The 8 Best Perennials to Plant Now of 2026

The Complete Flower Bulb Garden from Willard & May is a straightforward way to get a long season of color in your garden. This 78-bulb collection includes gladiolus, calla lilies, and other perennials chosen for their ability to bloom from July through early October. It's aimed at anyone who wants a showy display without a lot of fuss, from beginners to experienced gardeners.

The standout feature here is the extended bloom time. With a mix of varieties that flower at different points in the summer, you get roughly 50 days of continuous color. The bulbs are easy to plant in full sun or partial shade, and they do well in both garden beds and containers. The tall gladiolus and lilies add nice vertical height, reaching up to four feet, which works well in borders or as a backdrop.

In terms of design, the mix offers a range of bloom shapes and colors that attract pollinators. You get 18 Tutti-Frutti Gladiolus, 40 Harlequin Flowers, 10 Stargazer Lilies, and several other types, creating a varied look. The bulbs are described as organic and require moderate watering, making them fairly low maintenance. They're also hardy in zones 3-9, so they can naturalize and come back year after year.

One potential drawback is that the mix's success depends on your site conditions. If you have heavy shade or poor drainage, some bulbs may not perform as well. Also, the package doesn't include detailed care instructions, so you may need to look up specific needs for each variety. But for the price, it's a solid value for a summer-long display.

Overall, this is a good choice for anyone wanting a reliable, colorful garden from mid-summer into fall. The mix is diverse enough to keep things interesting, and the low-maintenance approach makes it easy to get started. Just plant them in well-drained soil with some sun and you'll get a nice show for months.

The Clovers Garden Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) offers two live plants, each 4 to 8 inches tall in 4-inch pots. This set is designed for gardeners who want a head start on growing a classic pollinator-friendly perennial without the hassle of seeds. The plants are non-GMO and free from neonicotinoids, making them a safe choice for eco-conscious growers.

Standout features include the long bloom season from mid-summer to first freeze, with large purple daisy-like flowers that are a magnet for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. The flowers also dry easily for use in herbal teas or sachets, adding practical value. The plants are hardy in USDA zones 3-9 and tolerate partial shade, though they perform best in full sun.

Build quality is solid. Clovers Garden ships these perennials in a custom, eco-friendly box that cradles the plants securely. Each plant arrives with a healthy root system and a Quick Start Planting Guide. The 4-inch pots allow for easy transplanting into garden beds or larger containers.

On the downside, there are currently no customer reviews, so it's hard to gauge long-term satisfaction from other buyers. Also, plants may vary slightly in size depending on when you order. And while they tolerate some shade, deep shade will limit flowering significantly.

Overall, these Echinacea purpurea plants are a reliable choice for anyone looking to add low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly color to their garden. The live plant format removes the guesswork of seed germination and gives you a head start on a beautiful, blooming perennial bed.

GardeningProducts4Less offers a 9-pack of bare root Hosta perennials that promises to bring lush greenery and delicate blooms to your shadiest garden corners. Hostas are a classic choice for low-light areas, and this bundle aims to deliver a diverse mix of textures and leaf shapes. Whether you're filling a tricky spot under a tree or creating a border along a north-facing wall, these plants are bred to thrive with minimal fuss. The description mentions hardiness in zones 3-8, which covers most of the continental U.S., and notes that the plants will return year after year once established.

The standout feature here is the variety. The pack includes hostas with rich green foliage that ranges from heart-shaped to nearly round, offering a pleasing diversity of textures. In midsummer, you can expect purple or white bell-shaped flowers on tall stems, which are mildly fragrant and last about two weeks. This bloom period adds a nice vertical accent to the otherwise ground-hugging leaves. Because the exact cultivars aren't listed, you may be getting a mix of common and slightly more unusual types, which can be a fun surprise for gardeners who enjoy variety.

As bare root perennials, these plants are shipped without soil or pots, which keeps shipping costs down and reduces transplant shock if handled correctly. They should be planted in well-draining soil, preferably sandy loam, and kept consistently moist during the first growing season. Full shade is ideal, but they will also tolerate half sun / half shade. The lack of customer reviews is a slight drawback, as it's hard to confirm the size or condition of the roots upon arrival. However, the seller's reputation (Gardening4Less) and the product's strong 4.4-star rating (though no written reviews) suggest a generally positive experience.

One honest con: because you're buying a mix, you won't know exactly which hosta varieties you're getting. If you have your heart set on a specific cultivar like 'Patriot' or 'Frances Williams', this pack may not be for you. Also, bare root plants require a bit more care upfront than potted ones. You'll need to soak the roots before planting and keep them well-watered until they leaf out. For experienced gardeners, this is standard procedure; for beginners, it's a small learning curve.

Overall, this 9-pack is a practical, budget-friendly way to add long-lasting perennial beauty to shady areas. It's ideal for homeowners who want to cover a lot of ground without spending a fortune, or for gardeners who enjoy a little unpredictability. With proper planting and patience, these hostas will reward you with years of reliable foliage and summer blooms. Just remember to divide them every few years to keep them healthy and vigorous.

Brand: Gardening4ProductsLess
Category: Flowers
Type: Bare Root Perennial
Quantity: 9 plants per pack
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Light Requirements: Full Shade to Half Sun / Half Shade
Flower Color: Purple or White
Bloom Time: Mid to Late Summer
Foliage: Rich green, heart-shaped to nearly round, diverse textures
Growth Rate: Medium
Soil Preference: Sandy Soil, well-draining
Expected Planting Period: Summer

The WillardMay 6-Pack Mixed Hosta Root Value Bag is a great starting point for gardeners looking to fill shady spots with lush, low-maintenance perennials. Each pack contains six bare root hostas that promise a mix of varieties, making it easy to add diverse foliage textures to borders, containers, or under trees. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned gardeners, these hostas thrive in partial to full shade and are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9.

What sets this pack apart is the focus on easy care and pest resistance. Hostas are known for their tolerance of shade and minimal water needs once established, and these roots are no exception. Many customers report seeing sprouts within days of planting, with healthy growth continuing through summer and into fall. The deer and rabbit resistant foliage is a bonus for those dealing with wildlife pressure. However, some users note that the variety can be hit or miss, with several roots appearing identical rather than the promised mix. Still, the overall health and vigor of the plants receive consistent praise.

The bare root format keeps shipping costs low and allows for flexible planting times in spring or summer. WillardMay packages the roots in a breathable medium to retain moisture during transit. While most arrive plump and ready to plant, a few customers have encountered dried or rotted roots, often attributed to shipping delays. The company's customer service is responsive, offering replacements promptly. The roots themselves are robust, with strong central crowns and multiple eyes that produce full clumps in their second season.

The main drawback reported by buyers is the inconsistency in variety. If you're hoping for six distinct hosta types, you might be disappointed to find only two or three. Also, bare root plants require careful handling and immediate planting to avoid drying out. In colder zones or with late planting, some roots may not survive the first winter. Additionally, a few users found the roots smaller than expected, though they still grew well with proper care.

Despite these minor issues, the WillardMay 6-Pack Mixed Hosta Root Value Bag offers excellent value for budget-conscious gardeners. The roots are generally healthy, the company stands behind its products, and the resulting plants are beautiful, low-maintenance additions to any shade garden. If variety is your top priority, consider buying named cultivars. But for a reliable, easy-to-grow perennial that will brighten up dark corners, this pack is a solid choice.

The Florida Cardinal Caladium bulbs from CZ Grain offer a bold splash of tropical color with their striking red and green heart-shaped leaves. This 5-bulb pack is designed for gardeners who want to add dramatic foliage to borders, containers, or shaded garden spots. Ideal for USDA zones with warm summers, these perennials can be grown as annuals in cooler areas, making them accessible to a wide range of growers.

One standout feature is the plant's quick growth: after planting in warm soil (above 75 degrees Fahrenheit), expect visible sprouting within weeks. The leaves can reach heights of up to 5 feet, creating a lush backdrop or focal point. The recommended use of nutrient-rich soil like Fox Farms Ocean Forest or CZ Grain's own blend gives these bulbs a strong start. Full sun exposure is listed, but some afternoon shade may help maintain leaf color in hotter climates.

In terms of build and packing, bulbs arrive in a 3 x 3 x 3 inch box weighing just over 4 ounces. They are dormant at shipping and need to be stored correctly until planting time. The packaging is minimal but functional, and the manufacturer provides basic growing tips for success. There are no frills, but the focus is on the product itself.

A few drawbacks to consider: the plant demands consistent moisture and warm soil, which may be challenging for early spring or cooler regions. Also, with zero customer reviews on the listing, there is no community feedback to confirm yield or durability. Relying on the brand's satisfaction guarantee is a reasonable safety net.

Overall, the CZ Grain Florida Cardinal Caladium bulbs are a solid choice for gardeners looking for fast-growing, eye-catching foliage. They deliver on their promise of vibrant color and height, provided you meet their growing conditions. While not a guarantee, the potential for a dramatic garden display makes these bulbs worth a try.

The Greenwood Nursery Vinca Minor pack delivers 50 bare root dwarf periwinkle plants, a classic ground cover for anyone looking to fill shady, dry, or hard-to-plant areas. This is a trailing evergreen vine that spreads quickly with a low matting habit, producing soft blue flowers from early spring into summer. It's ideal for slopes, under trees, or along foundations where grass won't grow.

These plants are fast-growing and adaptable to most soils, though they prefer well-drained, moist conditions. Once established, they become drought tolerant, which is a big plus for low-maintenance gardeners. The bare roots arrive bundled with hydrating gel and moist paper to keep them fresh during shipping. Most reviews note that the plants look healthy and green on arrival, though a quick soak in water helps revive any that seem dry.

One standout feature is the evergreen foliage that stays green through winter in zones 3 through 8, even under snow. The blue-purple flowers appear sporadically over the season, adding subtle color without overwhelming the landscape. For coverage, plant them 12 inches apart, and 100 plants will cover 100 square feet.

There are a couple of honest drawbacks to consider. First, because these are bare roots, they can look dry or shriveled when they arrive. A few customers reported that the plants were tiny or had lost soil in transit, but the nursery does offer replacements within 14 days if you contact them. Second, while Vinca minor is easier to control than other ground covers, it can spread aggressively if left unchecked, so a little monitoring is needed.

Overall, this is a solid, cost-effective choice for covering large bare spots with a versatile, flowering ground cover. The fast growth, evergreen habit, and drought tolerance make it a reliable pick for gardeners in zones 3 through 8. Just be ready to give the roots a good soak and some patience through the first season.

The Outsidepride Sweet William Dianthus seed mix is a classic choice for gardeners who want a reliable, colorful wildflower that pulls double duty as a pollinator magnet and cut flower. With 5000 seeds in the packet, you get enough to fill a sizable meadow or border without breaking the bank. This mix is especially well-suited for USDA zones 3 through 9, making it versatile across many climates.

What really stands out is the range of colors: deep reds, soft pinks, crisp whites, and rich purples all appear in tight clusters atop sturdy stems. The fragrance is sweet but not overpowering, and it draws bees and butterflies like a magnet. Many reviewers have praised the germination rate, especially when seeds are direct-sown before a freeze or into well-prepared soil. That said, a few users noted that the seeds can be slow to sprout, sometimes taking several weeks with no visible signs. The key is patience and proper soil prep. Once they take off, they grow into sturdy plants that reach 18 to 24 inches tall, adding nice vertical interest without flopping over.

From a design perspective, these flowers look natural in cottage gardens, meadow plantings, or even formal borders. They also make excellent cut flowers because the stems are strong and the blooms last well in a vase. The plant is low-maintenance once established, tolerating drought and poor soil, though it appreciates full sun and well-drained loam. It's a short-lived perennial, which means it may only last a few years, but it often reseeds itself to keep the patch going.

One downside is the potential for slow germination, which caught some buyers off guard. A few reviews mentioned that seeds they had given up on eventually sprouted weeks later. Also, because it can behave as a biennial, you might not get flowers until the second year. That's not a dealbreaker, but it's worth knowing if you're after instant color.

Verdict: If you're patient and willing to prepare your soil, the Outsidepride Sweet William mix is a fantastic investment. It delivers stunning blooms, supports pollinators, and offers plenty of seeds for the price. It's a solid pick for anyone from beginners to experienced gardeners who want a fragrant, colorful, and low-fuss addition to their landscape.

The Eden Brothers All Perennial Wildflower Mixed Seeds pack is a bulk blend designed for gardeners who want a natural, low-maintenance meadow. With 19 different species including Lupine, Shasta Daisy, and Purple Coneflower, this mix aims to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies while providing colorful blooms from summer through fall. It's a great choice for covering large areas (250 to 500 square feet) in zones 3 through 10, whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener looking to expand your flower beds.

In real-world use, the performance is mixed. Many customers praise the high germination rates and the sheer variety of flowers that appear after a couple of seasons. One reviewer noted that fall planting worked best for them, with seedlings emerging the following spring. Another shared that the mix exceeded expectations, growing quickly and beautifully with just a simple sprinkle. However, some users encountered issues: a few reported that the seeds contained weed species, leading to an unwanted look, and others found the initial bloom variety to be limited. One detailed review mentioned that it took three years for the full range of flowers to show, so patience is key.

The design of the product is straightforward: a 1/4-pound bag of pure, non-GMO seeds with no fillers. The seeds are fresh and packaged to maintain viability. The included species are mostly full-sun perennials that are animal resistant, which reduces the need for fencing or repellents. The packaging includes basic planting instructions, but some users may need to research specific depth and spacing for optimal results. Overall, the build quality (seed purity and freshness) is solid, though the mixed reviews on weed content suggest some batches may vary.

The main drawbacks center on inconsistency. A few customers received what they felt were mostly weed seeds, and the germination rate didn't match expectations in hot or dry conditions. Also, the claim of 19 species may not be immediately visible in the first year; some varieties take time to establish. For those seeking instant, uniform color, this mix might disappoint. But for gardeners who enjoy a natural, evolving landscape, the wait can be rewarding.

Our verdict: This seed mix delivers good value for the price, especially if you have a large space and want to support pollinators. It's best suited for patient gardeners in suitable climates who are willing to follow planting guidelines. While not perfect for everyone, the positive experiences from many satisfied customers indicate that with proper care and a little time, this mix can create a beautiful, wildlife-friendly garden.

Brand: Eden Brothers

Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Outdoor

Material Feature: GMO Free

Color: Mixed

Special Feature: Resistant

Expected Blooming Period: Summer, Fall

Sunlight Exposure: Full Sun

Unit Count: 1 Count

Expected Planting Period: Spring

Product Care Instructions: Water

USDA Hardiness Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Expected Plant Height: 25 Inches

Soil Type: Sandy Soil

Moisture Needs: Moderate Watering

Product Dimensions: 5 x 7 x 1 inches

Item Weight: 3.87 ounces