We know the thrill of starting a garden is only matched by the impatience that comes with waiting for those first blooms. It’s like waiting for water to boil or watching paint dry. Sure, they say patience is a virtue, but when it comes to gardening, who can resist a little instant gratification? As the saying goes, “Eternity is long, especially towards the end.” So why wait forever when you can have a garden bursting with color this season?
Yes, you can enjoy stunning blooms this season by planting some super-speedy perennials. Yep, these plants are the real go-getters of the garden, bringing ‘Flash’ of flowers, minus the spandex.
Here’s a selection of fast growing perennials that’ll have your garden flourishing faster than you can say “Erigeron karvinskianus” (try saying that three times fast!).
Bronze Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare ‘Purpureum’): A Feast for the Eyes and the Kitchen
Fennel is well known for its unique taste, but it’s easy to forget how decorative it can be too. Bronze Fennel, for example, has this gorgeous bronze foliage that pops up from April to November. It’s one of those sun-loving, drought-resistant plants that can shoot up to about 1.5 meters pretty quickly, making it a great addition if you want some height in your garden.
And get this—it’s not just pretty; it’s edible too! You can use the stems and leaves to add a special flavor to your cooking. Plus, it’s a favorite of the Swallowtail butterfly, which is a nice bonus. So, if you’re looking to mix things up and add some vertical interest, Bronze Fennel is definitely a great choice.
Mexican Daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus): The Hardy Wall Daisy
Erigeron karvinskianus, also known as Wall Daisy or Mexican Daisy, is an adorable little asteraceae that loves to sneak into any available space and reseed itself, eventually creating large cushions of white flowers. One of its best features is how quickly it grows, forming lovely clumps of blooms within just a few months.
This perennial thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil, but it’s pretty adaptable and can handle poorer soils too. It’s a fantastic choice for adding a touch of wildflower charm to natural gardens, especially in the countryside, but it’s also versatile enough to fit into more formal garden settings.
White Gaura (Gaura Lindheimeri) – Whirling Butterflies in Bloom
Gaura lindheimeri, commonly known as commonly known as Lindheimer’s beeblossom, white gaura, pink gaura, Lindheimer’s clockweed, and Indian feather is an elegant perennial that blossoms from June to September. Its delicate white flowers resemble butterflies fluttering on slender stems.
This plant prefers full sun and dry soil and requires minimal maintenance. Although it only lives for a couple of years, it grows quickly, making it an excellent choice for adding a touch of grace to your garden. Gaura ‘Whirling Butterflies’ grows swiftly, reaching its full height and blooming capacity within its first growing season. You’ll enjoy its delicate, butterfly-like flowers in just a few months.
Lavatera (Shrubby Mallow) – A Timeless Classic
Lavatera, or shrubby mallows, are semi-evergreen perennials that hold onto some of their foliage even through the winter. These fast-growing plants can quickly shoot up to over a meter tall, showcasing beautiful pink or white flowers from late spring through fall, typically peaking around mid-summer.
They thrive in full sun and prefer rich, well-drained soil, though they are fairly adaptable. Lavateras are ideal for adding height and vibrant color to the back of flowerbeds or as a striking backdrop in mixed borders.
In terms of hardiness, Lavatera is generally suited to USDA zones 7-9, which means they can tolerate mild winters but might need some protection in colder areas. Their easy maintenance and ornamental appeal have helped them regain popularity in recent years.
Fringed Loosestrife (Lysimachia Ciliata ‘Fire Cracker’) – A Foliage Firework
Lysimachia ciliata ‘Fire Cracker’ is such a fun plant to have in the garden! It’s not just about the bright yellow flowers—it’s got these amazing leaves that change color throughout the year. You start with purple in the spring, then they turn green in the summer, and by fall, they’re this gorgeous orange-copper. It’s like a little color-changing surprise each season!
This plant is super easygoing. It loves full sun but can handle a bit of shade too, and it’s pretty drought-resistant, so you don’t have to fuss over it. It grows like crazy, spreading out and covering a good chunk of your flowerbed in no time.
It looks fantastic paired with other shrubs, especially ones with purple leaves, or mixed in with warm-toned flowers. This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. It’s pretty tough and can handle cold winters, so it’s a great option if you’re in a cooler area.
Cranesbill (Geranium ‘Rozanne’ ) – The Long-Blooming Superstar
If you can only fit one geranium in your garden (and yes, I know, that’s a tough call), then Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is the way to go! This stunning perennial blooms for months on end, producing a cascade of blue flowers with charming white centers.
It’s so impressive that it was even named “Plant of the Century” at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2013. ‘Rozanne’ is super hardy and thrives in full sun, though it can handle a bit of shade too.
With its creeping habit, it quickly forms lush, bushy clumps about 30 cm high and 50 cm wide, making it a fantastic choice for adding long-lasting color to your garden.
Bee Balm (Monarda ‘Melissa’ Bergamot) – Aromatic and Attractive
Monarda ‘Melissa’, also known as Bergamot, is a delightful plant that’s not only beautiful but also practical. It features lovely pastel pink flowers that bloom from early summer to late summer, giving your garden a long season of color. The flowers sit above a dense clump of aromatic leaves, which are great for making herbal teas or adding to salads.
This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9, so it’s pretty versatile and can handle a wide range of temperatures. It’s easy to grow, thriving in full sun but also doing well in partial shade. Monarda ‘Melissa’ isn’t fussy about soil, either—it adapts to most types as long as they’re not too dry.
It’s a fantastic choice for planting under trees with a light canopy, where it can enjoy a mix of sunlight and shade. It also looks great in the middle of a summer flower bed, adding a soft, romantic touch with its pink blooms.
Woodland Sage (Salvia Nemorosa) – The Wild and Wonderful Sage
Salvia nemorosa ‘Lubecca’ is a fantastic plant for adding quick color to your garden. This compact sage grows relatively fast, reaching its full height of around 50 cm within its first growing season. From there, it blooms prolifically from June to September, producing clusters of striking blue-purple flowers.
This variety is also hardy in USDA zones 4-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. It’s adaptable to different soil types, including poorer soils, as long as they are well-drained. Just make sure it gets plenty of sunlight, and avoid planting in areas with overly wet conditions, especially during winter.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant that brings vibrant color and texture, Salvia nemorosa ‘Lubecca’ is a great choice.
Mexican Feathergrass (Stipa Tenuifolia) – The Breezy Angel Hair Grass
Stipa tenuifolia, or angel hair, is such a cool grass to have in your garden! It grows into these beautiful, fine tufts of hair-like leaves that dance in the slightest breeze. It doesn’t take long to establish, reaching full size in just two seasons, so you won’t have to wait forever to see its effect.
This grass is super versatile, fitting in perfectly whether you’ve got a wild, natural garden or a sleek, modern one. It’s tough as nails, being resistant to cold and drought, and can grow in pretty much any soil type, as long as it’s well-drained. Plus, it has this fun habit of reseeding itself in the most random spots, which can be a pleasant surprise!
Just plant it in a sunny spot and let it do its thing—no fuss required. It’s great for softening the edges of bigger plants or lining paths where its delicate leaves can brush against you as you walk by.
Nepeta (Catnip) – The Rose’s Perfect Partner
Nepeta faassenii ‘Six Hill Giant Gold’ is an absolute gem in the garden! Not only does it charm with its lovely blue flowers, but its silvery-blue foliage edged with yellow is stunning. It adds a beautiful, ornamental touch wherever you plant it. And talk about easy-going—this perennial is a breeze to grow and blooms for months, making it a real star for continuous color.
These Nepetas grow super fast, quickly filling out and adding lushness to your garden. They’re perfect for edging a garden bed or pairing with bright yellow or orange flowers for a striking contrast. Plus, they’re great companions for rose bushes, covering up those bare stems and adding a nice pop of color at the base.
Nepeta thrives in well-drained soil and can handle both full sun and partial shade, so it’s pretty versatile. And the best part? It’s very hardy and drought-resistant, so it doesn’t require a lot of fuss. If you’re looking for a fast-growing, beautiful, and low-maintenance plant, ‘Six Hill Giant Gold’ is a fantastic choice.
