The Easiest Perennials for Beginner Gardeners
Starting a garden can feel overwhelming when you’re new to planting, but perennials offer a stress-free way to dive in. Because perennials return year after year, they provide lasting beauty and a reliable foundation for your outdoor space. And here’s the best part: you don’t need a green thumb to succeed.
The following plants are hardy and forgiving, meaning even if you make a few mistakes along the way, they’ll likely still thrive.
Read on to discover the easiest perennials for beginners and learn how to care for them.
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The Easiest Perennials to Grow
1. Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
Daylily
Daylilies are known for their incredible adaptability. They tolerate a wide range of soil types, including those with low fertility, and are remarkably resistant to most pests and diseases. Their vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms come in an array of colors, giving you plenty of options for a bright garden display. Even if you forget to water them occasionally or plant them in less-than-ideal conditions, daylilies often soldier on and produce cheerful flowers year after year.
How to Care for Them
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (at least six hours of sunlight a day).
Soil: Well-draining soil, but they’re not fussy.
Water: Moderate watering; keep soil lightly moist without overwatering.
Maintenance Tip: Remove spent blooms to encourage new flowers. Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding.
2. Hostas
Hostas
Why They’re Easy
Hostas are beloved for their large, decorative leaves and ability to thrive in shady areas where many other plants struggle. They require minimal upkeep once established and come in various sizes and foliage patterns—ranging from chartreuse to variegated shades. Because they’re perennials, you can count on them reappearing each spring, making them a reliable choice for beginner gardeners who want greenery without too much fuss.
How to Care for Them
Sunlight: Partial to full shade.
Soil: Moist, well-draining soil.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist, especially in hot weather.
Maintenance Tip: Watch out for slugs and snails. Cut back dying foliage in the fall to help prevent diseases.
RELATED: Hostas Landscaping: The Easiest Way to Create a Stunning Shade Garden
3. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
Black-Eyed Susans
Why They’re Easy
Black-Eyed Susans are recognized by their sunny, daisy-like blooms with dark centers, and they’re as easygoing as they look. Tolerant of both heat and drought, they can handle less-than-perfect soil conditions, and their cheerful color attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. They also self-seed, so you’ll often find new seedlings popping up, expanding your garden naturally.
How to Care for Them
Sunlight: Full sun for abundant blooms.
Soil: Average garden soil; not picky about fertility.
Water: Moderate watering, but they handle dry spells well.
Maintenance Tip: Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering. Allow some seed heads to remain if you want them to self-seed.
4. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Coneflowers
Why They’re Easy
Coneflowers bring vibrant splashes of color—particularly purple, pink, and sometimes even orange—while offering a sturdy, drought-tolerant habit. Their attractive flower cones draw bees and butterflies in the summer, and birds feed on their seed heads in the winter. Even if you miss a watering or two, these hardy plants are forgiving and continue to put on a show, year after year.
How to Care for Them
Sunlight: Full sun.
Soil: Well-draining soil, tolerates poor soil as long as it’s not waterlogged.
Water: Water regularly the first year; can handle dry conditions once established.
Maintenance Tip: Cut back spent blooms to encourage a second flush. Leave some seed heads for birds in winter.
5. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum
Sedum, often called stonecrop, is a group of succulent-like plants that store water in their leaves, making them extremely drought-tolerant. They require very little attention once planted, and their showy clusters of flowers last well into the fall, adding late-season color. Pests and diseases rarely bother them, so they’re an ideal choice for novice gardeners who want reliable, no-fuss plants.
How to Care for Them
Sunlight: Full sun, though some varieties tolerate partial shade.
Soil: Well-draining soil is a must.
Water: Minimal once established—avoid overwatering.
Maintenance Tip: Tall varieties might need staking or a mid-season trim to prevent flopping.
6. Peonies
Peony
Why They’re Easy
Peonies are famous for their big, luxurious blooms and pleasant fragrance. Although they have a reputation for elegance, they’re surprisingly low-maintenance. Once planted in a sunny, well-draining spot, peonies can bloom for decades with minimal care. They’re also relatively resistant to pests and diseases, making them a great long-term investment for your garden.
How to Care for Them
Sunlight: Full sun (at least six hours daily).
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil.
Water: Water consistently, but avoid soggy conditions.
Maintenance Tip: Provide support for double-bloom varieties and cut back foliage in fall to prevent fungal issues.
7. Astilbe
Astilbe
Why They’re Easy
Astilbe stands out for its feathery plumes of pink, red, white, or purple flowers that add striking texture to shady spots. They thrive in areas with less direct sunlight and appreciate rich, moist soil. Once established, astilbe plants don’t require much beyond consistent watering, making them a smart choice for beginners wanting color in partial or full shade.
How to Care for Them
Sunlight: Partial shade to full shade.
Soil: Rich, consistently moist soil.
Water: Keep well-watered, especially in hot weather.
Maintenance Tip: Divide every few years to maintain vigor. Removing spent flower stalks can tidy the plant’s appearance.
8. Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint
Why They’re Easy
Catmint has attractive silvery-green foliage and produces clusters of purple-blue flowers that continuously bloom throughout the summer. Extremely drought-tolerant, it’s unbothered by most garden pests and critters like deer and rabbits, making it one of the most resilient perennials you can grow. Pollinators love it, so it’s a nice addition for those wanting a wildlife-friendly garden.
How to Care for Them
Sunlight: Full sun for the best blooms.
Soil: Well-drained soil; they dislike overly wet conditions.
Water: Water to establish, then sparingly thereafter.
Maintenance Tip: Trim back after the first bloom to encourage a second flowering. It forms clumps that can easily be divided if it spreads.
RELATED: Named the Best Picks for Full Sun Perennials: A Gardener’s Must-Have List
9. Salvia
Salvia
Why They’re Easy
Salvia adds vertical interest to your garden with its upright flower spikes in shades of purple, pink, or red. It’s a reliable repeater bloomer that thrives in sunny conditions. Salvia is relatively untroubled by pests and, once established, requires minimal watering. Bees and hummingbirds frequent its blooms, making it a delightful choice for nature enthusiasts.
How to Care for Them
Sunlight: Full sun, though some afternoon shade is okay in very hot regions.
Soil: Well-draining soil; avoid waterlogged areas.
Water: Moderate watering; allow the topsoil to dry out between waterings.
Maintenance Tip: Cut back after the first flush of flowers to promote additional blooms. Divide clumps every few years if they become crowded.
RELATED: How To Deadhead Salvias
10. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral Bells
Why They’re Easy
Coral Bells are grown primarily for their colorful foliage, which can range from deep purple to bright lime. They’re versatile—working in shady borders, containers, or as ground cover—and can tolerate various light conditions depending on the variety. Although they enjoy consistent moisture, they’re not overly demanding once established, making them perfect for beginners wanting vibrant leaf color.
How to Care for Them
Sunlight: Partial shade is generally ideal, though some cultivars can handle more sun.
Soil: Well-draining, organic-rich soil.
Water: Water regularly during dry spells; don’t let them dry out completely.
Maintenance Tip: Remove older leaves to keep plants looking fresh. Mulch around them to help conserve moisture.
RELATED: A Beginner's Guide to Choosing the Perfect Flowers for Your Front Yard
General Tips for Beginner Gardeners
Start Small: Choose a handful of these low-maintenance perennials to get acquainted with their needs.
Check Your Soil: Ensure water doesn’t pool at the planting site. If it does, mix in compost or consider raised beds.
Mulch: A layer of mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds.
Fertilize Wisely: A slow-release fertilizer in spring is typically enough for most perennials. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent weak growth.
Observe and Adjust: Each garden is unique. Monitor your plants, see how they respond, and refine your care routine accordingly.
Perennials are the perfect starting point for any beginner gardener looking for easy, rewarding plants. With this list of hardy and forgiving blooms, you can build confidence and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your garden return and flourish year after year—no green thumb required! Grab a few favorites, put them in the ground, and watch as they transform your outdoor space with minimal effort.
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