15 of the Best Low Growing Perennials That Bloom All Summer for Full Sun

Are you on the lookout for low growing perennials for full sun that bloom all summer long?  We’ve got a fantastic collection of short perennial flowers perfect for sunny spots in your garden or landscape.

These beautiful, low-growing  flowers will fill your outdoor space with a continuous burst of color throughout the summer season. Get ready to create a stunning and vibrant floral display with these must-have low-lying perennials!

How to Choose Short Perennials That Bloom All Summer

When deciding on low-lying perennials, it’s vital to consider their tops and blooming seasons.

  • So first, look for varieties that live compactly and may not overshadow other flora in your garden.
  • Another factor you need to consider is to ensure a continuous display of blooms during the summer season, so pick out perennials that have a protracted flowering season. Look for types that start blooming early and produce flowers until late in the season.
  • Additionally, consider the lighting situation on your lawn. If you have a sunny spot, opt for low-developing perennials that thrive in complete sunlight. On the other hand, if you have regions with partial sunlight, select varieties that may tolerate and thrive in those situations.

These beauties will create lush carpets of shade and can be used as floor cover to fill in empty spaces and prevent weeds. So, get ready to transform your garden with these wonderful short perennials that bloom all summer long!

Small Perennial Flowers That Bloom All Summer

Here are five types of small perennial flowers that will dazzle you with their continuous summer blossoms. These low-growing perennials are perfect for adding beauty to borders, filling in gaps, or even creating charming ground cover.

Perennial Pinks (Dianthus sp.):

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low growing perennials for full sun
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Best Low growing perennials that bloom all summer: Dianthus (Perennial Pinks)
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9, depending on the species
  • Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil
  • Growing Conditions: Full sun
  • Blooming Season: Summer
  • Mature Size: Varies depending on the species, typically 6-12 inches in height and spread.

Perennial pinks, also known as Dianthus, are a delightful group of low-growing perennial flowers. They come in various shades of pink, white, and even red, with delicate, fringed petals that emit a lovely fragrance. These short perennial flowers are excellent for sunny borders, rockeries, or edging pathways. Their charming blossoms and compact size make them a must-have for any flower lover.

Stella de Oro Daylily (Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’):

Low growing perennials that bloom all summer, short perennial flowers,
low growing perennials for full sun
low lying perennials,
Small low growing perennials that bloom all summer: Stella de Oro Daylily
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
  • Soil Type: Well-drained soil
  • Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
  • Blooming Season: Summer
  • Mature Size: 12-18 inches in height and spread

Stella de Oro Daylily is a popular choice among gardeners looking for low-growing perennials that bloom all summer. With its vibrant golden-yellow flowers, this compact daylily adds a burst of color to any sunny garden or border. Its grass-like foliage remains attractive even when the flowers are not in bloom, making it a versatile and low-maintenance choice for your garden.

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Dwarf Sea Holly (Eryngium planum):

Low growing perennials that bloom all summer, short perennial flowers,
low growing perennials for full sun
low lying perennials,
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
  • Soil Type: Well-drained soil
  • Growing Conditions: Full sun
  • Blooming Season: Summer
  • Mature Size: 8-12 inches in height and spread

Dwarf Sea Holly is a unique and eye-catching low-growing perennial that thrives in full sun. It features spiky, steel-blue flowerheads surrounded by bracts in a stunning shade of silver or blue.

This perennial’s spiky foliage adds texture and beauty to your lawn even if it’s not in bloom. Dwarf Sea Holly is not only drought-tolerant but additionally attracts butterflies and different pollinators, making it an excellent choice for both aesthetic and ecological purposes.

Periwinkle (Vinca minor):

Low growing perennials that bloom all summer, short perennial flowers,
low growing perennials for full sun
low lying perennials,
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
  • Soil Type: Well-drained soil
  • Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
  • Blooming Season: Spring to summer (some varieties may continue blooming into fall)
  • Mature Size: 6-12 inches in height, spreading indefinitely

Periwinkle, also called Vinca minor, is a flexible and low-developing perennial that flourishes in complete solar to partial shade. It forms a dense ground cover with smooth evergreen foliage and produces captivating, 5-petaled plants in shades of blue, pink, or white.

Periwinkle is known for its ability to withstand various soil conditions and is often used for erosion control. Its long blooming season and adaptability make it a popular choice for borders, rock gardens, or filling in spaces between larger plants.

Low Growing Perennials for Full Sun

False Hosta ‘Little White Soldiers’:

Low growing perennials that bloom all summer, short perennial flowers,
low growing perennials for full sun
low lying perennials,
Short perennial flowers: False Hosta ‘Little White Soldiers’. Photo credit: BotBln, CC BY-SA 3.0
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
  • Soil Type: Well-draining soil
  • Growing Conditions: Partial shade to full shade
  • Blooming Season: Summer
  • Mature Size: 8-12 inches in height and spread

False Hosta ‘Little White Soldiers’ is a delightful perennial with luscious green foliage resembling the beloved hosta. It boasts petite white flowers that emerge in clusters, creating an enchanting display. This low-growing plant thrives in shady areas and is perfect for adding interest to woodland gardens or shaded borders. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for small spaces or container gardening.

There you have it! These small perennial flowers are sure to bring continuous beauty and color to your garden throughout the summer season. From the lovely false hostas to the charming soldiers’ leopard ears, there’s a perfect choice for every garden lover. So get planting and enjoy the splendor these low-growing beauties have to offer!

Read More: 20 of the Best Invasive Ground Cover with Purple Flowers

Lavender (Lavandula spp.):

Low growing perennials that bloom all summer, short perennial flowers,
low growing perennials for full sun
low lying perennials,
Short perennial flowers: Lavender
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
  • Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy soil
  • Growing Conditions: Full sun
  • Blooming Season: Summer
  • Mature Size: Varies depending on the species, typically 12-24 inches in height and spread.

Lavender, with its soothing fragrance and elegant purple flowers, is a must-have low-growing perennial. Its slender stems and aromatic foliage create a calming presence in your garden. Lavender loves basking in full sun and requires well-drained soil. This versatile plant is ideal for rock gardens, borders, or as a fragrant ground cover. Bees and butterflies are attracted to its blooms, adding an extra touch of nature to your outdoor space.

Perennial Violet (Viola spp.):

Low growing perennials that bloom all summer, short perennial flowers,
low growing perennials for full sun
low lying perennials,
Low growing perennials that bloom all summer: Perennial Violet
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: Varies depending on the species
  • Soil Type: Well-drained soil
  • Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
  • Blooming Season: Spring to summer (some varieties may continue blooming into fall)
  • Mature Size: Varies depending on the species, typically 6-12 inches in height and spread

Perennial violets are joyful, low-developing vegetation that offers a pleasing burst of shade in your lawn. With their dainty blossoms in red, blue, white, and yellow, they devise a fascinating carpet-like show. These hardy perennials prefer nicely-drained soil and might thrive in both full sun and partial shade.

They are perfect for borders, rock gardens, or filling in gaps between taller plants. Perennial violets attract pollinators, making your garden a haven for butterflies and bees.

Bellflower (Campanula spp.):

Low growing perennials that bloom all summer, short perennial flowers,
low growing perennials for full sun
low lying perennials,
Purple low growing perennials that bloom all summer: Bellflower
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: Varies depending on the species
  • Soil Type: Well-drained soil
  • Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
  • Blooming Season: Spring to summer (some varieties may continue blooming into fall)
  • Mature Size: Varies depending at the species, generally 6-24 inches.

Bellflowers are mesmerizing low-growing perennials that are available in various shapes, sizes, and shades. From the delicate bell-formed plant life of Campanula carpatica to the colourful clusters of Campanula glomerata, those beauties add a touch of caprice to your garden. They thrive in nicely-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.

Bellflowers are excellent for borders, rock gardens, or as ground cover. Their blossoms attract pollinators and provide a delightful sight for any nature lover.

Nierembergia or Cupflower (Nierembergia spp.)

Low growing perennials flowers Nierembergia repens New Zealand
Low growing perennials that bloom all summer: Nierembergia repens (White cup). Photo credit: Wouter Hagens, Public domain.
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: Varies depending on the species
  • Soil Type: Well-drained soil
  • Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
  • Blooming Season: Summer
  • Mature Size: Varies depending on the species, typically 6-12 inches in height and spread.

Nierembergia, also known as Cupflower, is a lovely low-growing perennial that produces delicate, cup-shaped flowers in shades of purple, blue, or white. Its compact size and mounding habit make it an excellent choice for ground cover or as a border plant. Nierembergia thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. Its charming blooms bring a touch of elegance to your garden, and they often attract butterflies as well.

Alyssum (Lobularia maritima):

Low growing perennials that bloom all summer, short perennial flowers,
low growing perennials for full sun
low lying perennials,
Low lying perennials border plant for full sun to partial shade: Alyssum
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
  • Soil Type: Well-drained soil
  • Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
  • Blooming Season: Spring to summer (some varieties may continue blooming into fall)
  • Mature Size: 4-6 inches in height, spreading up to 12 inches

Alyssum is a delightful low-growing perennial with a sweet fragrance and clusters of tiny flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple. Its carpet-like growth habit and ability to tolerate poor soil conditions make it a popular choice for ground cover or edging.

Alyssum thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil. Planting Alyssum in containers or hanging baskets can add a cascading effect to your garden. Bees and other beneficial insects are often attracted to its nectar-rich blooms.

These friendly low-growing perennials will bring joy and beauty to your garden all summer long. Whether you’re looking for fragrance, vibrant colors, or pollinator-friendly options, these short perennial flowers are sure to brighten up your outdoor space.

Low Growing Perennials for Full Sun zone 5

Here are the delightful options that will thrive in full sun and bring continuous blooms throughout the summer season. Let’s explore their habits, characteristics, and growing requirements together!

Perennial Geranium (Geranium spp.):

short perennial flowers,
low growing flowers,
low growing perennials for full sun zone 5,
low lying perennials,
Low growing perennials for full sun in zone 5: Geranium
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8 (may vary depending on the species)
  • Soil Type: Well-drained soil
  • Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
  • Blooming Season: Spring to summer (some varieties may continue blooming into fall)
  • Mature Size: Varies relying at the species, typically 12-18 inches.

Perennial Geraniums, also referred to as Cranesbills, are captivating, low-developing perennials that provide a wide variety of flower colours, consisting of pink, blue, red, and white.

These versatile vegetation are best for borders, rock gardens, or filling in gaps between plants. With their appealing foliage and long blooming season, Perennial Geraniums add splendor and beauty to any garden. They are also deer-resistant and entice pollinators, making them a famous desire for both lawn fans and nature fanatics.

Ice Plant (Delosperma spp.):

Low growing perennials that bloom all summer, short perennial flowers,
low growing flowers,
low growing perennials for full sun zone 5,
low lying perennials,
Low-lying perennials: Ice plant
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 (may vary depending on the species)
  • Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy soil
  • Growing Conditions: Full sun
  • Blooming Season: Spring to summer (some varieties may continue blooming into fall)
  • Mature Size: Varies relying at the species, typically 2-6 inches in height, spreading up to 12 inches or greater

Ice plants are lovely, low-developing perennials that produce colorful, daisy-like plant life in shades of red, pink, orange, or yellow. Their succulent foliage adds a unique texture to your lawn. They are drought-tolerant and thrive in complete sun and properly-drained soil.

These ground-hugging plants are excellent for rock gardens, slopes, or containers. They are also known for attracting butterflies and are an ideal choice for creating a colorful and lively garden space.

Midget Pincushion Plant (Chaenactis spp.):

short perennial flowers,
low growing flowers,
low growing perennials that bloom all summer for full sun
low lying perennials,
White low-growing perennials border plants full sun zone 5: Midget Pincushion Plant
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 (may vary depending on the species)
  • Soil Type: Well-drained soil
  • Growing Conditions: Full sun
  • Blooming Season: Spring to summer
  • Mature Size: Varies relying on the species, commonly 6-12 inches in top, spreading as much as 18 inches or extra

Midget Pincushion flowers are lovely low-developing perennials known for delicate and daisy-like flowers in shades of white or red. These plants form compact mounds with finely divided foliage, adding texture and interest to your garden.

Midget Pincushion Plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are suitable for rock gardens, borders, or as ground cover. These charming perennials are also drought-tolerant and attract beneficial pollinators, making them a wonderful addition to any garden.

Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox):

short perennial flowers,
low growing flowers,
low growing perennials for full sun
low lying perennials,
Fragrant short perennials flowers: Creeping Thyme
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
  • Soil Type: Well-drained soil
  • Growing Conditions: Full sun
  • Blooming Season: Late spring to early summer
  • Mature Size: 2-4 inches in height, spreading up to 12 inches or more

Creeping Thyme is a delightful low-growing perennial that forms a dense mat of fragrant, tiny leaves and clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers. Its aromatic foliage releases a pleasant scent when walked upon, making it an excellent choice for pathways or between stepping stones.

Creeping Thyme is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. This versatile plant is a favorite for rock gardens, borders, or as ground cover, adding beauty and texture to your garden while attracting pollinators.

Dwarf Coreopsis (Coreopsis auriculata ‘Nana’):

low growing perennials that bloom all summer, short perennial flowers,
low-growing flowers,
low growing perennials for full sun
low lying perennials,
Low growing perennials that bloom all summer: Dwarf Coreopsis
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
  • Soil Type: Well-drained soil
  • Growing Conditions: Full sun
  • Blooming Season: Late spring to summer
  • Mature Size: 6-12 inches in height, spreading up to 18 inches or more

Dwarf Coreopsis is a charming low-growing perennial that produces an abundance of yellow or golden daisy-like flowers. Its compact size and bright blooms make it an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, or as ground cover.

Dwarf Coreopsis thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. This hardy plant is drought-tolerant and easy to grow, attracting butterflies and other pollinators to your garden. Its long blooming season adds cheerful colors to your landscape, bringing joy and warmth throughout the summer months.

These low-lying perennial Geraniums will create a beautiful and vibrant garden that flourishes in full sun while providing lasting blooms and visual appeal.

Low Growing Perennials That Bloom All Summer: Recap

In conclusion, these short perennial flowers that bloom all summer long are the perfect choice for adding continuous bursts of color to your garden. From the enchanting False Hosta ‘Little White Soldiers’ to the vibrant Stella de Oro Daylily and the unique Dwarf Sea Holly, these low-growing perennials offer beauty, versatility, and easy maintenance.

Additionally, the Perennial Pinks and Periwinkle provide a charming touch to any landscape. Whether you have a sunny spot or partial shade, these friendly options will transform your outdoor space into a stunning and vibrant floral display.

Get ready to enjoy the splendor of these must-have low-lying perennials!

What are the longest flowering perennials full sun?

The longest flowering perennials for full sun are varieties like Coneflowers, Blanket Flowers, and Russian Sage. They put on a showy display of colorful blooms throughout the summer season.

What low growing flower blooms all summer?

If you’re looking for a low-growing flower that blooms all summer, consider the lovely Perennial Geranium, Creeping thyme and Dwarf coreopsis. It’s a vibrant and drought-tolerant option that will keep your garden colorful all season long

What perennials like full sun and bloom all summer?

Perennials that love full sun and bloom all summer include lavender, Alyssum, Ice plant, and Bellflower. These hardy plants thrive in sunny conditions and offer beautiful blossoms for an extended period.

What is the easiest plant to grow in full sun?

For an easy plant to grow in full sun, you can’t go wrong with Marigolds. These cheerful flowers are not only low-maintenance but also known for their ability to withstand the sun’s rays. They’ll add a pop of color to your garden without requiring much effort.