Easy to Grow Perennial Plants

Perennial plants that are low maintenance are highly sought after for gardeners. They don't have to be planted each season to enjoy and the low maintenance makes them less of a burden. Easy-to-grow plants can be those requiring any soil or light, those that are generally pest- and disease-free, and those that are generally hardy plants.

Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosa, the butterfly weed plant from the milkweed family, is an easy-to-grow drought-tolerant perennial. It will attract butterflies. It can grow 2 feet tall with summertime orange or red flowers in clusters. Plant a butterfly weed in full sun. It can tolerate partial shade as well. Propagate via spring tuber division and by seed. It is a low-maintenance plant to have in the garden.

Jerusalem Artichoke

Helianthus tuberosus, the Jerusalem artichoke plant from the aster/daisy family, is an easy-growing perennial that attracts birds and butterflies. The plant can grow 10 feet tall with 5- to 10-inch leaves. Flowers are yellow ray flowers and 3 to 4 inches wide. Plant a Jerusalem artichoke in full sun to partial shade with regular watering. Propagate from tubers. This can get invasive if not properly watched.

Turk's Cap

Malvaviscus penduliflorus, the Turk's cap plant from the mallow family, is a fast- and easy-growing evergreen perennial. Leaves are 8 inches long and flowers are tubular 2-inch-long blooms. The entire plant can grow 10 feet tall. In shade, it can be vine like instead of shrubby. Plant a Turk's cap in any soil in full sun with average water. Propagate via cuttings.

Black-eyed Susan Vine

Thunbergia alata, the Black-eyed Susan vine from the acanthus family, is an evergreen, easy-to-grow perennial vine. Leaves are 3 inches long and triangular. Yellow or orange flowers come summer and are 2 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. It can grow 8 feet or more in length. Plant a Black-eyed Susan vine in full sun during early hours and part shade during the afternoon. Soil should be moist and well drained. Propagate via cuttings or by seed.

Confederate Jasmine

Trachelospermum jasminoides, the Confederate jasmine plant from the dogbane family, is a fragrant evergreen perennial vine that is easy to grow and drought-tolerant. This vine can get 40 feet long. Flowers are 1 inch, white and in a pinwheel design. They are very fragrant. Leaves are 2 inches long and glossy. Plant a Confederate jasmine in well-drained soil in bright sun to partial shade. Propagate via spring cuttings.

Firespike

Odontonema strictum, the Firespike plant from the acanthus family, is an evergreen perennial shrub that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. It is very easy to grow. It grows 6 feet tall with dark green leaves 4 to 6 inches long. Flowers are red and tubular, 9 to 12 inches, summer to winter. Plant a firespike in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Propagate via softwood cuttings.