When and how long do perennials bloom? Many hobby gardeners ask themselves this question. There is no clear answer. Depending on the species, the flowering times vary considerably. There are also some permanent bloomers and remontant perennials that may surprise you with a second bloom.
When do perennials bloom in the garden?
The flowering time of perennials varies depending on the species: early bloomers such as saxifrage and primrose bloom from March to May, while summer bloomers such as phlox and maiden's eye bloom from June to August. Perennial bloomers such as sweet candle and remontant perennials such as catnip bloom several times per season.
Basic information about the flowering time of perennials
Most perennials only delight their owners with their colorful flowers for a few weeks a year. In the rest of the time, the focus is on other aspects, such as leaf shapes and colors, autumn color, budding and seed heads. These details are generally no less attractive.
As always, in this case exceptions prove the rule. There are also several species in the perennial kingdom that act as permanent bloomers and produce new flowers over and over again over many weeks or even months. There is also a considerable number of so-called remontant perennials - after their main flowering (spring, summer) these produce a second flowering flower in late summer or autumn.
Note: In order to encourage second flowering in remontant perennials, it is recommended to remove wilted flowers from the “basic passage” before seeds form. Cut the perennial back to about a hand's width above the ground, then add a little liquid fertilizer and then make sure to water the plant regularly. A few weeks later the perennial is in bloom again.
Practical: Perennial bloomers are not just a dream for hobby gardeners. Numerous insects, such as bees, bumblebees and butterflies, literally “fly” to these reliable nectar suppliers.
The flowering period of various perennials
In this section we will tell you some selected perennials and their respective flowering times. We also list various permanent bloomers and remontant plants.
Flowering period from March to May: saxifrage, bergenia, violet, primrose, dwarf iris
Flowering period from April to June: Forget-me-not, cushion phlox, candytuft, Turkish poppy, bleeding heart
Flowering period from May to July: purple bells, cranesbill, knapweed
Flowering period from June to August: knotweed, buttercup, evening primrose, bellflower, phlox, carnation, girl's eye
Flowering period from June to September: sun rose, yarrow, delphinium
Examples of permanent bloomers
- Large-flowered girl's eye
- Blue and Yellow Larkspur
- Magnificent candle
- cockade flower
Examples of remontant perennials
- Dainty lady's coat
- Goose cress
- Double marsh marigold
- Catnip
Final word
Spring (or late summer/early fall) is perennial planting time. Then you have THE opportunity to create new perennial beds or to supplement existing borders with wonderfully long-flowering or replanting new additions.
