Perennials are a staple in Southern gardens. Among their many virtues, they come back year after year and stand up to heat and humidity. They also often bloom over a longer season than flowering annuals and reduce time and effort, not to mention the cost of purchasing those flowering annuals.

In warm climates, we can choose from both classic perennials and tender plants that act as perennials thanks to the mild winters. Many varieties suited to the South are naturally adapted to the heat and humidity of our summers. They typically don’t mind occasional drought, so they require less water, too. 

The deep root systems of perennial plants help to stabilize soil, preventing erosion. This increases their resilience against the stress of hot weather and intense sun. They are able to reach down further to access moisture during the frequent dry spells we experience.

Beyond their superior durability, perennials provide beauty for long periods of the year. They add consistent structure to the landscape and feed important pollinator populations. As you add perennials to your Southern garden, it will become richer, more established, and easier to maintain. 

Coneflower

Strong roots handle dry spells without much extra care.

Coneflowers are a must-have for any Southern pollinator enthusiast. These hardy perennials are heat-tolerant and thrive in full sun, even in our hot summer weather. They’re also drought-tolerant and require little watering once established. They begin blooming in late spring, and with proper care, they will continue through early fall.

Leave the seed heads on your coneflowers to feed birds in the fall. Hopefully, some seeds will fall to the ground and self-sow for the following year. These colonize slowly, so it’s easy to keep them in check. Coneflowers prefer excellent drainage, but they are adaptable. They even grow well here in my South Georgia red clay soil. 

Hydrangea

Extra water rewards gardeners with endless summer flower shows.

Hydrangeas are the quintessential perennial shrub that belongs in every Southern garden. They’re slightly higher maintenance than some, but it’s worth it for those spectacular blooms. The reason hydrangeas require some extra work in warm climates is in the name. They need a lot of water. 

Most hydrangeas perform best in partial shade in Southern gardens. Fortunately, they thrive in these conditions and will still flower well with some shade. For reblooming varieties, the long summer season in the South means even more of those stunning flower clusters. Give them sun in the morning, but not in the afternoon, if possible.

Perennial Salvia

Deadheading often brings waves of fresh blossoms back.

Perennial salvias are an excellent choice for Southern gardens. They’re exceptionally long bloomers, great pollinator plants, and have amazing heat tolerance. They are beautiful, colorful, and ecologically beneficial. These perennials evolved in warm, dry climates, so they perform well in long, hot summers. They don’t mind the humidity either!

If you’re working with poor, sandy soil, blanketflower is ideal. It’s also quite salt-tolerant, so it’s perfect for coastal gardens. Pollinators love it for its long bloom time and nectar-rich flowers. Deer and nuisance insects rarely bother it because of its aromatic foliage and tough texture. 

Coreopsis

Blooms stay cheerful from spring sunshine into autumn.

Coreopsis is a perfect perennial for your Southern garden thanks to its adaptability. This plant may look sweet and delicate, but it’s tough in heat and humidity, and frost-tolerant as well! It’s native to the region, and many stunning hybrids grow well here, too. 

If you shear off the first flush of spent flowers, your coreopsis is almost guaranteed to re-bloom. It doesn’t mind poor soil, and is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. Powdery mildew can be an issue if it doesn’t get enough sun and air circulation. It’s also a great addition to the pollinator garden. 

Russian Sage

Heat and drought never steal its graceful charm.

Russian sage is a type of salvia, but this perennial deserves its own spot on the list. It’s an outstanding plant for Southern gardens with remarkable heat and drought tolerance. You can plant this in spaces where most plants would experience sunburn. Its airy, silver foliage and sprays of lavender flowers make this a wonderful addition to the landscape. 

When it comes to caring for Russian sage, there is little work involved. Once established, it almost never needs supplemental water. It’s pest and disease-resistant, and attracts lots of beneficial insects. Make sure it gets plenty of sun and well-drained soil.

Lilyturf

Thrives everywhere, from sunniest spots to shaded corners.

Dependable and low maintenance, lilyturf is a perfect perennial for Southern gardens. This ornamental grass is tough and practically carefree. Every few years, you’ll want to thin it out; otherwise, it’s basically no-maintenance at all! You’ll never know if it’s thirsty, as this plant always looks hydrated and healthy.

Lilyturf is tolerant of heat and humidity, and you can grow it in a wide range of soils and sun exposure levels. It will thrive in anything from full sun to full shade. It’s drought-tolerant, and the best thing about it is that it’s evergreen in most Southern zones. It flowers in summer and produces shiny, black berries in the fall and winter. 

Note that both species are invasive in select areas of North America. Opt for native sedges instead if you’re in one of these regions.

Gardenia

Aromatic white flowers enchant anyone strolling nearby.

Gardenias are classic Southern garden perennials. Their glossy, evergreen foliage and fragrant white blooms make them a staple, and they can live for decades. Gardenias are native to warm, humid regions of Asia, so they get along well in our warm, humid Southern summers. 

If you’re looking for a spectacular evergreen shrub or hedge, gardenias are perfect. In early summer, they produce large, creamy white blooms that release the sweetest fragrance in the evening. Plant these near your outdoor living space to fill the air with perfume on warm, sultry summer evenings.

Pink Muhly Grass

Those pink plumes really brighten late summer afternoons.

Pink muhly grass is a favorite in my city. I love to see this gorgeous perennial blooming as the summer turns to fall and the air cools off. It’s perfect for Southern gardens because of its heat tolerance and drought resistance. It doesn’t struggle with the humidity here either. 

The flowering season for this ornamental grass is truly beautiful and unique. The airy, pink plumes sway in a breeze, and when they are backlit by the sun, I’ve never seen anything prettier. Pink muhly grass doesn’t require frequent watering or fertilizer; all there is to do is cut it back in late winter.

Coral Honeysuckle

Red flowers peek through green leaves all summer.

When it comes to climbing perennials for your Southern garden, go native with beautiful coral honeysuckle. This plant is a hummingbird’s dream, attracting the tiny creatures from far and wide. Unlike the invasive Japanese honeysuckle, this one is well-behaved and thrives in heat and humidity. 

Give your coral honeysuckle something to climb and watch it produce tubular red and coral flowers from spring through fall. The foliage is evergreen here in zone 9, and sometimes it even blooms in the winter! Bright red berries follow the blooms and provide food for birds in late summer and fall. 

Canna Lily

Monthly feeding keeps flowers thriving and colors brilliant.

Canna lilies are a natural fit for Southern gardens. They thrive in the region’s long, hot summers and add a bold, tropical flair to landscapes. With their lush foliage and brilliant flowers, they work equally well as statement plants. They’re also nice as back-of-the-border accents, or container thrillers.

Cannas are tropical, so they thrive in hot, humid climates. They are long-blooming in the South, sometimes continuing to flower from spring through fall. Hummingbirds and butterflies frequently visit them. They are heavy feeders, so make sure to fertilize them monthly during the growing season. 

Camellia

Blooms open slowly, surprising with color in cold months.

May camellias are some of my very favorite perennials in my Southern garden. They’re one of the few winter bloomers we have here, and as evergreens, they look beautiful year-round. They make an excellent backdrop for your summer-blooming annuals and perennials. 

Camellias don’t like full sun, though C. sasanqua is more tolerant than C. japonica. They thrive beneath a canopy of deciduous trees where they get more light in the winter and less in the summer. These require little care except for fertilizing a few times a year. Their large, beautiful blooms light up the garden throughout the winter holidays. 

Catmint

Lavender blooms appear nonstop under hot summer skies.

Catmint is a great perennial for Southern gardens, offering soft, aromatic foliage and long-lasting blooms. It attracts pollinators while tolerating heat and drought. While it’s typically considered a cooler climate plant, it’s really quite tolerant of our Southern summers. 

Once established, catmint is similar to salvia in drought and heat tolerance. If you give them a light pruning after each flush of flowers, they will bloom from spring through early fall. They’re typically pest and disease-free, and their soft silvery foliage and lavender blue flowers are simply beautiful.