Top 5 Perennial Plants That Won’t Let You Down

We all want gardens filled with plants that behave themselves, perform reliably, and look good for most — if not all — of the season. After years of working with plants, these are five I return to time and time again. They’re trustworthy, low-maintenance, and consistently deliver.

1. Nepeta × faassenii

A brilliant lilac-blue flowering perennial that thrives in full sun and performs just as happily in partial shade. Available in a range of cultivars — from compact forms to taller varieties — it’s wonderfully versatile.

Nepeta works beautifully as a filler between shrubs and perennials or as a soft edging plant that spills gently onto pathways. It flowers for most of the summer and is a magnet for pollinators. A quick trim after the first flush will often reward you with a second.

2. Erigeron karvinskianus

Often known as Mexican fleabane, this is an excellent choice for a sunny spot. It flowers almost continuously throughout summer, producing delicate daisy blooms that shift from white to soft pink as they age.

Perfect for edging borders, softening paving, or spilling from containers and walls, it brings a light, informal feel to any planting scheme.

3. Hylotelephium (formerly Sedum)

A plant with year-round interest. From its glaucous-toned foliage in spring to the pale, architectural flower buds of late summer, and finally the rich pink, flat-topped blooms adored by pollinators — it offers beauty at every stage.

Even in winter, the sturdy seed heads provide structural interest and catch frost beautifully. It’s drought-tolerant, low maintenance, and invaluable in sunny borders.

4. Geranium (Hardy Geraniums)

An exceptional groundcover and filler plant. Hardy geraniums are incredibly adaptable, with varieties suited to deep shade, partial shade, or full sun.

They knit planting schemes together effortlessly and come in a wide range of colours, from soft pinks and blues to vibrant magentas and whites. Many varieties offer long flowering periods and attractive foliage, making them a dependable backbone for borders.

(Not to be confused with Pelargoniums which are an entirely different species of plant – don’t get me started on that!)

5. Alliums

Summer-flowering bulbs that are easy to incorporate into borders, alliums bring height and architectural elegance. They come in a wide range of sizes and forms, from bold globes to delicate, airy shapes.

Allium sphaerocephalon is a particular favourite — its slender foliage takes up very little space, allowing it to weave seamlessly through other plants, while its deep burgundy drumstick flowers add movement and contrast.

These five plants are reliable performers that earn their place year after year. They require minimal fuss, support pollinators, and add structure, colour, and cohesion to a garden — exactly the kind of planting I love to work with.

I have a database filled with reliable plants that I love and trust. If you live near Bristol and Bath, then feel free to get in touch to see how I can help you choose some beautiful and reliable plants that suit your garden.