Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), also called common yarrow, is a fast-growing perennial with tall stems, fern-like leaves, and small clusters of flowers.

“This sun-loving perennial, available in a variety of colors, creates gorgeous texture in a garden,” says Laura Janney, CEO of The Inspired Garden Masterclass. “Drought-tolerant yarrow gives an airy vibe to any garden. It’s very low-maintenance and deer-resistant.”

Grow yarrow in a sunny location with well-draining, loamy soil for it to flourish. “Starting late spring, this plant blooms and blooms all season long,” Janney says. “As the flowers fade, simply give it a trim and it will bloom again! Not only does it grow fast, but it will spread and give you even more plants.”

• Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining sandy, loamy

Coneflower

Coneflowers (Echinacea) are rapidly growing flowering perennials that have colorful, daisy-like blooms ranging in color from pink and red to yellow, orange, and white.

“Coneflower is a staple in any of our gardens,” Janney explains. “We love the texture and the pop of color it brings. It’s a fantastic pollinator and a prolific bloomer. Once it starts blooming, it could last all the way into frost.”

Coneflower is a hardy plant that needs well-draining soil and can handle a range of soil conditions, including clay, Janney says. Coneflowers flourish with full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

“When your coneflower plants are done blooming, you can cut down to the stem,” Janney advises. “Many people do nothing at all and leave the seed heads for the birds and it adds interest to your winter garden.”

• Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
• Light: Full or partial sun
• Soil: Loamy, well-draining soil

Russian Sage

Russian sage (Salvia yangii), despite its name, is not a true sage. This perennial shrub can grow and spread quickly. It has grayish-green leaves and flowers in stunning shades of lavender or blue. Plant Russian sage in a sunny location with well-drained soil.

“Russian sage needs full sun for optimal growth,” says Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of TN Nursery. “It also needs to be cut back in the spring for fresh growth to come through.”

• Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining

Avens

Avens (Geum spp.) are striking flowering plants in the rose family. Their delicate blooms resemble small roses and come in shades of orange, red, or yellow. “Avens emerge in early to mid-May when few other perennials are in bloom,” Janney says. “They’re deer-resistant and need well-drained soil.”

Avens grow very quickly and thrive in full sunlight with moist ground that drains well. “In 2 to 3 years, you can divide them for even more plants!” Janney explains.

• Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining soil

Bachelor Button

Bachelor button (Centaurea cyanus), also called cornflower, has stunning blooms that are usually bright blue but can also be pink, white, or maroon. “The perennial bachelor button has a unique, striking bloom, making it a standout in any wildflower or cottage garden,” Janney says.

This colorful perennial does best with well-draining soil and thrives with full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It blooms in mid-spring and grows relatively quickly. “Once it’s finished blooming, you can cut back the stems close to the crown of the plant and enjoy the soft, mounded green foliage,” Janney advises. “It will also spread so you will get even more plants.”

• Hardiness Zone: 2 to 11
• Light: Full, partial sun
• Soil: Well-draining, moist, alkaline soil

Agastache

Agastache, also called hummingbird mint or anise hyssop, is a striking perennial with tubular bright flowers in shades of pink, blue, purple, orange, white, or red.

“If you need a fast-growing perennial, Agastache will not disappoint,” Janney says. “It’s a long summer bloomer and will start early to mid-summer. It comes in a range of heights and also has a delicate, delicious smell like licorice.”

Agastache is a drought-tolerant plant that grows best in full sunlight with well-drained, sandy soil. When your Agastache is done blooming, cut it down to the foliage, Janney advises. It’s an excellent pollinator and deer-resistant.

• Hardiness Zone: 3 to 10
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining, acidic soil

Butterfly Bush

Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) is a fast-growing shrub with arching branches and clusters of beautiful flowers in shades of white, purple, pink, blue, and yellow. “This plant grows fast and comes back year-round,” Sons says. “It needs to be pruned during early spring to encourage new growth.”

Butterfly bush thrives with at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily and moist but well-drained soil. 

• Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, well-draining soil

Forsythia

If you want a burst of cheer in your landscape, forsythia is the perfect pick. This flowering shrub grows quickly and has brilliant yellow to gold-tinged blooms in early spring. Forsythia can grow up to 24 inches in a year and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Plant your forsythia in a sunny location for the best blooms. “Trim this plant back right after it flowers to maintain its shape,” Sons advises. “This will help it grow even faster and promote healthy shoots.”

• Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
• Light: Full to partial sun
• Soil: Well-draining, moist