Herbaceous Perennials | Colorado State University Extension Website

Quick facts…

Perennials on this list are best adapted for Colorado’s lower elevations.
Herbaceous perennials differ in bloom period, flower color, height, foliage texture, and environmental requirements.
Differing environmental requirements include sun and wind exposure, soil conditions, and water needs.
Matching the perennial plant to the site conditions produces a successful perennial garden.
Consider using native plants and cultivars from natives in the perennial garden.

An ever-expanding palette of herbaceous perennials lets home gardeners create a beautiful landscape. Many new hybrids and cultivars for both sun and shade gardens are being introduced regularly. Look for new cultivars of Gaillardia, (blanketflower), Heuchera, (coral bells), Hosta, Penstemon, Salvia, and Sedum at your local nursery.

Sedum with purple blooms — **Figure 1**. Sedum. Photo provided by David Staats.

Penstemon blooming in red. — **Figure 2**. Penstemon. Photo provided by David Staats.

Salvia blooming in blue. — **Figure 3**. Salvia. Photo provided by David Staats.

Selecting Perennials

Herbaceous perennials live for many years under normal growing conditions. Unlike woody plants like trees and shrubs, perennials die back to the ground each winter. Perennials quickly establish themselves in a few growing seasons and create the backbone for the flower garden.

Plants vary in flower color, bloom time, height, foliage texture, and environmental requirements. These include sun exposure, soil conditions, and water needs. The key to a successful perennial garden is to choose plants whose requirements match your site’s conditions.

Tables 1-3: Perennials adapted to the broad range of growing conditions in Colorado’s lower elevations

These perennials are readily available to consumers at local nurseries. Additional varieties may be available by mail order.
Many of these perennials may do well at higher elevations. Native plants should be considered whenever possible.

Table Key:

* Cultivar – a variety of species that are developed, propagated, and maintained under cultivation. The most common cultivars available to consumers are listed here.
** Blooms are not important. Barely noticeable flowers. The plant is grown primarily for foliage.
X: Xeric; plants that are adapted to low water conditions once established.
M: Plants that prefer moist soils.
C: Flowers that are good for cutting.

Table 1 – Perennials for Sunny Exposure

Botanical and Common Name	Flower Color	Bloom Period	Height	Cultivars*	Comments/Cultural Hints
Achillea hybrids Yarrow	Yellow	June-Oct	2.0-3.5′	Moonshine, Coronation Gold	Spreads quickly; good for drying. X, C
Achillea Millefolium Fernleaf yarrow	Pastels-Red-White-Yellow	June-Sept.	1.5-2.5′	Papkrika, Summer Pastels	Fern-like leaf texture; spreads to 3′. X, C
Agastache Aurantiaca  Hyssop	Orange-Yellow	July-Oct.	2-3’	Coronado®	Plant Select®; needs a well-drained site; X
Agastache cana Double bubblemint	Pink	July-Sept.	1.5-2’	Sonoran Sunset®	Fragrant foliage; Plant Select®; blossoms smell like bubble gum; X
Agastache hybrids Hyssop	Blue-Orange-Pink-Red	July-Sept.	1.5-2’	Blue Fortune, Coronado® Red	Plant Select®; X
Agastache rupestris Sunset® hyssop	Orange-Pink-Red	July-Sept.	1.5-2’		Blossoms smell like root beer; favored by hummingbirds; Plant Select®; X
Alcea rosea Hollyhock	Pink-Red-White	June-Aug.	3-6′	Chater’s Double Group, Watchman	Biennial or perennial; use as background plant; prone to rust disease; may be invasive in warm climates; short-lived; C
Armeria maritima Sea pink	Pink-Red-White	April-June	6-10”	Nifty Thrifty, Splendens, Victor Reiter	Dense rounded mat foliage adapts to dry soil; salt tolerant.
Artemisia x ‘Powis Castle’ sage	Insig**	Insig**	2-3′	Powis Castle	Gray foliage; mounding habit; X
Artemisia ludoviciana Prairie sage	Insig**	Insig**	1.5-3.5’	Valerie Finnis	Upright growth habit; large silver leaves; X
Artemisia schmidtiana Silver mound sage	Insig**	Insig**	8-12″		Soft, feathery, silver gray foliage; used for specimen or contrast.
Artemisia versicolor Sage	Insig**	Insig**	0.5-1′	Sea Foam	Low, spreading mound of silvery foliage; ideal for rock gardens; Plant Select®; X
Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly weed	Orange	June-Aug.	1.5-3′		Best in well-drained soil; X, C
Aster novae-angliae New England aster	Pink-Purple-White	Sept.-Oct.	1.5-4′	Purple Dome	Prefers well-drained soil; may require staking; C
Aster novi-belgii Dwarf Fall aster	Pink-Purple-White	Aug.-Sept	1-2′	Alert, Prof. Kippenburg,	Prefers well-drained soil; gray-green foliage; may require staking; C
Aurinia saxatilis (Alyssum saxatile) Basket-of-Gold	Yellow	April-May	9-12″	Compacta, Sulfureum	Gray-green mounding foliage; sheer after bloom.
Baptisia australis False indigo	Blue	May-June	2-4.5′		Background plant; interesting seedpods; available by mail order; X, C
Berlandiera lyrata Chocolate flower	Yellow	June-July	18″		Flowers give off the scent of chocolate in the early morning; Very xeric; X
Callirhoe involucrata Poppy mallow, winecups	Purple-Red-Pink	June-Aug.	6-12″		Trailing stems spread to 3′; blooms are cup-shaped. Plant Select®; X
Catananche caeruleal Cupid’s dart	Blue-Purple	June-Aug.	1-1.5’		Dark-eyed blooms; tall clumps with slender leaves; X,C
Centaurea montana Mountain bluet	Blue-Purple	June-July	1-2’		Perennial version of the Bachelor  button; X, C
Centranthus ruber Jupiter’s beard, red valerian	Pink-Red-White	May-Sept.	1-3′	Albus	Prefers well-drained soil; gray-green foliage;X, C
Coreopsis auriculata Dwarf coreopsis	Orange-Yellow	June-Sept.	8-12″	Nana	Dense, spreading mound of foliage; X
Coreopsis grandiflora Coreopsis	Yellow	June-Sept.	1-2′	Early Sunrise, Jethro Tull, Tequila Sunrise	Extend bloom by removing spent flowers; X
Coreopsis verticillata Threadleaf coreopsis	Yellow	July-Sept.	1.5-2’	Moonbeam, Zagreb	Fine-textured foliage; X, C
Dalea purpurea Purple prairie clover	Purple	June-Aug.	2-3’		Long, thin stems with cylindrical flower heads; thread-like leaves; available by mail-order; X
Delphinium elatum Larkspur, Delphinium	Blue-Pink-White	June-Aug.	2-4′	Magic Fountains Series, Pacific Giant Series, Pacific Black Knight Group	Seeds and plant poisonous; may need staking; C
Delphinium grandiflorum Larkspur, delphinium	Blue-Pink-White	June-Aug.	10-14″’	Butterfly Series	Seeds and plant poisonous; lacy foliage; tolerates heat;
Dianthus barbatus Sweet William	Pink-Purple-Red-White	May-July	1′	Midget Group	Biennial, clusters of double-flowers; C
Dianthus deltoides Maiden pinks	Pink-Red-White	May-June	6-8′	Brilliant, Flashing Lights, Zing Rose	Narrow dark green leaves; slender stems
Dianthus gratianopolitanus Cheddar pinks	Pink-White	May-June	6-12″	Bath’s Pink, Firewitch, Tiny Rubies, Spotty	Spreading; grass-like clumps; gray-green foliage; blossoms smell like cloves
Dianthus hybrids Pinks	Pink-Rose-White	May-Sept.	.05-1.5′	First Love, Kahori, Bath’s Pink	Fragrant blooms; slender stems; C
Echinacea hybrids Coneflower	Orange-Pink-Red-White	July-Sept.	2-3′	Cheyenne Spirit, Tomato Soup	Erect stems; good in naturalized areas; X, C
Echinacea purpurea Purple coneflower	Pink-Purple- White	July-Sept.	2-3′	Green Twister, Magnus, PowWow, Ruby Star	Stiff habit; good in naturalized areas. X, C
Echinacea tennesseensis Tennessee purple coneflower	Pink	July-Sept.	2-3′		Narrow, dark green leaves in clump; pink flowers with black cones; X
Eriogonum umbellatum Sulfur flower	Yellow	May-July	6-12″	Kannah Creek®	Dark green foliage below sulfur yellow button like blooms; Plant Select®; X
Euphorbia polychroma Cushion spurge	Chartreuse-Yellow	April-May	1.5-2′	Bonfire	Neat green mounds; red fall color; sap may be a skin irritant; X
Gaillardia aristata Blanket flower	Orange-Red-Yellow	June-Sept.	8-24″	Arizona Sun	Native blanket flower; X
Gaillardia x grandiflora Blanket flower	Orange-Red-Yellow	June-Sept.	1-2′	Burgundy, Goblin, Mesa Series	Showy, daisy-like blooms; X, C
Gaillardia hybrids Blanket flower	Orange-Red-Yellow	June-Sept.	1-2′	Fanfare Blaze, Spin Top Series	Showy, daisy-like blooms; X, C
Gazania linearis Hardy gazania	Yellow	May-Sept.	2-8″	Colorado Gold®	A mop of linear leaves blooms open in sun; Plant Select®. X
Gypsophila paniculata Baby’s breath	Pink-White	June-Sept.	2-3′		Airy plant; delicate blooms; good for drying; X. C
Gypsophila repens Creeping Baby’s breath	Pink-White	June-Sept.	4-6″		Creeping variety; Good for rock gardens and banks; C
Helenium hybrids Sneezeweed	Red-Yellow	Aug.-Sept.	2-4′	Rotgold	Brightly colored, daisy-like blooms; M, C
Helianthemum nummularium Sun rose	Orange-Pink-red-White-Yellow	June-July	0.5-1′	Wisely Pink	Low growing; spreading mounds of foliage; good rock garden plant; X
Helianthus maximiliani Maximilian sunflower	Yellow	July-Aug.	6-8′		Strong, branched stems, lance-shaped foliage, may flop over if overhead irrigated, available by mail order; X, C
Heliopsis helianthoides False sunflower	Yellow	July-Sept.	3-4′	Summer Sun	Use as specimen planting or at back of garden; C
Iberis sempervirens Candytuft	White	April-June	1-1.5′		Glossy green foliage; shear after blooming.
Iris hybrids iris	Blue-Red-Purple-White	May-June	1-2.5′		Prefers well drained soil; sword-like foliage; X, C
Kniphofia uvaria Red-hot poker	Orange-Red-Yellow	June-Aug.	2-3′		Spikes of flowers arise from clumps of grasslike foliage; X, C
Lavandula angustifolia Lavender	Blue	July-Oct.	1-1.5′	Hidcote, Munstead	Aromatic blooms; semi-evergreen foliage; X,C
Liatris spicata Gayfeather, blazing star	Pink-Purple-White	July-Sept.	2-3′		Clumps of grassy foliage; dense bottle brush blooms; C
Limonium latifolium Sea lavender	Purple	June-Sept.	1.5-2.5′		Blooms create an airy texture; X, C
Linum perenne Blue flax	Blue-White	May-June	2′		Light, airy plant; native; reseeds readily; seeds available by mail order.
Leucanthemum Daisy	White	July-Aug	1-3′		Can tolerate some shade; will perform better in full sun; C
Leucanthemum x superbum Shasta Daisy	White	July-Aug	1-3′	Alaska, Silver Princess, Snow Lady	Extend bloom by removing spent flowers; C
Lychnis coronaria Rose campion	Pink-Purple-Red-	June-Aug.	1.5-3′	Blood Red	Silver gray foliage. X
Monarda didyma Bee balm	Pink-Red-Violet-White	July-Aug.	2-3′	Jacob Cline, Marshall’s Delight	Spreads quickly; susceptible to powdery mildew; C
Nepeta species Catmint	Blue-Purple	May-Oct.	1-2′	Little Trudy®, Six Hills Giant, Walker’s Low	Spreading habit; trim back midsummer for repeat bloom; aromatic leaves, Plant Select®; X
Oenothera macrocarpa Ozark sundrop	Yellow	June-Sept.	1-1.5′	Silver Blade®	Sprawling habit; 3-4” blooms; Plant Select®; X
Oenothera speciosa Mexican Evening Primose	Rose	May-Sept.	0.5-1′	Siskiyou Pink	Spreading; 2″ blooms; subject to powdery mildew.
Origanum laevigatum Ornamental oregano	Pink-Purple-Red	June-July	0.5-1′	Kent Beauty	Foliage is very aromatic; trailing habit; well-drained soil.
Paeonia hybrids Peony	Pink-Purple-Red-White	May-June	2-3′		Showy, spring blooms; attractive foliage; M.C.
Papaver nudicaule Iceland poppy	Pastels	May-July	1′		Short-lived perennial; fragrant; X, C
Papaver orientale Oriental poppy	Orange-Pink-Red-White	May-June	2-3′	Allegro, Beauty of Livermere, Brilliant, Prince of Orange, Princess V. Louise, Royal Wedding	Large papery blooms; foliage goes dormant after bloom; X, C
Penstemon barbatus Penstemon	Blue-Pink-Red	June-Sept.	1-3′	Coral Baby¹, Riding Hood, Rondo, Elfin Pink	Prefers well-drained soil; ¹Plant Select®; X
Penstemon digitalis Penstemon	White	June-Aug.	1.5-2′	Husker Red	This cultivar has distinctive deep-red foliage with tubular foxglove-like flowers on erect stems; X
Penstemon linarioides Penstemon	Blue	May-June	1′	Silverton® Bluemat	Well-drained sandy soil; Plant Select ®; X
Penstemon mexicale Penstemon	Pink-Purple-Red	June-Sept.	1-1.5′	Carolyn’s Hope ®, Pikes Peak Purple ®, Red Rocks ®, Shadow Mountain ® Windwalker® Garnet	Well-drained soil. Narrow green leaves; Plant Select ®; X
Penstemon pinifolius Pineleaf penstemon	Orange-Red-Yellow	July-Sept.	6-18″	Mersea Yellow, SteppeSuns ®	Spreading with needle-like foliage; semi-evergreen in a protected site; Plant Select ®
Penstemon rostriflorus Bridges penstemon	Red	June-Sept.	2-3′		May reseed; Plant Select®; X
Penstemon species Penstemon, beardtongue	Pink-Red-White	May-July	1-3′	Prairie Jewel®	Prefers well-drained soil; stalks of tubular blooms; Plant Select®; X
Penstemon strictus Rocky Mountain penstemon	Blue	May-June	2-3′		Early bloomer; stout stalks with gray green foliage; X
Perovskia atriplicifolia Russian sage	Lavender	July-Sept.	4′	Little Spire	Silver gray, aromatic foliage; cut back in spring above soil line. X
Phlox paniculata Garden phlox	Orange-Pink-White	July-Sept.	1.5-3′	David, Eva Callum, Starfire	Tall stalks with bloom clusters; susceptible to powdery mildew.
Ratibida columnifera Prairie coneflower	Red-Yellow	July-Oct.	1.5-2’		Native; flower has a cone-shaped center; sometimes called Mexican Hat; X, C
Rudbeckia fulgida Black-eyed Susan	Yellow	July-Sept.	1.5′	Goldsturm	3″daisy-like blooms with brown-black centers; X, C
Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan	Yellow	July-Sept.	1.5′		Daisy like blooms; brown-black centers; X, C
Rudbeckia hybrids Black-eyed Susan	Yellow	July-Sept.	1-2.5′	Denver Daisy	Daisy like blooms; brown-black centers; Plant Select ®; X, C
Salvia argenta Silver sage	White	June-Aug.	2-3′		Large, silvery leaves; deadhead before plant goes to seed; Plant Select®; X
Salvia darcyi Mexican sage	Red	June-Sept.	2-4′	Vermillion Bluffs®, Windwalker®	Robust grower; may need winter protection; attracts hummingbirds, Plant Select®
Salvia greggii Salvia	Pink-Red	June-Sept.	1.5-2′	Furman’s Red®, Wild Thing®	Attracts hummingbirds; requires well-draining soils; may need winter protection; X
Salvia nemorosa Salvia	Blue-Pink-Purple-White	May-Aug.	1.5-2.5′	Caradonna, East Friesland	Spike-like blooms that repeat if deadheaded; X, C
Salvia x sylvestris Salvia	Blue	May-Aug.	1.5-2.5′	May Night	Spike-like blooms that repeat if deadheaded; X, C
Santolina rosmarinifolia Green lavender cotton	Yellow	July-Aug.	1-2′		Bright green foliage; pungent aroma; X
Scabiosa caucasica Pincushion flower	Blue-Pink-White	June-Oct.	1.5-2′	Blue Perfection	Blooms on wiry stems; prefers cool summers; C
Scabiosa columbaria Pincushion flower	Blue-Pink	May-Oct.	0.5-2′	Butterfly Blue, Pink Mist	Shorter and more shade tolerant than S. caucasica; X, C
Sedum hybrids Stonecrop	Chartreuse-Pink-Red	Aug.-Sept.	0.5-1′		Varied succulent foliage forms in multiple colors; X, C
Sedum reflexum Stonecrop	Yellow	June-Aug.	6-8″	Blue Spruce	Yellow flowers on blue succulent foliage; well-drained soil; X
Sedum spectabile Showy Stonecrop	Pink-Red-White	Aug.-Sept.	1.5-2′	Autumn Joy, Vera Jameson	Succulent foliage; X, C
Sedum spurium Stonecrop	Pink-Red	June-Sept.	6-8″	Dragon’s Blood, Voodoo	Groundcover sedum; green foligae may turn burgundy in fall; X
Solidago canadensis Goldenrod	Yellow	July-Sept.	1.5-2′	Golden Baby	Prefers well-drained soil; mistakenly blamed for hay fever X, C
Stokesia laevis Stokes’ aster	Blue-White	July-Aug.	1-2′		Large, frilly cornflowerk-like flowers; X.C
Tanacetum densum amanii Partridge feather	Yellow	June-July	6-8″		Silvery-white foliage; X
Tanacetum niveum Snow Daisy	White	May-July	1.5-2.5′		Lacy, silvery-white foliage; X
Tanacetum x coccineum Painted Daisy	Pink-Red	June-July	1-2′	Robinson’s hybrids	Fern-like leaves; daisy flowers; X, C
Zauschneria garrettii Hummingbird trumpet	Orange	Aug.-Oct.	.5-1′	Orange Carpet®	Tubular flowers, good for cascading over walls; Plant Select®; X

Table 2 – Perennials for Sun to Part Shade

Botanical and Common Name	Flower Color	Bloom Period	Height	Cultivars^a	Comments/Cultural Hints
Alchemilla mollis Lady’s mantle	Chartreuse	May-June	1-1.5′	Auslese, Thriller	Prefers cool summers; fertile soil; M
Aquilegia caerulea Rocky Mountain columbine	Blue-White	May-June	1.5-2.5′		Prefers well-drained soil; Colorado state flower; C
Aquilegia canadensis Columbine	Yellow-Red	May-June	1-3′		Dainty downward-facing blooms; C
Aquilegia chrysantha Columbine	Yellow	May-June	1-3′	Denver Gold®	Extend bloom by removing spent flowers; Plant Select®; C
Aquilegia hybrids Columbine hybrids	Blue-Red-Yellow	May-June	1-3′	McKana Group, Songbird Series	Prefers well-drained soil; extend bloom by removing spent flowers; C
Astilbe x arendsii False spirea	Lavender-Pink-Red-White	June-July	2′	Fanal	Arching plumes of flowers; prefers cool summers, fertile soil; M, C
Astilbe x japonica False spirea	Pink-Red-White	May-June	2′	Deutschland	Blooms earlier; compact plumes; fertile soil; M, C
Bergenia cordifolia Heart-leafed bergenia	Pink	April-May	1-1.5′		Deep glossy green leaves with burgundy fall color.
Campanula carpatica Carpathian harebell	Blue-White	June-July	6-12″	Rapido Blue, Blue Uniform	Compact mounded habit; small, bell-shaped blooms.
Campanula glomerata Clustered bellflower	Purple-White	May-Aug.	1.5-2′	Superba	Clusters of large purple bells.
Campanula persicifolia Peach-leaf bellflower	Blue-White	June-Aug.	1-3′		Large bell flowers; peach-like leaves; C
Campanula rotundifolia Harebells	Blue-White	May-Sept.	0.5-2′	White Gem	Colorado native; X
Diascia integerrima Twinspur	Pink	June-Sept.	1-1.5′	Coral Canyon®	Heat tolerant; performs well in poor soils; Plant Select®; X
Digitalis purpurea Foxglove	Pink-Purple-White-Yellow	June-July	3-4′	Excelsior Group	Biennial; reseeds readily; parts of plant are poisonous; M, C
Digitalis obscura Foxglove	Orange-Red	June-July	1-2.5′	Sunset®	Narrow, willow-like foliage; heat tolerant; Plant Select®; C
Digitalis thapsi Foxglove	Pink-Rose	June-July	1-1.5′	Spanish Peaks®	Mat of furry leaves, full perennial; Plant Select ®; C
Gaura lindheimeri Whirling butterflies	Pink-White	June-Sept.	1.5-4’	Siskiyou Pink	Slender, gracefully arching stems; delicate blooms; X, C
Geranium cantabrigiense Geranium, Cambridge cranesbill	Red-Purple-White	May-June	.05-1′	Biokovo	Trailing stems; foliage turns red in autumn; well-drained soil; M
Geranium cinereum Dwarf cranesbill	Pink-Purple	June-Aug.	4-8″	Ballerina	Trailing mat of gray-green leaves; shearing in mid-summer may promote re-bloom; X
Geranium hybrids Geranium cranesbill	Blue-Purple	May-June	1-2′	Johnson’s Blue; Rozanne^TM	Mounding clumps of foliage; M
Geranium macrorrhizum Geranium, Adriatic cranesbill	Magenta	April-July	9-12″	Bevan’s Variety	Semi-evergreen; aromatic gray-green leaves; long-lasting blooms.
Geranium sanguineum Bloodred cranesbill	Blue-Red-Purple-White	May-June	1-1.5′		Mounding habit; foliage has red fall color; M
Geum hybrids Geum, Avens	Red-Orange-Yellow	June-July	1.5-2′	Mrs. Bradshaw	Prefers rich organic soil; dark green foliage; C
Hemerocallis species Daylily	Orange-Pink-Red-White-Yellow	June-Aug.	1.5-3′	Autumn Red, Happy Returns, Hyperion, Pardon Me, Purple d’Oro, Rocket City, Stella d’Oro	Grass-like foliage; trumpet-shaped blooms; cultivars listed include dwarf, reblooming and everblooming varieties; X, C
Heuchera micrantha Alumroot	White	June-July	1-1.5′	Palace Purple	Some cultivars have purple foliage with a rounded habit; M, C
Heuchera sanguinea Coral bells	Pink-Red-White-	June-Aug.	1-1.5′	Snow Angel	Small bell-shaped blooms; extend bloom by removing spent flowers; Plant Select®; M, C
Heuchera species Coral bells	Pink-Red-White-	June-Sept.	1-1.5′	Gallery Series, The Governor, Minarette, Russell hybrids	Prefers cool summers; large pea-like blooms; M, C
Hibiscus moscheutos Rose mallow	Pink-Red-White	July-Sept.	2-4.5′	Disco Belle Series	Prefers moist soil; 6-10 in. blooms; M
Iris sibirica Siberian iris	Blue-Purple-White	June	2-3′	Butter & Sugar, Caesar’s Brother	Clumps of slender leaves with striking blooms; M, C
Lilium species Lily	Pink-Red-White-Yellow	June-July	1-3′	Stargazer	Bulbs with trumpet-like, fragrant flowers. C
Lupinus hybrids Lupine	Blue-Red-White-Yellow	May-June	2-4′	Gallery Series, The Governor, Minarette, Russell hybrids	Prefers cool summers; large pea-like blooms; M, C
Lychnis chalcedonica Maltese cross	Orange-Pink-Purple-Scarlet-White	June-July	2-3′		Bold color in the garden; M, C
Origanum libanoticum Hopflower oregano	Chartreuse-Purple	June-Sept.	1-1.5′		Drooping, hop-like bracts; deadheading encourages bloom; Plant Select®
Origanum rotundifolium Ornamentaloregano	Chartreuse-Pink	June-Sept.	1-1.5′	Kent Beauty	Well-drained soil; trailing habit, X
Osteospermum barberiae v. compactum Sun daisy	Purple	April-Sept.	8-14″	Purple Mountain®	Tidy foliage with bright blooms; deadheading improves repeat bloom; well-drained soils; Plant Select®; X
Osteospermum hybrids Sun daisy	Lavender-White	April-Sept.	8-14″	Avalanche ®; Lavender Mist ®	Tidy foliage with bright blooms; deadheading improves repeat bloom; well-drained soils; Plant Select®; X
Phlox stolonifera Creeping Phlox	Blue-Pink-Purple	April-May	6-10″		Ground-cover phlox; shade-tolerant, M
Phlox subulata Creeping Phlox	Blue-Pink-Red-White	April-May	4-6″	Candy Stripe, Emerald Cushion Blue	Carpet-like mat of blooms in early spring; needle-like foliage; X
Physostegia virginiana, Obedient plant	Lavender-Pink-White	Aug.-Oct.	2-4′		Dark green foliage; spikes of tubular blooms; may be aggressive; M, C
Platycodon grandiflorus Balloon flower	Blue-Pink-White	July-Sept	1.5-3′		Prefers well-drained soil; balloon-shaped flowers; X, C
Pulmonaria longifolia Bethlehem sage	Blue-Pink-White	April-May	1-1.5′	Bertram Anderson, Roy Davidson	Interesting green foliage with white spots; clump-forming; M
Pulsatilla vulgaris European pasqueflower	Purple-Red-White	April-May	0.5-1′	Papageno	Fringed, fern-like foliage; fuzzy seed heads endure; X
Thalictrum aquilegifolium Columbine meadow rue	Lavender	May-June	2-3′		Delicate blooms; Columbine-like foliage; M, C
Tradescantia x andersoniana Spiderwort	Blue-Pink-Purple-White	May-July	1.5-2′	Blue and Gold	Strap-like leaves; cut back in mid-summer; M
Veronica spicata Spike speedwell	Blue-Pink-White	June-Sept.	1-2′	Goodness Grows, Royal Candles, Sunny Border Blue	Upright habit; attractive flower spikes on compact plant; M, C
Viola corsica Corsican violet	Blue-Purple	April-Oct.	6-8″		Low-growing foliage with large flowers above; Plant Select®; C
Viola cornuta Tufted violet	Blue-Purple	April-June	6-9″		Small pansy-like blooms; well-drained soils; M
Viola odorata Sweet violet	Blue-White	April-May	6-8″		Fragrant, pansy-like blooms on rounded foliage; M

Table 3 – Perennials for Part Shade to Shade

Botanical and Common Name	Flower Color	Bloom Period	Height	Cultivars^a	Comments/Cultural Hints
Anemone hupehensi Japanese anemone	Pink-White	Aug.-Oct.	2-3′		Mounding dark-green foliage; flowers produced on tall stems; M
Anemone x hybrida Japanese anemone	Pink-White	Aug.-Oct.	2-3′	Honorine Jobert, Whirlwind	Mounding foliage; flowers produced on tall stems; M
Brunnera macrophylla False forget me not	Blue-White	May-June	1-1.5′	Jack Frost	Heart-shaped leaves form rounded mound; Distinctive foliage for the shade garden with newer cultivars; M
Dicentra formosa Fringed bleeding heart	Pink-White	April-May	1-1.5′	Luxuriant	With adequate water will bloom later into the summer; C
Dicentra (Lamprocapnos) spectabilis Bleeding heart	Red-White	April-June	1-1.5′	Alba	Plumed foliage; fragrant; M
Helleborus orientalis Lenten Rose	Purple-White	March-April	1’	Ivory Prince	Nodding blooms above palmate leaves; early start to the perennial garden; M, C
Hosta species and hybrids Hosta	Purple-White	July-Aug.	1-2’	Abiqua Drinking Gourd, Aureomarginata, Albomarginata, Blue Mouse Ears, Elegans, Frances Williams, Guacamole, Honeybells, Patriot, Regal Splendor, Royal Standard	Long, wide leaves; some with variegation; M
Ligularia dentata Ragwort	Dark Orange	July-Sept.	3-4′	Othello	Mounded habit; daisy-like blooms; M
Ligularia stenocephala Ragwort	Yellow	June-Aug.	3-4′	The Rocket	Rocket-like blooms reach 4-6′; foliage forms large clump below blooms; M
Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal flower	Red	June-Aug.	2-3′	Queen Victoria	Erect spikes of tubular red flowers; M
Polemonium caeruleum Jacob’s ladder	Blue-Purple-White	April-May	1.5-2’	Brise D’Anjou	Leaflets are arranged like rungs of a ladder; some varieties are variegated; prefers rich well-drained soils; M
Polemonium reptans Creeping Jacob’s ladder	Blue-Purple-White	May-July	1-1.5’		Self-seeds; bell-shaped flowers on long, loose stems; M

Reference: CSU Fact Sheet 7.405