17 easy perennials for new gardeners—lush greenery and abundant blooms in no time

1. Avens

The versatile avens makes an excellent edging plant and can also serve as a ground cover thanks to its dense foliage. Geum coccineum thrives in many locations but not in full sun. Suitable for sun or partial shade, 30–40 cm in height, blooms June to July.

“The ‘Borisii-Strain’ variety is a cheerful pop of early summer color. If it’s too dry, it may look scraggly, but its foliage tolerates trimming.”—Heidi Eriksson from Harjunpään taimisto

“Avens are easy-care perennials that adapt to almost any location. They have lush foliage that supports small, delicate, but all the more captivating blooms in bright colors. ‘Beech House Apricot’ or the softly peach-hued ‘Totally Tangerine’ pair beautifully with pale pink companions.”—Landscape designer and horticulturist Suvi Tuokko-Harmoinen

2. Hosta

Hostas are the queens of foliage perennials! Hostas stay attractive all season and lend a luxurious, structured look to plantings. There are hundreds of varieties in various sizes and colors. Flowering time depends on the variety. Pictured below is the ornamental hosta ‘Great Expectations.’ Partial shade to shade, 15–120 cm, blooms June–September.

“Beautiful throughout the season, and their flowering in summer is definitely a bonus. There are hundreds of varieties, ranging from miniature to giant hostas.”—Horticulturist Frans Karkkimaa from Stara, City of Helsinki

“Hostas are especially striking when paired with conifer plantings or used as border plants. Their main beauty lies in their large leaves, but the tall flower spikes that emerge later in the summer are also quite ornamental.”—Landscape designer and horticulturist Suvi Tuokko-Harmoinen

Check out the garden of a hobbyist who has collected 520 hostas and read tips on how to grow them! [in Finnish]

3. Siberian iris

The extremely hardy Siberian iris adds structure to perennial borders with its narrow, upright leaves. Iris sibirica is often used near water features. It’s also available in white. Sun to partial shade, 80–100 cm, blooms June-July.

“A beautiful perennial for fresh soil.”—Landscape architect Kairi Meos

4. Astilbe

Astilbes (Astilbe) provide a spectacular floral display in shades of white and red, adding lush volume to a perennial bed. They thrive best in partial shade, but they can also manage in full sun if the soil is rich and retains moisture. Size varies by variety. Sun to partial shade, 40–100 cm, blooms July-August.

“Astilbes offer something for everyone in a perennial bed. They stay nicely contained and won’t spread uncontrollably. Astilbes are also good butterfly plants, attracting peacock butterflies in particular. Among the taller varieties, the over 80 cm tall 'Cattleya' is a gorgeous late-summer bloomer. Its flower clusters glow in a striking pink color.”—Landscape designer and horticulturist Suvi Tuokko-Harmoinen

Take a look at a planting plan that features astilbes! [in Finnish]

5. Big betony

This traditional perennial, big betony, fits beautifully into many plantings. Stachys macrantha forms such a dense clump that weeds won't stand a chance against it. Sun to partial shade, 40–50 cm, June–July.

“From dry to moist soil, from sun to partial shade. Abundant and showy blooms.”—Garden designer Sari Lampinen

6. Daylily

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are long-lived and a great choice if you appreciate easy care. Plant them in a sizable group or combine them with large-leaved perennials for a striking contrast. There is a huge range of varieties, and both size and blooming time vary. Sun to partial shade, 25–100 cm, blooms June–September.

“The orange daylily (Hemerocallis fulva) is very hardy and not picky about its growing conditions. It provides late-summer flowering.”—Garden designer Sari Lampinen

“The yellow daylily (Hemerocallis lilio-asphodelus) is a reliable bloomer in sunny spots.”—Landscape architect Kairi Meos

7. Pacific bleeding heart

Few perennials bloom as long as the Pacific bleeding heart, and its fern-like leaves are equally delightful! Plant Dicentra formosa along the edge of a perennial bed or under a shrub. It’s also available in a white variety. Sun to partial shade, 30 cm, blooms May–August.

“Suitable for many soil types.”—Garden designer Sari Lampinen

8. Hyssop

The aromatic herb is often called Finland’s lavender! It looks stunning planted in large swathes, for example along a pathway. Hyssopus officinalis is a favorite of pollinators. Sun to partial shade, 40–50 cm, blooms July–September.

Read our article on how to grow hyssop! [in Finnish]

9. Globeflower

The charming globeflowers (Trollius) thrive in soil that holds moisture. Plant them among other plants, as their foliage can droop after flowering. The delicately pale-yellow hybrid globeflower ‘New Moon’ is a trendy option. Full sun to partial shade, 30–60 cm, blooms May–June.

“The pale-yellow shade pairs beautifully with many other perennials. Globeflowers can wilt if the spot is too dry, but the foliage will withstand cutting back.”—Heidi Eriksson from Harjunpään taimisto

10. Showy stonecrop

The showy stonecrop (Hylotelephium spectabile) punctuates late summer with a burst of color. Dark-leafed varieties in particular add drama and contrast to perennial plantings even before they bloom. Pictured here is ‘Purple Emperor’. Full sun, 30–50 cm, blooms August–October.

“A fun pop of color for late summer.”—Landscape architect Kairi Meos

“They’re among the last to bloom and also make good cut flowers.”—Horticulturist and gardening teacher Kirsi Tuominen

“In northern Finland, the toughest variety of orpine (Hylotelephium telephium) is 'Carl'.”—Jari Särkkä from Särkkä Perennial Nursery

11. Scented cranesbill

The Geranium genus is so extensive that you can find a suitable perennial from it for many spots in the garden. The scented cranesbill (Geranium macrorrhizum, pictured below) can suppress weeds even in challenging locations. Full sun to partial shade, 20–60 cm, June–August (size depends on the species or variety; scented cranesbill is among the shortest).

“Lush, long-blooming ground cover plant for even a challenging spot. It effectively prevents weeds from growing. You can easily control its spread by trimming the runners, and you can quickly propagate it for a new garden.”— Garden designer Sari Lampinen

Take a peek at Anne’s garden, where different cranesbill varieties take center stage! [in Finnish]

12. Yarrow

The yarrow (Achillea) is a classic perennial in natural gardens and attracts butterflies. It comes in various colors, although a popular choice is the orange-toned hybrid yarrow ‘Terracotta.’ Hybrid yarrows may not always survive the winter in the most northern parts of the world. Full sun, 60–90 cm, blooms July–September.

“Yarrows are easy to care for and bloom for a long time. There are plenty of varieties, and the range of colors is extensive for these composite flowers. It’s a lovely traditional perennial for natural gardens and an excellent pollinator plant. It’s also wonderful as a cut or dried flower. The terracotta shade of the hybrid yarrow looks especially enchanting among the browns and faded hues of an autumn garden.”—Landscape designer and horticulturist Suvi Tuokko-Harmoinen

13. Chinese peony

The beloved Chinese peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is one of the most rewarding perennials—provided you choose its site carefully, plant it at the correct depth, and have the patience to let it establish. Featured here is the color-changing ‘Coral Charm.’ Sun to partial shade, 70–110 cm, blooms June–July.

Here’s how to plant a peony correctly!

“They’re strong and easy, as long as they’re not planted too deep.”—Garden designer Sari Lampinen

“They do require a bit of care, such as staking and removing faded flowers after blooming. A peony needs to remain undisturbed, so invest time in planting it properly.”—Horticulturist Frans Karkkimaa from Stara, City of Helsinki

14. Heartleaf bergenia

Heartleaf bergenia is the only perennial with large evergreen leaves in Finland. Bergenia cordifolia is truly an all-purpose plant, although it doesn’t tolerate standing water. Full sun to shade, 15–40 cm, blooms May–June.

“A plant whose potential should be appreciated more.”—Garden designer Sari Lampinen

“A lovely evergreen staple perennial.”—Horticulturist and gardening teacher Kirsi Tuominen

15. Creeping thyme

The creeping thyme is a favorite of bumblebees. Plant Thymus serpyllum in nutrient-poor, sandy soil so this ground cover plant won’t spread too much. Sun to partial shade, 5–10 cm, blooms July–August.

16. Barren strawberry

The barren strawberry forms a thick evergreen mat and is one of the most reliable ground covers. The flowers of Waldsteinia ternata resemble those of a strawberry but shine bright yellow in the glossy green carpet like hundreds of tiny suns. It can become unsightly in overly dry conditions, but the foliage tolerates being cut back. It maintains its shape well. Sun to shade, 10–20 cm, blooms May–June.

“The best all-purpose ground cover perennial.”—Horticulturist and gardening teacher Kirsi Tuominen

17. Coral bells

Who needs flowers when the leaves alone are so enchanting? The foliage colors and patterns of coral bells are truly amazing. Plant Heuchera in nutrient-rich soil. Pictured below: coral bells 'Palace Purple'. Size and blooming time vary by variety. Sun to partial shade, 20–50 cm, blooms June–September.

“Coral bells are incredibly resilient. They’re not demanding and can grow in spots where many other plants can’t survive. Their undeniable beauty lies in the ornamental foliage, yet the delicate flower spikes are also lovely. Coral bells add a magical, fairy-like lightness to plantings.”—Landscape designer and horticulturist Suvi Tuokko-Harmoinen

Read our article on coral bells: planting, care, and varieties! [in Finnish]

Plants that were mentioned more than once also include:

Goat’s beard, meadow phlox, garden phlox, feather reed grass, blue globe thistle, cimicifugas, false sunflowers, leopard plants, Oriental leopard’s bane, blue-eyed-mary, moss phlox, tickseeds, coneflowers.