12 Best Flowering Perennials in Georgia That Are Easy To Grow

Georgia has many gorgeous native plants, like shrubs, trees, ornamental grasses, and also flowering perennials. Flowering perennials are favorite native plants for landscaping since they feature colorful shades that are stunningly attractive. They can make a beautiful ground cover, perennial beds, and perennial border.

Besides, not only they are able to grow in native habitats, but these native perennials can also be planted in your garden. You do not have to worry about their maintenance since they require little to none.

To start your planting journey, we have prepared you with an awesome list of the best flowering perennials in Georgia that are easy to grow. From the red, yellow, blue, and white to purple array colors, you can choose the most beautiful one that suits your garden’s layout.

Without any further ado, let’s jump into the list!

Best Flowering Perennials in Georgia

Nestled beneath the vast southern skies, Georgia’s gardens dance with a colorful tapestry of perennials that return year after year, stealing the show. These aren’t just any flowers; they’re resilient bloomers that brave Georgia’s heatwaves and chillier spells, ensuring a mesmerizing display in every season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious newbie, prepare to be charmed by the Peach State’s floral wonders.

Let’s journey together into the heart of Georgia’s perennial favorites!

1. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta)

best flowering perennials in georgia
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta)

The list of the best flowering perennials in Georgia will begin with Black-Eyed Susan or Rudbeckia hirta. It looks similar to sunflowers since it belongs to the same Asteraceae family with striking yellow flowers and dark brown centers.

Considering its long-blooming period, this native flowering perennial will be an ideal fit for the Georgia landscape or ornamental plants in your garden.

Unfortunately, it is a short-lived perennial among its species. Despite loving the sun, it will bloom longer in afternoon shade. It also loves well-drained, dry to moist, and acidic soil.

In addition, it is a drought-tolerant plant that attracts birds and butterflies to have frequent visits. Furthermore, cut off the seed head after a dry fall day to cultivate the seeds.

2. Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia Australis)

best flowering perennials in georgia
Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia Australis)

Among all low-maintenance perennials in Georgia, Blue Wild Indigo or Blue False Indigo is worth the attention because of its effortlessly stunning purple-blue flowers.

They will showcase their most beauty from mid-spring to mid-summer. Not to mention its charming green foliage that stands well all seasons before laying low on the ground in the winter.

To create a wonderful landscape, you will need some growing conditions to ensure Blue Wild Indigo grows happily. This hardy native perennial prefers moist, well-drained soil or clays with acidic to circumneutral pH, though it also tolerates lime.

It also favors full sun; thus, it is important to plant them where they can have ideal lighting exposure. Unfortunately, this plant is toxic, although there is no specific evidence that it can be harmful to humans.

3. Bird’s Foot Violet (Viola Pedata)

best flowering perennials in georgia
Bird’s Foot Violet (Viola Pedata)

Perhaps, its bright blue-purple flowers and low clumped perennial herb habit that make Viola pedata is better known as Bird’s Foot Violet. Each of them has five petals, where there is a touch of white hue at the base, giving these flowers beautiful marks. Also, the five bright orange stamens beautifully adorn the blooms, adding contrast color to their appearance.

Suppose you want to grow this native flowering plant in your garden. In that case, you need to propagate in early spring. But before that, make sure you fulfill its growing requirements.

This plant species favor shady place and well-drained ground because it may be susceptible to crown rot if it is too wet. Choose between dry, rock, or sandy soils with acidic pH if you want your perennial grows happily.

4. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias Tuberosa)

best flowering perennials in georgia
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias Tuberosa)

Asclepias tuberosa or Butterfly Weed is a clump-forming perennial native plant that belongs to the milkweed family. It bears bright orange flowers with contrasting green foliage, where the flowers are a source of nectar and pollen for pollinators.

Therefore, they are attractive to butterflies, identically winged, or other beneficial insects that are happy to feeding on their nectars.

Furthermore, you will not be bothered by many maintenance tasks when you decide to plant this Butterfly Weed. As it favors soaking up under the sunlight, it is better to spare a spot with proper full sun exposure in your garden for this perennial.

It also prefers neutral to acidic soil. Moreover, you must maintain its soil moisture during the first year until established. After that, reduce it to occasional watering because it loves dry soils.

5. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis)

best flowering perennials in georgia
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis)

Are you thinking of a low-maintenance showy flowering native perennial to enhance your Georgia gardens? Cardinal Flower will be your perfect option! It bears vibrant red blooms with spreading lower petals, resembling the bright red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals.

Aside from its attractive appeal, some parts of the Cardinal Flower plant have medicinal properties to help relieve some symptoms of minor ailments, such as headache, fever, nosebleed, and more.

Considering its abundance of benefits, it is no doubt that this flowering native perennial is favored by many. It loves to grow moist and wet soil. Thus, regular watering is a must. Moreover, this native species can thrive under full sun, part shade, or full shade, making it easier to find a proper planting location.

6. Garden Phlox (Phlox Paniculata)

best flowering perennials in georgia
Garden Phlox (Phlox Paniculata)

Having flowering perennial as ground cover may be more exciting since it offers you cheerful vibes than merely green foliage types. If you wish to have one species of flowering native plant for incredible ground cover, we recommend you a Graden Phlox!

This native species will show off its exquisite white summer flowers with circle purple marks on the center that will surely stand out in your landscape.

Furthermore, it is one of the low-maintenance perennials that like to get full sun exposure or part shade. It is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers rich-organic, acidic soil. Aside from being a ground cover, you can also plant it as border fronts or a collection of plants in cottage gardens.

7. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)

best flowering perennials in georgia
Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)

Belonging to the Aster family, Gerbera Daisy or Gerbera jamesonii features a wide range of color shades, including white, purple, pink, yellow, and orange. Therefore, it is no wonder that this native perennial is very famous among home gardeners.

Besides those eye-catching colors, this daisy has an evergreen habit, providing you with everlasting beauty through the seasons. One of the numerous benefits of growing Gerbera Daisy is the ease of choosing a planting location since you can plant it in open ground and containers, just in case you have limited space in your garden.

In addition, you only have to prepare a spot with rich, medium moist, well-drained soil under full sun. For maintenance, cut the dead flowers to stimulate flowering and add monthly fertilizers if you wish to have more flowers.

8. Oriental Poppies (Papaver Orientale)

Oriental Poppies (Papaver orientale)
Oriental Poppies (Papaver Orientale)

Depending on the varieties, Oriental Poppy highlights its silky-satin, paper-like ornamental flowers bearing various colors, such as white, pink, orange, and red.

It is an extremely showy perennial that will add cheerful vibes to your space from late spring to early summer. They are commonly grown as perennial borders with Shasta Daisy, giving a bold punch that draws attention from anyone who looks at them.

Because of their beauty and low-maintenance quality, many perennial enthusiasts would love to have them in their yard. This native perennial thrives in full sun yet tolerates partial shade. Nonetheless, this kind of lighting will not provide you with the best blooms.

Moreover, it performs well in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil, but the average garden soils are fine as long as you prepare good drainage.

9. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea)

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea)

Echinacea purpurea, or Purple Coneflower, is one of the excellent perennials that is extremely popular for its health properties.

Besides its beneficial aspects, this perennial is also well-known for the alluring purple and pink flowers with gracefully dropping petals, showing off its long-lasting beauty from mid-spring to early fall. Pollinators are attracted to these flowers, while birds are happy to eat the seeds from the brownish disks.

With its spectacular qualities, it is no doubt that people are interested in growing Purple Coneflower in their gardens. This native perennial easily adapt to various soil types yet prefers dry, well-drained, and rich soil under the sun or partial shade.

In some hardiness zone, it favors moist, loamy soil. Other than its beautiful flowers, Echinacea purpurea is also cultivated for research materials, particularly in the fields of medicine and the natural sciences.


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10. Rose Mallow (Hibiscus Moscheutos)

Rose Mallow (Hibiscus Moscheutos)
Rose Mallow (Hibiscus Moscheutos)

Instead of Rose Mallow, Hibiscus moscheutos is more popular with its common Hardy Hibiscus name. And just like its famous namesake, it is among hardy native perennials that produce dazzling five-petaled creamy white flowers with magenta to deep purple shade at the base.

However, some cultivars highlight showy flowers with pink and purplish hues. In addition, each flower carries protruding yellow stamen, creating impressive color contrast.

Despite loving average, medium to wet soil, this woody perennial fairly tolerates drought once established. Besides, it also amazingly copes with heat and humidity at the same time. Moreover, Rose Mallow thrives under the full sun since it grows more flowers in such a lighting condition compared to those raised in the shade.

Furthermore, applying fertilizer is necessary for the growing stages to ensure this plant grows as favored.

11. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x ‘superbum’)

best flowering perennials in georgia
Shasta Daisy Flowers (Leucanthemum x ‘superbum’)

Another daisy family to join the pack of the best flowering perennials in Georgia! Shasta Daisy is also one of the most well-known herbaceous perennials with brilliant flowers and attractive foliage.

The blooms come in white and lemon yellow shades that will be great to grow side by side. Moreover, it has several cultivars with different compactness, longevity, flowering types, and floral sizes, making it easier to choose the perfect variety for your garden.

Similar to other daisies, it does not need much maintenance. It loves full sun yet tolerates some shade, especially in hot summer areas. Though it favors fertile, well-drained, and moist soil, it withstands drought.

Not only that, but Shasta Daisy is also extraordinarily disease-free and deer-resistant, making it way easier to handle. Aside from being wonderful cut flowers, it also creates an exquisite ground cover, pampering you with white blossom carpet in the landscape.

12. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata)

Swamp Milkweed
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata)

Since it belongs to the same species, Swamp Milkweed or Asclepias incarnata has a very similar appearance to Common Milkweed.

This perennial features a large, deep pinkish to a magenta shade of flat-head flower clusters with numerous narrow green leaves that enhance the appearance of the Swamp Milkweed. They bloom in early summer, adding colorful shade to your summer garden.

Unlike many perennials, it thrives on mucky clay soil and tolerates the heavy clay. Swamp Milkweed also favors rich, wet, very muddy soil; thus, it demands a high watering frequency. It is indeed tricky to grow Swamp Milkweed, but if you know the benefits of this plant, you will definitely give it a try. Despite being toxic in raw form, the cooked young shoots, leaves, and seed pods are edible.

Final Thought

Georgia’s soil is more than just earth; it’s a canvas painted with the vibrant hues of its flowering perennials. Each bloom tells a tale of resilience, beauty, and the state’s rich natural heritage. For anyone seeking a dance of colors in their backyard, these perennials are the perfect partners.

Dive into the world of Georgia’s botanical wonders, and let your garden become a living testament to nature’s artistry. After all, in the heart of every Georgian lies a blooming love for nature.


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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What makes Georgia ideal for flowering perennials?

Georgia’s climate is a blend of moderate temperatures, well-distributed rainfall, and rich soil – a perfect recipe for many perennials to thrive. Its diverse topography from the mountains to the coast provides varying conditions suitable for a range of plants. Moreover, the state’s long growing season gives flowering perennials ample time to showcase their beauty.

Are these perennials resistant to pests and diseases?

While many Georgia-native perennials have evolved resistance to local pests and diseases, no plant is entirely immune. Regular garden inspections and early interventions can keep most issues at bay. Choosing native and well-adapted plants certainly reduces risks. Still, always be proactive in plant care for the healthiest blooms.

What is the hardiest perennial flower?

There are two hardiest flowering perennials from our list of the best flowering perennials in Georgia that are worth noting, which are Black-Eyed Susan and Shasta Daisy. They thrive in a wide variety of climates and are drought-tolerant.

In addition, both plants are generally pests and disease-free, making them easy to grow and maintain.

What perennials bloom all summer in Georgia?

From our extensive collection of the best flowering perennials in Georgia, we have Black-Eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, and Shasta Daisy as perennials that bloom all summer. They thrive best under full sun, yet tolerate some shade in particular conditions (e.g. hot summer areas).

For instance, the Black-Eyed Susan loves the sun yet grows the best flowers under shade.

How long will it take for your perennials to flower after planting?

Some perennials might bloom in the first year of planting, while others may take a season or two to establish and show off their flowers. Patience is key; the wait will be worth the spectacular display!

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