21 Flowering Perennial Plants For Minnesota Gardens

Minnesota is a northern gardening region, with USDA hardiness zones ranging from zone 3a in the north to zone 4b in the south. There is also a small pocket in the far south, around Martin and Jackson counties, that falls into zone 5. While winters are cold and the growing season is shorter than in many southern states, gardening is far from impossible.

Minnesota is actually a wonderful place to grow perennials. The soil is rich in organic matter and holds moisture well, creating ideal conditions for many flowering plants.

Below is a list of 21 reliable zone 3 and zone 4 Minnesota perennials. These are some of my personal favorites, but there are many more excellent options to explore.

Peony

	botanical name Paeonia
	bloom colors Pink, Red, White, Yellow
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 34″ H x 36″ W
	hardiness zones 3-8

Cold-climate gardeners have one big advantage over southern gardeners: our peonies are unbeatable. The cold winters help create bigger, brighter blooms, and when they finally open, the whole garden seems to pause. The bloom time may be short, but it is absolutely worth adding peonies to your landscape.

Peonies have lobed leaves that form a full, bushy mound. They often need to be staked or caged to keep their large, rose-like blossoms from toppling. They prefer fertile, well-drained soil and part to full sun. Once established, these Minnesota perennials need far less water than newly planted ones.

The flowers come in shades of pink, red, and white. ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ is one of my favorite peony varieties, with light pink double-flowering blossoms.

Purple Coneflower

	botanical name Echinacea Purpurea
	bloom colors Purple-Pink
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 36″ H x 24″ W
	hardiness zones 3-8

Echinacea is a wonderful addition to any garden. These Minnesota perennials produce big, daisy-like purple-pink flowers with prominent centers that people and pollinators adore.

Plant echinacea in a full sun spot. They are not fussy about soil and need very little supplemental water once established, aside from occasional watering during drought.

They bloom from mid to late summer, and the flowers last a long time. The sturdy stems and large blooms hold up well in wind and rain. I like to plant purple coneflower alongside peonies so that once the peonies finish, the echinacea takes over and keeps the garden in bloom.

Bearded Iris

	botanical name Iris germanica
	bloom colors Purple and combinations of white, blue, yellow, burgundy, peach
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 12-36″ H x 12-24″ W (variety dependant)
	hardiness zones 3-9

Irises are a great perennial to add to your garden, bringing beautiful spring blooms and reliable structure afterward. Their ruffled flowers are easy to recognize, with three downward-facing petals and three that point upward. Even after they finish blooming, the sharp, spiky foliage adds texture and form to the garden.

Grow these Minnesota perennials in part shade to full sun. They prefer sandy, well-drained soil. When planting bearded irises, be sure to keep the rhizome at the soil surface. If it is buried too deeply, the plant will not bloom.

There are countless varieties of bearded iris to choose from. While the classic color is purple, you can also find combinations of white, yellow, burgundy, and peach. Try ‘Minnesota Mixed Up Kid’, a buttery yellow iris lightly speckled with purple.

Allium

	botanical name Allium
	bloom colors Purple, Blue, White, Yellow (variety dependant)
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24″ H x 3″-4″ W (variety dependant)
	hardiness zones 3-9

Allium is a fall-planted bulb that produces large purple orbs in spring. It is one of my favorite flowers because it does not take long to mature. Plant the bulb in fall and you will be greeted with a big bloom the following spring.

Alliums grow on tall stalks topped with a globe-shaped flower made up of many small florets. They grow best in part sun but will also do well in full sun.

Too much shade will prevent them from blooming. They do not need special soil or much extra water, but be sure they are not sitting in soggy ground, as the bulbs will rot. They can also dry out in drought conditions, so occasional watering may be necessary during long dry spells.

There are many shapes and sizes of alliums. One of my favorite varieties is ‘Gladiator’, which produces large, round flower orbs up to 6 inches in diameter.

Balloon Flower

	botanical name Platycodon grandiflorus
	bloom colors Purple, White
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 24″ H x 24″ W
	hardiness zones 3-8

These little parcels are a perfect surprise in late-season gardens. There is often a gap in blooms between summer and fall, and this is when balloon flowers shine. They are unique, charming, and beautifully timed.

The balloon flower is a simple, nondescript perennial with narrow green leaves until it blooms, and then it becomes spectacular. Its name comes from the way the flower opens.

The bud swells like a balloon, then bursts from the center and unfolds into a purple or white star-shaped bloom. Plant these Minnesota perennials in evenly moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They grow well in part sun to full sun conditions.

Delphinium

	botanical name Delphinium
	bloom colors Blue, Purple, White, Pink, Red
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-6′ H (variety dependant) x 1-3′ W
	hardiness zones 3-7

Delphinium is a garden staple in many cold-climate regions like Minnesota. Its tall flower spikes look almost tropical when they begin blooming in late spring.

Delphiniums prefer rich, well-drained soil and full sun. There are many types to choose from.

The classic varieties grow tall spikes of flowers that need to be staked so they do not topple. Smaller alpine varieties form clustered blooms and work beautifully in informal, cottage-style gardens with little effort.

Delphiniums come in a wide range of colors, including true blue, purple, white, pink, and even red. They appear as large, fluffy double blossoms or clusters of single flowers. ‘Faust’ is a popular variety that grows up to 6 feet tall, with deep velvety blue flowers and a black center.

Gas Plant

	botanical name Dictamnus albus
	bloom colors White, Pink
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24-36″ H x 34-46″ W
	hardiness zones 3-8

The gas plant is a less common perennial that brings an unexpected and lovely touch to a Minnesota garden. It gets its name from the vapor released by the flowers, which can be ignited.

This plant forms an upright mound with narrow pinnate leaves. In late spring, long reddish spires appear and open into light pink, five-petaled flowers.

These Minnesota perennials give off a citrusy scent that may irritate sensitive skin. It prefers moist, rich soil and full sun and does not tolerate standing water.

This is a low-maintenance perennial. Its strong scent makes it resistant to deer, rabbits, and other animals, and it rarely struggles with pests or diseases. It looks right at home in a cottage-style garden.

Sea Holly

	botanical name Eryngium planum
	bloom colors Bluish Purple
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24″ X 24″ W
	hardiness zones 4-9

Sea holly is an unexpected perennial that looks like it’s from another world. It has spiky, silvery foliage and produces equally spiky flowers with a large oval center. The blooms are purple-blue, and they often look almost spray-painted because parts of the stem also take on a bright lavender tone.

While most sources list sea holly as a zone 4 perennial, I have seen it grow happily in zone 3 gardens. It prefers full sun and dry, sandy soil. Once established, it is very water-wise and needs no extra watering except during periods of extreme drought.

The plants can grow quite large, so they are best used in spacious garden beds rather than small spaces.

Bees and other pollinators love sea holly, and the plants are always buzzing with life. The blooms last throughout the summer, adding unique color and texture to the landscape.

Astilbe

	botanical name Astilbe
	bloom colors Red, White, Pink
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 24″-36″
	hardiness zones 3-8

Astilbe is a sweet little garden perennial that makes a big impact when it blooms. It adds both color and texture to shady areas and forms tidy clumps that stay in place and return reliably year after year.

In my experience, astilbes rarely struggle with pests or diseases, so if you want an easy plant with generous flowers, this one is a great choice.

The plants have lacy foliage and fluffy plumes that come in red, white, and pink. They prefer rich, evenly moist soil that still drains well. Astilbes will not tolerate soggy conditions. They grow best in part shade to part sun, although I have seen them do well in full sun when given plenty of extra water.

Some of these Minnesota perennials bloom in early summer, while others begin in midsummer. To extend your color, choose two varieties in similar shades but with different bloom times.

Try pairing the early blooms of ‘Hyacinth’ with the later blooming ‘Pumila’ for purple flowers that last throughout the summer.

Ligularia

	botanical name Ligularia
	bloom colors Yellow
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 48″ H x 24″ W
	hardiness zones 4-9

Ligularia is a large, dramatic perennial that adds strong structure to the garden. It blooms in late summer, filling the gap between summer and fall flowers. The big leaves and bright yellow blooms are always a welcome sight.

Ligularia is a shade-loving plant, thriving in shade to part shade. I have seen it grow in part sun to full sun as well, but only when given plenty of extra water. This plant likes rich soil and consistent moisture.

Ligularia is a bit of a diva when it dries out. It will droop, pout, and look completely dead, but give it water, and you can almost watch it spring back to life. Just be prepared to provide supplemental watering even after the plant is established, because it truly loves moisture.

Annabelle Hydrangea

	botanical name Hydrangea arborescens
	bloom colors White
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 48″ W x 36″ H
	hardiness zones 3-9

Annabelle hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers for cold-climate gardeners. Their huge blossoms and round chartreuse leaves steal the show in summer. The showy white blooms last a long time and can even be left standing through winter to add interest.

Plant these Minnesota perennials in part sun. This cold-hardy shrub can handle full sun if you are prepared to give it plenty of extra water. Grow it in rich, well-drained soil. It does need consistent moisture and will droop quickly if it does not have enough.

Annabelle hydrangeas do require a bit of extra care. You may need to stake or cage them. You can cut them down to the ground in fall or spring, or simply prune back to where new growth begins.

I like leaving some of the woody stems in place because they act as a natural cage and encourage growth from older wood, making the plant sturdier over time. Cutting them to the ground does not seem to hurt them either. ‘Incrediball’ is a sturdier variety that typically does not need staking.

Masterwort

	botanical name Astrantia major
	bloom colors Pink, White, Red
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 24″ W x 24″ H
	hardiness zones 4-9

Masterwort is an underrated perennial, in my opinion. The flowers burst open like little fireworks with delicate stamens surrounded by an outer ring of petals, and they last for weeks.

Even after they finish blooming, the spent flowers can stay on the plant for another week or two and still look lovely. Masterwort forms a tidy mound of five lobed leaves, and then pretty pink, white, or red blooms rise above the foliage.

Plant masterwort in part sun to part shade. A spot with morning sun followed by dappled shade in the afternoon is ideal. They prefer rich, well drained soil and should be kept evenly moist but never soggy.

Masterwort is a charming cottage garden plant. It pairs beautifully with other wildflowers for a soft, romantic style. I also love planting it among hostas, where it rises above the foliage and explodes with delicate flowers.

Shasta Daisy

	botanical name Leucanthemum × superbum
	bloom colors White
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24″ H x 24″ W
	hardiness zones 4-9

Daisies sometimes get a bad reputation because the oxeye daisy is invasive and not suitable for gardens. But if you love the sunny look of daisies, you can plant the beautiful, clumping shasta daisy instead. This variety forms a full mound and produces large, sturdy flowers that bloom from early to midsummer.

Shasta daisies prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Once established, they need no extra water except during drought. When the blooms begin to fade, I like to deadhead them so they do not look scraggly. This often encourages a second, smaller flush of flowers later in the season.

I enjoy planting these Minnesota perennials at the foot of delphiniums. They hide the delphinium’s lower foliage, and since they bloom around the same time, the combination of blue and white is beautiful.

Monkshood

	botanical name Aconitum
	bloom colors Purple, Pink, White
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 24″ W x 48″-60″ H
	hardiness zones 3-7
	pet toxic Yes

Monkshood is a lovely, tall flowering perennial. It does have a bit of a bad reputation because it is very toxic, so plant with caution around children and pets.

That said, people and animals tend to avoid it naturally. I have grown it problem-free for years around my family and pets. The plant has tall, lacy foliage similar to delphinium, and its purple, pink, or white flowers look like little monks’ hoods when they bloom.

Monkshood grows happily in a wide range of conditions, from full sun to part shade. It will survive in full shade, but it becomes spindly and will not bloom well.

It is not fussy about soil and does not need extra water once established, except during drought. Monkshood spreads through its roots. It is not aggressive, but it will eventually form a large clump, so give it room to expand. Depending on the location, you may need to stake or tie the stems to prevent them from falling.

I like using monkshood as a background plant, especially along fences. A common question I get is how to hide neighbors’ weeds popping through a fence. Planting a thick row of monkshood can conceal and sometimes outcompete those weeds. It is also deer resistant and makes a great natural barrier when planted around the perimeter of a garden.

Clustered Bellflower

	botanical name Campanula glomerata
	bloom colors Purple
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 24″ W x 12-24″ H
	hardiness zones 3-8

Creeping bellflower is a major garden no-no because it is highly invasive, but if you love dainty bell-shaped blooms, you are in luck. There are many campanulas that are not invasive, and clustered bellflower is one of my favorites. It is a perfect Minnesota purple perennial with low-growing, heart-shaped foliage and big, dark purple flower heads made up of many small bells.

Clustered bellflower grows well in part shade to full sun. It is not fussy about soil and does not need special watering. If you have a large space or an area where little else grows, this is a great plant to try. It also makes lovely cut flowers.

This no-fuss perennial looks beautiful in wildflower and cottage-style gardens. It blooms in early summer and pairs well with other summer favorites like shasta daisies and hardy roses.

Bee Balm

	botanical name Monarda didyma
	bloom colors Red – also pink, white (variety dependant)
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 48″ W x 24-36″ H
	hardiness zones 3-9

The shaggy flowerheads of bee balm make a unique addition to any Minnesota garden, and the leaves give off a pungent citrus bergamot scent. Bee balm is a native flower that pollinators absolutely love.

It grows best in part sun to full sun and prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. It will not tolerate standing water. Bee balm blooms in early midsummer, and the flowerheads last a long time.

The common form is a bright red, but my current obsession is ‘Bubblegum Blast’, a slightly shorter variety covered in vivid bubblegum pink blooms. It stays neatly in its space and is perfect for small gardens.

Joe Pye Weed

	botanical name Eutrochium purpureum
	bloom colors Pink
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 36″ W x 8′ H
	hardiness zones 4-8

Joe Pye weed is a fascinating native perennial that grows more than six feet tall each season before exploding into soft pink flower puffs at the top. Butterflies and bees flock to these blooms from late summer into early autumn.

Joe Pye weed grows best in part shade to part sun. It can handle full sun if it receives plenty of water. This plant loves moisture and can even be grown in low lying or boggy areas. Do not plant Joe Pye weed unless you are prepared to water it regularly.

Because it is such a tall plant, it is not always the right fit for smaller gardens. If you love the airy flowerheads but do not have space for big Joe, try the dwarf variety ‘Baby Joe’. It only grows up to 3 feet tall and forms an attractive leafy mound even before it blooms.

Globe Flower

	botanical name Trollius europaeus
	bloom colors Orange, Yellow
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 24″ H x 24″ W
	hardiness zones 3-8

Globe flower is a sunny, spring-blooming perennial that I love adding to gardens. It has low-growing, lacy foliage topped with round globes of bright orange blooms. Plant the Minnesota perennials alongside allium for a spring display of purple and orange spheres.

Globe flower grows best in part sun to full sun and prefers rich, well-drained soil. It does not need much supplemental water; just be sure it is not planted in soggy conditions. This is an easy, low-growing perennial that requires very little care. Deadhead spent blooms to keep the plant looking tidy.

There are many globe flower varieties, ranging from sharp orange to bright yellow. If you want something a bit more unique, try ‘Golden Queen’. This variety is slightly taller and airier, with large guard petals surrounding long, delicate stamens.

Daylily

	botanical name Hemerocallis
	bloom colors Red, Orange, Yellow, White, Pink or Purple (variety dependant)
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 24″ W x 24″ H
	hardiness zones 3-9

The daylily is a classic garden perennial. Its grassy foliage and long stems of flowers add both texture and color to the landscape. Just be cautious with the common wild daylily, as it can be invasive, especially in small gardens. Choose named varieties that stay neatly in place.

Daylilies grow best in part sun to full sun. They are not fussy about soil, though rich, well drained soil is ideal. Water them well during establishment, and afterward they only need extra moisture during drought.

One of my all time favorite varieties is ‘Stella D’Oro’. It has fine, grassy foliage and produces plenty of small orange flower stalks. It blooms continuously throughout summer and makes an excellent border plant.

Snowdrop Anemone

	botanical name Anemone sylvestris
	bloom colors White
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 12″ H, spreading
	hardiness zones 2-9

When snowdrop anemone blooms in spring, I always get a flood of photo messages from people asking what this plant is. It has low-growing, lacy foliage and thin stems topped with delicate white bell-shaped flowers.

Plant snowdrop anemone in shade to part sun. It prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and thrives in damp, shady areas of the garden, as long as it is not sitting in standing water.

After it finishes blooming, I like to deadhead it with a pair of hedge clippers. If the season is long enough, you may even get a smaller second flush of flowers in fall.

Bleeding Heart

	botanical name Lamprocapnos spectabilis
	bloom colors Red, Pink, White
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 48″ W x 36″ H
	hardiness zones 3-9

Bleeding heart is a classic garden perennial. It forms a big, bushy mound and sends up long, arching stems lined with dangling red, pink, or white heart-shaped flowers.