20 Perennial Plants That Grow In Zone 6

Zone 6 with its temperate climate supports a variety of perennial plants. These plants, suited to withstand the winter, return each spring and ensure a vibrant garden year after year.

Perennial plants are enduring, easy to maintain, and offer seasonal beauty with their blooms and foliage. By choosing perennials perfect for Zone 6, you can craft a stunning garden that flourishes across seasons. 

 

Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)

• Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall and wide
• Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirement: Well-drained soil

Peonies boast large, fragrant blooms in white, pink, red, and yellow. The lush, glossy, dark green foliage provides a stunning backdrop for the vibrant flowers, adding elegance to any garden. These plants thrive in full sun to part shade and prefer well-drained soil. Once established, they are drought-tolerant, but regular watering is crucial, especially in dry spells.

Peonies can live and bloom for decades with minimal care. They make striking focal points in borders and delightful additions to cut flower arrangements. Historically, the name “peony” is derived from Paeon, a physician to the gods in Greek mythology, underscoring its traditional medicinal significance. However, peonies can be toxic if ingested, so plant them away from areas accessible to pets and small children.

 

Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)

• Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirement: Moist, well-drained soil

Astilbes feature feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple, contrasting beautifully with their fern-like, green foliage. Thriving in Zone 6, Astilbes prefer part shade to full shade and require moist, well-drained soil. Regular watering is essential to keep them vibrant, especially during dry spells. They are low-maintenance, ideal for gardeners seeking beauty without much fuss.

Astilbe’s shade tolerance makes it perfect for tricky garden areas with little sunlight. Use them in borders, shade gardens, or as ground cover to create a lush, colorful landscape. Pairing them with hostas and ferns enhances garden texture. Astilbe extract has been used to treat ulcers, childbirth bleeding, inflammation, body aches, diarrhea, and dysentery.

 

Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)

• Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall and wide
• Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
• Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirement: Well-drained soil

Coral Bells are renowned for their striking foliage, which comes in colors ranging from deep burgundy to lime green, and even variegated patterns. Their delicate, bell-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to summer. Thriving in part shade to full shade, Coral Bells are perfect for adding interest to less sunny garden spots. They prefer well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering, though they are quite resilient once established.

Ideal for borders, containers, and ground covers, Coral Bells offer year-round visual appeal. Companion plants like Tiarella and Brunnera complement them beautifully, creating a rich tapestry of colors and textures. Their low maintenance and versatility make Coral Bells an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

 

Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)

• Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Requirement: Well-drained soil

Shasta Daisies, inspired by California’s Mount Shasta, feature bright white petals and sunny yellow centers. Thriving in full sun, they prefer well-drained soil and are relatively low-maintenance once established. Regular watering during dry spells will keep them looking their best, but they are quite drought-tolerant.

Shasta Daisies have a long blooming period, attracting butterflies and bees. They are versatile, fitting well in borders, containers, and as charming cut flowers for indoor arrangements. Pair them with companion plants like Coreopsis and Phlox to create a vibrant and harmonious garden space.

 

Hellebore (Helleborus spp.)

• Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall and wide
• Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
• Sun Exposure: Part shade
• Soil Requirement: Moist, well-drained soil

Hellebores are prized for their early blooming period, with nodding flowers appearing from late winter to early spring. The blooms come in white, pink, purple, and green, adding much-needed color during the dreary winter months. These plants thrive in shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil. Their leathery, evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, making them a valuable addition to shaded garden areas.

Hellebores are relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. Additionally, they are deer-resistant. They can be used in various garden settings, including borders, shade gardens, and woodland gardens. Pair them with ferns and hostas to create a lush and vibrant understory. Historically, parts of the black hellebore plant have been used for ailments like nausea, worms, kidney infections, colds, and constipation.

 

Lavender (Lavandula)

• Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide
• Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Requirement: Well-drained, sandy soil

Lavender is celebrated for its aromatic foliage and beautiful spikes of purple, blue, or sometimes white flowers. Its silvery-green foliage provides a lovely contrast to its vibrant blooms. Thriving in full sun, lavender prefers well-drained, sandy soil and is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established. This low-maintenance plant is also deer-resistant. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages more prolific blooming.

Lavender is perfect for borders, herb gardens, and as an accent plant. The flowers can be harvested for their fragrance, used in sachets, essential oils, and even culinary dishes. Traditionally, lavender has been valued for its calming and antiseptic properties. Pair it with roses, catmint, and yarrow to create a harmonious and aromatic garden space.

 

Bergenia (Bergenia spp.)

• Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall and wide
• Bloom Time: Early spring to late spring
• Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirement: Moist, well-drained soil

Bergenia, often known as “Pig Squeak” due to the sound its leaves make when rubbed together, is admired for its large, glossy, evergreen leaves and clusters of pink, red, or white flowers that bloom in early to late spring. Its foliage remains attractive year-round, with some varieties turning shades of red or bronze in the fall and winter, adding seasonal interest.

Bergenia thrives in part shade to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. This low-maintenance plant is both drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a durable choice for various garden settings. It’s versatile in the garden, perfect for borders, ground cover, and shaded garden beds. Bergenia pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns, and astilbes, creating a lush, textured garden space. 

 

Liatris (Liatris spicata)

• Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
• Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Requirement: Well-drained soil

Liatris features tall, spiky flower stalks that bloom from top to bottom in shades of purple, pink, and white during summer to early fall. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, Liatris is an excellent choice for sunny garden spots. It is remarkably low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal care.

This perennial is perfect for adding height to borders, garden beds, and wildflower gardens. It also makes an excellent cut flower, adding a touch of elegance to floral arrangements. Liatris is deer-resistant, ensuring that its lovely blooms remain undisturbed by garden visitors. Pair it with echinacea, rudbeckia, and salvia to create a colorful garden display. While primarily ornamental, Liatris has been used traditionally for its medicinal properties, such as treating sore throats and digestive issues.

 

Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)

• Mature Size: 1-1.5 feet tall and wide
• Bloom Time: Early spring
• Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirement: Moist, well-drained soil

Lungwort is known for its distinctive speckled foliage and clusters of tubular flowers that transition from pink to blue as they mature. Historically, its spotted leaves led to its use in herbal medicine for lung conditions. Thriving in part shade to full shade, lungwort prefers moist, well-drained soil and is low-maintenance. It’s relatively drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry spells.

Perfect for shade gardens, borders, and ground covers, lungwort offers a burst of early color when few other plants are blooming. Pair it with hostas, ferns, and astilbes for a lush, textured garden space.

 

Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis)

• Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
• Sun Exposure: Part shade to full sun
• Soil Requirement: Moist, well-drained soil

Japanese Anemone features tall, slender stems topped with charming, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple, blooming from late summer to fall. Its foliage is dark green and deeply lobed. Thriving in part shade to full sun, Japanese Anemones prefer moist, well-drained soil. They are low-maintenance and deer-resistant.

Regular watering helps them establish, but they are relatively drought-tolerant once settled. These perennials are known for their resilience and ability to naturalize, gradually forming beautiful colonies over time. Japanese Anemones add late-season color to borders, woodland gardens, and cottage gardens. Pair them with hostas, ferns, and astilbes for a vibrant and harmonious garden display. Note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, so plant them away from areas frequented by pets and small children.

 

Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)

• Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirement: Well-drained soil

Balloon flowers are named for their unique buds, which swell like balloons before opening into star-shaped blooms in blue, pink, and white. Thriving in full sun to part shade, Balloon flowers prefer well-drained soil and are low-maintenance. Regular deadheading can promote continuous blooming throughout the summer.

Perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers, Balloon Flowers pair beautifully with Coreopsis, Echinacea, and Shasta Daisies, creating a vibrant and cheerful garden display. In traditional East Asian medicine, Balloon Flowers are used for treating respiratory issues. However, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

 

Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum)

• Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall and wide
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirement: Moist, well-drained soil

The name “Jacob’s Ladder” refers to the biblical story of Jacob’s dream, symbolizing the ladder to heaven, and the plant’s foliage resembles a series of steps. Its clusters of bell-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to early summer with blue, purple, and sometimes white.

Thriving in part shade to full shade, Jacob’s Ladder prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance and deer-resistant. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, to keep the plant looking its best.

Jacob’s Ladder is perfect for woodland gardens, shade borders, and mixed perennial beds. It pairs wonderfully with hostas, ferns, and astilbes, creating a lush and serene garden space. 

 

Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)

• Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall and 1-2 feet wide
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirement: Well-drained soil

Jacob’s Ladder, named after the biblical story of Jacob’s dream, features foliage resembling a series of steps and clusters of bell-shaped flowers that bloom in blue, purple, and sometimes white. Thriving in part shade to full shade, Jacob’s Ladder prefers moist, well-drained soil and is relatively low-maintenance and deer-resistant. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, keeps the plant looking its best.

Perfect for woodland gardens, shade borders, and mixed perennial beds, Jacob’s Ladder pairs wonderfully with hostas, ferns, and astilbes, creating a lush and serene garden space.

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

• Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirement: Well-drained soil

Goldenrod features tall, slender stems adorned with clusters of small, bright yellow flowers that bloom from late summer to fall, providing a cheerful presence in the garden. The foliage is typically green and lance-shaped. Thriving in full sun to part shade, Goldenrod prefers well-drained soil and is exceptionally low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Additionally, Goldenrod is deer-resistant.

Perfect for borders, wildflower gardens, and naturalized areas, Goldenrod’s bright blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Pair it with asters, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans for a colorful garden display. Historically, Goldenrod has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. It’s often mistakenly blamed for hay fever, which is actually caused by ragweed pollen.

 

Spiderwort (Tradescantia spp.)

• Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall and wide
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirement: Moist, well-drained soil

Spiderwort, named for its sap that forms thread-like filaments resembling a spider’s web, features long, arching, bright green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for its beautiful, three-petaled flowers. These flowers bloom in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white and appear from late spring to early summer, opening in the morning and closing by midday. Thriving in full sun to part shade, Spiderwort prefers moist, well-drained soil and is low-maintenance and deer-resistant.

Regular watering keeps Spiderwort looking its best, especially during dry periods. This versatile perennial is perfect for borders, woodland gardens, and mixed beds. Pair it with ferns, hostas, and astilbes to create a dynamic and lush garden display. Historically, Native Americans used Spiderwort for various medicinal purposes, including treating stomach issues and insect bites.

 

Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla)

• Mature Size: 1-1.5 feet tall and 1.5-2 feet wide
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirement: Moist, well-drained soil

Brunnera is adored for its heart-shaped, large green leaves often variegated with silver or white markings, adding texture and interest to any garden. In spring, Brunnera produces clusters of small, sky-blue flowers that resemble forget-me-nots. Thriving in part shade to full shade, Brunnera prefers moist, well-drained soil and is relatively low-maintenance. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.

Perfect for borders, woodland gardens, and as ground cover, Brunnera offers year-round visual appeal. Pair it with hostas, ferns, and astilbes to create a lush and dynamic garden space.

 

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

• Mature Size: 3-15 feet tall and 3-12 feet wide
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirement: Moist, acidic, well-drained soil

Winterberry, a stunning deciduous holly, features red berries that cling to bare branches, providing a pop of color in the winter landscape. The foliage is dark green and glossy during the growing season, turning yellow to purple in the fall before shedding. Thriving in full sun to part shade, Winterberry prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil and is low-maintenance and deer-resistant.

This versatile shrub is perfect for borders, hedges, and naturalized areas, offering year-round interest. Pair it with evergreens and ornamental grasses for a beautiful display. The bright berries last through winter, providing food for birds and visual interest for gardeners. Native Americans used Winterberry for medicinal purposes, such as treating fever and digestive issues. 

 

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

• Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Requirement: Well-drained soil

Oregano is a culinary staple, adding a warm, peppery flavor to various dishes. This plant produces small, pinkish-purple flowers in mid to late summer that attract pollinators. Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, oregano is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant.

Ideal for herb gardens, borders, and containers, oregano adds beauty and utility. It pairs well with other Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, creating a fragrant and attractive herb garden.

 

Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora)

• Mature Size: 3-5 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirement: Well-drained soil

Feather Reed Grass features narrow, arching green leaves and elegant, feathery plumes. In late spring to early summer, it produces tall, feathery plumes that start as soft purple and mature to golden tan. Thriving in full sun to part shade, this grass prefers well-drained soil and is incredibly low-maintenance. Regular watering helps establish the plant, but once mature, it requires minimal care.

Perfect for borders, mass plantings, and as an accent in mixed beds, Feather Reed Grass pairs beautifully with coneflowers, sedums, and black-eyed Susans. Non-toxic, it is safe for gardens with pets and children. Its striking appearance and movement in the wind provide a dynamic element to any garden.

 

Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)

• Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirement: Well-drained soil

Columbine features delicate, fern-like foliage and unique, spurred flowers in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, red, yellow, and white, often with contrasting centers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, Columbine thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, tolerant of various soil types, and can withstand some drought once established. Regular watering promotes more vigorous growth.

Perfect for borders, woodland gardens, and cottage gardens, Columbine pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns, and bleeding hearts, creating a charming garden space. While it has a rich history in folklore and traditional medicine, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, so plant it away from areas accessible to pets and small children.