Here are a few of our very favorite low-maintenance perennials to recommend.
Spring bloomers
Prairie pasqueflower—an incredibly hardy early bloomer
Siskiyou lewisia—a great rock garden or wall plant
False indigo—an adaptable, care-free native
Canada columbine—prolific delicate red lanterns on airy stems
Summer bloomers
Butterfly weed—a native perennial that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Hummingbird trumpet—a Western native that’s very drought tolerant
Goat’s rue—a drought-tolerant Eastern plant with unique flowers
White gaura—tall, narrow, airy plant that’s great backlit or in a breezy site
Late summer and/or fall bloomers
Wrinkleleaf goldenrod—a native perennial with a long bloom time
Cardinal flower—a hummingbird magnet that tolerates wet sites
‘Herbstonne’ rudbeckia—a very tall and floriferous coneflower
I wish you would have included the botanical names of the plants — commom names are confusing — many plants have more than one and make it harder to identify the specific plant.
Hi Susan — I absolutely agree! Just click on the common names above and it will take you to a more detailed post about that plant, including botanical name, hardiness zone, cultural requirements, etc.
And images, too! : )