Late spring always feels like a tricky in-between stage in the garden—but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve found some gorgeous perennials that keep the color going strong while other plants are still waking up or winding down.
These are the unsung heroes that fill the awkward gap and make everything look seamless. I’ll also share how I keep mine happy and blooming year after year.
If your garden ever feels like it’s missing something this time of year, this list might be just what you need.
1. Allium
Those dramatic purple spheres bobbing on slender stems aren’t just gorgeous—they’re practically maintenance-free! Hardy in zones 4-9, alliums thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Plant bulbs in fall, about three times as deep as the bulb’s height. After blooming, let foliage die back naturally to feed next year’s flowers. Bonus: deer and rabbits avoid these ornamental onions, making them perfect for problem garden areas.
2. Bearded Iris
Few perennials match the royal elegance of bearded irises with their ruffled falls and upright standards. Available in nearly every color imaginable, these May-June bloomers create instant drama in borders.
Plant rhizomes just below soil surface in late summer, giving them plenty of sun. Division every 3-4 years keeps them blooming vigorously. Their sword-like foliage provides vertical interest even after the spectacular blooms have faded.
3. Baptisia
Often called false indigo, this native American beauty develops into a shrub-like clump that needs zero babysitting. Spires of lupine-like flowers in blue, purple, yellow or white appear in May and June above attractive blue-green foliage.
Give baptisia full sun and well-drained soil, then stand back—it forms a deep taproot and resents disturbance. First-year plants look unimpressive, but patience pays off as they mature into stunning specimens that can live for decades.
4. Peony
Nothing says late spring like the lush, fragrant blooms of peonies. These long-lived beauties (some plants survive 100+ years!) offer massive flowers in shades from pure white to deepest burgundy.
Plant roots in fall with eyes just 1-2 inches below soil surface in a sunny spot. Support stems early to prevent flopping when those dinner-plate blooms appear. After flowering, their glossy foliage continues to look attractive throughout summer and often turns reddish in fall.
5. Columbine
Delicate yet tough, columbines dance above ferny foliage on slender stems. Their unique spurred flowers come in countless color combinations and attract hummingbirds by the dozen.
Happy in partial shade to full sun, these adaptable plants self-seed politely throughout the garden. Cut back spent flower stalks to prevent excessive spreading or leave a few to create natural colonies. Most varieties bloom for 4-6 weeks, bridging that tricky gap between spring and summer.
6. Solomon’s Seal
Arching stems lined with dangling white bells make Solomon’s Seal a woodland garden superstar. This elegant shade-lover gradually forms impressive clumps of vertical interest where few other plants thrive.
Plant in rich, moist soil under deciduous trees for best results. The flowers may be subtle, but they’re followed by blue-black berries and golden fall foliage. Variegated forms light up dark corners with cream-edged leaves that seem to glow in low light.
7. Bleeding Heart
Heart-shaped blooms dangle like tiny lockets along arching stems of this old-fashioned favorite. Traditional varieties sport pink and white flowers, while newer selections offer pure white or deep rose options.
Provide dappled shade and consistently moist, humus-rich soil for best performance. Don’t panic when foliage yellows and dies back in summer heat—this normal dormancy period protects the plant. Pair with later-emerging perennials like hostas to fill the gap left behind.
8. Geranium
Not to be confused with annual geraniums, these hardy perennials (cranesbills) create flowing mounds of color from late spring into summer. Low-growing varieties make exceptional ground covers, while taller types mix beautifully in borders.
Most prefer full sun to part shade and tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. After the first flush of flowers, shear plants back by one-third to encourage fresh foliage and repeat blooming. Many varieties offer spectacular fall color as an added bonus.
9. Lady’s Mantle
Chartreuse flower clusters hover above scalloped, velvety leaves that capture morning dew like diamonds. This European native creates a frothy cloud of color just as spring bulbs fade.
Happiest in morning sun with afternoon shade, lady’s mantle tolerates poor soil and drought once established. Use it to soften hard edges along paths or to create a living mulch beneath roses. The long-lasting blooms make excellent cut flowers and dry beautifully for arrangements.
10. Coral Bells
Grown primarily for their colorful foliage in shades from purple-black to caramel to silver, coral bells also produce airy flower wands in late spring. New varieties appear every year, expanding the palette of these versatile plants.
Plant in rich, well-drained soil with morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates. Division every few years keeps plants vigorous and prevents them from heaving out of the ground during freeze-thaw cycles. Their compact size makes them perfect for containers and front-of-border positions.
11. Foxglove
Spires of tubular, speckled flowers rise dramatically above rosettes of fuzzy leaves, creating vertical excitement in the late spring garden. Though most are biennial, they self-seed so reliably you’ll always have some in bloom.
Partial shade and moist, rich soil produce the strongest stems and largest flowers. Deadhead promptly if you want to control spreading or leave a few stalks to ensure future generations. Hummingbirds and bees can’t resist these towering beauties.
12. Salvia
Aromatic foliage and spikes of tubular flowers make salvias irresistible to both gardeners and pollinators. The May-June blooming varieties bridge that awkward gap between spring bulbs and summer perennials perfectly.
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil—these Mediterranean natives hate wet feet. Prompt deadheading after the first flush encourages repeat blooming well into fall. Deer and rabbits typically avoid their scented leaves, making them ideal for problem areas.
13. Lupine
Tall spires of pea-like flowers rise above distinctive palmate foliage, creating a cottage garden classic. Available in a rainbow of colors, these dramatic bloomers make unforgettable cut flowers and garden focal points.
Provide full sun (afternoon shade in hot climates) and acidic, well-drained soil. Though somewhat short-lived, they self-seed readily in favorable conditions. Their deep taproots make them drought-resistant once established but difficult to transplant, so choose their location carefully.
14. Gas Plant
Also known as burning bush or dittany, this long-lived perennial produces star-shaped white or pink flowers above glossy, lemon-scented foliage. On warm evenings, the flowers release flammable oils that can briefly ignite when exposed to flame!
Plant in well-drained soil and full sun, allowing plenty of space—mature plants reach 3 feet tall and wide. Division is rarely needed or recommended due to their deep taproot. Handle with gloves as the oils can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
15. Centaurea
Commonly called bachelor’s buttons or cornflowers, these cheerful bloomers sport fringed, intensely blue flowers (though pink and white varieties exist too). Their informal charm makes them perfect for cottage gardens and pollinator habitats.
Full sun and average, well-drained soil keep them happiest. Deadhead regularly to extend the blooming season well into summer. The gray-green foliage provides an attractive backdrop for other flowers and remains neat throughout the growing season.
16. Catmint
Clouds of lavender-blue flowers hover above aromatic gray-green foliage, creating weeks of carefree color. Newer varieties stay compact and bloom longer than older types, making them ideal for borders and containers.
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, even poor soil will do. Shear plants back by half after the first flowering to encourage a second flush of blooms. Cats may roll in the foliage (hence the name), but deer and rabbits generally leave these fragrant plants alone.
17. Dianthus
Spicy clove fragrance and perfectly formed blooms have made these cottage garden favorites beloved for centuries. Modern varieties offer improved heat tolerance and repeat flowering while maintaining that classic charm.
Provide full sun and excellent drainage—raised beds or rock gardens are ideal. Trim spent flowers promptly to encourage reblooming throughout summer. Most varieties form neat, compact mounds of blue-green or silver foliage that remains attractive even when not in bloom.
18. Thrift
Forming tight evergreen mounds topped with lollipop-like pink or white blooms, thrift (Armeria) brings cheerful color to difficult spots. Native to coastal areas, these tough little plants laugh at poor soil and salt spray.
Plant in full sun and very well-drained soil—they hate winter wet. Deadhead promptly to extend the flowering season into early summer. Their compact size makes them perfect for rock gardens, wall crevices, and edging, where their neat habit creates year-round structure.
19. Veronica
Spikes of tiny, intensely blue flowers give speedwell its common name of “bird’s eyes.” These easy-care perennials bloom for weeks, attracting butterflies and providing vertical interest in the middle of borders.
Most varieties prefer full sun and average, well-drained soil. Prompt deadheading encourages reblooming throughout summer. Low-growing types make excellent ground covers, while taller varieties provide perfect companions for roses and other late spring bloomers.
20. Candytuft
Masses of pristine white flowers completely cover this semi-evergreen subshrub in late spring. The glossy, dark green foliage forms a neat, spreading mound that suppresses weeds and looks attractive year-round.
Plant in full sun and sharply drained soil—raised beds or slopes work perfectly. Light shearing after flowering keeps plants compact and tidy. Their drought tolerance once established makes them ideal for hot, dry sites where other perennials struggle.