjoy the beauty of Foamflower for up to six weeks, making it a great addition to any garden. Some of the top varieties of Foamflower include Sugar and Spice, Crow Feather, Pink Skyrocket, Jeepers Creepers, and Appalachian Trail. All of these varieties are hardy to zones 3-8, deer-resistant, and grow well in partial or full shade. Another fantastic option for your garden is Goat’s Beard (Astilbe x).

Goat’s Beard is a fantastic perennial that any gardener should consider due to its variety and hardiness. It produces stunning, long plumes of little flowers that add elegance and height to your garden while attracting butterflies and bees. Additionally, the fern-like foliage adds a touch of beauty to your landscape, especially after changing color in the fall. With a wide range of colors and sizes available, including pink, white, purple, lavender, red, and bi-color, you are sure to find a variety that fits your needs. Some of our favorite Goat’s Beard varieties include Hip Hop, Fanal, Diamond, Sprite, and Amethyst. This plant is also deer and rabbit resistant and can thrive in full or partial shade in zones 3-8. Another great option to consider is Mountain Rock Cress (Arabis caucasica).

The Mountain Rock Cress is an excellent choice for those living in tough climates as it requires minimal upkeep, is easy to cultivate and can withstand both high and low temperatures. This perennial plant grows close to the ground and produces an abundance of white flowers when in bloom, creating a snow-like effect on the ground. Its hardiness, lovely fragrance, and appeal to butterflies make it a delightful addition to any garden or rock wall. Moreover, it’s a native flower with remarkable potential and looks great when planted amidst tall shrubs or trees. Another great option for challenging climates is the Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana). This plant is deer and rabbit resistant, can thrive in full sun or light shade and is hardy in zones 3-8.

Despite its name, the Obedient Plant is not always obedient in terms of spreading. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful perennial that produces delicate pastel-colored flowers every year. The tall stems of this native plant are adorned with tubular-shaped flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. However, if left unchecked, this hardy plant can become invasive and take over your garden, so it’s important to monitor its growth carefully. Even in cold climates, the Obedient Plant likes to be the center of attention wherever it grows. It can be grown in a wild garden or meadow, or you can keep it contained within your landscape or in a container. Crown of Snow (pure white), Vivid (lilac purple), and Rosea (light pink) are some of the most popular Obedient Plant varieties. This plant is deer-resistant and can thrive in full sun or light shade. Another beautiful option for your garden is the Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula rubra).

The Queen of the Prairie is truly a magnificent flower to behold. This perennial plant possesses a regal essence and a tendency towards drama, making it a staple in any flower garden. Its towering height of 6-8 feet and clusters of small, light pink flowers elevate it to floral royalty. When in full bloom, the Queen of the Prairie looks like a sea of delicate pink clouds drifting across the landscape.

This flower thrives on forming colonies, so it’s important to either plant it in an area where it can spread out or keep an eye on it to prevent it from taking over. Not only is the Queen of the Prairie beloved by pollinators, but its native status also makes it an excellent choice for wild gardens, naturalistic plantings, borders, accents, and alongside creeks and ponds.

Native to the Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast, the Queen of the Prairie is hardy to zones 3-9 and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. Another great option for any garden is the Lungwort, or Pulmonaria, which boasts beautiful foliage and colorful blooms.

Lungwort is a robust and enduring perennial that’s perfect for use as a ground cover or filler plant. It thrives in shady garden locations and adds color and appeal to any area. The unique feature of Lungwort is its spotted foliage, which ranges from green with speckles of silver to mostly silver with green markings. This captivating foliage remains fascinating throughout the growing season, making it the ideal background for the bell-shaped flower clusters. Lungwort is a small plant, typically growing only 9-12 inches tall, and it requires minimal maintenance. Its flowers come in single or multi-colored varieties, and they change color as they mature, creating a vibrant and delightful palette. Some favorite varieties include Victorian Brooch, Silver Bouquet, Raspberry Splash, and Blue Ensign. Lungwort is hardy to zones 3-9, thrives in full or partial shade, and is also deer-resistant. Another great option for your garden is Alyssum saxatilis, also known as Basket of Gold.

Brighten up your walkways, borders, and walls while enticing the most precious pollinators with the use of Basket of Gold. This plant may be small, but it boasts a stunningly vibrant display of flowers that do justice to its name. Witness an impressive spread of golden-yellow blooms in spring, which contrast beautifully against the grayish-green foliage. Standing only 6-12 inches tall, this low-lying plant attracts bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies like magnets to its beautiful blooms. Best used in low borders, along walkways, cascading down walls, or as ground cover, Basket of Gold is both versatile and visually striking. With hardiness ranging from zones 3-7, full sun exposure, and deer-resistant properties, it’s an easy choice for gardeners looking to add some bright color and pollinator action to their outdoor spaces. Another great option for adding some pop to your garden is the Sticky Purple Geranium (Geranium viscosissimum).

Sticky Purple Geraniums are the low-maintenance beauties that won’t require much of your attention. Even in tough weather conditions, they’re easy keepers. Originally from the Midwest, this long-blooming native perennial will add delight to your garden with its bright purple, saucer-shaped flowers, loved by native bees and butterflies. Sticky Purple Geranium does not need much care, as it is highly resistant to drought, cold temperatures, and pests or diseases.
With its graceful and easy-going nature, this perennial blooms from late spring to late summer, making it a great addition to any landscape. Not only is Sticky Purple Geranium an effortless beauty, but its flowers are also edible and make for a great salad garnish. It’s truly a fantastic plant to have in your edible landscape!

This hardy plant can grow in zones 2-9 and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. Spotted Cranesbill (G. maculatum) is another hardy native geranium that’s worth growing, as it looks great in meadows, rock gardens, flower beds, and wildflower gardens. Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) is another plant that you can consider adding to your garden collection.

The Coralberry is a fantastic plant that can add color and vibrancy to your garden even during the winter months. Its pink berries, which mature in the fall, remain fresh throughout the winter season. Not only do they serve as an essential food source for birds and small animals, but they also provide a pop of color to an otherwise dull winter landscape. The Coralberry’s foliage is dense and deep green, while its flowers are small but charming. This perennial is easy to maintain and can be left alone to thrive without much attention. However, it does tend to spread, so it’s best to keep an eye on it if you want to contain it. It’s perfect for use as an informal hedge or as a border plant with other shrubs. This plant is native to many regions in the US, including the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest. In addition to the Coralberry, another great plant to consider is the Blanket Flower (Gaillardia x grandiflora).

The Blanket Flower is a popular perennial that is highly sought after for its resilient nature and ability to withstand deer. Its vivid and lively colors are sure to bring a smile to your face and brighten up any garden. When planted in clusters, these multi-colored pinwheel flowers look especially captivating and are irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies from early summer all the way through fall. Blanket Flowers typically come in a fusion of reds, oranges, golds, yellows, and burgundy shades and can be found in single, double, or semi-double varieties. Some of the top-rated Blanket Flower favorites include Mesa Bright Bicolor (yellow/red), Sun Devil (red/yellow, pinwheel form), Sunset Mexican (yellow/pink), Sunset Spice (orange/yellow), and Arizona Apricot (peach/yellow). These hardy perennials can thrive in zones 2-10 with full sun exposure and are known for their resistance to deer. In addition to the Blanket Flower, Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are another popular choice among gardeners.

Daylilies are the epitome of a classic and low-maintenance flower that no garden should be without. With an astonishing 50,000 registered cultivars, it’s easy to find a few or even fill the entire garden with their showy, vibrant blooms. What makes daylilies so special is their hardiness – they can withstand drought, heat, freezing temperatures, and frozen grounds with ease, making them the ideal perennial. We have our own favorite daylily varieties such as Awesome Blossom (apricot/plum), Rocket City (tangerine/golden), Ming Toy (red/yellow), Wineberry Candy (pink/purple/yellow), Advanced Party (lavender/lime green), Moonlit Masquerade (cream/purple), and American Revolution (dark purple/yellow). These plants are perfect for hardy zones 3-9 and can thrive in full sun or light shade. They are also deer-resistant. Another great option for your garden is the Leopard Plant (Ligularia x).

The Leopard Plant is a popular perennial due to its impressive foliage and blossoms. Its dark-green leaves are large, deeply serrated, and grow in sizable mounds, making it a striking addition to any flower garden. The plant produces tall stems with hundreds of small, daisy-like flowers that showcase a bright yellow color. Even in colder weather, this hardy plant remains bold and undaunted. Its foliage creates an eye-catching backdrop for other plants, even when not in bloom. The Leopard Plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is hardy within zones 3-8. Another great choice is the Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus).

Snowberry can be a great addition to your garden or landscape design, not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for the benefits it provides to local birds and animals during the challenging winter months. This perennial shrub produces attractive clusters of white berries in early fall, which are loved by wildlife and can remain on the bush well into winter, providing a vital source of food when other options are scarce. Despite its inconspicuous flowers, pollinators are attracted to Snowberry, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to support local ecosystems. The blue-green foliage is dense and low maintenance, making it ideal for use as hedges and borders or to prevent erosion. Snowberry is extremely hardy and can withstand various soil types and conditions, thriving in zones 3-7 and offering versatility in terms of sunlight requirements. Another popular option for gardeners is Coneflower, also known as Echinacea purpurea.

Coneflowers are a type of flower that bloom brightly and are remarkably durable and easy to grow. These perennials are incredibly tough and can withstand various conditions such as heat, humidity, drought, and poor soil. Moreover, they are irresistible to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, while deer tend to stay away from them. Aside from being low-maintenance, Coneflowers can bloom throughout the summer, providing an extended period of vibrant colors. To top it off, some types are even fragrant, making them an excellent addition to any garden. With hundreds of cultivars available, Coneflowers come in different colors such as orange, red, yellow, pink, white, peach, and lavender. You can create a stunning landscape by planting just Coneflowers, which are native to the northeast and southeast, deer, and rabbit-resistant, and thrive under full sun or very light shade. Lastly, Coneflowers are hardy to zones 3-9, making them a perfect choice for any garden enthusiast. Another plant worth considering is the Eastern Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus).

The Eastern Wahoo is a tough plant that boasts vibrant colors all year round. This unique and quirky-named bush is a native perennial that adds a bold pop of color to any landscape. It’s a great alternative to the invasive Burning Bush (E. alatus). During late spring, this tall shrub or small tree produces an abundance of little maroon flowers that last for a month. Once the flowers vanish, light purple seed capsules take their place and fill the branches. During fall, the seed capsules burst open to reveal crimson-red berries that birds can’t resist.

Eastern Wahoo foliage changes throughout the seasons, starting out as lime-green and transitioning to brilliant red in the fall. While it may be less flashy than the Burning Bush, it’s still an extremely attractive addition to any garden. Eastern Wahoo is rarely affected by disease and can thrive in a variety of challenging conditions, making it an excellent option for a hardy landscape.

This plant is hardy in zones 3-7, and it can grow in full sun, partial shade, or full shade. It’s native to the Midwest, Southwest, and Northeast regions of the United States. Another great option for adding color to your landscape is the Globe Flower (Trollius europaeus).

The Globe Flower is an attractive option for those who want to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to their garden, while keeping pesky deer and rabbits at bay. These golden-yellow flowers resemble buttercups and emit a warm and bright aura that is hard to resist. With its blooms growing on tall stalks above the green foliage, it serves as a striking addition to any flower garden. Planting Globe Flowers in large groups or along borders and walkways creates a dazzling display that draws in various pollinators. This hardy perennial can thrive in zones 3-8 with full sun or light shade exposure. Furthermore, it boasts deer and rabbit resistance, making it a practical choice for gardeners looking to avoid critter damage. Another excellent option for attracting pollinators is the Black-Eyed Susan, also known as Rudbeckia fulgida sp.

Black-Eyed Susans are beloved flowers for their resilience and beauty. As hardy perennials, they are a must-have in any garden. Sporting bright golden-yellow daisy-shaped flowers on tall stems, they exude joy and vibrancy throughout summer and fall. These flowers flourish abundantly and look stunning when planted in large groups. They’re perfect for borders, meadows, or wild gardens. Black-Eyed Susans are low maintenance plants that rarely get sick, and they attract bees and butterflies while repelling rabbits and deer. They’re hardy to zones 3-8, but it’s important to check the subspecies before purchasing. These flowers thrive best in full sun or light shade and are drought resistant. Another beautiful and vibrant flower is the Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientalis).

Don’t be fooled by the delicate appearance of Oriental Poppies – these perennial plants are actually quite sturdy! Their bright and bold colors make them a standout addition to any garden. With so many hues to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong with Oriental Poppies. During the summer months, their crepe paper-like blooms last for months, adding an extra pop of color to your space. Even after they’re done blooming, the unique seedpods they leave behind are still eye-catching. Some popular varieties include Patty’s Plum (with its plum purple hue), Eye Catcher (a burnt orange color), and Lauren’s Grape (deep purple). These plants are a great choice for zones 3-8 and are deer and rabbit resistant. Looking for another unique and stunning perennial? Check out the Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa).

The pincushion flower is a great addition to any garden, offering both color and visual interest. It earns its name from the dense and pastel-colored flowers that resemble pincushions with their upright stamens. This beautiful plant blooms from late spring all the way through fall, making it a reliable and low-maintenance choice. Pincushion Flowers are also attractive to butterflies and grow on low stems, typically reaching 12-18 inches tall. These hardy plants do well in zones 3-9, prefer full sun or partial shade, and can tolerate drought and deer.