Perennials are a great choice for home gardeners who want dependable plants without a lot of fuss. Once planted and established, these long‑lived plants return each year, often growing larger and better with time. Many tolerate a wide range of soil types and weather conditions, making them well-suited for busy gardeners and beginners alike. Below are ten easy‑to‑grow perennials that perform reliably with basic care, helping you create an attractive, resilient garden that’s both enjoyable and manageable.

Hosta

Hostas (Hosta sp.) are shade‑loving perennials best grown in partial to full shade with moist, well‑drained, organic soils. They are grown primarily for foliage, which ranges from blue‑green to gold and variegated, with lavender to white flowers appearing in early to midsummer. Plants typically range from 6 to 36 inches tall and wide, depending on cultivar. Extremely durable and long‑lived, hostas are ideal for shady beds and borders. Easy-to-find cultivars (and great ones to start with) include ‘Halcyon,’ ‘Patriot,’ and ‘June,' among thousands of others!

Daylily

Daylilies (Hemerocallis sp.) thrive in full sun to light shade and adapt well to a wide range of soils, provided drainage is good. They bloom mainly in early to midsummer, with flowers in nearly every color except true blue. While individual blooms last only one day, plants are flowering for weeks. Plants are clump‑forming, generally 18–36 inches tall and wide. Avoid the orange "ditch" daylily as it is an aggressive spreader. Named cultivars are much better behaved in the garden. Their toughness, drought tolerance, and extensive cultivar selection make them staples of Midwest gardens.

Salvia

Perennial salvias (Salvia sp.) prefer full sun, well‑drained soil, and moderate moisture, with good air circulation. They produce spikes of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers from late spring into early summer, often reblooming if cut back. Most varieties grow 18–30 inches tall and wide. Pollinator‑friendly and drought-tolerant once established, species such as Salvia nemorosa (‘May Night,’ ‘Caradonna’) perform especially well in the Midwest. Always double-check the hardiness zone when buying. There are several species and cultivars that are hardy in Iowa, and many that are not.

Purple Coneflower

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) grows best in full sun and average to dry, well‑drained soils. It blooms from early summer through late summer with purple‑pink daisy‑like flowers and prominent cones. Mature plants typically reach 24–36 inches tall and 18–24 inches wide. Native to the central U.S., coneflower is heat-tolerant, supports pollinators, and adds wildlife value to Midwest landscapes.

Stonecrop

Stonecrop (Sedum sp. and Hylotelephium sp.) prefer full sun and dry to average, well‑drained soils and are highly drought-tolerant. Bloom time varies by species, but upright types flower from late summer into fall, with pink to rusty-red blooms. Sizes range from groundcovers under 6 inches tall to upright forms 18–24 inches tall. Cultivars such as ‘Autumn Joy’ and ‘Autumn Fire’ are valued for low maintenance and late‑season interest.

sedum kamtschaticum — Stonecrop (Sedum kamtschaticum) ⁽⁵⁾

tall stonecrop — Tall Stonecrop (Hylotelephium sp.) ⁽⁶⁾

Catmint

Catmint (Nepeta sp.) thrives in full sun and well‑drained soils and tolerates heat and drought once established. It produces soft blue‑purple flowers from late spring through summer, often reblooming after shearing. Plants typically grow 18–24 inches tall and 24–36 inches wide. With aromatic foliage, long bloom time, and strong pollinator appeal, cultivars like ‘Walker’s Low’ are excellent Midwest performers.

Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea sp.) prefers full sun and dry to average, well‑drained soils and does poorly in overly fertile sites. It blooms in early to midsummer with flat flower clusters in white, yellow, pink, or red. Plants generally reach 18–30 inches tall and spread readily. Its toughness, drought tolerance, and suitability for pollinator gardens make yarrow a dependable Midwest perennial. Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is native to Eastern North America and a particularly nice choice for the landscape.

Thread-Leaf Coreopsis

Thread-leaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata) grows best in full sun and average to dry, well‑drained soils. Blooming begins in early summer and often continues into late summer, with bright yellow or bicolor daisy‑type flowers. Plants range from 12 to 24 inches tall and wide. Valued for long bloom periods and minimal care, cultivars such as ‘Zagreb’ and ‘Moonbeam’ are particularly reliable in Midwest gardens.

Shasta Daisy

Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum × superbum) perform best in full sun and well‑drained soils with moderate moisture. They bloom in early to midsummer with classic white petals and yellow centers. Plants typically grow 24–36 inches tall and 18–24 inches wide. Well-suited for borders and cut flowers, cultivars like ‘Becky’ and ‘Snowcap’ offer improved vigor and disease resistance for Midwest conditions.

Iris

Bearded iris (Iris × germanica) and Siberian iris (Iris sibirica) are common Midwest perennials, with differing moisture preferences. Most irises prefer full sun and well‑drained soils; bearded types require especially good drainage, while Siberian iris tolerates moist conditions. Blooming occurs in late spring to early summer, with flowers in a wide range of colors. Plants average 24–36 inches tall, and their early bloom, structural foliage, and longevity make irises valuable landscape plants.

More Information

Photo credits: 1: Aaron Steil; 2: Aaron Steil; 3: Aaron Steil; 4: Aaron Steil; 5: Cindy Haynes; 6: Cindy Haynes; 7: Cindy Haynes; 8: Cindy Haynes; 9: Cindy Haynes; 10: Cindy Haynes; 11: Cindy Haynes

Authors:

Aaron Steil

Last reviewed:

April 2026

Easy to Grow Perennials