Yellow perennial flowers: 16 vibrant plants for your garden
Updated: Jun 9, 2023
Yellow perennial flowers are a cheerful and vibrant addition to any garden, border, or flower bed. Most people associate the color yellow with sunshine and positivity. Whether you do or not, these vibrant yellow flowers will 100% make your garden feel more inviting.
Yellow perennial flowers (like all perennial plants) come back every year and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and blooming times, giving you the joy of having the color yellow in the garden throughout the growing season.
Yellow flowering perennial plants are also great for adding a splash of color to borders and flower boxes, brightening up any corner and adding wonderful contrast to other flowers.
Here are (in my opinion) the best yellow perennials to grow. If you have your own favorites, drop me a note in the comments at the bottom. And do remember that not all plants grow in all areas of the world. Check with your local gardening expert for yellow flowers that will thrive in your location.
1. Coreopsis 'Moonbeam'
This is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial that produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers throughout the summer. It is easy to grow and attracts butterflies.
Coreopsis
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
2. Heliopsis helianthoides
Also known as false sunflower, this is a hardy perennial with yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom throughout the summer. It is easy to grow and attracts butterflies and bees.
Heliopsis helianthoides
Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun
3. Solidago 'Golden Baby'
This is a hardy perennial with bright yellow, small flowers that bloom throughout the summer. It is easy to grow and attracts butterflies and bees.
Solidago
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
4. Alchemilla (Alchemilla spp.)
Commonly known as lady's mantle, is a perennial plant with clusters of small, yellow flowers and scalloped leaves.
Alchemilla (Alchemilla spp.)
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Partial shade to full shade
5. Achillea (Achillea spp.)
Commonly known as yarrow, is a perennial plant with clusters of small, yellow flowers and fern-like foliage.
Achillea (Achillea spp.)
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
6. Phlomis russeliana (Jerusalem Sage)
Commonly called Jerusalem sage, it is native to Mediterranean regions of Europe and Asia, and is known for its showy, whorled leaves and spikes of tubular flowers that bloom in shades of pink, yellow, and purple.
Phlomis russeliana
Height: 90-150 cm (35-59 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
7. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
A perennial flower with petals that are typically yellow, but can also be pink, white, or purple. It is known for its large, cone-shaped center which gives it its name.
Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
8. Digitalis (Digitalis spp.)
Commonly known as foxglove, is a perennial plant with spikes of bell-shaped yellow flowers and large leaves.
Digitalis (Digitalis spp.)
Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 inches)
Sun exposure: Partial shade to full shade
9. Gaillardia aristata (Gaillardia aristata)
Commonly known as blanket flower, is a perennial plant with clusters of yellow, orange and red flowers and finely divided leaves. Also known as blanket flower, this is a hardy perennial with bright yellow and red flowers that bloom throughout the summer. It is easy to grow and attracts butterflies and bees.
Gaillardia aristata (Gaillardia aristata)
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
10. Crocus (Crocus spp.)
A bulbous perennial plant known for its small, cup-shaped yellow flowers that bloom in the early spring.
Crocus (Crocus spp.)
Height: 5-20 cm (2-8 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
11. Helianthus (Helianthus spp.)
Commonly known as sunflower, is an annual or perennial plant with large, yellow or orange flowers and rough leaves.
Helianthus (Helianthus spp.)
Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
12. Helenium (Helenium spp.)
A perennial plant with clusters of small, yellow or orange flowers and finely divided leaves.
Helenium (Helenium spp.)
Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
13. Hemerocallis (Hemerocallis spp.)
Commonly known as daylily, is a perennial plant with large, trumpet-shaped yellow or orange flowers and long, narrow leaves.
Hemerocallis (Hemerocallis spp.)
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
14. Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia spp.)
A perennial flower with yellow or orange petals and a dark center. It is a popular wildflower and is often used in naturalized gardens. This is a hardy perennial with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom throughout the summer. It is a great choice for cut flowers and attracts butterflies and bees.
Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia spp.)
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
15. Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
A perennial plant with spikes of large, showy yellow or purple flowers and palmate leaves.
Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun
16. Lysinachia Ciliata (Lysimachia ciliata)
Commonly known as Fringed loosestrife, is a perennial plant with clusters of small, yellow flowers and long, narrow leaves.
Lysimachia ciliata (Fringed loosestrife)
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Overall, yellow perennial flowers are a great choice for any garden, border, or flower bed. They’re cheerful and vibrant and can bring a sense of happiness and warmth to your outdoor space. Don’t believe me? Plant some from this list and see for yourself.
And if you’re looking for perennial flowers to contrast and complement these yellow ones, check out my lists of the best white, purple, blue and pink flowers in the links.
