28 Top Plant Choices to Include in Your First Garden (2024)

Gardening

• 01 of 28

  Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

  

  This perennial is a member of the daisy family, known for its colors, lacy leaves, and reliability. Yarrowis very easy to grow in most garden soils and is available in many different cultivars. It spreads heartily and can crowd out some other plants.

  Yarrow grows 2 to 4 feet tall and blooms from early summer all the way into fall. Cut back following the initial bloom, and remove dead stalks from the garden at season's end.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 10 (depending on cultivar)
  • Color Varieties: Pastels, rust, deep red, yellow, white
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Any well-draining soil

• 02 of 28

  Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

  

  Bugleweed is a great ground cover that comes in different leaf colors and spreads very nicely. It prevents weeds from growing and blooms in late spring with tiny beautiful blue flowers, though it isnormally grown for its foliage. Bugleweed grows well in sun or shade, has no problems to speak of, and as it spreads, you can dig up the new plants and move them elsewhere.

  Bugleweed can be invasive in some regions if it naturalizes, so take care to keep it confined on your property.

  Warning: All parts of this plant are poisonous if eaten.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
  • Color Varieties: Blue, violet
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil Needs: Medium-moisture, well-drained soils; tolerate moderately dry soil

• 03 of 28

  Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)

  

  Columbine is a showy perennial with a cultivar suitable for almost any climate. Native to mountainous regions, columbineis a member of the buttercup family and includes almost 75 different species and cultivars developedto produce brightly colored flowers. This is a very easy-to grow flower that is perfect for beginners. These plants grow 12 to 24 inches with a similar spread and bloom in late spring and early summer. Deadheading will sometimes prompt a second, smaller flush of blooms later in the season.

  Check on details for the species you are buying. Some prefer moist woodland conditions, others are alpine species that need good drainage. Most Columbines spread readily by reseeding. If you want to keep the flower bed tidy, remove seed pods following bloom.

  • USDA Growing Zones:3 to 9 (varies depending on species)
  • Color Varieties: White, pink, lavender, peach, blue, yellow, bi-colors
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil

• 04 of 28

  Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.)

  

  Another member of the daisy family, asters are hearty late season bloomers,but they do not like too-wet or too-dry soil. Asters grow 3 to 4 feet tall with a similarspread.They self-sow freely, and root groups need dividing every couple of years. A strong virtue is the asters late show of color in the garden, after most other perennials are done for the year—asters may still be blooming when snow begins to fall. Pinching back the stems early in the season will cause the plant to bush out and produce plenty of fall blooms.

  • USDA Growing Zones:3 to 8
  • Color Varieties: Lavender, blue, white,
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil; prefers slightly acidic conditions

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• 05 of 28

  Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)

  

  Siberian bugloss is a spring-blooming perennial for part-shade locations. It is a 12- to 18-inch high clump-forming plant that grows from rhizomatousroots. Siberian buglossis one of the few plants that hastrue blue flowers. After bloom time is over, the dark green foliage is a great foil for small to medium-sized variegated shade plants such as hostas. The foliage can get a bit ragged as the weather warms, but the plant can be rejuvenated by cutting back to new growth.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
  • Color Varieties: Blue
  • Sun Exposure: Part shade
  • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil

• 06 of 28

  Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)

  

  The common name for thisplant indicates its main virtue—its flowers draw butterflies and otherpollinators, such as honeybees and hummingbirds. Butterfly bush is a large plant, growing at least 6 to 8 feet with a spread as much as 5 feet.With thick, woody stalks, it is usuallyconsidered a deciduous shrub and behaves as such in warmer climates. In colder climates, it is treated more like a herbaceous perennial, dying back to ground level each winter.

  The stems should be pruned down to 8 to 12 inches above the ground in early spring, which prompts new growth. Not all varieties are hardy in northern climates, so check carefully before buying. Dwarf varieties also are available and popular with gardeners with limited space.

  Warning: Butterfly bush is considered an invasive plant in some regions, so check before you plant it, and make sure it does not spread outside the garden.

  • USDA Growing Zones:5 to 9
  • Color Varieties: White, purple, pink, red, yellow
  • Sun Exposure:Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil

• 07 of 28

  Cineraria (Senecio x hybrida)

  

  Cineraria is ashade-loving warm-weather perennial that is usually planted as an annual. It is a mounding plant growing 9 to 12 inches high. Often planted in containers, cineraria has gorgeous huge purple, blue, or white daisy-like flower heads that look great with ferns. It blooms more or less constantly. Cineraria comes back reliably, reseeds itself, and it can grow in amazingly shallow soil. The perennial requires even, moderate moisture; constant wetnesswill rot the roots, while underwatering hinders flowering.

  • USDA Growing Zones:Perennial in zones 9 to 11; planted as an annual in all zones
  • Color Varieties:White, pinks, purples, blue
  • Sun Exposure: Part shade
  • Soil Needs: Cool, moist, well-drained soil

• 08 of 28

  Tickseed/Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata, C. vericillata)

  

  Like other members of the perennial daisy family, coreopsis/tickseed is an easy-to-grow, durable choice for the beginning gardener.An upright plant growing 1 to 3 feet tall, tickseed blooms for a longer period than almost any other perennial. There are two major forms: lanceolataand verticillata, also known as threadleaf coreopsis. Coreopsis plants bloom over the entire summer and fall season, and there are lots of colors to choose from. Tickseed plants can be split into five or six smaller plants every two to three years. The plants respond well to deadheading or shearing by growing new flower buds.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
  • Color Varieties: Yellow, orange,pink, red, bi-color
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil

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• 09 of 28

  Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea and Hybrids)

  

  Coneflower is another long-blooming perennial member of the daisy family and another sun-lover. Coneflowers grow on upright stems to a height of 2 to 3 feet and bloom through summer and into fall. This is one of the easiest of all perennials to grow.

  Once known primarily as "purple coneflower," cultivars with other colors have recently been developed, often through hybridization with other Echinacea species. These plants are known to attractbirds (mostly finches) and butterflies.Birds like the seed heads in winter, too, so leave the stems and flower heads in place rather than cutting them back after frost.

  Coneflower readily spreads by self-sowing its seeds, or you can propagate new plants by dividing the roots.

  • USDA Growing Zones:3 to 8
  • Color Varieties: Purple, pink-purple, white, yellow, orange, red
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil

• 10 of 28

  Four-O-Clock (Mirabilis jalapa)

  

  The four-o-clock is unusual in that a single plant can have flowers of different colors. As the name implies, the flowers open up in the late afternoon, then close up again in the morning. The individual flowers, which appear in mid-summer, are short-lived, but new ones open constantly.Four-o-clocks grow 2 to 3 feet tallfrom tuberous roots, which can be lifted and divided in the fall to propagate new plants. Store the tubers over winter, then plant in the spring.

  Warning: All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingestedand have been known to be fatal if eaten by pets.

  • USDA Growing Zones: Perennial in zones 7 to 11; grown as an annual everywhere
  • Color Varieties: Red, pink, magenta, yellow, creamy white
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Tolerates any well-drained soil

• 11 of 28

  Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.)

  

  Gallardia is a genus that includes many species of perennial and annual flowering plants native to both North and South America. Blanket flowers are related to the common sunflower, with flowers that resemble that plant. Blanket flowers grow 2 to 3 feet high with a similar spread. They aretolerant of just about any soil and produce beautiful daisy-like blooms of red/orange/yellow all summer long and into fall.

  The varieties normally grown are annuals, but they readily reseed themselves in the garden. Be forewarned that when hybrid varieties self-seed, the offspring may revert to a different appearance.

  Like many daisy-like plants, blanket flowers are attractive to butterflies and birds, and if the dried seed heads are left on the plants, birds will feast on them into the winter.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 10; usually grown as annuals
  • Color Varieties: Mahogany, red,yellow, orange, bi-color
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil

• 12 of 28

  Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum)

  

  A delicate-looking perennial that is surprisingly sturdy, bloody cranesbill, once established, will last for many years. It blooms first in early- to mid-summer, and often reblooms in early fall. Growing 9 to 18 inches tall with a clumping form, cranesbillis one of the easiest flowers to grow and works well at the forefront of the garden.

  After the first flowering period is complete,lightly cut back the foliage to shape the plant and revitalize it for a second fall bloom period.

  • USDA Growing Zones:4 to 9
  • Color Varieties:Blue, pinkish purple
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun / partial shade
  • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil

  Continue to 13 of 28 below

• 13 of 28

  Gerbera Daisy, African Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

  

  Another member of the perennial daisy family, gerberadaisies are usually grown as annuals in all but the warmest climates. Plants grow to 6 to 18 inches tall, depending on variety. They are very easy to grow, with flowers of very vivid hues that continue to bloom for many months. Dead head spent flower heads to encourage repeat blooming.This plant is a must for gardeners wholove bright colors. Gerbera daisies don't like to dry out, so make sure to water regularly.

  • USDA Growing Zones:Perennial in zones 8to 10, usually grown as annuals
  • Color Varieties: Shades of white and vivid yellow, orange, pink and red
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil

• 14 of 28

  Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)

  

  Daylily is one of the best (and oldest) groups of ornamental perennial flowers, with literally hundreds of varieties available. Those commercially sold are generally hybrids and cultivars derived from a few native species. From arching clumps of narrow leaves, upright flower stems 2 to 5 feet tall produce trumpet-like flowers, each of whichlasts for one day.Ideally suited for new gardeners,dayliliesare disease, deer, and insect resistant. Most types bloom for a few weeks in the summer, but some are repeat bloomers that provide color all summer and into fall. When it comes to daylilies, there is an endless choice of colors, bloom shapes and sizes, and bloom times.

  Daylilies spread in clumps which should be divided about every three years. Overcrowding will inhibit flowering. They can be lifted and split in early spring to increase your stock or share plants with others. This is perhaps the most essential of all flowering plants for beginning gardeners.

  • USDA Growing Zones:1to 11, depending on species and variety
  • Color Varieties: Yellow, orange, red, purple, white, pastels, bicolors
  • Sun Exposure: Full sunto part shade
  • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil

• 15 of 28

  Coral Bells (Heuchera americana)

  

  Coral bells are grown mostly for their foliage, which can range from deep bronze red to a pale yellow-green. This is a clumping perennial plant growing 12 to 18 inches highthat sends up wiry shoots of tiny pink,red, or white flowers from late springthrough the summer. There is a variety of coral bells to suit almost everyone's needs.Leaves of many varieties have attractive veined patterns; the flowers are usually less showy. This plant is a prime choice for shade gardens, but will also grow in sun, especially in cooler climates.

  If growing coral bells in full sun, make sure to keep it well watered to prevent foliage from declining. Remove the stems of spent flowers to prompt additional blooms.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
  • Color Varieties:Foliage colors includeburgundy, silver, butterscotch, bronze, and yellow; flowers are red, white, coral, or pink
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil

• 16 of 28

  Hosta or Plantain Lily (Hosta spp.)

  

  A widely popular shade perennial, hostas are available in hundreds of varieties, from the tiny 'Mouse Ears' cultivarto'Elegans', with enormous blue-green leaves. The genus includes as many as 70 species, although a relatively small number of species form the basis for most cultivars sold commercially. Hostasdo bloom, usually with white or lavender flowers that appear in late summer,but it is the varying shades of yellow, green, or blue leaves, often variegated or ruffled, that are the real attraction.

  Hostas are incredibly easy to grow, but they are susceptible to damage from slugs and snails. Hostas do best with morning sun but afternoon shade.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
  • Color Varieties: Foliage ranges from pale yellow to deep blue-green; flowers are white or lavender
  • SunExposure: Partial shade to full shade; yellow varieties are best at tolerating sun
  • Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil

  Continue to 17 of 28 below

• 17 of 28

  Bearded Iris (Iris germanica)

  

  Among the many species of iris in the genus, the cultivars of Iris germanica, known as the bearded iris, are the most popular. Thisis among the showiest plants in spring, with elaborate flowers that appear in late spring and early summer atop long stalks emerging from arching clumps of narrow leaves. Bearded iris is also among the easiest flowers to grow, though it can be susceptible to worm damage in the rhizomesfrom borer insects.

  Some varieties favor warmer climates, but there are iris suitable for even subarctic environments. The most popular type, the tall bearded iris, may need staking to prevent the flower stalks from falling over.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
  • Color Varieties:White, yellow, shades of purple and blue, bicolors
  • Sun Exposure: Fullsun
  • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil

• 18 of 28

  Lavender (Lavendula spp.)

  

  The many varieties of lavender are short-lived perennials or annuals, depending on the zone in which they are planted. The pale lavender,purple, or light blue flowers are both attractive in the landscape and also can be used in cooking, cosmetics, and perfumery. The plants grow 20 to 24 inches tall and flower in late spring and early summer.

  Lavender's hardiness is affected by winter dampness. Shallow rooted, this plant will decline in wet soil. Cut back stems to 1/3 their height following bloom to boost root growth and extend the life of the plant.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 10, depending on species; grown as annuals in cooler climates
  • Color Varieties: Lavender, white, yellow
  • SunExposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil

• 19 of 28

  Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)

  

  Shasta daisies are the "classic" daisy, a legacy perennial plant popular in cottage gardens everywhere. Popular for cut flowers, this is a perennial that can be easily started from seed. It spreads well in the garden and tolerates some amount of shade, though it thrives best in full sun. Plants grow 2 to 3 feet tall, with fairly simple leaves. Shasta daisies bloom from mid-summer into fall. Somevarieties have flowers that are double petaled and ruffled, even scented. Remove the spent flower heads to stimulate more flowers.

  Shasta daisy will attract pollinator insects and it is extremely drought-tolerant. Plants will readily self-seed in the garden.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 10
  • Color Varieties: White with gold centers
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun / partial shade
  • Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil

• 20 of 28

  Oriental Lily (Lilium orientalis)

  

  Planted from perennial bulbs, oriental liliesflowerin early summer, after the Asiatic lilies have seen their day and just before most of the daylilies get started. They have a delightful aroma, often with spicy overtones. Many varieties will produce tiny bulblets and will gradually spread in the garden.They thrive in slightly acidic soil.

  Many varieties are available, ranging from 1 to 8feet in height with a wide range of bloom colors. The flowers appearing in mid to late summer are bowl or flat-shaped and usually extremely fragrant—too much so for some people. Removing spent flowers will often prompt additional blooming. Some types require a period of cold dormancy making them suitable for warmer climates.

  The related group of lilies, the Asiatic lilies, are equally easy to grow for beginning gardeners.

  • USDA Growing Zones:3 to 8
  • Color Varieties: White, yellow, pink, red, orange
  • Sun Exposure: Full sunto part shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil; does best in slightly acidic soil

  Continue to 21 of 28 below

• 21 of 28

  Lupines (Lupinus × Hybrida)

  

  Most varietiesof lupines are fairly short-lived perennials, but they startso easily from seeds that they are worth planting as a mainstay in the garden. Plants grow 2 to 3 feet tall, with flowers that appear in dense clusters around vertical stalks.Lupines produce beautiful, exotic flowers in early to mid-summer, and they sometimes rebloom in early fall with a less-showy display. Deadheading will encourage additional blooms. Lupinesmay readily self-seed in soils that are favorable.

  Lupines can sometimes be brought down by unusually hot summers. Hot, humid weather can also foster slugs and aphids that destroy the plants, but it is no great challenge to plant more seeds.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
  • Color Varieties: White, red, pink, yellow, blue, purple,bicolors
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, medium-moisture soil; prefers slightly acidic conditions

• 22 of 28

  Daffodils (Narcissis Group)

  

  The Narcissus genus includes a large number of species of spring-flowering bulbs, and a select number of those species form the basis for hundreds of cultivars developed for commercial sale.Daffodils look great in the garden or naturalized in a lawn or woodland area, blooming very early, just after crocus and at the same time as the earliest tulips. Growing 6 to as much as 12 incheshigh, depending on variety, daffodils are sometimes used in a shady garden since they bloom before trees and shrubs leaf out. They make nice cut flowers for spring arrangements. Daffodils can be propagated by lifting and dividing the bulbs in the fall.

  If you want daffodils to naturize in your lawn (a popular strategy), then you will need to limit your use of lawn chemicals and weed killers on the lawn, since these will quickly ruin your daffodil bulbs.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 11
  • Color Varieties: White, yellow, peach, pink, bicolors
  • Sun Exposure: Fullsun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil; prefers slightly acidic conditions

• 23 of 28

  Peonies (Paeonia spp.)

  

  Granted, they've got a relatively short bloom season, but considering the spectacular fragrant flowers, robust foliage, and near-immortality, peonies earn their place in the perennial garden. Once established, peonies will last virtually forever, even outliving a home's owners. They do not like to be moved, however, so plant peonies in a location where you want them to stay. Garden peonies generally form upright clumps atop sturdy stems, 2 to 3 feet tall. They bloom in late spring and early summer.

  Paeonia is a large genus of flowering perennials, but the familiar garden peony consists mostly of cultivars of theP. lactiflloraspecies. Recent cultivars have returned to single flowers that don't collapse under their own weight. A delightful specimen plant is the fern-leaf peony(Peonia tenuifolia),expensive to purchase but a true conversation piece in the garden. So-called tree peonies are shrubby hybrids derived fromPaeonia suffruticosa; these are not the same easy-care garden peonies best suited for beginning gardeners.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
  • Color Varieties: White, pink, red, purple
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun / partial shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil

• 24 of 28

  Black-Eyed, Brown-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

  

  Black-eyed Susan is an upright, daisy-like flower native to North American prairies. It is now widely grown as an ornamental garden plant, where its very long bloom period from summer into fall makes it very appealing. Some gardeners use large clumps as shrubby shapes in the garden. Plants grow 18 to 24 inches tall, with flower heads that resemble small sunflowers.

  Black-eyed Susan is a short-lived perennial or biennial, but it grows easily from seeds and will readily self-seed itself in the garden. Leave the flower heads in place; they will serve as food for winter birds.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
  • Color Varieties: Yellow, orange-yellow with dark centers
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Average moisture, well-drained soil

  Continue to 25 of 28 below

• 25 of 28

  Meadow Sage (Salvia nemorosa)

  

  This tough perennial grows 1 to 3 feet tall and forms clusters of flowers in spring through summer. It has the virtue of being very tolerant of drought. The flowers of violet, purple, or white will rebloom if the spent flowers are deadheaded promptly, extending the bloom period into fall. It will survive light frosts.

  Meadow sage is a favorite of butterflies and other pollinators. If planting it as part of a butterfly garden, make sure to avoid the use of pesticides of any kind.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
  • Color Varieties:White, Violet-blue
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil

• 26 of 28

  Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa columbaria)

  

  These members of the honeysuckle family can be either annual or perennial, depending on the type. The most common are the pink or blue types, which lend a nice pastel tone to the garden. This is a clump-forming perennial growing 18 to 24 inches tall, with single flowers that appear on sturdy stems from spring to mid-summer.

  Pincushion flowersbloom non-stop, attract butterflies, and require little more than some deadheading to keep the blooms going. This is a very easy-care plant, though the roots may rot if it soaks in wet soil.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7
  • Color Varieties: Pink, blue
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Light, well-drained soil; doesn't tolerate wet soils

• 27 of 28

  Showy Stonecrop/ Sedum 'Autumn Joy' (Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude' Autumn Joy)

  

  "Autumn Joy" is the commercial name for the Hylotelphium 'Herbstfreude' cultivar. For years, this plant was part of the Sedum genus, but was recently reassigned to the Hylotelephium genus. It is still commonly known as Sedum 'Autumn Joy'.

  Like other sedums, this is a fleshy-leaved perennial. 'Autumn Joy' is one of the taller forms at 2 to 3 feet in height. The dense flat-topped clusters of mauve pink, rust, or red flowersappear in very late summer through fall, gradually deepening in color. The 'Autumn Fire' cultivar had a tighter growth habit that doesn't flop over as readily as does 'Autumn Joy'. Avoid the flopping problem by planting 'Autumn Joy' in full sun and in dry soil.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
  • Color Varieties: Mauve pink, rust red, purple
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil

• 28 of 28

  Tulip (Tulipa Group)

  

  No list would be complete without tulips to lend bright color to the early spring garden. Garden tulips are very large plant group of cultivars and hybrids derived from species in the Tulipa genus. Many, many varieties are available, some native speciesand others wildly creative hybrids with double petals or ruffled petals. Dozens of new varieties of tulips are created each year.

  Tulips will naturalize easily in colder climates, but in warmer climatesthe bulbs need to be planted as annuals, as the bulbs require a cooling period to bloom. In cooler climates, fall is the time to plant tulip bulbs for the following spring. Tulips are all spring bloomers, but within the group are varieties that bloom in very early spring, mid-spring, and late spring into early summer.

  • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 6 (There are a few that can survive in Zones 7 and 8.)
  • Color Varieties: White, yellow, pink, red, purple, bicolors
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil