20 Proven Winners® Perennials for the Landscape

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When picking this list out of the broad and diverse collection of perennials from Proven Winners, it was difficult to point to one, two, or even five perennials as the best. In the end, it became a list of favorites that met all of the following criteria: low yearly maintenance, long lived in the landscape, and a long season of interest. Are there others? Certainly, but we think these are the ones you absolutely can't miss.

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Trialed, In Ground, For Success

To ensure only the top performing perennials are put into the Proven Winners brand, each variety is trialed extensively. Like all Proven Winners perennials, the Paint the Town Dianthus series (pictured) was tested alongside market standards at a range of testing sites in a variety of zones. These perennials are not only trialed in containers, but in ground as well to ensure winter hardiness and performance for many seasons.

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'Firefly Sunshine' Achillea

One of the very best Yarrows for lasting color throughout the summer. Bright yellow flowers contrast with dark gray green foliage. Upright habit.

Height: 28-30" | Width: 24-28" | Zones: 3-8 | Full Sun

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'Serendipity' Allium

A long blooming, drought and deer resistant perennial. Globe-like purple flowers appear for many weeks in later summer. Attractive seedheads follow.

Height: 15-20" | Width: 15-20" | Zones: 4-8 | Part - Full Sun

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'String Theory' Amsonia

A compact version of industry standard A. hubrichtii. Less chlorotic than A. hubrichtii thanks to hybrid background with similar brilliant fall color.

Height: 18-22" | Width: 32-36" | Zones: 4-9 | Full - Part Sun

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'Storm Cloud' Amsonia tabernaemontana

2024 National Landscape Perennial of the Year™

Comparable to Baptisia with similar longevity and tolerance to heat and drought. One of the earliest perennials to emerge in spring.

Height: 24-30" | Width: 38-42" | Zones: 4-9 | Full Sun

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DECADENCE® 'Lemon Meringue' Baptisia

2026 National Landscape Perennial of the Year™

Very compact and carefree, longer flower spikes sit on top of the plant rather than within the plant.

Height: 3' | Width: 3' | Zones: 4-9 | Full - Part Sun

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'Jack of Diamonds' Brunnera macrophylla

A deer resistant perennial that tolerates dry shade! Massive leaves reach more than 12” wide. Excellent disease resistance ensuring 3 season performance.

Height: 14-16" | Width: 28-32" | Zones: 3-8 | Full - Part Shade

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'Paint the Town Fuchsia' Dianthus

Much longer lived in the landscape with reliable performance in Northern and Southern zones. Earlier and far more prolific than traditional cultivars.

Height: 6-8" | Width: 16-18" | Zones: 4-9 | Full - Part Sun

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Tuscan Gold™ Heliopsis helianthoides

Compact and sturdy, excellent disease resistance, free flowering. Multiple rows of petals on each flower for longer lasting color.

Height: 24-32" | Width: 20-24" | Zones: 4-9 | Full Sun

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PRIMO® 'Mahogany Monster' Heuchera

Extremely vigorous and rugged - even in full sun! Rich red color. Long-lived in the landscape when sited correctly.

Height 12-16" | Width: 22-28" | Zones: 4-9 | Full Sun - Full Shade

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SUMMERIFIC® 'Berry Awesome' Hibiscus

Densely compact, rounded habit - rather than vase shape - massive 7-8” flowers along stem rather than just at top.

Height: 4' | Width: 4½-5' | Zones: 4-9 | Full - Part Sun

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SHADOWLAND® 'Diamond Lake' Hosta

Large, showy blue hosta with good vigor and sun tolerance. Holds its blue color for a long time.

Height: 24-30” | Width: 48-54” | Zones: 3-9 | Full - Part Shade

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AMAZING DAISIES® Daisy May® Leucanthemum superbum

Free flowering, heavy repeat bloomer.

Height: 12-24" | Width: 10-14" | Zones: 5-9 | Full Sun

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'Cat's Meow' Nepeta faassenii

2025 National Landscape Perennial of the Year™

Tidy, dense habit that keeps its shape all season long.

Height: 17-20" | Width: 24-36" | Zones: 3-8 | Full Sun

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'Cat's Pajamas' Nepeta

Compact, early blooming hybrid Nepeta perfect for the front of the border. Long blooming, deer and rabbit resistant perennial.

Height: 12-14” | Width: 18-20” | Zones: 3-8 | Full Sun

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PRAIRIE WINDS® 'Apache Rose' Panicum virgatum

Midsize; more dense and upright habit; rosy red panicles rather than tan.

Height: 4' | Width: 2½' | Zones: 4-9 | Full Sun

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PRAIRIE WINDS® 'Totem Pole' Panicum virgatum

Tall, slender Panicum. Rigidly upright selection that resists flopping. Narrow base makes it easy to fit into small spaces or pair with other plants.

Height: 6' | Width: 2½' | Zones: 4-9 | Full Sun

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'Denim 'n Lace' Perovskia atriplicifolia

Stronger stems, stays compact, more upright tidy habit.

Height: 28-32" | Width: 34-38" | Zones: 4-9 | Full Sun

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COLOR SPIRES® 'Violet Riot' Salvia nemorosa

More concentrated show of vivid blooms; more dense habit; more upright stems; more consistent rebloom.

Height: 22" | Width: 20-24" | Zones: 3-8 | Full Sun

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PRAIRIE WINDS® 'Blue Paradise' Schizachyrium scoparium

Elegant vase-shaped habit holds its upright form even through the snow and wind of winter.

Height: 3-3½' | Width: 2' | Zones: 3-9 | Full Sun

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ROCK 'N ROUND® 'Pure Joy' Sedum

Perfectly rigid dome shape

Height: 10-12" | Width: 16-20" | Zones: 3-9 | Full Sun