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

• Vibrant, low-maintenance flowers for sunny spots
• Continuous color throughout summer
• Perfect for borders, ground cover, and small spaces

Introduction

Are you looking to add a splash of long-lasting color to your sunny garden spaces? Low growing perennials that bloom all summer in full sun are the perfect solution. These compact yet vibrant plants offer continuous beauty without overwhelming your landscape. In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the best options to transform your garden into a colorful oasis that lasts all season long.

How to Choose the Right Low Growing Perennials

When selecting short perennials for full sun areas, keep these key factors in mind:

• Mature size – Look for compact varieties under 12-18 inches tall
• Bloom time – Choose plants with long flowering periods through summer
• Sun requirements – Ensure they can thrive in 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Hardiness zone – Verify the plant is suitable for your climate
• Soil needs – Match to your garden’s soil type and drainage

With the right choices, you’ll create a low-maintenance display of color all summer long. Let’s explore some top options!

Top 15 Low Growing Perennials for Full Sun

1. Dianthus (Perennial Pinks)

Dianthus, also known as perennial pinks, are a charming addition to any sunny garden. Their delicate, fringed petals come in shades of pink, white, and red, emitting a lovely fragrance that attracts butterflies.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
• Height: 6-12 inches
• Bloom Time: Early summer to fall
• Colors: Pink, white, red
• Growing Tips: Plant in well-draining soil and trim spent blooms to encourage reblooming

2. Stella de Oro Daylily

The Stella de Oro daylily is a garden favorite for its vibrant golden blooms and easy care. This compact daylily variety flowers prolifically all summer long.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
• Height: 12-18 inches
• Bloom Time: Early summer to fall
• Colors: Golden yellow
• Growing Tips: Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and blooming

3. Dwarf Sea Holly (Eryngium planum)

With its unique spiky blue flowers and silvery foliage, dwarf sea holly adds striking texture and color to the garden. It’s drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Height: 8-12 inches
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Colors: Steel blue
• Growing Tips: Plant in poor to average soil for best flowering; avoid overwatering

4. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Periwinkle is an excellent ground cover option, spreading to form a dense mat of glossy green leaves dotted with pretty blue flowers. It’s adaptable to various soil conditions.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
• Height: 6-12 inches
• Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
• Colors: Blue, purple, white
• Growing Tips: Control spread by planting in contained areas or using barriers

5. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender’s fragrant purple blooms and silvery foliage make it a must-have for sunny gardens. It’s drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Height: 12-24 inches
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Colors: Purple, pink, white
• Growing Tips: Prune in early spring to maintain shape and promote dense growth

6. Perennial Violet (Viola spp.)

These cheerful little flowers bloom in a variety of colors and are perfect for edging or filling in gaps between larger plants. They self-seed readily, creating charming drifts of color.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
• Height: 6-12 inches
• Bloom Time: Spring to fall
• Colors: Purple, blue, yellow, white
• Growing Tips: Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming

7. Bellflower (Campanula spp.)

Bellflowers add a touch of whimsy to the garden with their delicate, bell-shaped blooms. They come in various sizes and colors, perfect for different garden styles.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
• Height: 6-24 inches
• Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
• Colors: Blue, purple, white, pink
• Growing Tips: Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor

8. Nierembergia (Cupflower)

Nierembergia produces a profusion of delicate, cup-shaped flowers that create a stunning carpet of color. It’s excellent for borders or as a ground cover.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
• Height: 6-12 inches
• Bloom Time: Summer to fall
• Colors: Purple, blue, white
• Growing Tips: Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage reblooming

9. Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

Alyssum forms a low-growing mat of tiny, fragrant flowers that bloom continuously. It’s perfect for edging paths or filling in gaps between pavers.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
• Height: 4-6 inches
• Bloom Time: Spring to fall
• Colors: White, pink, purple
• Growing Tips: Shear plants lightly if they become leggy to promote fresh growth

10. Perennial Geranium (Geranium spp.)

Also known as cranesbills, these hardy plants offer long-lasting blooms and attractive foliage. They’re excellent for borders or as ground cover.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8
• Height: 12-18 inches
• Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
• Colors: Pink, purple, blue, white
• Growing Tips: Cut back foliage after flowering to encourage a second bloom

11. Ice Plant (Delosperma spp.)

Ice plants are succulent ground covers that produce daisy-like flowers in vibrant colors. They’re drought-tolerant and perfect for rock gardens.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Height: 2-6 inches
• Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
• Colors: Pink, purple, yellow, orange
• Growing Tips: Plant in well-draining soil to prevent root rot

12. Midget Pincushion Plant (Chaenactis spp.)

These delicate-looking plants produce a profusion of small, daisy-like flowers. They’re excellent for rock gardens or sunny borders.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Height: 6-12 inches
• Bloom Time: Spring to summer
• Colors: White, pink
• Growing Tips: Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal issues

13. Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox)

Creeping thyme forms a fragrant, low-growing mat that’s perfect for pathways or between stepping stones. It’s drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
• Height: 2-4 inches
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Colors: Pink, purple, white
• Growing Tips: Plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering

14. Dwarf Coreopsis (Coreopsis auriculata ‘Nana’)

This compact variety of coreopsis produces an abundance of cheery, daisy-like flowers. It’s perfect for borders or containers.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Height: 6-12 inches
• Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
• Colors: Yellow, gold
• Growing Tips: Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming

15. False Hosta ‘Little White Soldiers’ (Astilbe chinensis var. pumila)

While not a true hosta, this shade-loving perennial produces delightful spikes of white flowers above attractive foliage. It’s perfect for adding interest to shady spots.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
• Height: 8-12 inches
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Colors: White
• Growing Tips: Provide consistent moisture and rich, well-draining soil

Conclusion

These 15 low growing perennials offer a fantastic array of options for adding continuous color and interest to your sunny garden spaces. From the fragrant blooms of lavender to the cheery faces of dwarf coreopsis, there’s a perfect plant for every garden style and preference.

Remember to consider your specific growing conditions and maintenance preferences when selecting plants. With proper care, these low-growing perennials will reward you with a summer-long display of beautiful blooms, transforming your garden into a colorful oasis.

We’d love to hear about your experiences with these plants or any other low-growing perennials you’ve had success with. Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below!