Perennials – hardiness zones compared (USDA, RHS, Canadian & Australian)

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All 314 perennials in the catalogue, alphabetical by common name. Each links to a full page with its ratings across the USDA, RHS, Canadian and Australian systems.

Abaca (Manila hemp) Musa textilis – Banana relative of the Philippines, reaching 6 m, grown for the long, strong, saltwater-resistant fibre stripped from the leaf sheaths. The classic marine cordage and now a high-value pulp for currency paper and tea bags. USDA zones 10–12
Achira (Edible canna) Canna edulis – Tall South American canna species with broad banana-like leaves and small orange-red flowers, grown across the Andean lowlands for the large starchy edible rhizomes — the source of "Queensland arrowroot" starch. USDA zones 7–11
Agapanthus Agapanthus africanus – Clump-forming perennial with long-stemmed blue or white flower heads in summer. USDA zones 8–11
Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria – Slender meadow perennial with tall spikes of small yellow flowers. Mild and safe digestive and urinary tonic in European herbal tradition. USDA zones 3–8
Alfalfa (Lucerne) Medicago sativa – Globally important forage legume with a taproot that can reach 15 m. One of the most efficient nitrogen-fixers and a powerful dynamic accumulator from deep soil layers. USDA zones 3–10
Alpine sea holly Eryngium alpinum – Alpine European sea holly with the largest and most spectacular flower heads of any Eryngium — domed steel-blue thimbles surrounded by elaborate finely cut feathery blue bracts. USDA zones 4–8
Alsike clover Trifolium hybridum – Short-lived perennial clover bridging white and red — pink-flushed flower heads, similar growth habit. Tolerates wet and acidic soils where other clovers fail. USDA zones 3–8
Angelica Angelica archangelica – Stately biennial or short-lived perennial with hollow stems that have long been candied as a confection. Aromatic root is a traditional digestive bitter. USDA zones 3–7
Anise hyssop Agastache foeniculum – North American prairie native perennial with upright spikes of lavender-blue flowers and aniseed-scented leaves. Outstanding bee plant and a fragrant tea herb. USDA zones 4–8
Anise sage Salvia guaranitica – Tall South American sage with dark anise-scented leaves and continuous spires of deep cobalt-blue tubular flowers from midsummer through autumn. One of the most reliable hummingbird and bumblebee plants for warm-temperate gardens. USDA zones 7–10
Asparagus Asparagus officinalis – Long-lived perennial vegetable producing edible spring spears. A patch may remain productive for 20 years or more once established. USDA zones 3–8
Astragalus Astragalus membranaceus – Chinese leguminous perennial. Roots ("huang qi") are a major immune tonic in traditional Chinese medicine; harvest 4+ year roots. USDA zones 5–9
Australian bush mint Mentha satureioides – Aromatic creeping native mint from eastern Australia, a relative of pennyroyal, used for tea and flavouring. USDA zones 8–10
Autumn fern Dryopteris erythrosora – East Asian semi-evergreen fern with new fronds emerging in copper-red and ageing through coral and salmon to glossy green. Among the most ornamentally coloured ferns and the best for warm-temperate gardens. USDA zones 5–9
Bacopa (Brahmi) Bacopa monnieri – Creeping aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial. One of the most studied Ayurvedic herbs for cognitive support and memory. USDA zones 8–12
Bai zhu (White atractylodes) Atractylodes macrocephala – Thistle-relative perennial with finely divided leaves and ornamental thistle-like flower heads. Rhizomes are a major TCM digestive and spleen tonic. USDA zones 4–8
Banana — Cavendish Musa acuminata "Cavendish" – The dominant supermarket banana worldwide. Tall pseudostem (4–6 m) bearing a single bunch before dying back; suckers from base produce next-year fruit. USDA zones 9–12
Banana — Lady Finger Musa acuminata "Lady Finger" – Smaller, sweeter banana with thinner skin; popular across Queensland and northern New South Wales. Pseudostem more compact than Cavendish. USDA zones 9–12
Beardlip penstemon Penstemon barbatus – Southwestern North American native penstemon with airy spires of pendant tubular scarlet or coral-red flowers held on tall slender stems. The principal hummingbird penstemon of the American West. USDA zones 4–9
Bird of paradise Strelitzia reginae – Iconic clump-forming perennial with crane-shaped orange and blue flowers. USDA zones 9–11
Bird's foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus – Sprawling European perennial with bright yellow pea-flowers fading to orange and seed pods arranged like a bird's claws. A meadow staple supporting many butterfly species. USDA zones 3–8
Black cohosh Actaea racemosa – Tall woodland perennial with feathery white flower spikes (1.5–2 m). Roots are a widely-used herb for menopausal symptom support. USDA zones 3–8
Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta – North American native daisy with rich golden-yellow petals around a dark chocolate central cone. Peak bloom from midsummer well into autumn. USDA zones 3–9
Blanket flower Gaillardia × grandiflora – Hybrid prairie perennial with bold daisy flowers in fiery combinations of red, orange, and yellow, often with a contrasting central button. Flowers continuously from early summer through autumn. USDA zones 3–10
Blazing star (Gayfeather) Liatris spicata – Upright North American prairie native with grassy foliage and dense bottlebrush spikes of magenta or white flowers opening from the top down — unusual among spike flowers. USDA zones 3–9
Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis – Spring ephemeral of eastern North American woodlands. White flowers and orange-red sap from the rhizome. Listed for reference rather than home use. USDA zones 3–8
Blue cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides – Eastern North American woodland perennial with finely divided foliage and deep blue berries. Listed for reference; significant toxicity precludes home use. USDA zones 3–8
Blue fescue Festuca glauca – Compact evergreen fescue grass forming neat domed tussocks of intensely silver-blue narrow needle-like foliage. The classic small foliage-blue ornamental grass for the front of the border and edging. USDA zones 4–8
Blue flax lily Dianella caerulea – Tough, adaptable strappy perennial from eastern Australia with blue flowers and violet berries. USDA zones 9–10
Blue oat grass Helictotrichon sempervirens – Larger evergreen ornamental grass than blue fescue, forming rounded fountains of silver-blue narrow foliage topped by airy tan oat-like flower panicles in early summer. USDA zones 4–8
Blue vervain Verbena hastata – North American native vervain with candelabra spikes of small blue-violet flowers. Nervine and digestive with a bitter taste. USDA zones 3–8
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum – Wetland-edge perennial with characteristic perfoliate leaves (the stem appears to grow through them). Traditionally used for influenza and feverish illness. USDA zones 3–8
Bracken fern Pteridium aquilinum – Globally widespread fern of acidic moors and open woodland. Cut fronds make exceptional potash-rich mulch and compost feedstock. USDA zones 3–9
Brazilian spinach Alternanthera sissoo – Low, spreading tropical perennial grown as a productive cooked leafy green. USDA zones 9–11
Bronze fennel Foeniculum vulgare ‘Purpureum’ – Tall perennial fennel with the same anise-scented foliage and yellow umbel flowers as the green form, but with smoky purple-bronze new growth. USDA zones 4–9
Brooklime Veronica beccabunga – Low semi-aquatic native perennial with succulent stems, glossy rounded leaves and small bright blue flowers, creeping at the margins of streams and ponds. USDA zones 3–8
Bugle lily Watsonia borbonica – Tall Cape fynbos cormous perennial with sword-shaped leaves and elegant spires of pink, salmon, or white trumpet flowers in spring. The largest and most widely grown Watsonia species. USDA zones 8–10
Bupleurum (Chai hu) Bupleurum chinense – Slender umbellifer with yellow-green flower umbels. Roots are a central liver-protective and anti-inflammatory herb in TCM, central to many classical formulae. USDA zones 4–8
Butterfly weed Asclepias tuberosa – Brilliant orange-flowered milkweed of dry prairies. Drought tolerant and unusually well behaved compared to its relatives. USDA zones 3–9
California poppy Eschscholzia californica – Brilliant orange-flowered native of California, perennial in mild climates and an annual elsewhere. Traditional gentle sedative and analgesic. USDA zones 5–10
Canna lily Canna × generalis – Bold tropical-looking perennial with large paddle leaves and showy flowers in summer. USDA zones 7–11
Cape daisy (African daisy) Osteospermum ecklonis – Spreading South African subshrub with grey-green leaves and abundant large white, pink, or purple daisy flowers with distinctive blue or violet central discs from spring through autumn. USDA zones 9–11
Cape gooseberry (Physalis) Physalis peruviana – Sprawling South American perennial grown as an annual in cool climates. Sweet-tart golden fruit wrapped in papery husks. USDA zones 8–11
Cape lily (Bush lily) Clivia miniata – Evergreen South African woodland perennial with strap-like dark green leaves arranged in a fan, and dense umbels of orange (or yellow) trumpet flowers in late winter and spring. USDA zones 9–11
Cape restio (Broom reed) Elegia capensis – Tall Cape fynbos restio with bamboo-like green stems carrying whorls of fine green branchlets that give a horsetail-like appearance. Architectural plant for waterside or wet-tolerant Mediterranean planting. USDA zones 9–11
Cape thatching reed Chondropetalum tectorum – Cape fynbos restio with tall, slender, leafless dark-green stems carrying dark seed bracts at the tips. The principal thatching reed of traditional Cape architecture. USDA zones 8–11
Caradonna sage Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ – Selected cultivar of woodland sage with distinctive near-black flower stems carrying dense spikes of deep violet flowers in early summer. The signature ornamental sage of modern naturalistic planting design. USDA zones 4–8
Catmint Nepeta × faassenii – Hardy hybrid perennial with grey-green aromatic foliage and long flushes of small lavender-blue flowers from late spring to early autumn. USDA zones 3–8
Catnip Nepeta cataria – Mint-family perennial with grey-green leaves and small white flowers. Famously stimulating to most domestic cats. USDA zones 3–9
Chamomile — Roman Chamaemelum nobile – Low spreading perennial with apple-scented foliage and small daisy flowers. The traditional "chamomile lawn" plant. USDA zones 3–8
Chicory Cichorium intybus – Versatile perennial used for forced blanched chicons (witloof), open-headed leaves (radicchio), or roasted root coffee substitute. USDA zones 3–9
Chinese foxglove (Sheng di huang) Rehmannia glutinosa – Tubular-flowered perennial with rosy-red blossoms. Roots are a major kidney and blood tonic in TCM, used both raw and prepared with different effects. USDA zones 6–9
Chinese skullcap Scutellaria baicalensis – Drought-tolerant blue-flowered perennial with a different chemistry from American skullcap. Roots ("huang qin") are a major TCM anti-inflammatory. USDA zones 4–8
Chives Allium schoenoprasum – Compact clump-forming allium grown for grass-like leaves and edible mauve flower heads. USDA zones 3–10
Christmas rose hellebore Helleborus niger – Evergreen shade perennial with leathery dark leaves and large pure white flowers in midwinter. Distinct from the more familiar Lenten rose hellebore (H. orientalis). USDA zones 3–8
Chrysanthemum (medicinal) Chrysanthemum morifolium – Cultivated chrysanthemum with edible flowers used in TCM as an eye and liver herb. The same species used widely as an autumn cut flower. USDA zones 5–9
Cigar plant Cuphea ignea – Mexican and Central American compact subshrub with small dark green leaves and continuous bright orange tubular flowers with black-and-white tips that look like miniature lit cigars. USDA zones 9–11
Citron daylily Hemerocallis citrina – East Asian species daylily with pale lemon-yellow trumpet flowers that open at dusk and are powerfully lemon-fragrant overnight. The principal commercial daylily of Chinese cuisine (jin zhen, "golden needles"). USDA zones 4–9
Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara – Spring perennial whose yellow flowers emerge before any leaves appear — among the very first wildflowers of the temperate spring. Traditional respiratory herb. USDA zones 3–8
Comfrey Symphytum officinale – Coarse-leaved perennial with deep taproot. A workhorse of permaculture gardens for compost activator, mulch, and chop-and-drop fertility. USDA zones 3–9
Common agapanthus Agapanthus praecox – Evergreen clump-forming South African perennial with broad strap-shaped leaves and tall stems carrying spherical umbels of blue or white trumpet flowers through summer. The most widely planted Agapanthus species worldwide. USDA zones 8–11
Common dog violet Viola riviniana – Low-growing native woodland violet with unscented blue-violet flowers in early spring. The most widespread larval host for fritillary butterflies. USDA zones 3–8
Common knapweed (Black knapweed) Centaurea nigra – Tough native meadow perennial with thistle-like rose-purple flower heads on wiry stems. One of the top native plants for pollinator diversity. USDA zones 3–8
Common milkweed Asclepias syriaca – Tall North American native with fragrant pink-mauve flower clusters and milky sap. The keystone larval food plant of the monarch butterfly. USDA zones 3–9
Coptis (Chinese goldthread) Coptis chinensis – Low evergreen ground cover with finely divided foliage. Roots carry berberine — the same antimicrobial alkaloid as endangered goldenseal — and are a more sustainable cultivated source. USDA zones 5–8
Coral bells ‘Palace Purple’ Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ – The original deep-mahogany-leaved coral bells cultivar, with maple-shaped leaves in deep purple-bronze and slender stems of small cream flowers in summer. Perennial Plant of the Year (USA) 1991. USDA zones 4–8
Cottage pinks Dianthus plumarius – Tufted blue-grey perennial with fringed pink, white, or bicoloured flowers carrying a powerful clove fragrance. The classic edging pink of British cottage gardens, distinct from the biennial sweet William. USDA zones 3–8
Cowslip Primula veris – Native meadow perennial with clusters of nodding deep yellow flowers held above a rosette of leaves. Once common in chalk and limestone grassland. USDA zones 3–8
Cretan mountain mint Clinopodium nepeta – Aromatic Mediterranean herb (lesser calamint) with minty-oregano leaves and a long bee-friendly bloom. USDA zones 5–9
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ – Tall corm-forming perennial with sword-shaped foliage and arching sprays of brilliant flame-red tubular flowers in midsummer. The dominant flowering cultivar in temperate gardens. USDA zones 5–9
Crown vetch Securigera varia – Mediterranean perennial with pink-and-white pea-flower heads. Aggressive ground cover historically planted on highway embankments for erosion control. USDA zones 3–9
Cuckoo flower (Lady’s smock) Cardamine pratensis – Slender pale-mauve wildflower of damp meadows and stream banks, flowering with the arrival of the cuckoo in spring. USDA zones 3–8
Culver’s root Veronicastrum virginicum – Tall eastern North American native prairie perennial with tiered whorls of narrow leaves and slim candle-like spires of white or pale lilac flowers in midsummer. Strong vertical accent in naturalistic planting. USDA zones 3–8
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale – Familiar lawn weed and traditional liver and kidney tonic. Every part is edible — leaves in salads, roots roasted as coffee substitute, flowers in syrups and wines. USDA zones 2–10
Day lily ‘Stella de Oro’ Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’ – Compact reblooming day lily with golden-yellow flowers from early summer until autumn frost. Each flower lasts a single day, but successive buds keep the plant in continuous bloom. USDA zones 3–9
Desmodium (Tick trefoil) Desmodium spp. – Tropical and subtropical legume genus widely used in cover-crop systems. Best known as the "push" companion in African push-pull pest management for maize. USDA zones 7–11
Devil’s bit scabious Succisa pratensis – Native damp-meadow perennial with rounded violet-blue flower heads in late summer. Sole larval food plant of the rare marsh fritillary butterfly. USDA zones 3–8
Dittany of Crete Origanum dictamnus – Woolly-leaved Cretan endemic with cascading pink flower bracts, brewed as a herbal tea. USDA zones 8–10
Dock — Broad-leaved Rumex obtusifolius – Common pasture weed with deep taproot and broad leaves. Traditional folk remedy for nettle stings — rub the leaves on the skin — and a useful biomass plant for compost heaps. USDA zones 3–9
Dong quai (Chinese angelica) Angelica sinensis – Cool-climate Chinese cousin of European angelica. Roots are one of the most prescribed female-reproductive herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. USDA zones 4–7
Dutchman’s breeches Dicentra cucullaria – Delicate eastern North American spring ephemeral with finely divided fern-like foliage and rows of small white pantaloon-shaped flowers in mid-spring. USDA zones 3–7
Dyer’s alkanet Alkanna tinctoria – Bristly Mediterranean perennial with bright blue forget-me-not-like flowers and a deep purple-red taproot. The root yields a fat-soluble red pigment used for soap, lip salves, oils, and food colouring. USDA zones 6–9
Dyer’s chamomile Anthemis tinctoria – Bushy short-lived perennial with finely cut grey-green foliage and abundant bright yellow daisy flowers from midsummer onwards. Flowers produce a clean fresh yellow textile dye. USDA zones 3–7
Eastern cyclamen Cyclamen coum – Small woodland cyclamen with rounded silver-marbled leaves and pink, magenta or white shuttlecock flowers from midwinter through early spring. USDA zones 5–9
Echinacea (Coneflower) Echinacea purpurea – North American prairie native with bold pink-purple coneflowers through summer. Strong bee and butterfly plant. USDA zones 3–9
Egyptian blue lotus Nymphaea caerulea – Tropical day-blooming water lily grown in ponds and tubs for its fragrant blue flowers. USDA zones 9–12
Elecampane Inula helenium – Architectural perennial reaching 1.5–2 m with sunflower-like yellow flowers. Aromatic root is a traditional respiratory and digestive herb. USDA zones 3–8
Elephant garlic Allium ampeloprasum (Ampeloprasum group) – Despite the name, botanically a leek rather than a true garlic. Produces enormous mild-flavoured cloves. USDA zones 4–9
False goat’s beard (Astilbe) Astilbe × arendsii – Hybrid moisture-loving perennial with deeply divided ferny dark foliage and feathery flame-shaped flower plumes in white, pink, salmon, red, or magenta through summer. Mainstay of damp shade plantings. USDA zones 4–8
False indigo (Wild blue indigo) Baptisia australis – North American prairie native with deep blue lupine-like flower spikes in late spring. Long-lived and architectural — a permanent garden feature once established. USDA zones 3–9
Feather reed grass ‘Karl Foerster’ Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ – Sterile hybrid grass forming strict upright columns of narrow foliage topped by feather plumes that flower in early summer (earlier than most ornamental grasses) and turn straw-tan, persisting through winter. USDA zones 4–9
Fennel Foeniculum vulgare – Tall feathery anise-scented perennial. Valued for foliage, seeds, swollen stem bases (Florence fennel), and as host plant. USDA zones 4–9
Fernleaf yarrow Achillea filipendulina – Tall perennial yarrow with feathery grey-green foliage and broad flat heads of bright yellow flowers held well above the leaves. USDA zones 3–8
Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium – Daisy-flowered perennial historically used for migraine prevention. Leaves and flowers carry the active sesquiterpene parthenolide. USDA zones 5–9
Field scabious Knautia arvensis – Native meadow perennial with flat lilac pincushion flower heads on tall slender stems. A reliable bee and butterfly plant for chalk and dry soils. USDA zones 3–8
Flat sea holly Eryngium planum – Eastern European native sea holly with branched stems of small steel-blue thimble flowers in summer, the stems and upper foliage equally steel-blue. The principal commercial cut-flower sea holly. USDA zones 4–9
Florist’s anemone Anemone coronaria – Mediterranean tuberous perennial with deeply divided ferny foliage and large jewel-toned poppy-like flowers in red, blue, mauve, pink, or white with prominent dark central stamens. The classic spring florist’s flower. USDA zones 7–10
Foamflower Tiarella cordifolia – Eastern North American native woodland perennial with maple-like leaves often marked with dark veins, and spires of tiny frothy white flowers above the foliage in late spring. USDA zones 3–8
Foothill penstemon Penstemon heterophyllus – Californian native penstemon with striking electric-blue-to-violet tubular flowers on neat compact mounds. The cultivar ‘Margarita BOP’ is one of the most reliably hardy ornamental penstemons. USDA zones 6–10
Fountain grass Pennisetum alopecuroides – East Asian native ornamental grass forming arching fountain-shaped clumps with fluffy bottlebrush flower spikes in late summer, ageing through caramel to tan and persisting through winter. USDA zones 5–9
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea – Tall biennial or short-lived perennial with bell-shaped flower spikes loved by bees. USDA zones 4–9
Foxglove beardtongue Penstemon digitalis – Eastern North American native penstemon with tall spires of pure white tubular flowers above clumps of dark-green basal foliage. The cultivar ‘Husker Red’ adds deep-red foliage to the contrast. USDA zones 3–8
Foxtail lily Eremurus stenophyllus – Central Asian tuberous perennial with strap-like basal leaves and tall (1.5 m) tapering spires of small star-shaped yellow flowers in early summer. The most reliable garden Eremurus. USDA zones 5–9
Galangal Alpinia galanga – Larger ginger relative widely used in Thai, Indonesian, and Malay cooking. Rhizomes have a sharper, more peppery character than common ginger. USDA zones 8–12
Garden dahlia Dahlia × hybrida – Tuberous Mexican perennial bred over centuries into vast colour and form range — pompon, cactus, decorative, single, and waterlily flower forms across the whole spectrum of warm colours. USDA zones 7–11
Garden phlox Phlox paniculata – Tall North American native perennial with broad domed clusters of fragrant flowers in pink, white, lilac or magenta. Peak bloom in midsummer signals high summer in temperate gardens. USDA zones 4–8
Garlic Allium sativum – Indispensable culinary allium grown from cloves. Hardneck types produce edible flower scapes; softneck types store longer and braid easily. USDA zones 4–9
Garlic chives (Chinese chives) Allium tuberosum – Flat-leaved allium with mild garlic flavour. Important in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cooking; star-shaped white summer flowers. USDA zones 4–10
Giant feather grass Stipa gigantea – Iberian native ornamental grass forming a low fountain of fine evergreen leaves topped by airy 2 m tall panicles of golden oat-like flowers that catch the wind beautifully. USDA zones 5–9
Ginger Zingiber officinale – Familiar rhizomatous perennial — culinary spice and traditional anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory remedy across many medical traditions. USDA zones 8–12
Ginger lily Hedychium gardnerianum – Tall perennial with fragrant late-summer flowers; can be invasive in warm humid regions. USDA zones 8–11
Ginseng — American Panax quinquefolius – North American cousin of Asian ginseng — cooler-climate, gentler tonic, and historically over-harvested from eastern US deciduous forests. USDA zones 3–7
Ginseng — Asian (Korean) Panax ginseng – The original Korean ginseng — slow-growing forest understorey perennial. Roots are among the most prized adaptogens in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. USDA zones 4–8
Globe artichoke Cynara scolymus – Architectural Mediterranean perennial grown for edible immature flower buds. Spectacular open flowers if harvest is missed. USDA zones 6–11
Goat's rue Galega officinalis – European perennial herb that yielded the chemistry behind metformin — the most-prescribed type-2 diabetes drug in the world. Pale lilac pea flowers attract bees. USDA zones 4–8
Goldenrod Solidago spp. – Tall North American native perennials with arching plumes of intensely yellow flowers in late summer and autumn. One of the single most important late-season nectar sources. USDA zones 3–9
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis – Eastern North American woodland perennial. Yellow rhizomes carry berberine — antimicrobial and astringent — and have been so heavily wild-harvested the species is now endangered. USDA zones 3–8
Good King Henry Blitum bonus-henricus – Heritage perennial vegetable cooked like spinach. Once a cottage-garden staple, now nearly extinct in cultivation. USDA zones 3–9
Gotu kola Centella asiatica – Low ground-cover perennial used in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for cognitive support and wound healing. USDA zones 7–12
Granny’s bonnet Aquilegia vulgaris – European native cottage-garden perennial with deeply divided grey-green leaves and nodding spurred flowers in blue, purple, pink, or white in late spring. Among the most widely grown cottage flowers. USDA zones 3–8
Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum – Hardy spring bulb with dense spikes of small, blue, grape-like flowers. USDA zones 4–8
Grass tree (Yacca) Xanthorrhoea australis – Iconic Australian endemic with a thick blackened fire-shaped trunk topped by a fountain of long grass-like leaves and, in mature specimens, a tall flower spike of cream flowers in early summer. USDA zones 9–10
Greater knapweed Centaurea scabiosa – Larger-flowered chalk-grassland relative of common knapweed, with deeply divided leaves and showy rose-pink flower heads. USDA zones 3–8
Greek mountain tea Sideritis – Woolly grey-green Mediterranean herb (ironwort) whose dried flowering stems are brewed as a tea. USDA zones 7–10
Greek windflower Anemone blanda – Low spreading Mediterranean tuber with starry daisy-like flowers in blue, pink or white above ferny foliage, carpeting the ground in earliest spring. USDA zones 5–9
Gymea lily Doryanthes excelsa – Massive NSW endemic perennial with rosettes of sword-shaped leaves 2 m long and dramatic 4–6 m flowering stems carrying enormous heads of deep red trumpet flowers. USDA zones 9–11
Heartsease (Wild pansy) Viola tricolor – Small short-lived perennial or self-seeding annual with tiny three-coloured (purple, yellow, white) faces. The wild ancestor of the modern garden pansy and a traditional edible flower. USDA zones 4–8
Heliotrope (Cherry pie) Heliotropium arborescens – Peruvian native short-lived shrub or container plant with dense rounded heads of small deep purple or white flowers carrying a distinct vanilla-cherry fragrance — the source of the alternative common name "cherry pie". USDA zones 9–11
Hellebore Helleborus orientalis – Winter-flowering shade perennial with leathery evergreen leaves and nodding flowers. USDA zones 4–9
Hollyhock Alcea rosea – Tall cottage-garden biennial or short-lived perennial with broad funnel flowers in pink, white, yellow, or the dark-purple "black" form. The black flowers produce a deep violet to near-black natural dye. USDA zones 3–8
Holy basil (Tulsi) Ocimum tenuiflorum – Sacred plant in Hindu tradition and a major Ayurvedic adaptogen. Distinct from culinary basil — clove-scented foliage, small purple flower spikes. USDA zones 9–12
Honesty (Money plant) Lunaria annua – European biennial brassica with rosettes of heart-shaped leaves the first year and tall stems of fragrant purple or white flowers the second, followed by spectacular papery silver translucent seed pods. USDA zones 4–8
Hop Humulus lupulus – Vigorous herbaceous climber grown for the resinous female cones used to flavour and preserve beer. Dies to the ground each winter. USDA zones 3–8
Horned violet (Viola cornuta) Viola cornuta – Tufted perennial Pyrenean violet with smaller flowers than the garden pansy but a more reliably perennial habit and a long flowering season. Excellent rock garden, edging, and trough plant. USDA zones 5–9
Horseradish Armoracia rusticana – Coarse-leaved perennial grown for its pungent roots. Once established, near-impossible to eradicate from a planting. USDA zones 2–9
Horsetail (Scouring rush) Equisetum arvense – Prehistoric ancestor of the modern flora — the lineage is 300 million years old. Highly siliceous shoots are used in biodynamic preparations as a fungicidal foliar spray. USDA zones 2–9
Hosta ‘Elegans’ Hosta sieboldiana ‘Elegans’ – Selected cultivar of the large blue-leaved Siebold hosta, with broad heart-shaped heavily corrugated steel-blue leaves up to 30 cm across. Pale lilac flowers in summer are secondary to the dramatic foliage. USDA zones 3–8
Hosta ‘Patriot’ Hosta ‘Patriot’ – Mid-sized hosta cultivar with dark green leaves boldly margined in brilliant white, providing one of the strongest variegation contrasts of any hosta. Hosta of the Year (USA) 1997. USDA zones 3–8
Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’ Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’ – Enormous chartreuse-gold-leaved hosta cultivar reaching 1.5 m across at maturity, with thick crinkled leaves up to 45 cm across. One of the largest and most pest-resistant hostas in cultivation. USDA zones 3–9
Hostas Hosta spp. – Shade-loving perennials grown primarily for their bold patterned foliage. USDA zones 3–9
Ivy-leaved cyclamen Cyclamen hederifolium – Carpet-forming tuberous cyclamen with intricately silver-marbled ivy-shaped leaves and pink or white shuttlecock flowers from late summer well into autumn. Flowers appear before the new leaves. USDA zones 5–9
Ivy-leaved geranium Pelargonium peltatum – Trailing or scrambling South African pelargonium with thick succulent ivy-shaped leaves and clusters of pink, mauve, red, or white flowers throughout the warm months. The classic balcony and window-box "geranium" of Mediterranean Europe. USDA zones 9–11
Jack-in-the-pulpit Arisaema triphyllum – Distinctive eastern North American woodland perennial with a hooded green-and-purple striped flower spathe (the pulpit) curving over a central spadix (Jack). Emerges with the spring ephemerals but persists longer. USDA zones 4–9
Japanese anemone Anemone × hybrida – Tall herbaceous perennial with branched stems carrying simple bowl-shaped pink or white flowers above mounded dark foliage from late summer well into autumn. USDA zones 4–8
Japanese forest grass Hakonechloa macra – Japanese woodland grass forming low arching mounds of cascading green foliage like flowing water. The cultivar ‘Aureola’ adds gold foliage with green pinstripes, glowing in dappled shade. USDA zones 5–9
Japanese painted fern Athyrium niponicum var. pictum – Japanese deciduous fern with finely divided fronds in striking silver-grey, burgundy, and green tones — one of the most ornamentally coloured ferns in cultivation. Perennial Plant of the Year (USA) 2004. USDA zones 4–8
Jerusalem artichoke (Sunchoke) Helianthus tuberosus – Tall sunflower relative grown for knobbly underground tubers. Cheerful late-summer yellow flowers; productive on poor ground. USDA zones 3–9
Joe Pye weed Eutrochium purpureum – Tall (2–3 m) clump-forming perennial with mauve-pink flower heads. Traditional urinary tonic; one of the most important late-season nectar plants of the eastern North American garden. USDA zones 4–9
Juliana savory Micromeria juliana – Aromatic Mediterranean subshrub with savory-scented leaves used for tea and cooking. USDA zones 7–10
Kaffir lily Hesperantha coccinea – South African perennial with sword-shaped foliage and tall stems carrying open star-shaped flowers in scarlet, pink or white. Flowers in late summer and well into autumn. USDA zones 6–9
Kangaroo paw Anigozanthos spp. – Iconic Western Australian perennial with strap-like leaves and tall stems of furry tubular flowers in red, yellow, green or pink, shaped like a kangaroo’s paw. USDA zones 9–11
Korean mint (Hisop) Agastache rugosa – East Asian relative of anise hyssop with violet-blue flower spikes and aromatic leaves with a complex mint-anise-licorice flavour. A traditional Korean and Chinese tea and seasoning herb. USDA zones 5–9
Lady’s bedstraw Galium verum – Sprawling native meadow perennial with whorls of needle-like leaves and dense clouds of tiny yellow flowers in midsummer. Aerial parts yield a yellow dye and the roots yield a red dye. USDA zones 3–8
Large white trillium Trillium grandiflorum – Iconic eastern North American spring ephemeral with large pure white three-petalled flowers above a whorl of three leaves. Emerges, flowers and goes dormant before the woodland canopy fully closes. USDA zones 4–8
Lemon balm Melissa officinalis – Soft-leaved mint relative with strong lemon scent. Used in herbal teas and as a calming traditional medicinal. USDA zones 3–9
Lesser celandine Ficaria verna – Low spreading native spring ephemeral with glossy heart-shaped leaves and brilliant yellow buttercup flowers in earliest spring. Dies back completely by early summer. USDA zones 4–8
Licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra – Mediterranean leguminous perennial. Sweet roots are a major anti-inflammatory and demulcent in both Western and Chinese traditions; harvest after 3+ years. USDA zones 6–9
Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis – Diminutive shade perennial with paired broad leaves and arching stems of small intensely fragrant pendant white bells in late spring. Among the most powerfully fragrant flowers in the temperate garden. USDA zones 3–8
Lily turf Liriope muscari – East Asian evergreen perennial with dense tufts of grass-like dark green leaves and spires of small purple flowers like grape hyacinths in autumn, followed by black berries. USDA zones 5–10
Liverleaf Hepatica nobilis – Diminutive evergreen woodland perennial with three-lobed leathery leaves and starry blue, pink or white flowers in earliest spring, often before the new leaves emerge. USDA zones 4–8
Lovage Levisticum officinale – Tall perennial herb with strong celery flavour. One of the larger herbs — a single mature plant occupies a square metre. USDA zones 3–8
Lungwort Pulmonaria saccharata – Central European woodland perennial with rough silver-spotted oblong leaves and small clusters of flowers that open pink and age to blue, often with both colours on the same stem in mid-spring. USDA zones 4–8
Lupin — Russell hybrid Lupinus × regalis – Garden hybrid lupin in a vivid range of colours — pink, white, yellow, blue, red, bicolour — bred from George Russell's seedlings in 1930s Yorkshire. USDA zones 4–8
Madder Rubia tinctorum – Sprawling rough-leaved perennial with whorled prickly leaves and tiny yellow flowers. The roots are the historical source of red, pink, and orange textile dyes — the original Turkey red of European trade cloth. USDA zones 6–10
Maiden grass ‘Gracillimus’ Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’ – Selected cultivar of Chinese silver grass with extra-narrow gracefully arching foliage and silver-tan plume flowers in autumn. The classic mid-sized fountain-shaped ornamental grass of the modern border. USDA zones 5–9
Maiden pink Dianthus deltoides – Spreading mat-forming European native perennial with masses of small bright magenta-pink flowers above grass-like dark green foliage in early summer. Excellent for rock gardens, dry walls, and as a ground cover. USDA zones 3–9
Marsh marigold (Kingcup) Caltha palustris – Native pond-margin perennial with large glossy buttercup-yellow flowers in earliest spring above mounds of round dark green leaves. USDA zones 3–7
Marshmallow Althaea officinalis – Tall mallow with soft grey-green leaves and pale pink flowers. Mucilaginous root and leaf are demulcent — soothing for digestive and respiratory tract irritation. USDA zones 3–9
Mashua Tropaeolum tuberosum – Andean tuberous nasturtium relative with deeply lobed grey-green leaves and bright orange or yellow tubular flowers, climbing 3 m or more. Produces large yellow and red-streaked tubers. USDA zones 7–10
Masterwort Astrantia major – Cottage-garden perennial with intricate flower heads of tiny florets ringed by papery bracts in pale pink, white or deep ruby — like miniature Victorian posies on wiry stems. USDA zones 4–7
May Night sage Salvia × sylvestris ‘Mainacht’ – Long-flowering hybrid woodland sage with dense spikes of deep indigo-violet flowers from late spring through early summer. Perennial Plant of the Year (USA) 1997 and a benchmark naturalistic-style perennial. USDA zones 4–8
Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria – Damp-meadow perennial with frothy creamy flower heads carrying salicylates — the natural precursor that gave aspirin its name (from the old genus Spiraea). USDA zones 3–8
Mexican feather grass Stipa tenuissima – Diminutive Mexican and southern North American native ornamental grass with extraordinarily fine hair-thin foliage and silky pale flower panicles that sway in the lightest breeze. USDA zones 7–10
Mexican petunia Ruellia simplex – Tall Mexican perennial with narrow dark green leaves and continuous deep violet (or pink or white) petunia-like flowers through warm months. Each flower lasts a day; successive buds keep continuous bloom. USDA zones 8–11
Mexican tarragon (Winter tarragon) Tagetes lucida – Compact Mexican marigold relative with small bright yellow flowers in autumn and aniseed-scented narrow leaves. Used as a heat-tolerant substitute for true French tarragon in cooking. USDA zones 8–11
Michaelmas daisy Symphyotrichum spp. – Tall North American native perennials with sprays of small daisy flowers in lilac, pink, and white. The last major nectar source of the gardening year. USDA zones 3–8
Middendorf daylily Hemerocallis middendorffii – Korean and Russian Far Eastern species daylily with rich golden-orange clusters of unspotted flowers held above shorter grassy foliage. Among the hardiest daylilies, flowering reliably in cold-winter gardens. USDA zones 3–8
Mint — Peppermint Mentha × piperita – Sterile hybrid mint with very high menthol content. Primary use is medicinal and as flavouring rather than culinary. USDA zones 3–11
Mint — Spearmint Mentha spicata – The standard culinary mint — sweet, mild, ubiquitous in Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian cooking. USDA zones 3–11
Miss Willmott’s ghost Eryngium giganteum – Biennial sea holly with silver-white spiny bracts surrounding pale steely-blue thimble-shaped flower heads. Whole plant takes on a ghostly luminous quality in midsummer. USDA zones 4–8
Mitsuba Cryptotaenia japonica – Shade-loving East Asian woodland herb (Japanese parsley) with a mild parsley-celery flavour. USDA zones 4–9
Monarda (Bee balm) Monarda didyma – Showy mint-family perennial with red, pink, or purple flower heads. Traditional Native American antimicrobial and respiratory herb; the source of "Oswego tea". USDA zones 3–9
Montbretia Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora – South African origin garden hybrid corm forming naturalised drifts of sword-shaped leaves and arching one-sided spires of small orange trumpet flowers in summer. The familiar wild orange "crocosmia" of British and Irish roadsides. USDA zones 6–10
Morning Light maiden grass Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ – Selected cultivar of Chinese silver grass with narrow leaves edged in fine white variegation that gives the whole plant a silvery shimmer, especially when backlit by low sun. Late and sparing flowering reduces self-seeding. USDA zones 5–9
Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca – Tall mint-family perennial with pink-purple flower whorls. Traditionally used as a cardiac tonic and for menstrual symptom support. USDA zones 3–8
Mountain flax (Wharariki) Phormium cookianum – Smaller more arching New Zealand flax, with weaker but more flexible leaf fibre than the larger Phormium tenax already in the database. Naturally found on cliffs and coastal slopes throughout New Zealand. USDA zones 8–10
Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris – Tall silver-grey aromatic perennial used historically as a digestive bitter and as the herb burned in traditional moxibustion. USDA zones 3–9
Myoga ginger Zingiber mioga – A hardier, shade-loving ginger grown for its aromatic edible flower buds and shoots. USDA zones 6–9
Northern sea oats Chasmanthium latifolium – Eastern North American native woodland-edge grass with broad bamboo-like leaves and flat oat-like green seed heads that hang on slender stems, ageing through bronze to tan and persisting through winter. USDA zones 3–8
NSW native ginger Alpinia caerulea – Clumping rainforest-understorey perennial from eastern Australia with edible blue berries and aromatic shoots. USDA zones 9–10
Oca Oxalis tuberosa – Andean cool-climate root crop with shamrock-like leaves and clusters of small yellow flowers, producing colourful red, pink, yellow, or orange tubers below ground in autumn. USDA zones 7–10
Orange ditch lily Hemerocallis fulva – Vigorous spreading day lily with bright orange flowers in midsummer. Long-naturalised in roadside ditches and old farm sites across temperate North America and Europe — hence the common name. USDA zones 3–9
Oregano Origanum vulgare – Spreading perennial herb with intense flavour developed best in hot dry conditions. USDA zones 4–10
Oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare – Tall white-and-yellow daisy of native flower meadows. The visual signature of midsummer grassland and a workhorse of meadow pollinator support. USDA zones 3–8
Pampas grass Cortaderia selloana – Massive South American clump-forming ornamental grass reaching 3 m with sharp-edged arching leaves and tall plumes of silvery-white (or pink) flower heads through autumn. Spectacular but seriously invasive across much of the warm temperate world. USDA zones 7–11
Parrot heliconia Heliconia psittacorum – Tropical American clump-forming perennial with broad banana-like leaves and exotic orange-red bracts holding bright yellow tubular flowers, like parrots perched along the stem. The most widely grown ornamental heliconia. USDA zones 10–12
Partridgeberry Mitchella repens – Trailing evergreen ground cover of eastern North American forests. Bright red berries and small white twin flowers. Traditional indigenous childbirth-preparation herb. USDA zones 3–9
Pasque flower Pulsatilla vulgaris – Tufted dry-grassland perennial with silky-haired buds opening to deep purple cup-shaped flowers around Easter, followed by feathery silver seed heads. The common name refers to Easter (Pâques). USDA zones 4–8
Patchouli Pogostemon cablin – Tropical Asian mint relative with broad furry leaves that yield, on drying and ageing, the deep musky patchouli oil that is one of the most enduring fixatives in perfumery. USDA zones 10–11
Penstemon Penstemon spp. – Perennial with tubular flowers in many colours; loved by bees and hummingbirds. USDA zones 4–9
Peppermint pelargonium Pelargonium tomentosum – South African pelargonium with very large velvety silver-grey leaves that release a strong cool peppermint fragrance when brushed, and small white flowers through summer. USDA zones 9–11
Perennial basil Ocimum gratissimum – Shrubby, clove-scented perennial basil that is more robust and longer-lived than annual basil. USDA zones 10–11
Persian buttercup Ranunculus asiaticus – Mediterranean and southwest Asian tuberous perennial with deeply divided basal leaves and tall stems of densely double rose-like flowers in white, yellow, pink, red, orange, and almost-black through spring. USDA zones 7–10
Persian shield Strobilanthes dyerianus – Tropical Burmese (Myanmar) perennial with striking iridescent metallic purple-and-green leaves marked with silver. Foliage is the entire ornamental point — flowers are insignificant. USDA zones 9–11
Peruvian lily Alstroemeria aurea – Tuberous Chilean perennial with leafy stems carrying clusters of bright orange-yellow trumpet flowers streaked with dark markings on the upper petals. Parent of many modern Alstroemeria florist hybrids. USDA zones 7–10
Phormium Phormium tenax – Architectural perennial with strappy upright leaves; many coloured cultivars. USDA zones 8–11
Pigsqueak (Elephant ears) Bergenia cordifolia – Robust central Asian perennial with broad rounded leathery evergreen leaves that often turn deep red-purple in cold weather, and dense clusters of pink, magenta, or white flowers on stout stems in spring. USDA zones 3–8
Pipsissewa Chimaphila umbellata – Low evergreen woodland sub-shrub with whorled glossy leaves and pink waxy flowers. Traditional urinary tract herb of North American Indigenous peoples. USDA zones 3–7
Plantain — Broadleaf Plantago major – Broad-leaved weed of compacted ground worldwide. Traditional poultice for wounds, stings, and minor burns; young leaves edible. USDA zones 2–10
Plantain — Ribwort Plantago lanceolata – Narrow-leaved cousin of broadleaf plantain. Traditionally used as a respiratory expectorant and for soothing sore throats. USDA zones 2–10
Pokeweed Phytolacca americana – Tall North American native perennial with red stems, white flower racemes, and clusters of glossy purple-black berries in late summer. Berries yield a strong pink-to-purple dye, historically used for ink and food colouring. USDA zones 4–9
Primrose Primula vulgaris – Clump-forming native woodland-edge perennial with pale yellow flowers held just above a rosette of crinkled leaves. One of the very first flowers of spring. USDA zones 4–8
Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria – Tall native wetland perennial with spectacular spires of magenta flowers in late summer. Outstanding bee plant in its native range. USDA zones 3–9
Purple pampas grass (Jubata grass) Cortaderia jubata – Closely related to pampas grass but smaller and reproducing entirely apomictically (without sexual reproduction) — every plant a clone. Pink-purple flower plumes through autumn. USDA zones 7–11
Purple top vervain Verbena bonariensis – Tall airy South American perennial with sparse wiry stems carrying small clusters of bright lilac-purple flowers. Sees-through quality lets it dominate borders without blocking the view. USDA zones 7–11
Ragged robin Silene flos-cuculi – Damp-meadow perennial with deeply cut, fringed pink petals on slender stems. Once common in wet meadows, now declining and worth cultivating. USDA zones 3–8
Ramie Boehmeria nivea – East Asian perennial nettle relative (without the sting) grown for bast fibre extracted from the stem. Produces fibre of exceptional length, strength and lustre, used historically for ceremonial cloth in China and Japan. USDA zones 7–11
Red berry saltbush Einadia hastata – Scrambling hardy Australian subshrub with small, sweet, edible red berries. USDA zones 8–10
Red campion Silene dioica – Native woodland-edge perennial with deep pink five-petalled flowers. Often the first splash of colour beside emerging bluebells in spring woodland. USDA zones 3–8
Red clover Trifolium pratense – Pink-purple flowering legume long used as a forage crop, nitrogen-fixing cover crop, and herbal source of phytoestrogenic isoflavones. USDA zones 3–9
Red trillium (Wakerobin) Trillium erectum – Eastern North American spring ephemeral with three deep maroon-red petals above a whorl of three broad leaves. Flowers just as the first warblers return — hence the alternative common name Wakerobin. USDA zones 4–9
Reedmace (Greater bulrush) Typha latifolia – Tall emergent aquatic with long strap leaves and the unmistakable brown cigar-shaped seed heads. A keystone plant of freshwater wetlands. USDA zones 2–9
Rhodiola Rhodiola rosea – Cold-climate Arctic and alpine succulent perennial. Roots are a traditional Russian and Scandinavian adaptogen for cold-stress and altitude. USDA zones 1–7
Rhubarb Rheum × hybridum – Long-lived perennial grown for tart pink to red leaf stalks. Needs a true cold dormancy to crop reliably. USDA zones 3–8
Roman wormwood Artemisia pontica – Hardy aromatic perennial with finely cut silvery foliage, used to flavour vermouth and bitters. USDA zones 4–9
Rose campion Lychnis coronaria – Mediterranean cottage-garden perennial with silvery-grey woolly leaves and tall stems of vivid magenta single flowers through summer. Striking colour against silver foliage. USDA zones 4–8
Rose geranium (Sweet-scented pelargonium) Pelargonium graveolens – South African shrubby pelargonium with deeply cut grey-green leaves that release a strong rose fragrance when brushed. The principal commercial source of geranium essential oil. USDA zones 9–11
Rose-scented pelargonium Pelargonium capitatum – Sprawling South African coastal pelargonium with softly hairy three-lobed leaves carrying a strong rose-and-mint fragrance, and small pink flowers through the warm months. USDA zones 9–11
Rosy-leaf sage Salvia involucrata – Tall Mexican sage with broad pale green leaves and spires of brilliant magenta-pink flowers protected by furry red bracts (the "involucre" of the species name) through late summer and autumn. USDA zones 8–10
Round-leaved pigface Disphyma crassifolium – Low coastal succulent groundcover from southern Australia with daisy-like flowers and fleshy leaves. USDA zones 9–10
Russian sage Salvia yangii – Tall airy subshrub from the steppe of central Asia, with silver-grey aromatic foliage and clouds of small lavender-blue flowers on white-stemmed branched spires through late summer and autumn. USDA zones 4–9
Sacred lotus Nelumbo nucifera – Aquatic perennial of Asian and Australian wetlands with spectacular blue-green peltate leaves and pink or white cup-shaped flowers held high above the water. Edible rhizomes and seeds, and fine silk-like fibre from the leaf stalks. USDA zones 4–11
Saffron crocus Crocus sativus – Autumn-flowering corm whose dried red stigmas are the spice saffron. USDA zones 6–9
Sage — Pineapple Salvia elegans – Mexican origin tender salvia with bright pineapple-scented leaves and brilliant scarlet autumn flower spikes. USDA zones 8–11
Sainfoin Onobrychis viciifolia – Pink-flowered chalk-loving European legume. The non-bloating clover alternative for ruminants and the source of one of the world's most prized monofloral honeys. USDA zones 3–8
Salad burnet Sanguisorba minor – Tufted British native perennial of chalk and limestone grassland, with ferny-pinnate leaves and small round purple-red flower heads on wiry stems. Classic edging plant and traditional salad herb. USDA zones 4–9
Salvia (ornamental) Salvia nemorosa – Long-flowering perennial with whorled flower spikes; many species and cultivars. USDA zones 4–9
Savory of Crete Satureja thymbra – Pungent, thyme-scented Mediterranean subshrub used as a culinary herb and a major bee plant. USDA zones 8–10
Scorzonera (Black salsify) Scorzonera hispanica – Heritage perennial root vegetable with black-skinned, white-fleshed roots resembling slim parsnips. Once a winter staple, now near-extinct in cultivation. USDA zones 3–10
Sea holly Eryngium maritimum – Coastal native perennial with steely-blue spiny leaves and architectural blue thistle-like flower heads. A signature plant of British shingle beaches. USDA zones 5–9
Sea kale Crambe maritima – Coastal perennial brassica with glaucous wavy leaves. Forced shoots were a Victorian luxury and remain a fine, almost-forgotten vegetable. USDA zones 4–9
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris – Low creeping perennial with short violet flower spikes. Tough enough to flower in a mown lawn and a reliable forage plant for short-tongued bees. USDA zones 3–8
Shatavari Asparagus racemosus – Climbing Indian relative of edible asparagus with feathery foliage and white fragrant flowers. Roots are a major Ayurvedic female reproductive tonic. USDA zones 7–11
Showy coneflower (Goldsturm) Rudbeckia fulgida – Eastern North American native perennial with golden-yellow daisy flowers around a prominent dark chocolate central cone. Cultivar ‘Goldsturm’ is the most widely planted perennial Rudbeckia in temperate gardens. USDA zones 3–9
Siberian bugloss Brunnera macrophylla – Caucasian woodland perennial with large heart-shaped leaves (silvered in named cultivars like ‘Jack Frost’) and airy clouds of true-blue forget-me-not-like flowers in mid-spring. USDA zones 3–7
Skirret Sium sisarum – Heritage perennial root vegetable producing a cluster of slender sweet white roots. Once a major European winter vegetable, now nearly extinct in seed catalogues. USDA zones 4–9
Skullcap — American Scutellaria lateriflora – Slender mint-family perennial of moist North American woodlands. Aerial parts traditionally used as a calming nervine. USDA zones 4–8
Small globe thistle Echinops ritro – Architectural southern European perennial with deeply cut spiny grey-green leaves and steel-blue spherical flower heads on tall stems in midsummer. USDA zones 3–9
Sneezeweed Helenium autumnale – North American prairie native perennial with daisy flowers in fiery orange, red, and yellow tones around a prominent round central cone. The signature late-summer prairie perennial. USDA zones 3–8
Society garlic Tulbaghia violacea – South African clump-forming perennial with grass-like grey-green leaves and tall stems of lilac star-shaped flower umbels through summer and autumn. Edible mild-garlic-flavoured leaves and flowers without the breath consequences of true garlic. USDA zones 7–11
Soft shield fern Polystichum setiferum – Evergreen British native fern with arching feathery soft-textured fronds, finely divided and gracefully curved. Among the most reliable evergreen ferns for shade gardens. USDA zones 6–9
Solomon's seal Polygonatum biflorum – Arching woodland perennial with paired white pendant flowers under each leaf node. Rhizomes used in folk medicine for connective-tissue and joint support. USDA zones 3–8
Sorrel — French Rumex scutatus – Compact perennial herb with sharp lemony leaves. One of the first edible greens to reappear in spring. USDA zones 3–9
Spike speedwell Veronica spicata – European native perennial with neat clumps of dark green leaves and upright spikes of small blue, pink, or white flowers in early summer. Reliable bee plant for the front of the sunny border. USDA zones 3–8
Spilanthes (Toothache plant) Acmella oleracea – Sprawling tropical perennial with curious red-and-yellow button flower heads. Chewing the flower head produces a strong tingling, numbing sensation — a topical local anaesthetic. USDA zones 9–11
Spiny-headed mat rush Lomandra longifolia – Tough strappy-leaved Australian native that looks like a tussock grass but is actually in the asparagus family. Virtually indestructible and now a landscaping mainstay. USDA zones 8–11
St John's wort Hypericum perforatum – Yellow-flowered perennial used medicinally for centuries; flowers around the summer solstice. Considered invasive in Australia and parts of North America. USDA zones 3–9
Stinging nettle Urtica dioica – Fierce-looking perennial with stinging hairs that hide one of the most nutritious wild greens. Young shoots cook into a spinach-like vegetable; mature plant is anti-inflammatory. USDA zones 2–9
Stocks (Gillyflower) Matthiola incana – Short-lived Mediterranean perennial usually grown as a winter or spring annual, with dense spikes of single or double clove-fragrant flowers in white, pink, mauve, red, or purple. USDA zones 7–10
Stonecrop (Ice plant) Hylotelephium spectabile – Clump-forming succulent perennial with fleshy grey-green leaves and broad flat heads of pink flowers in late summer that age to copper-bronze. USDA zones 3–9
Strawberry Fragaria × ananassa – Low-growing perennial fruit. Spreads by runners. USDA zones 3–10
Strawberry — Alpine Fragaria vesca – Tiny woodland-edge perennial producing intensely flavoured berries through spring and summer. Tolerates partial shade; self-seeds gently. USDA zones 3–10
Strawberry — Cambridge Favourite Fragaria × ananassa "Cambridge Favourite" – UK heritage mid-season strawberry, dominant for decades in British home gardens and pick-your-own farms. Consistent flavour and crop. USDA zones 4–9
Strawberry — Elsanta Fragaria × ananassa "Elsanta" – Dutch-bred strawberry — the dominant supermarket variety in much of Europe. Flavour moderate, but reliable shape, size, and shipping qualities. USDA zones 4–9
Swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata – Clump-forming milkweed with deep pink flower umbels, suited to wet soils and pond edges. Better behaved in gardens than common milkweed. USDA zones 3–8
Sweet cicely Myrrhis odorata – Tall ferny-leaved European umbellifer with broad flat heads of white spring flowers and aniseed-scented leaves. A traditional cottage-garden ornamental and a kitchen-garden sweetener. USDA zones 5–7
Sweet clover — White Melilotus albus – Tall biennial legume with intensely fragrant white flower spikes. A major honey plant and one of the deepest-rooted dynamic accumulators of any cover crop. USDA zones 3–9
Sweet clover — Yellow Melilotus officinalis – Yellow-flowered counterpart of white sweet clover with similar habits. Historically used as a wound herb in European folk medicine; same intense vanilla-coumarin scent when dried. USDA zones 3–9
Sweet marjoram Origanum majorana – Sweet, mild Mediterranean culinary herb, more floral and gentle than oregano. USDA zones 7–10
Sweet rocket (Dame’s rocket) Hesperis matronalis – European biennial or short-lived perennial brassica with branched stems of four-petalled mauve, pink, or white flowers carrying an intense evening fragrance — strongest after sunset. USDA zones 4–9
Sweet violet Viola odorata – Low-growing ground cover with intensely fragrant deep-purple flowers in earliest spring. Flowers and leaves edible and medicinal. USDA zones 3–8
Sweet William Dianthus barbatus – Old cottage-garden biennial with dense flat heads of small fringed flowers in white, pink, red, or bicolours, with a sweet clove fragrance. Flowers in its second year at midsummer. USDA zones 3–9
Sweetpotato Ipomoea batatas – Perennial tropical vine grown for swollen storage roots. Treated as an annual everywhere outside true subtropics. USDA zones 8–12
Switchgrass Panicum virgatum – Tall North American prairie native ornamental grass forming strict upright clumps with airy panicles of tiny pink flowers in late summer that age to tan and hold their structure through winter. USDA zones 4–9
Tall kangaroo paw Anigozanthos flavidus – Hardiest Western Australian native kangaroo paw, forming tall clumps of strap leaves topped by 2 m stems of fuzzy yellow-green to red tubular flowers shaped like kangaroo paws. Parent of most modern hybrids. USDA zones 9–11
Tansy Tanacetum vulgare – Aromatic European perennial with feathery foliage and flat clusters of yellow button flowers. Traditional strewing herb and natural insect repellent. USDA zones 3–8
Tarragon — French Artemisia dracunculus – The aromatic tarragon of French cooking — anise-scented, complex, indispensable for béarnaise and chicken dishes. USDA zones 4–9
Tasmanian flax lily Dianella tasmanica – Clump-forming Australian native perennial with sword-shaped grey-green strap leaves and sprays of small blue flowers followed by bright cobalt-blue berries through summer. USDA zones 8–11
Teasel Dipsacus fullonum – Tall biennial with prickly stems and distinctive cone-shaped flower heads ringed by bands of mauve flowers in summer. Architectural seed heads persist into winter. USDA zones 3–8
Threadleaf coreopsis Coreopsis verticillata – Eastern North American prairie native with feathery thread-like foliage and abundant small bright yellow daisy flowers throughout summer. Cultivar ‘Moonbeam’ is the classic pale-yellow form widely planted. USDA zones 3–9
Toad lily Tricyrtis hirta – Japanese woodland perennial with arching stems carrying small star-shaped white flowers spotted purple — like miniature orchids — in mid-autumn. One of the last shade perennials to flower. USDA zones 4–8
Treasure flower Gazania rigens – Low-growing South African coastal perennial with rosettes of silver-backed grey-green leaves and large brilliant daisy flowers in orange, yellow, pink, or red. Often grown as an annual outside mild climates. USDA zones 8–11
Tuberose Agave amica – Mexican tuberous perennial with grassy basal foliage and tall slender stems of intensely fragrant pure-white waxy flowers in late summer and autumn. Among the most powerfully fragrant flowers in cultivation. USDA zones 8–11
Tuberous begonia Begonia × tuberhybrida – Tender summer-flowering tuberous begonia with large camellia-like double flowers in red, pink, yellow, orange, or white. The standard hanging-basket and shade-bedding plant of summer in mild climates. USDA zones 9–11
Turmeric Curcuma longa – Rhizomatous perennial of the ginger family. The bright orange rhizomes carry curcumin — one of the most studied anti-inflammatory plant compounds. USDA zones 8–12
Ulluco Ullucus tuberosus – Andean cool-climate root crop with heart-shaped leaves and clusters of small yellow flowers, producing small smooth waxy tubers in pink, yellow, red, or purple. One of the three Andean root crops (alongside oca and mashua). USDA zones 7–10
Valerian Valeriana officinalis – Tall perennial with frothy clusters of pale-pink scented flowers in early summer. Roots are the source of the traditional sleep herb. USDA zones 3–9
Vervain Verbena officinalis – Slender wiry perennial with small pale-lilac flowers. Traditional nervine used in European herbalism for centuries. USDA zones 4–8
Vetiver Chrysopogon zizanioides – Tropical Indian giant clumping grass with deep penetrating fibrous root systems used internationally for soil erosion control. Roots distil to give the cool earthy-smoky vetiver essential oil. USDA zones 8–11
Viper’s bugloss Echium vulgare – Striking biennial with intensely blue funnel-shaped flowers on bristly upright spikes. One of the most productive nectar plants in the British native flora. USDA zones 3–8
Virginia bluebells Mertensia virginica – Eastern North American spring ephemeral with pendant clusters of pink-budded sky-blue trumpet flowers above blue-green leaves. Whole plant disappears completely by midsummer. USDA zones 3–8
Wallflower Erysimum cheiri – Short-lived perennial Mediterranean shrublet, traditionally grown as a biennial, with intensely fragrant clusters of yellow, orange, red, or mahogany flowers in mid-spring. A cornerstone cottage-garden bedding plant. USDA zones 6–10
Warrigal greens Tetragonia tetragonioides – Sprawling coastal leafy green from Australia and New Zealand, used like spinach. USDA zones 8–10
Water forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides – Spreading perennial pond-margin plant with masses of small sky-blue flowers with yellow eyes in early summer. A reliable native for any wildlife pond. USDA zones 3–8
Water mint Mentha aquatica – Aromatic native pond-margin mint with rounded purple-pink flower heads in late summer. One parent of cultivated peppermint. USDA zones 3–9
Weld (Dyer’s rocket) Reseda luteola – Tall biennial European native with rosettes of narrow leaves the first year and slim yellow flower spikes to 1.5 m the second. The clearest, most light-fast yellow dye of the medieval European palette. USDA zones 4–8
Welsh onion (Bunching onion) Allium fistulosum – Perennial bunching onion that doesn't form a bulb. Provides a year-round supply of green onion-flavoured leaves. USDA zones 3–10
White clover Trifolium repens – The standard low-growing clover of lawns and pastures across temperate regions. Tolerates mowing, fixes nitrogen, and feeds bees — the original "lawn clover" before postwar herbicides erased it. USDA zones 3–10
White dead nettle Lamium album – Spreading perennial with nettle-shaped leaves but no sting, bearing whorls of hooded white flowers from earliest spring well into autumn. USDA zones 3–8
White plumbago Plumbago zeylanica – Tropical Asian and African scrambling subshrub with thin glossy leaves and small pure-white phlox-like flowers throughout warm months. The traditional Sri Lankan and Indian medicinal "Ceylon leadwort". USDA zones 9–12
White water lily Nymphaea alba – Iconic native aquatic perennial with rounded floating leaves and large fragrant white flowers held just above the water surface in summer. USDA zones 4–9
Wild bergamot Monarda fistulosa – Lavender-pink flowering monarda of the prairies, more drought-tolerant than its cousin M. didyma. Same medicinal use; better choice for dry gardens. USDA zones 3–9
Wild carrot (Queen Anne’s lace) Daucus carota – Lacy white-flowered biennial umbellifer of dry meadows and roadsides, with a tiny dark central floret in each flat flower head. Ancestor of the cultivated carrot. USDA zones 3–9
Wild clary Salvia verbenaca – Native sage of dry grassland and coastal turf, with short violet-blue flower spikes and crinkled aromatic leaves. Closely related to culinary sage. USDA zones 5–9
Wild ginger (North American) Asarum canadense – Heart-leaved woodland ground cover with hidden purple-brown flowers at ground level. Aromatic rhizome smells like ginger but is botanically unrelated. USDA zones 3–8
Wild iris (Fairy iris) Dietes grandiflora – Evergreen South African clump-forming iris relative with stiff sword-like grey-green leaves and elegant white-and-yellow flowers marked with mauve, opening in flushes through warm months. USDA zones 8–11
Wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens – Low evergreen North American groundcover for cool, moist, acidic shade, with red wintergreen-flavoured berries. USDA zones 3–7
Woad Isatis tinctoria – Tall biennial brassica with rosettes of blue-green leaves the first year and clouds of small yellow flowers the second. The pre-Columbian source of blue dye across Europe, displaced commercially by tropical Indigofera in the 17th century. USDA zones 4–9
Wood anemone Anemone nemorosa – Carpet-forming native woodland perennial with starry white flowers (sometimes flushed pink) above deeply cut leaves in mid-spring. An indicator species of ancient British woodland. USDA zones 4–8
Wood betony Betonica officinalis – Upright native meadow and woodland-edge perennial with short purple-red flower spikes above a rosette of crinkled leaves. Among the most useful all-round wildlife plants for the British garden. USDA zones 4–8
Wormwood Artemisia absinthium – Silvery-leaved Mediterranean perennial. Historically the bittering agent in absinthe; carries the artemisinin-relative thujone. USDA zones 3–8
Yacón Smallanthus sonchifolius – Andean sunflower relative producing large clusters of crisp sweet brown-skinned tubers below ground. The tubers store carbohydrate as inulin (a low-GI fibre) rather than starch, giving an apple-like sweet crunch. USDA zones 7–11
Yarrow Achillea millefolium – Resilient perennial with finely divided leaves and flat clusters of small flowers in midsummer. Native across both Europe and North America. USDA zones 2–9
Yellow flag iris Iris pseudacorus – Native pond and stream-margin perennial with sword-shaped leaves and tall stems of bright yellow iris flowers in early summer. USDA zones 4–9

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