Top 10 Perennials Anyone Can Grow
- Dig Into Gardening
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 16

Low effort. High reward. Year after year.
Perennials are the lazy gardener’s best friend. Plant them once, and they’ll keep coming back — like your favorite pair of stretchy pants. No need to replant every spring. No need to remember which flowers hate you. Just plant, water, and vibe.
Here are 10 perennials even the most forgetful, chaotic, or self-proclaimed “black thumb” gardener can grow.
1. Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
Why we love them:
Tough as nails. Bloom like they’re showing off.
Bonus:
They’ll thrive in bad soil and forgetful watering.

2. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Why we love them:
Pollinators adore them. You’ll feel like a garden goddess.
Bonus:
Drought-tolerant and basically invincible.

3. Hostas
Why we love them:
Shade? No problem. Gorgeous foliage.
Bonus:
You can ignore them. They’ll still look good.

4. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
Why we love them:
Golden blooms that scream summer.
Bonus:
They self-seed. Nature’s way of saying “you’re welcome.”

5. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Why we love them:
Succulent leaves. Late-season flowers.
Bonus:
They laugh in the face of drought.

6. Peonies
Why we love them:
Old-school romance. Huge, fluffy blooms.
Bonus:

7. Russian Sage
Why we love them:
Clouds of lavender-blue. Smells amazing.
Bonus:
Deer hate it. Bees don’t.

8. Catmint (Nepeta)
Why we love them:
Soft, silvery leaves + purple blooms = chef’s kiss.
Bonus:
Spills beautifully over borders and won’t hold a grudge if you forget to water.

9. Yarrow (Achillea)
Why we love them:
Tough and feathery with little button blooms.
Bonus:
Totally fine in terrible soil. Doesn’t ask for much.

10. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Why we love them:
Hummingbirds. Butterflies. Firework-style flowers.
Bonus:
Spreads like gossip. (In a good way.)

Quick Tips for Perennial Success:
Pick the right spot. (Full sun? Shade? Don’t guess — check the tag.)
Water until established, then relax.
Deadhead if you feel fancy. If not? Totally fine.
Celebrate the chaos. Wild gardens are good gardens.
One Last Thing
Perennials are like friends. The good ones show up year after year — even if you forget their birthday. Plant some this season. Future You will be very impressed.