Not all of us live in climates where the seasons are predictable year in, year out. Whilst temperamental weather gives us a great excuse to have a moan and a groan, it makes gardening somewhat challenging at times.
When the weather turns, we need to ensure our plants can continue to grow and thrive. Whether your region experiences frozen ground soil, freezing temperatures, and/or high winds, growing flowers, especially perennials, can be tricky.
You can’t just plant any old flower you please, as some will not survive harsh weather conditions. Instead, you need to plant flowers that are hardy and can withstand all the elements that come their way.
Today, we are here to guide you through the most amazing perennial flowers that will grow in harsh conditions.
From droughts to freezing winters, our selection of flowers will produce a beautiful bloom every year to give your yard the flower power it deserves.
1. Barrenwort (Epimedium Grandiflorum)
Barrenwort may appear delicate, but it is far from fragile. Considered to be one of the best shade perennial flowers, barrenwort will brighten any yard and survive the harshest of weather conditions.
Offering colorful flowers and foliage, this hardy ground cover plant is drought resistant, making it a great choice for shady areas with dry soil. Some barrenwort plants can also maintain their evergreen appearance throughout the winter, but this depends on the variety grown and where you live.
When planted, this flower will gradually carpet an area with vibrant colors, making for an attractive scene.
2. Russian Sage (Perovskia Atriplicifolia)
If you’re looking for ways to add a flash of colors during fall or late summer, Russian Sage is a wonderful option.
As tough as most flowers come, this plant can thrive in overly hot and dry conditions. That is no wonder as it originated in Central Asia where some of the driest, hottest weather can be experienced.
In bloom, Russian Sage boasts an eye-catching bluish-purple haze of flowers that typically appear in late summer. And, you can enjoy its colors for weeks, rather than just one week or so, like many other late summer flowers.
Russian Sage’s silvery foliage also emits a pleasing fragrance that can fill a garden with a scent similar to lavender.
3. Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata)
Live in a cold climate? Or a blazing hot climate? Blazing Star is a flower you should seriously consider growing in your yard as it can withstand the most freezing conditions as well as droughts and poor soil.
This plant takes hardiness to the next level as it rarely suffers from pests or diseases.
When fully grown, Blazing Star produces beautiful, tall spikes of lavender flowers that stand out like balls of fluff.
This perennial’s grass-like foliage that produces small, star-shaped flowers on tall spikes look great in most yards and gardens. Its long blooming season and stunning vertical aesthetic make it a wildlife favorite too.
It is loved by native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and its striking appearance is sure to capture the attention of onlookers.
4. Sticky Purple Geranium (Geranium Viscosissimum)
Sticky Purple Geraniums are the perfect choice for any gardeners looking for low-maintenance flowers to brighten up their yards. Even in challenging climates, this flower will thrive where many would struggle.
This native perennial from the Midwest is a long-blooming flower that delights all who come across it.
Its flowers have a vivid purple shade and are shaped like saucers to add some uniqueness to your flower bed. And, most importantly, they are favorites of butterflies and native bees.
Drought resistant and cold hardy, Sticky Purple Geraniums require little care. They also rarely suffer from diseases and pests, so they survive for a long time.
Graceful and easy on the eye, this perennial blooms from late spring through late summer. You can even enjoy them as salad garnish too! Talk about versatility!
5. Sedum
Sometimes, we just want stunning floral displays in our yards, but without all the hard work of looking after them. Sounds familiar? If so, you need to plant Sedum! These flowers require almost zero care and are extremely hardy.
Growing in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, Sedum flowers will survive droughts, high heats, cold winters, and all types of pests.
One of the most popular types of Sedum is the Dragon’s Blood Sedum. Fast-growing, this creeper has striking green and red foliage that is a great choice for groundcover, especially on slopes.
Just bear in mind that Sedums tend to prefer sunny spots, and can also grow well in partial shade.
6. Coneflower
Coneflowers, which are native to the American prairie, are a popular perennial plant that have been widely grown and hybridized throughout the country.
Sturdy and hardy, Coneflowers come in a variety of colors, including white, a traditional purplish-pink, yellow, orange, and red, and there are both single-flowering and petal-packed varieties available.
These flowers bloom from early summer to fall and are known to attract birds and butterflies. This is what makes them a popular choice among gardeners and those looking to attract wildlife to their gardens.
However, it should be noted that the petal-heavy varieties may not be as beneficial for pollinators.
7. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Fulgida Sp)
We believe every yard needs some Black-Eyed Susan plants to add some joy and personality to the space.
These are perfect examples of classic hardy perennials with their brilliant golden-yellow flowers that are shaped like daisies, sitting on top of slim, tall stems that bring happiness to any landscape.
Blooming throughout summer through to fall, Black-Eyed Susans can be enjoyed for many months of the year. They are perfect for wild gardens and borders, and don’t look amiss in meadows.
Bees and butterflies love its flowers, whilst animals such as rabbits and deer avoid them. So, if you want a low-maintenance flower that hardly ever suffers from disease and keeps certain wildlife away, consider planting some Black-Eyed Susan in your yard.
8. Queen Of The Prairie (Filipendula Rubra)
Queen of the Prairie is regarded as a true Royal in any flower garden. A native flower, this perennial can grow up to six or eight feet in height and produces large clusters of small, intricate light pink flowers atop green foliage.
When in bloom, this beautiful flower looks like a crowd of delicate pink clouds floating amongst other plants.
A hardy plant, Queen of the Prairie should be planted in a spot where it can spread out. Just make sure you keep on top of it, as the flower can take over a yard pretty quickly.
If you have a wild garden, Queen of the Prairie is a superb choice as it is loved by different kinds of pollinators. It also works well in borders and along ponds and creeks.
9. Hosta
If you’re on the lookout for a plant that offers a wide range of options, Hostas are an excellent choice.
These plants thrive in shade and come in numerous shapes, sizes, and colors. They can range from tall giants that can grow up to 4 feet to small dwarf plants that reach only 4 inches in height.
In addition to their diverse foliage, Hostas produce beautiful wands of white, blue, or lavender flowers during the summer months, too. However, blooming times vary by variety.
One of the best things about Hostas is that they are easy to care for and can be propagated by digging and dividing them. This allows you to create more plants whenever you need them.
Whether you’re a novice or experienced gardener, Hostas are a low-maintenance and rewarding addition to any garden, especially those in harsh climates.
10. Oriental Lily
One of the best ways to add a pleasant fragrance and eye-catching colors to your flower borders is by planting Oriental Lilies.
With their spectacular floral displays, these perennials are known for their rich bouquets of scent flowers that bloom from mid to late summer.
Best of all, Oriental Lilies come in a range of colors, including white, pink, rose cream, and pale orange. Therefore, you are bound to find a type that suits your borders.
Many Oriental Lilies are also striped or speckled, adding some uniqueness to a flower bed.
These flowers are typically easy to grow after being planted in spring or fall. Just keep in mind that some taller varieties of the plant will need some support, such as stakes, especially in windy conditions.
Exquisite with a beautiful fragrance, Oriental Lilies can also be cut to be bright inside and add color to your home. Just ensure you remove its stems to avoid staining clothes beforehand.
In Summary
If you live in a region with a harsh climate, our selection of flowers above are great options to grow in your yard. Mix and match some and see what grows best in your particular area. Happy growing!
I love sharing my experiences with individuals in this community, and I enjoy sharing some of the best tips I have learned over the years caring for my own garden at home.
In my articles, you will find the best flowers, most fragrant flowers you can plant in your garden, how to care for your favorite plants, informative guides and how-tos so you can have the best backyard in town!
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