W 874-B

Plants for
Tennessee
Landscapes
Perennials
 Perennials for Tennessee Landscapes
Celeste Scott, Extension Agent, Madison County
Carol Reese, Western Region, Horticulture Extension Specialist
Lee Sammons, Extension Agent, Hardeman County
Lucas Holman, Extension Agent, Wilson County
Joellen Dimond, former Extension Agent, Tipton County
Natalie Bumgarner, Residential and Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, Department of Plant Sciences

Introduction
Perennials can live for many years, even decades, although some are not that durable. The lifespan of those shorter-lived perennials may be genetically
determined, while others may be poorly adapted to the region or poorly sited in the garden.

The terms “tender perennial” or “half-hardy annual” are sometimes used to describe groups of plants that can survive mild winters in the area but are killed by
colder temperatures. If planted a zone farther south, they would likely be rated truly perennial to that zone. Perennials can be planted year round if they are
considered to be very hardy to your region. If they are marginally hardy, it is best to plant in spring to ensure root is established before the onset of winter.

Perennial plants are grown for flower and foliage interest. Most blooming perennials have a relatively short bloom period compared to annual bedding plants, but
that is not necessarily a negative trait. Many perennials have handsome foliage that contributes to the overall aesthetic of the design and may in fact be planted
primarily for their foliage and not the flower (e.g., Hosta, Heuchera, Artemisia and Sedum). Beautiful foliage can complement neighboring bloomers and even
conceal tattered foliage of those plants who have passed their peak.

Those plants with interesting foliage offer much potential for exciting designs. Consider golden foliage against dark, wispy graceful foliage against bold coarse
leaves, or inserting strongly vertical species to break up a garden of mounded growth habits. Evergreen perennials can also play strong roles in winter interest,
and when planted in mass, could function as groundcovers. In these scenarios, the flowering season is just a bonus.

Another asset of perennials is that they can often be divided to create new plants for the garden or to share with other gardeners. In fact, some perennials may
require occasional division to look their best or as flowering performance declines.

The purpose of this list is to provide Tennessee gardeners with a basic guide to common perennials that are proven through trials, are easily found in the trade,
and perform well in Tennessee landscapes. Please note that the cultivar list is not all-inclusive. We have attempted to include the most reliable selections, but not
necessarily the newest introductions. This list is evolving, and as newer selections are proven through garden trials across our state, we will amend it to reflect
those plants most suited for Tennessee. In order to adequately cover some of the broader categories of herbaceous perennials, specific categories including bulbs,
ferns, tropicals, ornamental grasses and grass-like plants are included in separate lists.

Perennials for Tennessee Landscapes 1

How to Read Tables
Knowing plant names and characteristics is important, but the crucial step in successful gardening is placing them in appropriate sites in terms of climate, soil
condition and sunlight. This publication provides guidance in those areas to assist gardeners in siting plants for optimal performance and function in the landscape.
Plants are ordered alphabetically by scientific name. Common names are also included for ease of reference.

Zone: USDA hardiness zone based on the annual minimum winter temperature https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/
Light Needs:
Sun — site receives at least six hours of direct midday or afternoon sun.
Part Sun — site receives at least four hours of direct sun in any site or up to six hours of morning sun.
Shade — site receives less than four hours of direct sun or filtered/dappled light.
Bloom or Foliage Period: General period of bloom in Tennessee and/or identifies plant specifically as one used for foliage.
Cultivars of Note: Cultivars are in ‘quotations’, and Series are denoted by bold typeface. (A plant series is essentially a breeding line of plants that retain the same
desirable characteristics but in different colors.)
Comments: Lists special attributes, helpful siting information, and design functions in the landscape.

Scientific Name Common Zone Size Light Needs Bloom or Cultivars of Note Comments
Name Foliage
Sun Part Shade Period
Sun
Achillea spp. Yarrow 3-9 1.5- X X June- ‘Coronation Gold’ Drought tolerant. Attracts pollinators and
3’H&W September ‘Paprika’ beneficial insects. Cut flower. Some spread.
‘Moonshine’
Agastache spp. Agastache 4-8 2-4’H X X June- ‘Tangerine Requires good drainage, attracts pollinators
1.5-3’W September Dreams’ ‘Heather and hummingbirds, and can be short lived.
Queen’ ‘Blue
Fortune’ ‘Golden
Jubilee’
Kudos Series
Ajuga spp. Bugleweed 4-9 .5-.75’H X X X May-June ‘Black Scallop’ Evergreen ground cover. Some cultivars may
1W ‘Caitlin’s Giant’ be short lived.
‘Chocolate Chip’
‘Dixie Chip’—
variegated
Amsonia hubrichtii Arkansas 5-8 2.5-3’H X X April-May Feathery foliage lends great texture to
Blue Star 4-5’W borders. Has golden/copper fall color and
tolerates poor dry soil.
Amsonia Common 3-9 2.5-3’H X X April-May ‘Blue Ice’ Wider leaf than Arkansas Blue Star. Has
tabernaemontana Blue Star 4-5’W ‘Storm Cloud’ golden fall color and tolerates average to
moist soil.

Perennials for Tennessee Landscapes 2

 Scientific Name Common Zone Size Light Needs Bloom or Cultivars of Note Comments
Name Foliage
Sun Part Shade Period
Sun
Anemone Japanese 4-8 1.5-3’H X X August- ‘September Can be an aggressive spreader in ideal
hupehensis x Anemone September Charm’ ‘Honoine conditions.
hybrida Jobert’
‘Whirlwind’
Aquilegia Columbine 3-8 1.5-2.5’H X X X April-June Attracts hummingbirds. Short lived, but re-
canadensis 1.5’W seeds in happy locations. Foliage fades and
can disappear in the heat of summer. Leaf
miner damage is cosmetic, native.
Aquilegia x Columbine 3-8 .5-2’H X X April-June Songbird Series Attracts hummingbirds. Short lived, but some
hybrida 1.5’W Barlow Series cultivars re-seed in happy locations. Foliage
Origami Series fades and can disappear in the
heat of summer. Leaf miner damage is
cosmetic.
Aralia cordata Japanese 3-9 4’H X X Foliage ‘Sun King’ Yellow to chartreuse foliage is a great addition
Spikenard 4’W to shady sites. Dies back to the
ground in winter. Shrubby appearance in
growing season.
Artemisia hybrids Wormwood 6-8 2.5’H X X Foliage ‘Powis Castle’ Grown for silvery foliage. Needs good
4’W ‘Huntington drainage. Prune only after last frost.
Garden’
Artemisia Wormwood 4-9 2-3’ X X Foliage ‘Silver King’ Grown for silvery foliage and cut flower
ludoviciana H&W August- ‘Silver Queen’ filler. Aggressive grower and spreader.
September
Artemisia Wormwood 3-7 .5-1’H X X Foliage ‘Silvermound’ Soft, feathery foliage. Aromatic. Needs good
schmidtiana drainage. Best suited to cooler, less
humid regions of the state.
Artemisia Wormwood 5-8 1’H X X Foliage ‘Silver Bullet’ Grown for silvery foliage. Habit is trailing
stelleriana ‘Silver Brocade’ but not spreading.
Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort 4-9 3’H X X Foliage ‘Limelight’ Aggressive grower, and spreading.
Arum italicum Italian Arum 5-9 1-1.5’ X X Foliage ‘Pictum’ Handsome winter foliage. Has attractive red
H&W April-May summer fruit while foliage is dormant.
Red Fruit- Tolerates heavy shade and wet soil. Can re-
summer seed and become a troublesome spreader.
Aruncus spp. Goatsbeard 4-7 1.5-6’H X May-June ‘Misty Lace’ Moist shade. Best suited in cooler regions
of Tennessee. Low maintenance.
Asarum splendens Chinese 6-9 .5’H X X Foliage ‘Quick Silver’ Spreads slowly by rhizomes. Has beautiful
Wild Ginger silver foliage and is semi-evergreen

Perennials for Tennessee Landscapes 3

 Scientific Name Common Zone Size Light Needs Bloom or Cultivars of Note Comments
Name Foliage
Sun Part Shade Period
Sun
Asclepias Swamp 3-9 3-5’H X X June- ‘Cinderella’ Prefers wet soil. Serves as a host plant for
incarnata Milkweed August ‘Ice Ballet’ Monarch caterpillars and is known for
showy blooms in pink and white. Aphids can
be an issue.
Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly 3-9 1-2.5’H X X June- ‘Hello Yellow’ In cultivation and found along roadsides in
Weed 1-1.5’W September Tennessee. Tolerates drought. Is a host plant
for Monarch caterpillars and is known for
showy blooms in orange and yellow. Aphids
can be an issue.
Aster tataricus Tatarian 3-9 3-6’H X X September ‘Jindai’ Light purple bloom with yellow center.
Aster -October Basal foliage is 1.5 ft tall; bloom stalks are
4-6 ft. tall. Slowly colonizes.
Astilbe spp. Astilbe 3-8 1-1.5’ X June-July ‘Fanal’ Tolerates heavy shade. Foliage burns up in
H&W ‘Amethyst’ late summer. Best suited for cool damp sites
‘Sentinal’ and can grow under a walnut tree.
‘Rheinland’
Baptisia spp. False Indigo 3-9 2-5’ X X May-June Blue/purple/ yellow/ Tall forms may need staking. Tolerates poor
H&W white/pink Many soils and drought. Suitable for rain
cultivars garden. Native. Has interesting seed pods
and unique foliage.
Begonia grandis Perennial 6-9 1-1.5’ X X Foliage Pink and white Prefers moist, rich soil and tolerates heavy
Begonia H&W July- blooms shade and walnut trees. Re-
October seeds/naturalizes gracefully.
Belamcanda Blackberry 3-9 1.5-3’H X X July- Orange flowers Attractive iris-like foliage that has a nice
chinensis Lily 1-1.5’W August with group of dark contrast to other perennials. Seed pods are
purple seed heads attractive and used for arrangements.
Re-seeds.
that resemble
blackberries.

Buddleia davidii Butterfly Bush X June- ‘Black Considered a tender woody perennial in
August Knight’ many areas of the state, older cultivars
‘Blue Chip’ tend to be more hardy. Many new cultivars
are being hybridized for compact growth.
‘Miss Ruby’ Good source of nectar for many
pollinators. Sterile forms are available in
areas where invasiveness is an issue.
Canna spp. Canna 7-9 4-7’H X X Foliage ‘Bengal Tiger’ Tolerates drought stress and flourishes in
Summer- ‘Tropicanna’ wet sites. Should be lifted in winter in wet
Frost site. Hardiness is cultivar dependent.
Cannova series is seed grown and
marginally hardy.

Perennials for Tennessee Landscapes 4

 Scientific Name Common Zone Size Light Needs Bloom or Cultivars of Note Comments
Name Foliage
Sun Part Shade Period
Sun
Ceratostigma Hardy False 5-9 .75-1’H X X July-Frost Foliage turns red-orange in the fall and has
plumbaginoides Plumbago small, true-blue flowers during the growing
season. Has spreading ground cover and likes
afternoon shade in hot climates.
Chrysanthemum Hardy Mums 5-9 1.5-2’H X X September ‘Matchsticks’ Needs well-drained soil. Growth is leggy
spp. 1-1.5’W -Frost ‘Sheffield and natural in appearance. Igloo series is
Pink/Yellow’ compact. These are not to be confused with
‘Clara Curtis’ pot/Belgian mums used for fall color, which
‘Ryan’s are best treated as annuals.
Pink/Yellow’
Igloo Series
Clematis spp. Clematis 3-9 Vine X X Spring and ‘Jackmanii’ Prefers cool roots shaded from sun in well-
fall in cool ‘Rooguchi’ drained soil. ‘Sweet Autumn’ has showy
seasons ‘Princess Diana’ fragrant small white blooms around Labor
Many more!
Day and is an aggressive grower. ‘Armandii’
is evergreen and mainly grown for foliage.
Marginally hardy.
Coreopsis Mouse Ear 4-9 1-2’H X X May-June ‘Jethro Tull’ Heat tolerant. Attracts butterflies and
auriculata Coreopsis ‘Nana’ songbirds.
Coreopsis Coreopsis 4-9 2-3’H X X May-July ‘Early Sunshine’ Large, deeply cut leaves. Has larger blooms
grandiflora ‘Rising Sun’ and is a short-lived perennial but re-seeds.
Coreopsis hybrid Tickseed 4-9 1-1.5’ X Summer Uptick Series Many new exciting forms and color that need
to be proven durable.This series offers ‘Yellow
and Red’ and ‘Gold and Bronze’ as color
combination options. Long bloom period and
no deadheading required.
Coreopsis Lanceleaf 4-9 1-2’H X X May-July Can re-seed. Grows in most soil conditions.
lanceolata Coreopsis 1-1.5’W There are many good varieties for
Tennessee, and is hardiest of other species.
Coreopsis Threadleaf 4-9 1-2’H X X June- ‘Moonbeam’ Short-lived perennial. Does best in cooler
verticillata Coreopsis August ‘Zagreb’ regions.
Delphinium Dephinium 3-6 3-5’H X Spring Not well suited to many parts of Tennessee.
The alternative is the re-seeding annual
larkspur. See annual seed chart.
Dianthus Cheddar 6-9 .5’ H X X April-June ‘Firewitch’ Tolerates deer and poor soil conditions,
gratianopolitanus Pinks sometimes ‘Bath’s Pink’ requires good drainage, has potential for
again in ground cover, and is evergreen.
fall

Perennials for Tennessee Landscapes 5

 Scientific Name Common Zone Size Light Needs Bloom or Cultivars of Note Comments
Name Foliage
Sun Part Shade Period
Sun
Dicentra eximia Fringed 3-9 1-1.5’ X April-July ‘King of Hearts’ Prefers moist, humus soils. Foliage does not
Bleeding H&W ‘Luxuriant’ go dormant during the summer. Can be short
Heart lived. Native. Attracts birds.
Dicentra Common 3-9 1.5-2’H X Spring ‘Gold Heart’ Old-fashioned bleeding heart. Foliage will
spectabilis Bleeding ‘Alba’ disappear in the heat of summer.
Heart ‘Valentine’
Echinacea Coneflower 3-8 2-5’H X X May/June- ‘Magnus’ Not all hybrids do well in Tennessee. Some
purpurea and 1-2’W August ‘White Swan’ can be tender perennials but may re-seed.
hybrids ‘Kim’s Knee High’ Needs well-drained soil, deer tolerant,
‘Pow Wow Wild beneficial to wildlife and pollinators, and is
Berry’ short lived but re-seeds.
‘Cheyenne Spirit’
Epimedium spp. Barrenwort 5-9 .5-1’H X Foliage ‘Sulphureum’ Grows well in dry shade, some forms are
1-1.5’W Evergreen Many species truly evergreen, clumping and spreading
habit, many species available, underutilized
in Tennessee.
Euphorbia Wood 6-8 1.5’H X X Foliage Prefers dry, well-drained soil. Spreads. Is
amygdaloides var. Spurge .75-1.5’W April-June useful as a ground cover and is deer resistant.
robbiae Chartreuse Contact dermatitis to some.
Drought tolerant and evergreen.
bracts
Euphorbia spp. Spurge 6-8 3’H X X Foliage ‘Tazmanian Tiger’ Best grown in less humid climates of
‘Ruby Glow’ Tennessee. Contact dermatitis to some.
‘Ascot Rainbow’ Deer resistant.
Eutrochium Coastal 4-9 3-4’H X X July- ‘Little Joe’ Straight species are also good garden
dubium Plain Joe- September plants. Butterflies are attracted to this
(formerly Pye Weed perennial. It tolerates wet soil and can be
Eupatorium) used in rain gardens.
Eutrochium Joe-Pye 4-8 4-7’H X X July- ‘Bartered Bride’ Straight species are also good garden
fistulosum Weed September plants. Butterflies are attracted to this
(formerly perennial. It tolerates wet soil and can be
Eupatorium) used in rain gardens. ‘Bartered Bride’
performs better in cooler climates.

Eutrochium Joe-Pye 4-8 4-7’H X X July- ‘Gateway’ Straight species are also good garden plants.
maculatum Weed September Butterflies are attracted to this
(formerly perennial. It tolerates wet soil and can be
Eupatorium) used in rain gardens.

Perennials for Tennessee Landscapes 6

 Scientific Name Common Zone Size Light Needs Bloom or Cultivars of Note Comments
Name Foliage
Sun Part Shade Period
Sun
Eutrochium Sweet Joe- 4-9 5-9’H X X July- ‘Little Red’ Straight species are also good. Butterflies
purpureum Pye Weed September love this perennial. It tolerates wet soil and
(formerly can be used in rain gardens.
Eupatorium)
Gaillardia Blanket 3-10 1-2’H&W X X June-Frost Mesa Series Short-lived perennial. Re-seeds. Likes well-
Flower Arizona Series drained soil, is drought tolerant, and is good
‘Goblin’
for continuous blooms to attract butterflies
‘Heat it Up’
and pollinators.
Gaura lindheimeri Wand 5-9 2-3’H&W X X May- ‘Crimson Native. Attracts pollinators. Straight species
Flower September Butterflies’ are also good garden plants. Tolerates heat
'Sparkle White' and humidity. Performs best in well-drained
'Belleza Pink’ soil.
'Siskyou Pink'
Geranium hybrids Hardy 4-8 1-2’H X X Summer ‘Rozanne’ Mounding habit. Tolerates drought and
Geranium ‘Biokovo’ prefers part sun in West Tennessee.
Cranesbill ‘Dark Reiter’
‘Johnson’s Blue’
Helianthus Sunflower 2-11 5-6’H X X August- These native perennial sunflowers are best
angustifolius, 2-3’W October suited for gardens with plenty of room. Has
tuberosa, multi-branched, masses of yellow flowers.
Suckers from underground rhizomes.
maximiliani, and
salicifolia
Heliopsis Oxeye 3-9 3-4’H X X June- ‘Summer Sun’ Tolerant of poor soils and drought. Attracts
helianthoides Sunflower 2-3’W August ‘Sunburst’ butterflies.

Helleborus hybrids Lenten Rose 4-9 1-1.5’ X February- Evergreen foliage. Often short lived in the
H&W May Southeast. Prefers moist, well-drained soil
and is deer and vole resistant. Many
cultivars are still under evaluation.

Helleborus Lenten Rose 4-9 1-1.5’ X February- Evergreen foliage. Long lived. Prefers moist,
orientalis H&W May well-drained soil and is deer and vole
resistant. Will re-seed and naturalize.
Hemerocallis Daylilies 3-10 1-6’H X X June- There are enough cultivars to have blooms
September all season; some re-bloom. It is
a reliable perennial for Tennessee.
Will be addressed in an additional chart.

Perennials for Tennessee Landscapes 7

 Scientific Name Common Zone Size Light Needs Bloom or Cultivars of Note Comments
Name Foliage
Sun Part Shade Period
Sun
Heuchera hybrids Coral Bells 4-9 1-2’H X X Foliage ‘Caramel’ Voles are attracted to this perennial. Many
.5-1’W ‘Citronelle’ colorful foliage cultivars are available. Not
‘Autumn Bride’ all are hardy in Tennessee, but H. villosa
‘Delta Dawn’
‘Frosted Violet’ hybrids provide heat tolerance. Likes well-
drained soil. Colorful foliage can withstand
more light. Can be short lived.
Heucherella spp. Foamy Bells 4-9 1-1.5’ X X Foliage ‘Alabama Sunrise’ Short bloom period, attracts butterflies, has
H&W May-June ‘Fire Frost’ good fall color, needs well-drained soil, and
‘Stoplight’ prefers more moisture than Heuchera. Short
‘Solar Power’ lived.
Hibiscus coccineus Scarlett 5-9 7-10’H X X Foliage Bloom usually Tall, airy form, with bold foliage. Prefers
Rosemallow July- red. average to wet soils. Has beautiful red
October Alba is a white blooms in summer.
form.
Hibiscus Hardy 5-9 3-6’ X X Foliage Summerific Bold foliage provides contrast and interest.
moscheutos and Hibiscus H&W July- Series This species has the largest sized blooms.
hybrids October ‘Moy Grande’
‘Fire Ball’
Hosta Hosta 3-8 .25-3’H X X Foliage Refer to local Tolerates many soil types. Voles like to eat the
.5-5’W Hosta societies roots. Many sizes, shapes, patterns, and
foliage colors are available making this a
versatile addition to shady landscapes.
Hosta are addressed in more detail in a
separate publication.
Iris cristata Crested Iris 3-8 .5’H X X Spring ‘Alba’ Native, woodland ground cover suitable for
‘Tennessee shade. Is good for spring color and has a blue
White’ bloom.
Iris hybrida Louisiana 4-9 2-4’H X X Spring Prefers wet sites and can tolerate average
Hybrids moisture. Colors vary and include red.

Iris hybrida Bearded Iris 3-10 1.5-3’H X X Spring Refer to iris Requires good drainage and dividing to
society award encourage good bloom. Great cut flower.
winners Iris germanica is considered the father of
modern bearded iris cultivars. Purple iris
(bearded) in general is recognized as
Tennessee’s state-cultivated flower.
Iris pallida Sweet Iris 4-9 2-4’H X X Foliage ‘Argentea- variegata’ Best used for attractive variegated foliage.
Spring ‘Variegata’ Has blue blooms and a sweet fragrance.

Perennials for Tennessee Landscapes 8

 Scientific Name Common Zone Size Light Needs Bloom or Cultivars of Note Comments
Name Foliage
Sun Part Shade Period
Sun
Iris pseudacorus Yellow Flag 5-9 2-3’H X X Summer ‘Variegata’ Aggressive in wet soils. Can be controlled
‘Rising Sun’ better in drier soils. Blooms yellow.

Iris siberica Siberian Iris 3-9 2-3’H X X Foliage ‘Butter and Sugar’ Has attractive grassy foliage, tolerates wet
Spring ‘Ceaser’s Brother’ soil, and blooms in white, blue and yellow.

Iris tectorum Roof Iris 4-8 1-1.5’H X X Foliage Handsome evergreen foliage. Clumpy habit.
2-3‘W Early Blue and white blooms.
summer
Iris versicolor Blue Flag 3-9 2-2.5’ X X Spring Will naturalize to form colonies particularly
H&W in wet sites, which it prefers. Blooms blue.

Lavendula Lavender 5-8 2-3’H&W X June- ‘Phenomenal’ Perfect drainage and air flow for ideal
August siting. Does not like humid weather.

Leucanthemum x Shasta 5-9 1-3’H X X June- ‘Alaska’ ‘Becky’ Likes well-drained soil, spreads slowly, and
superbum Daisy September can be divided.

Liatris spp. Liatris 3-9 2-3’H X X July- ‘Kobold’ Native. Needs well-drained soil, is
1’W August attractive to pollinators, has good vertical
shape in the garden, and is a great cut
flower.
Lysmachia spp. Creeping 3-9 Up to X X Foliage ‘Aurea’ grown for Trails in the container or garden. Evergreen
Jenny .5’H Evergreen chartreuse foliage but foliage is bronzed in winter. Use with
Spreads caution near wetlands because of spreading
nature.
Monarda didyma Bee Balm 4-9 2-4’H X X June- ‘Jacob Kline’ Attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators.
2-3’W August ‘Raspberry Wine’ Has unusual bloom shape in the garden. Look
‘Fireball’ for mildew-resistant cultivars. Spreading.

Nepeta racemosa Catnip 3-7 2-3’H&W X X May- ‘Walker’s Low’ Pollinators and cats like
September this plant.
Oxalis spp. Oxalis 5-9 .5-1’H&W X X May-June Low maintenance and can be difficult to
get rid of after it establishes in an area.
Purple-leafed variety is most popular.
Some are marginally hardy.
Paeonia hybrids Peony 4-8 2.5-4’ X X March-May Showy bloom. Some are very fragrant. Needs
H&W good drainage. Plant shallowly. Deer
resistant and can be extremely long lived.

Perennials for Tennessee Landscapes 9

 Scientific Name Common Zone Size Light Needs Bloom or Cultivars of Note Comments
Name Foliage
Sun Part Shade Period
Sun
Penstemon Beard 3-8 2-3’H X X May-July ‘Huskers Red’ Native, drought tolerant.
digitalis Tongue

Perovskia Russian 5-9 2-4 X Foliage 'Blue Spire' Low maintenance, attracts pollinators,
atriplicifolia Sage ’H&W July- 'Filigran' Compact requires excellent drainage, not tolerant of
October Selections heavy clay soil, and drought tolerant. Don’t
‘Little Spire’ cut back until after danger of frost has
‘Lacy Blue’ passed in the spring. Does not prefer our
humidity.
Phlox divaricata Woodland 3-8 1-1.5’H X X X Early ‘Blue Moon’ Native woodland plant. Can perform in full
Phlox Spring sun as well. Fragrant and butterflies like it.
There are also white forms. The bloom
period is short.
Phlox hybrids Phlox Vari- Various X X May-June ‘Minnie Pearl’ Wanda is long blooming. Mounding form.
able ‘Wanda’ New hybrids are being developed.
Phlox paniculata Garden 4-8 3-5’H X X June- ‘David’ ‘Peacock Look for mildew resistance.
Phlox August White’ ‘Robert
Poore’
Phlox stolonifera Creeping 2-8 .5-1’H X X Spring ‘Blue Ridge’ Native, ground cover.
phlox 1-1.5’W ‘Sherwood Purple’
Phlox subulata Creeping 2-8 .5’H X X March- ‘Blue Emerald’ Tolerates clay soil, fragrant, spreading, seen
Phlox/Thrift April ‘Drummonds Pink’ often on slopes, drought tolerant, and
‘Snowflake’ native.
Physostegia Obedient 2-9 2-3’H X X June- ‘Vivid’ Tolerates clay soil and deer. Attracts
virginiana Plant 2-3’W September ‘Miss Manners’ hummingbirds. Spreading.
‘Pink Manners’
‘Crystal Peak
White’
Polygonatum Solomon’s 3-8 2-3’H X X April-May ‘Varigatum’ Tolerates poor and wet soils.
odoratum Seal .5-1’W
thunbergii
Pulmonaria Lungwort 3-8 .75-1’H X April ‘Raspberry Splash’ Tolerates deer and heavy shade. Low
longifolia 1.5-2’W ‘Trevi Fountain’ maintenance when established. Longifolia
‘Diana Clare’ and its hybrids are the most heat tolerant.

Rudbeckia fulgida Rudbeckia 3-8 2-3’H X X June- ‘Goldstrum’ Re-seeds and multiplies in clumps. Can
2’W October ‘Little Gold Star’ become weedy. Beautiful, native and
beneficial to birds.

Perennials for Tennessee Landscapes 10

 Scientific Name Common Zone Size Light Needs Bloom or Cultivars of Note Comments
Name Foliage
Sun Shade Period

Rudbeckia Sweet 5-8 3-5’ H X X Late ‘Henry Eilers’ Borders. Native plant gardens, Good cut
subtomentosa Coneflower summer ‘Little Henry’ flower and beneficial to birds.
Rudbeckia triloba Brown-Eyed 3-10 2-3’ H X X Late Borders. Native plant gardens. Good cut
Susan summer flower and beneficial to birds.
Ruellia simplex Mexican 7-10 3-4’H X X Summer Marginally hardy in zone 7. Thrives in moist
Petunia soils, tolerates high heat and humidity, re-
seeds and multiplies by rhizomes. Prevent
naturalization in wild areas.
Salvia greggii Atumn Sage 7-10 2-3’H X X Summer ‘Furman’s Red’ Needs well-drained soils. Shrubby and
3-4’W through ‘Lipstick’ woody. Can be evergreen. Prune if scraggly.
fall ‘Pink Preference’ Attracts pollinators and
‘Wild Thing’ hummingbirds. Has long bloom season and
blooms in pink, red, purple and white.
Salvia guaranitica Blue Anise 7-10 2-5’H X X Summer ‘Black and Blue’ Attracts hummingbirds. Not perennial in
Sage 3-4’W colder parts of Tennessee. Blue blooms.
Salvia leucantha Mexican 7-10 4-5’H&W X X Fall ‘Midnight’ Prefers good drainage, especially in winter.
Bush Sage ‘Santa Barbara’ Marginally hardy in West to Middle TN, and
generally not hardy in the Eastern regions.
Velvety textured purple blooms with white
tips in the late fall.

Salvia nemorosa Violet Sage 4-8 1-2’H X X Summer ‘May Night’ ‘New Prefers dry soil. ‘May Night’ has an early and
Dimension Rose’ short bloom period. Re-blooming series like
Lyrical and Profusion are being developed
and trialed. Drought and deer resistant.
Blooms in purple, pink and white.
Salvia uliginosa Bog Sage 6-9 5’H X X Summer Sprawling and aggressive. Attracts
pollinators.
Santolina Gray 6-8 1-2’H X Foliage ‘Nana’ Known more for its evergreen foliage color,
chamaecyparissus Santolina, 2’W Evergreen texture and scent. Has yellow blooms, does
Lavendar July- not like humidity, prefers dry-medium soil
Cotton August and excellent drainage. Well suited for
xeriscape/rock gardens.

Perennials for Tennessee Landscapes 11

 Scientific Name Common Zone Size Light Needs Bloom or Cultivars of Note Comments
Name Foliage
Sun Part Shade Period
Sun
Santolina Green 7-8 1-2’H X Foliage Known more for its evergreen foliage,
rosemarinifolia Santolina 2’W Evergreen color, texture and scent. Yellow blooms.
July- Does not like humidity, prefers dry-
August
medium soil and excellent drainage. Well
suited for xeriscape/rock gardens.
Sedum Stonecrop 3-8 .5-.75’H X X Foliage ‘Weinhenstephaner Requires excellent drainage. Has showier
kamtschaticum Semi- Gold’ flowers than most. Yellow blooms. Semi-
Evergreen evergreen.
Late
summer
Sedum pallidum Stonecrop 3-8 .5’H X X Foliage Spreading ground cover. Needs dry sites.
var. bithynicun Early Has yellow blooms.
summer
Sedum reflexum Spruce 3-9 .25-.5’H X X Foliage ‘Blue Spruce’ Beautiful blue foliage and is an excellent
Sedum ground cover.
Sedum rupestre Stonecrop 5-8 .25-.5’H X X Foliage ‘Angelina’ Colorful foliage changing in winter.
Evergreen
Sedum spectabile Stonecrop 4-9 1-2’H X X Late ‘Autumn Joy’ Fall blooms in pink.
summer- Many other Long lived.
fall cultivars
Sedum Takeshima 4-8 .5-.75’H X X Foliage ‘Atlantis’ Excellent clumping habit. Requires good
takesimense Stonecrop variegated drainage.
Sedum Chinese 5-8 .25-.5’H X X Foliage ‘Coral Reef’ Excellent ground cover. Highly adaptable
tetractinum Sedum to varying soil types.

Sempervivum Hen and 3-7 .25-.5’H X X Foliage Numerous Tolerates drought and poor soil; prefers
Chicks cultivars rocky well-drained soil. Evergreen
succulent. Great for containers as well.
Prefers cooler parts of Tennessee.

Solidago Autumn 3-9 4-5’H X X August – ‘Golden Baby’ Tolerates drought and poor soil. Deer
canadensis Goldenrod October ‘Little Lemon’ tolerant, has yellow blooms, attracts bees
and butterflies, sticks to mannerly cultivars,
and natives are aggressive.
Solidago rugosa Roughleaf 4-8 2-4’H X X Late ‘Fireworks’ Showy yellow flowers. Great for pollinators
Goldenrod summer late in the season. Tolerates dry, damp and
clay soil and spreads and re-seeds.
Solidago Autumn 4-8 1-2’H X X Late ‘Golden Fleece’ Showy yellow blooms. Great for fall color and
sphacelata Goldenrod summer pollinators late in the season.

Perennials for Tennessee Landscapes 12

 Scientific Name Common Zone Size Light Needs Bloom or Cultivars of Note Comments
Name Foliage
Sun Part Shade Period
Sun
Spigelia Indian Pink 5-9 1-2’H X X X Spring- Native, beautiful flower and attracts
marilandica summer hummingbirds. Blooms red with yellow
throat.
Stachys byzantina Lamb’s Ear 4-8 .75-1.5’H X X Foliage ‘Helen Von Stein’ Grown for fuzzy leaves. Nice color contrast
Summer (aka ‘Big Ears’) in the perennial garden as ground cover.
Blooms purple/pink, needs well-drained
soils, and is drought tolerant.
Stachys monieri Betony 4-9 1.5-2’H X Foliage ‘Humello’ 2019 PPA Plant of the Year. Underutilized,
Late needs moist well-drained soil, performs
summer best in afternoon shade in the south, and
blooms rose violet.
Stokesia laevis Stokes 5-9 1-2’H X X Late ‘Blue Danube’ Native, drought and heat resistant, needs
Aster spring- ‘Peachie’s Pick’ moist well-drained soil, can have evergreen
early foliage in winter, and is a good cut flower.
summer
Symphyotrichum Asters 3-9 .5-6’H X X September ‘English Likes well-drained soil and is drought tolerant.
novae-angliae and .5-5’W - Countryside’ Some new hybrids are tender
novi-belgii November ‘Purple Dome’ perennials. Blooms in shades of purple,
‘Woods Dwarf’ blue, white and pink with yellow centers.
Symphyotrichum Aromatic Aster 3-8 3’H&W X X October - ‘October Skies’ Late blooms attract native pollinators.
oblongifolium December ‘Raydons Blooms in shades of blue and purple
Favorite’ with yellow centers.

Tiarella spp. Foam 4-9 .5-1’ X Foliage ‘Sugar and Spice’ Good leaf color in fall.
Flower H&W April-June ‘Spring Symphony’

Tradescantia spp. Spiderwort 4-9 1.5-3’H X X May-July ‘Morning Grace’ Nice foliage contrast in perennial garden.
1-1.5’W ‘Blue and Gold’ Can tolerate wet sites. Spreading can be
‘Sweet Kate’ weedy.
Trillium Trillium 4-8 1-1.5’H X March- Good in a wooded setting. Has nice spring
grandiflorum .75-1’W April color in the woods.

Verbena Tall Verbena 7-11 2-4’H X X June-Frost ‘Meteor Shower’ Airy branched stems, short lived, re-seeds
bonariensis freely, and is attractive to pollinators.

Verbena Rose 6-10 .75-1.5’H X X Spring-Fall ‘Homestead Native, good for pollinators. Newer
canadensis Vervain Purple’ ‘Snow cultivars offer clumping and spreading
Flurry’ habit along with longer flowering season.
‘Kathy’s Kandy’ Blooms in purple, pink and white.

Perennials for Tennessee Landscapes 13

 Scientific Name Common Zone Size Light Needs Bloom or Cultivars of Note Comments
Name Foliage
Sun Part Shade Period
Sun
Verbena rigida Ridged 7-10 1-1.5’H X X Summer- Ground cover. Heat and drought
Verbena frost tolerant. Spreads by rhizomes, and can be
aggressive.
Vernonia Slimleaf 4-9 2-3’H X X Foliage ‘Iron Butterfly’ Native. Drought tolerant. Performs best in
lettermanii Ironweed 3’W Late poor unirrigated soils. Has fabulous airy, fine
summer textured foliage and purple flowers that are
attractive to pollinators.
Veronica umbrosa Speedwell 6-9 .5-.75 ’H X X Spring ‘Georgia Blue’ Ground cover. Great complement to early-
Spread- Moody Blue season bulbs. Likes well-drained soil, is
ing Series perfect for rock gardens and borders, and
blooms blue.

Perennials for Tennessee Landscapes 14

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