LONG FLOWERING PERENNIAL FLOWERS

Perennial flowers are among some of the favorite plants gardeners enjoy because they come back every year and put on a colorful show.

Their beauty and longevity make up for the work many of them require such as pruning, staking, deadheading and dividing. But some perennial flowers make up for the work we put into them by having extra long bloom times or having repeat flowering times all season long.

Their large blocks of color are show stoppers. So here are some perennials to consider for your garden if you enjoy perennials that flower for long periods of time:

1. Centranthus (Red Valerian)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 to 4 months
Good Varieties: Centranthus ruber 'Albus'

2. Coreopsis (Tickseed)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 or more months
Good Varieties: Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb', C.v. 'Golden Showers', C. grandiflora 'Early Sunrise'

3. Corydalis lutea (Fumewort)
USDA Zones 4 - 9
Bloom Span: 4 months
Good Varieties: C. lutea is the best one

4. Dianthus (Pinks)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 2 or more months
Good Varieties: Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Bath's Pink', D. g. 'Cheddar Pink', D. deltoids (Maiden Pink)

5. Echinacea purpurea (Coneflower)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 2 to 3 months
Good Varieties: Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus", E.p. 'Fragrant Angel', E. "Art's Pride'

6. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
USDA Zones 2 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 to 4 months
Good Varieties: Gaillardia x grandiflora, Gaillardia 'Goblin' (dwarf), G. 'Burgundy', G. 'Monarch'

7. Nepeta (Catmint)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 2 to 3 months
Good Varieties: Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant', Nepeta x faassenii 'Dropmore' (Sterile and doesn't need deadheading)

8. Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)
USDA Zones: 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 months
Good Varieties: Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm'

9. Scabiosa (Pin Cushion Flower)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 or more months
Good Varieties: Scabiosa caucasica 'Butterfly Blue', S. c. 'Pink Mist'

10. Sedum (Stonecrop)
USDA Zones 3- 9
Bloom Span: 2 to 3 months
Good Varieties: Sedum 'Autumn Joy', S. 'Bertram Anderson', S. Madrona, S. 'Brilliant'

11. Veronica spicata (Spike Speedwell)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 to 4 months
Good Varieties: Veronica 'Sunny Border Blue'

Thanks to Houston Plants and Garden World for this information!