Perennial Monthly Bloom Calendar: Year-round guide to a blossoming garden
Creating a garden that blooms year-round is a dream for every passionate gardener and flower enthusiast. With perennials, this dream becomes an achievable reality.
Perennial flowers and plants are a diverse group that offers an array of colors and textures, providing an ever-changing landscape throughout the seasons.
With this Perennial Monthly Bloom Calendar, you can design a gorgeous landscape that comes alive with an array of colors, textures, and fragrances each month.
We wrote this one primarily for zones 9a, 8b, or 8a since we live in Denmark. Be sure you check with your favorite garden center, plant nursery, or local gardener before going out and planting these perennials in your space.
The resilient perennials we’re listing below will paint your garden with a kaleidoscope of ever-changing hues, ensuring your outdoor space remains vibrant and captivating throughout the seasons — from the frosty winter to golden autumn.
Take a look at our garden below for inspiration and an idea of how we plant.
January
January may seem like a quiet month in the garden, but several perennials can brave the cold and bloom with just a hint of what’s to come.
Hellebore (Helleborus orientalis)
Hellebores, also known as Lenten Roses, are known for their elegant downward-facing, cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and green.
Height: 12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining, rich soil
Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)
Snowdrops are small, delicate flowers that resemble drops of milk hanging from slender stems, symbolizing the first signs of spring for many of us.
Height: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Partial shade
Camellia (Camellia japonica)
Camellias are evergreen shrubs producing stunning rose-like flowers with glossy green leaves, available in various colors.
Height: Up to 10 feet (3 meters)
Soil Type: Moist, acidic soil
Sun Exposure: Partial shade
Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis)
Winter Aconites are charming yellow flowers with a buttercup-like shape, peeking out through the snow or frosty soil.
Height: 3-4 inches (8-10 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Partial shade
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis spp.)
Witch Hazels are deciduous shrubs that produce spidery flowers with a unique fragrance, adding interest to winter landscapes.
Height: 10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Partial to full sun
February
As winter starts to wane, February brings forth a few more blooms to awaken the garden. And with that, hope for the spring ahead!
Crocus (Crocus vernus)
Crocuses are cheerful, goblet-shaped flowers in various colors, often seen as harbingers of spring. To us, these are the first official signs that spring is indeed just a few weeks away.
Height: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica)
Japanese Quince produces bright red, pink, or white flowers that add a pop of color to the late winter garden.
Height: 3-5 feet (1-1.5 meters)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Glory-of-the-Snow (Chionodoxa spp.)
Glory-of-the-Snow features star-shaped blue, pink, or white flowers, creating carpets of color in the garden.
Height: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
March
March marks the official start of spring, and the garden comes alive with an abundance of perennial blooms.
Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)
Daffodils boast trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors, including shades of yellow, white, and orange.
Height: 6-24 inches (15-60 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
Bleeding Heart showcases heart-shaped pink or white flowers dangling gracefully from arching stems.
Height: 24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, rich soil
Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
Primrose (Primula spp.)
Primroses feature delicate flowers in a wide range of colors, adding a touch of charm to any garden.
Height: 4-12 inches (10-30 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Partial shade
Tulip (Tulipa spp.)
Is there anything more spring than tulips? Tulips are iconic spring-blooming flowers available in an astonishing array of colors and forms.
Height: 6-24 inches (15-60 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia)
Bergenia, also known as Elephant's Ears, offers large, glossy leaves and clusters of pink or white flowers.
Height: 12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Part to full shade
April
As spring settles in, April brings forth an explosion of colors with these perennial beauties.
Tulip (Tulipa spp.)
Tulips continue to bloom in April, gracing the garden with their captivating presence.
Height: 6-24 inches (15-60 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
Bleeding Hearts continue their show in April, enchanting garden visitors with their romantic appearance.
Height: 24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, rich soil
Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
Columbines display delicate, spurred flowers in various colors, attracting hummingbirds to the garden.
Height: 12-36 inches (30-90 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Partial shade
Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)
Forsythias are deciduous shrubs that produce a profusion of bright yellow flowers, signaling the arrival of spring.
Height: 6-10 feet (2-3 meters)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)
Lungwort presents charming flowers in shades of pink, blue, and purple, complemented by attractive spotted foliage.
Height: 8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Part to full shade
May
With the arrival of May, the garden bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors, as more perennials come into full bloom.
Peony (Paeonia spp.)
Peonies are show-stopping perennials with large, fragrant, and luxurious blooms in shades of pink, white, and red.
Height: 2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Iris (Iris spp.)
Irises offer stunning, sword-like foliage and intricate flowers in various colors, resembling works of art.
Height: 6-36 inches (15-90 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Cranesbill (Geranium spp.)
Cranesbills, or Hardy Geraniums, feature delicate, five-petaled flowers in shades of blue, pink, and white.
Height: 6-36 inches (15-90 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)
Balloon Flowers produce unique balloon-like buds that burst open into star-shaped flowers in blue, white, or pink hues.
Height: 12-30 inches (30-75 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica)
Siberian Irises are elegant perennials with slender, grass-like foliage and striking flowers in shades of blue, purple, and white.
Height: 2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
June
As summer approaches, June offers an enchanting display of perennials, adding vibrancy to your garden.
Lupines are striking perennial plants known for their tall spikes of pea-like flowers that come in various colors, including blue, purple, pink, yellow, and white. They have distinct palmate leaves that add to their overall visual appeal.
Height: 1.5 - 4 feet (45 - 120 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
White Jupiter’s Beard (Centranthus ruber 'Albus')
Centranthus ruber is a charming perennial with delicate clusters of small, pure white flowers held above blue-green foliage. Its blooms attract butterflies and bees, adding a touch of elegance to any garden.
Height: 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Woodland Sage (Salvia nemorosa 'Ostfriesland')
Salvia nemorosa 'Ostfriesland is a compact perennial featuring spikes of intense violet-blue flowers. Its aromatic foliage and long-lasting blooms make it a favorite for pollinator-friendly gardens.
Height: 1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris)
Malva sylvestris, or Common Mallow, is a lovely perennial with showy, saucer-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white. Its delicate petals and soft, downy foliage add a cottage garden charm.
Height: 2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Evening Primrose (Oenothera odorata)
Evening Primrose is a captivating perennial with fragrant, pale yellow flowers that open in the evening. Its graceful blooms and drought tolerance make it a valuable addition to the garden.
Height: 1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum)
Snapdragons, part of the Antirrhinum genus, are popular annual or perennial plants known for their unique, snap-like flowers in a wide range of colors. These playful blooms bring vertical interest to the garden.
Height: Varies by variety; usually 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Phlox
Phlox is a diverse genus of perennial plants that produce dense clusters of fragrant flowers in various colors. Its delightful blooms and spreading growth habit make it ideal for creating masses of color in the garden.
Height: Varies by variety; usually 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)
Dianthus barbatus, or Sweet William, is a biennial or short-lived perennial with beautiful, multi-colored flower clusters. Its sweetly scented blossoms attract butterflies, making it a captivating addition to the garden.
Height: 1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Rose (Rosa spp.)
Roses need no introduction, known for their timeless beauty and captivating fragrance, available in numerous varieties.
Height: Varies by type
Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Delphinium (Delphinium spp.)
Delphiniums are majestic perennials with tall spikes adorned with vibrant, delicate flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white.
Height: 3-6 feet (90-180 cm)
Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
Catmints are low-maintenance perennials with aromatic foliage and clusters of lavender-blue flowers, attracting pollinators to the garden.
Height: 12-36 inches (30-90 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Foxgloves are biennial or short-lived perennials with tall spikes of bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.
Height: 3-5 feet (90-150 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Part to full shade
July
As the peak of summer arrives, July continues the floral extravaganza in your garden with these gorgeous perennials.
Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
Daylilies are hardy perennials with stunning, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Height: 1-4 feet (30-120 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender is a fragrant perennial herb with slender spikes of aromatic flowers, perfect for attracting butterflies and bees.
Height: 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Time to cut your lavender back? Here's how we prune and deadhead ours.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.)
Black-Eyed Susans are cheerful, daisy-like flowers with prominent dark centers that add a burst of color to the summer garden.
Height: 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
Coneflowers are tough and drought-tolerant perennials with distinctive spiky centers surrounded by colorful petals.
Height: 2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Phlox offers fragrant, dense clusters of flowers in various shades of pink, purple, white, and red, creating a delightful display.
Height: 2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Yarrow (Achillea)
Achillea, commonly known as Yarrow, is a tough and reliable perennial featuring flattened clusters of small, daisy-like flowers. The flowers come in various colors, including shades of white, yellow, pink, and red, and the fern-like foliage adds an attractive texture to the garden.
Height: Varies by variety; usually 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Himalayan Bistort (Persicaria affinis)
Himalayan Bistort is a low-growing perennial with slender spikes of vibrant pink or red flowers. Its spreading habit makes it ideal for ground cover, and it thrives in a variety of garden conditions.
Height: 1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
Leucanthemum vulgare is a classic perennial with large, daisy-like flowers featuring white petals and a bright yellow center. This wildflower beauty adds a touch of simplicity and charm to meadows and gardens alike.
Height: 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea)
Hollyhocks are stately biennial or short-lived perennial plants that produce tall spires adorned with large, colorful flowers. These charming blooms come in a wide range of colors, creating a vertical focal point in the garden.
Height: Varies by variety; usually 5-8 feet (150-240 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Bee Balm, or Monarda, is a delightful perennial loved by pollinators for its tubular flowers arranged in dense clusters. Flowers come in shades of red, pink, purple, and white, and the aromatic foliage adds an herbal scent to the garden.
Height: 2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
August
As summer progresses, August presents a mix of vibrant and enduring perennials that continue to shine in the garden.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.)
Blanket Flowers are sun-loving perennials with distinctive red and yellow daisy-like flowers, attracting butterflies and bees.
Height: 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian Sage is an aromatic, drought-tolerant perennial with silver-gray foliage and spiky clusters of lavender-blue flowers.
Height: 3-5 feet (90-150 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Yarrow (Achillea spp.)
Yarrow is a hardy perennial with flat-topped clusters of flowers in various colors, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.
Height: 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Coreopsis offers bright, golden-yellow flowers with feathery foliage, providing a cheerful display in the summer garden.
Height: 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Hosta (Hosta spp.)
Hostas are shade-loving perennials admired for their attractive foliage in various shapes and colors, adding texture to the garden.
Height: 1-4 feet (30-120 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Part to full shade
Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
Hydrangeas are versatile shrubs cherished for their large, showy flower clusters known as "mop heads" or "lace caps." The color of their blooms can vary based on soil pH, with pink in alkaline soil and blue in acidic soil. Some hydrangea varieties also offer white or greenish flowers.
Height: 3 - 8 feet (90 - 240 cm) depending on the variety.
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil.
Sun Exposure: Part to full shade, with some varieties tolerating more sun than others.
September
As summer transitions into autumn, September brings a graceful transition in the garden with these lovely perennials.
Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedums, also known as Stonecrop, are succulent perennials with fleshy foliage and clusters of star-shaped flowers in various colors.
Height: 4-24 inches (10-60 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Japanese Anemone (Anemone × hybrida)
Japanese Anemones are elegant perennials with charming, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink or white, adding beauty to late summer gardens.
Height: 2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Part to full shade
Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.)
Joe-Pye Weed is a tall, native perennial with dome-shaped clusters of pink or purple flowers, attracting butterflies to the garden.
Height: 4-7 feet (120-210 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, rich soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Goldenrods are hardy perennials with plume-like flower clusters in bright yellow, providing a cheerful touch to the late summer landscape.
Height: 2-5 feet (60-150 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Japanese Windflower (Anemone × hybrida)
Japanese Windflowers, also called Anemone hupehensis, produce charming, poppy-like flowers in shades of pink, white, or lavender.
Height: 2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Part to full shade
October
As the days grow cooler, October showcases perennials that provide a graceful farewell to the growing season.
Autumn Joy Sedum (Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude')
Autumn Joy Sedum is a popular fall-blooming perennial with flat, pink flower heads that age to a rich copper color.
Height: 18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Toad Lily (Tricyrtis spp.)
Toad Lilies are unique perennials with orchid-like flowers speckled with purple or dark spots, thriving in shade gardens.
Height: 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Part to full shade
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.)
Chrysanthemums, also known as Mums, are classic fall-blooming perennials with a wide array of colors and bloom forms.
Height: 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Soil Type: Well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Japanese Maples are small ornamental trees known for their stunning foliage that turns brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall.
Height: 6-25 feet (2-8 meters)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Part to full shade
Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Bugleweed is a low-growing perennial ground cover with spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers, perfect for shady areas.
Height: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
Sun Exposure: Part to full shade
By following this Perennial Monthly Bloom Calendar, you can design a captivating garden that offers a continuous parade of colors, textures, and fragrances throughout the year. Remember to consider your specific hardiness zone and soil conditions while selecting perennials to ensure they thrive in your garden. Enjoy the ever-changing beauty of your landscape as these perennials bring life and joy to your outdoor oasis.
Happy gardening!
