19 Sun-Loving Perennials with Season-Long Blooms That Attract Pollinators
Many perennial plants thrive when given at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. These sun-loving varieties return year after year, delivering a succession of blooms and varied foliage textures that brighten garden beds and containers. They also provide nectar and pollen for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, while offering shelter to beneficial insects and helping improve soil structure. Tough enough to endure heat, occasional drought, and gentle neglect, these selections require little more than well-drained soil and a sunny spot. The following lineup highlights perennials known for reliable performance under strong summer sun, minimal upkeep, and season-long interest.
Yarrow, botanically known as Achillea, shines in sunlit beds with feathery, fernlike foliage and flat-topped flower clusters. Cultivars such as ‘Apricot Delight’ offer soft peach hues, while ‘Paprika’ displays intense scarlet blooms from early summer into autumn. The native Achillea millefolium forms creamy-white umbels on two- to three-foot stems, attracting bees and beneficial wasps. Yarrow flourishes in lean, gritty soil and withstands dry spells once roots establish. Sow seed directly or divide clumps in spring or fall to maintain vigor and control spread. Cutting back spent blossoms often encourages a second flush, and its deer- and rabbit-resistance make it a dependable choice for gravel gardens, meadow plantings, and dry borders.
Blanketflower (Gaillardia) brings bold, daisy-like blooms that open in warm gold, fiery orange, and deep red, each ringed by a contrasting brown center. Native species such as Gaillardia pulchella prosper in poor, sandy sites, delivering one of the season’s first flower shows and holding color well into cooler months. Modern hybrids—‘Arizona Sun’ and ‘Goblin’ among them—feature larger blooms, extended bloom periods, and compact habits suited to pots. Plant in full sun with well-draining soil, and deadhead regularly to sustain flowering. Established clumps may self-sow, creating naturalized patches that combine ease of care with a riot of long-lasting color in sunny mixed beds.
Sea holly, or Eryngium, lends architectural flair with spiky, silvery-blue flower heads that resemble decorative thistles. Sturdy stalks rising above basal leaves support bracts tinted steel blue or violet. Selections like ‘Blue Glitter’ offer profuse azure blooms on silver stems, while Eryngium bourgatii ‘Picos Blue’ features larger, deeper blue flower clusters and holds an Award of Garden Merit. These perennials thrive in sandy, well-drained soil and full sun, tolerate coastal exposure and salty air, and resist deer. Left standing into winter, dried heads add textural interest to arrangements. Propagation by division in spring or early summer helps maintain healthy clumps, and seed-raised plants often mirror parent characteristics.
Giant hyssop, in the genus Agastache, is prized for its aromatic foliage and towering bloom spikes. As temperatures climb in midsummer, leaves release a mint-like fragrance when brushed, and long stems bear whorls of tubular flowers in purple, pink, orange, or apricot. Agastache foeniculum (anise hyssop) features gray-green leaves with lavender spires that persist into the first frost; its nectar-rich blooms attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Mexican hyssop (Agastache mexicana) displays rosy-some to magenta flowers and lemon-scented foliage, with ‘Summerlong™’ series offering extended color in peach, lilac, and lemon yellow. Plant in full sun with medium to well-drained soil; avoid overly rich or soggy ground. Removing spent spikes promotes continued flowering, and self-sown seedlings can help fill gaps.
Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) serve a critical role for monarch butterflies by supplying both larval host foliage and summer nectar sources. Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) prefers drier western soils with its large rose-pink umbels, while common milkweed (A. syriaca) spreads through eastern regions with fragrant pink clusters. Butterfly milkweed (A. tuberosa) brightens borders with flat, fiery-orange blooms, and swamp milkweed (A. incarnata) thrives in moist soils, offering deep pink flower heads along bog-edge settings. After bloom, pods mature and split, releasing windborne seeds. Sow seed directly in fall or transplant nursery starts in spring into full sun and average to moist soils. Leaving pods intact into autumn ensures seed dispersal and strengthens future colonies.
Blazing star, or Liatris, produces narrow spikes crowded with tiny purple, pink, or white flowers atop low clumps of grass-like leaves. These stately towers appear from midsummer into early fall, attracting beneficial insects such as lacewings, true bugs, and wasps. Native species like Liatris spicata adapt to a variety of soils, provided they drain well, and resist drought after establishment. Leaving seedheads standing offers winter food for goldfinches and sparrows. Division every three to four years prevents overcrowding and renews vigor. In perennial borders, blazing star’s vertical form pairs effectively with mounding companions and swaying grasses, lending contrast in both texture and height.
Asters, members of genera Symphyotrichum and Eurybia, extend color into late summer and autumn with clusters of star-shaped flowers in lavender-blue, pink, or white, each ringed by a golden center. Larger types such as Symphyotrichum novae-angliae can reach four feet, favoring organically rich, evenly moist soil, whereas compact Eurybia divaricata thrives in leaner, drier sites. A light pinching in late spring encourages bushiness and more blooms, and good air circulation helps prevent powdery mildew. Nectar-rich asters become important resources for pollinators when other plants fade. By selecting species with staggered peak bloom times, gardeners can enjoy continuous color from late summer into frost.
Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.) are garden mainstays thanks to their daisy-style blooms and easygoing nature. The classic purple coneflower (E. purpurea) displays drooping mauve petals around a raised orange-brown cone, but modern hybrids broaden the palette to include white, pink, orange, and chartreuse flower forms. Plant in full sun with moderately fertile, well-drained soil; established clumps withstand dry spells and heat. Leaving some seedheads in place attracts finches and buntings in cooler months. Sow seed outdoors in fall for natural cold stratification or start indoors for spring transplant. Removing old flower heads early in the season can prompt a secondary flush of blooms and keeps mixed beds looking tidy.
Lupines (Lupinus spp.) stand out with lofty spires of pea-shaped blossoms in blue, purple, pink, yellow, or white above palmate, green foliage. In the wild, they grow on rocky slopes and sandy meadows, tolerating lean soils and drought once roots establish. Their nitrogen-fixing root nodules help improve garden soil. Sow seed outdoors in late autumn or early spring where you want blooms, as seedlings often self-sow to form natural-looking drifts. Lupinus polyphyllus hybrids offer varieties from two to four feet tall in mixed hues. Division in spring helps maintain strong growth, and pairing lupines with low, spreading plants highlights their dramatic vertical form.
Hardy hibiscus, or rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos and related species), treats the eye to single-day flowers up to ten inches wide in shades of blush, crimson, or bi-color. New blossoms open daily from midsummer into early fall, providing a constant show amid lobed foliage. Plant in full sun with moist, organically rich soil that retains water yet drains freely. Established clumps resist high temperatures but appreciate even moisture for sustained bloom. In late autumn, cut stalks to ground level. Pest issues remain minor, but Japanese beetles may nibble leaves in some areas. Its dramatic blooms pair well with shortened bloom-time perennials to keep borders lively.
Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba) offers a profusion of small yellow petals around dark centers that shift from black to brown as the season advances. Reaching three to four feet, it branches freely to produce abundant blooms from midsummer onward. This native differs from black-eyed Susan with trifoliate leaves and a more delicate silhouette. Plant in full sun with average moisture; once roots establish, it stands up to occasional dry spells. Direct sow in spring for rapid results, and allow some self-seeding for future displays. While short-lived, its prolific reseeding keeps the show going year after year. Cutting back late in the season can reduce volunteer seedlings in unintended areas.
Red-hot poker (Kniphofia spp.) adds high drama with torch-like flower stalks displaying buds that open from the base upward, giving a multi-toned gradient from red-orange to yellow. These South African natives thrive in full sun with well-draining, moderately fertile soil; overly wet conditions risk crown decay. Cultivars such as ‘Flamenco’ and ‘Ice Queen’ vary in height from one to four feet, with narrow, arching foliage that softens the visual. A winter mulch helps protect crowns in colder regions. Heat and drought tolerance make red-hot poker a standout in sunny borders, rock gardens, and xeric-style plantings.
False indigo (Baptisia australis and relatives) features erect spikes of pea-shaped blooms in spring and early summer, followed by dark seed pods that persist into winter. Blue Baptisia australis is a classic, but available hybrids sport white, yellow, purple, or bicolor flowers. These legumes develop a deep taproot in the first year, becoming drought-tolerant once established. Full sun to part shade and average to dry soils suit them best. Plant seedlings in spring in well-drained soil, taking care not to overwater during establishment. Baptisia may take two to three years to reach full flowering potential, after which it can endure for a decade or more with minimal care.
Prairie coneflowers (Ratibida spp.) produce unique blooms with drooping petals around a prominent central cone. Upright prairie coneflower (Ratibida columnifera) displays red, yellow, or bronze-tipped rays, while grey-headed coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) features pale yellow petals and an olive-brown center on tall stems. Both flourish in full sun and poor, rocky soils, tolerating drought once roots set. Blooms appear from midsummer into early autumn, feeding butterflies, and later the seedheads provide nourishment for birds. Prune stems in autumn or leave them up for winter interest. Ratibida’s natural reseeding and pest resistance make it a carefree choice for meadow-style or mixed perennial plantings.
Ornamental grasses bring movement, texture, and structure to sunny plantings, with feathery seedheads that persist through winter. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) handles various soils and moisture levels, and cultivars such as ‘Northwind’ form tall, narrow columns, while ‘Cheyenne Sky’ shifts from blue-green foliage to burgundy with coordinating plumes. Trim all grasses back to ground level in early spring to encourage fresh growth. Position taller clumps at the back of beds to frame shorter blooms, or mass plant for informal screens. Aside from seasonal trimming, these grasses demand little upkeep and offer seeds that attract birds in colder months.
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) features silvery-gray foliage and airy panicles of lavender-blue flowers that appear from midsummer until frost. This drought-resistant subshrub demands lean, well-drained soil and full sun to prevent rot. Aromatic leaves release a pleasant scent when touched, deterring deer and rabbits. Cultivars such as ‘Denim in Lace’ and ‘Crazy Blue’ offer improved disease resistance in humid climates, while dwarf types suit smaller spaces. Prune back by one-third in early spring to encourage fresh, sturdy growth. Russian sage’s airy form and long bloom period complement both formal and cottage-style plantings.
Catmint (Nepeta) delights with mounds of aromatic gray-green foliage topped by spikes of violet-blue flowers. Blooming from late spring through midsummer, it tolerates poor soils and drought, making it ideal for rock gardens, border fronts, and container plantings. Varieties such as ‘Walkers Low’ spread broadly, while ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ stays more compact and blooms slightly earlier. Trimming spent flower spikes encourages a second flush and maintains a neat habit. Leaves can be harvested for herbal teas, and the essential oils help repel aphids and squash bugs. Deer and rabbits typically avoid catmint, and its bronze-tinged foliage adds seasonal interest.
Eastern bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) greets the season with clusters of star-shaped blue flowers above willowy foliage that turns brilliant gold in autumn. Native to woodlands and prairies, this perennial withstands heat, humidity, and moderate drought. Deer seldom browse its fine-textured leaves. The cultivar ‘Storm Cloud’ showcases nearly black new stems and a dense, compact form, earning top performance honors in trial gardens. Plant in full sun to part shade with average to slightly alkaline soil. Bluestar’s slender stems complement larger-leafed partners and form an attractive backdrop for shorter summer bloomers.
Lavender (Lavandula) is a timeless favorite for its fragrant purple flower wands and silvery foliage. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) cultivars such as ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ suit colder climates and remain compact in beds or containers. For warmer, more humid regions, Lavandula x intermedia types like ‘Phenomenal’ and ‘Grosso’ resist disease and produce abundant blooms. Provide at least six hours of sun and soil that dries slightly between waterings. Lightly prune in late spring to shape plants and remove any winter damage, avoiding hard cuts into veteran wood. Harvest blooms as soon as buds begin to open, and again after the second flush for peak fragrance and color.
