Today’s most popular perennials are ones asking for low maintenance and have few to no bug or disease problems. Cutflowers may be used in fresh cut and in dried arrangements.

Coneflowers (Echinacea x) – native coneflowers are tough and pretty; flower colors: purple, white, orange, red, yellow. Compact coneflower series (16 to 30 inches tall): Sombrero®, Artisan™, PowWow®, and Cheyenne Spirit® for non-stop blooming June to September; spent flower cones visited by goldfinches or other birds over winter. (Z 4-9)

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) – heavy-blooming native perennial from early summer to frost. Highly recommended new cultivar ‘American Gold Rush’ is disease resistant, heavy bloomer, and should not reseed all over your garden. Deer-free and drought- and heat- tolerant. (Z 3-9)

Hostas (Hosta spp.) also known as plantain lily – the leading shade perennial prized for their large, tropical-looking leaves that come in an array of sizes, shapes, and colors ranging from chartreuse to blue-green to bicolor. Floral spikes of white, lavender, or pale purple appear over the summer months. (Z 3-9) 

Daylily (Hemerocallis) varieties are available in almost shape, size and color imaginable. Daylilies are exceptionally dependable long-lived perennials. Ask local gardening friends for a list of their regional favorites. (Z 3-9)

Bee Balm (Monarda) aka Oswego Tea – this old-fashioned perennial beloved by gardeners is visited by hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. Flowers come in red, pink and lavender all summer long if deadheaded. Try tall-growing ‘Jacob Kline’ for its 3+ feet high, mildew-resistant, scarlet red flowers and new compact (14-18 inches) Pardon Me® series. (Z 4-8)

Herbaceous Peony (Paeonia) – one of grandma’s favorites and currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Flowers are outrageously gorgeous, some varieties measuring 10 inches across. Color range of white, red, purple, peach, and many pink shades. (Z 4-7)

Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia), aka Torch Lilies and Tritoma – prized for their tall, show stopping flower spikes in bright red, orange, yellow, and other colors; full to partial sun and well-drained soil. Cultivar sizes range from dwarf (14 inches) to tall 3 feet tall. Popular series include Pyromania™, Poco™, Popsicle™, and Echo™. (Z 6-9)

Tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) stand tall height and invite butterflies to large, fragrant clusters of pink, red, purple or white flowers from mid- to late- summer; select powdery mildew resistant varieties like ‘David’, ‘Glamour Girl’, and ‘Jeana’. (Z 3-8).

Shasta Daisy (Lecanthemum x superbum) – bright white or creamy white daisy blooms such as ‘Becky’, ‘Whoops-a-Daisy’ and ‘Banana Cream ll’ in early- to mid-summer. (Z 5-9)

Lenten Rose (Helleborus x) – winter bloom from late December (H. niger) onward into early April and these evergreen perennials are usually deer resistant. Their single or double flowers welcome pollinating bees back into your garden. (Z 4-9)

Daffodils (Narcissus) – prized for their cheerful yellow/white, trumpet-shaped flowers that herald the arrival of spring. Plant bulbs in fall and they bloom for many springs to come; hundreds of types of daffodils to select from yellow, orange, white, and bicolors. (Z 3-9)