Low-maintenance gardening enthusiasts rave about perennial species because they require only a single planting. Once established, these resilient plants will return year after year, thriving in the warmth and growing stronger with each passing season. Some perennials spread via underground rhizomes, while others rely on self-seeding to multiply. This remarkable diversity makes them an attractive option for gardeners seeking ease of care and visual interest.
Read on to discover more about these versatile plants and learn which varieties will be a great addition to your own outdoor space this year.
What Does Self-Seeding Mean?
In essence, self-seeding refers to a plant’s ability to produce and disperse its own seeds within its immediate environment. Many annual flowers and herbs employ this strategy to ensure the survival of their offspring after they’ve perished. In contrast, perennial plants that exhibit self-seeding capabilities not only create but also coexist with their progeny. This unique trait makes them highly valuable for filling out diverse garden areas.
Perennials typically follow a three-year cycle, characterized by ‘sleeping, creeping, and leaping.’ During the initial year, they focus on developing robust root systems, followed by sporadic growth and flowering in the second year. In the third year, they propagate abundantly, producing an abundance of seeds.
When self-seeding varieties are planted, their spread is amplified due to the increased presence of parent plants, resulting in a greater number of seeds being dispersed.
10 Self-Seeding Perennials
Now that we’ve got your attention, let’s dive into a list of 20 outstanding self-seeding perennials that will reward your garden with continuous blooms and effortless maintenance. And for those who prefer the ease of annuals, we’ve also got you covered with our comprehensive guide to self-seeding annuals.
Violets
Violets (Viola spp.) have stolen my heart with their trifecta of benefits: they’re edible, medicinal, and breathtakingly beautiful. As low-growing perennials that self-seed readily, these charming plants thrive as a groundcover. While their blooming period is short-lived, the leaves persist well into autumn’s chill. I often recommend violets as an alternative to traditional grass, not only for their aesthetic appeal but also because they’re incredibly easy to care for.
Just be aware that any member of the Viola family will spread rapidly and enthusiastically – you won’t be able to confine them to a single area!
Chives
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates versatile plants. Not only do they make great border plants that can help deter herbivores like deer and rabbits from entering your garden, but their edible flowers and leaves also offer a delicious garlicky-onion flavor. The vibrant shades of white, lilac, and purple the blooms come in add a lovely textural element to both floral and culinary arrangements.
One thing to be aware of is that chives can spread rapidly, potentially popping up in unexpected areas. I myself learned this the hard way when I planted some near my kitchen door over a decade ago – now they’re everywhere on my property!
Purslane
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a low-maintenance superstar when it comes to edible perennials. This succulent plant is not only delicious and nutritious but also incredibly easy to care for, making it an ideal choice for those looking to grow their own food. As a perennial that thrives in zones 4 and beyond, purslane can be grown in a variety of soil types as long as it receives sufficient sunlight and water.
With proper care, this self-seeding groundcover is likely to remain productive for generations to come.
Lovage
While you might not be familiar with Levisticum officinale unless you’re a history buff or enthusiast of medieval and Tudor-era cuisine, this plant is definitely worth getting to know. As a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae), levage shares a familial bond with parsley and celery. Its flavor profile is reminiscent of these plants, but with an intensity that surpasses them both.
What’s more, while its well-known relatives typically top out at around one foot in height, lovage can grow to impressive heights of 9-10 feet or more under the right conditions.
Sorrel
Sorrel (Rumex acetosa), a perennial vegetable we’ve discussed elsewhere, warrants special mention due to its remarkable self-seeding abilities. This lemony herbaceous plant can spread rapidly, taking over any area where it’s planted – a phenomenon that’s not entirely undesirable. In fact, sorrel leaves can be enjoyed raw or cooked into soups and stews, boasting an impressive vitamin C content.
However, individuals with kidney issues must exercise caution when consuming sorrel, as its high oxalic acid levels can be problematic if consumed in excess or with regularity.
Coneflowers
Echinacea, one of the most renowned medicinal plants, is also breathtakingly lovely. With over a dozen variants, this species displays a kaleidoscope of colors, spanning from pure white to vibrant apricot, fiery crimson, and deep plum. Its biennial blooming pattern, where it produces flowers every other year, is merely the beginning. These hardy plants have an impressive ability to self-seed prolifically, rapidly filling a field with their presence in just a few short years.
Evening Primrose
Evening primroses (Oenothera biennis) are a type of self-seeding perennial that can add a pop of color and height to any decorative or medicinal garden. These tall, lemon-yellow blooming plants are lovely to have in your garden, not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their medicinal properties. They’re excellent for adding vertical interest and a splash of color along fences, borders, and other areas of your outdoor space.
Mullein
While most mullein species are biennial, the ‘Southern Charm’ hybrid variety stands out as a self-seeding perennial with unique features. Unlike other Verbascum cultivars that boast pale yellow blooms on tall spikes, this one exhibits delicate pink, peach, or white flowers. Despite its distinct appearance, it shares similar medicinal properties with common and greater mullein, making it an excellent addition to any medicinal garden.
Furthermore, its soft, downy leaves can be used as a sustainable toilet paper alternative when needed.
Milkweed
Flax
Flax (Linum perenne) is a versatile plant that can help individuals strive for self-sufficiency. Its seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, boasting high levels of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, the gel produced by boiling flaxseed meal serves as an effective egg substitute in vegan baking. Furthermore, linseed oil extracted from the seeds is suitable for artistic projects, while the plant’s stalks can be retted and spun into fiber to create linen cloth.
The bonus is that flax flowers display a breathtaking shade of sky blue, making them a stunning addition to any garden.
Chicory
Among the many captivating blue flowers, chicory (Cichorium intybus) stands out with its delicate, periwinkle-hued blooms. A member of the daisy family (Asteraceae), this versatile plant boasts edible leaves and flowers with a subtle, bitter flavor reminiscent of dandelions. Furthermore, its root can be roasted and ground into a caffeine-free coffee substitute. Chicory’s ability to flourish in depleted or disturbed soils makes it an excellent choice for reviving land that’s been left fallow.
Alternatively, consider cultivating it alongside a driveway or on neglected hillsides, where it can thrive in the harsh conditions.
Blazing Star
Blazing star (Liatris sp.) is an excellent addition to any garden featuring white or purple flowers. This versatile bloom thrives in well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of conditions, making it an ideal choice for those who want low-maintenance beauty. Its striking plumes of color burst forth from July to September, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds with their sweet nectar.
Incorporate blazing star into your pollinator garden, and you’ll be rewarded with a fluttering spectacle all season long.
One notable aspect of blazing star is its tendency to self-propagate through both self-seeding and root systems. While this can lead to beautiful displays of color, it’s essential to consider the potential for the plant to spread before planting. Once established, removing blazing star can be a challenge, so choose your spot wisely.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis spp., with their vibrant hues of blue, purple, and red, can bring a pop of color to any garden. These self-seeding perennials are incredibly easy to grow, thriving in most soils and sun exposures. In fact, they’re so low-maintenance that they’ll happily scatter their seeds far and wide, ensuring their presence is felt for years to come. As such, it’s essential to truly love these flowers before planting them, as you can expect a perpetual presence of Coreopsis spp. in your garden.
Poppies
Perennials, annuals, and biennials are all represented among the diverse range of poppies available. For self-seeding perennials, consider the classic Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale), Iceland poppy (Papaver nudaucule), and Alpine poppy (Papaver alpinum). While each has its own specific growing zone requirements, you’re bound to find one that suits your needs. These poppies will naturally scatter their seeds around them, and birds and insects will also help disperse them further.
As an added bonus, all poppy species possess medicinal properties. Their aerial parts can be used to brew tea or extract tinctures to alleviate pain, insomnia, and anxiety. Before planting any poppy species, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with local cultivation laws. Some areas prohibit residents from growing certain types of poppies, including the infamous opium poppy (Papaver somniferum).
Lady’s Mantle
Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) is a versatile and charming addition to any garden. Its delicate light green leaves and vibrant yellow-green flowers make it a striking feature in borders and along paths. Traditionally used for medicinal purposes, this species has also been prized for its ability to thrive in a range of conditions – from full sun to partial shade.
It’s an excellent choice for filling gaps or creating visual interest in the mid-range, adding a touch of elegance to any garden setting.
Foxglove
Foxgloves (Digitalis sp.) are a rare breed of flowers that exude a sense of mystique and wonder. While most species are annual or biennial, there exist a few short-lived perennial varieties that add a touch of whimsy to any garden. Unlike their vibrant purple and pink counterparts, these perennials boast muted hues of yellow, apricot, rust, and peach, which can be a beautiful addition to pastel-themed gardens.
One of the best things about foxgloves is that they are self-seeding perennials, meaning you don’t have to replant them every year. This makes them an excellent choice for gardeners who want to add some height and texture without too much fuss.
However, it’s essential to remember that foxglove is highly toxic, so be sure to handle them with care and avoid touching them with bare hands.
Columbine
Columbines (Aquilegia spp.) are often classified as perennials, but ironically, they have a relatively short lifespan. Typically, they only thrive for a few years before their life cycle comes to an end. On the bright side, these plants possess a remarkable ability to self-seed, which allows them to spread out and colonize surrounding areas.
In fact, if you choose not to remove their spent flowers after the growing season, columbines will readily distribute themselves throughout their immediate environment.
Sweet William
The sweet-scented Dianthus barbatus boasts an endearing name that perfectly captures its charming nature. Its vibrant flowers exhibit a delightful two-toned color scheme, making them a true delight. As a pollinator magnet, this perennial is sure to attract an array of visitors, including local hummingbird species that will flit about with excitement.
Verbena
Verbena officinalis, also known as vervain, is a hardy perennial that thrives in Europe and Asia. Reaching approximately one foot in height, its delicate purple flowers are a magnet for butterflies and bees. As you cultivate your own pollinator garden, consider including this charming addition to attract these beneficial insects.
Hellebore
The lenten rose, also known as helleborus orientalis, is a winter-blooming gem that flourishes in zones 4 and 9. Depending on the region, blooms may not appear until late April or May, but those in warmer zones (7+) might be treated to blossoms in March, earning it its common name. This member of the buttercup family shares a unique characteristic with its relatives: toxic alkaloids. The root, in particular, is extremely poisonous and can cause cardiac arrest even in small quantities.
In fact, there have been documented cases where gardeners who handled hellebores with gloves still managed to get into trouble after removing their gloves with their teeth! As such, it’s essential to exercise caution when tending to this perennial beauty.
Additional Notes
When it comes to self-seeding perennials, it’s essential to strike a balance between their benefits and potential drawbacks. While they can be an excellent way to fill in gaps and add variety to your garden, some species can become overly aggressive and difficult to manage. In fact, getting rid of them can be much more challenging than dealing with annuals. To prevent these perennials from taking over, make sure to deadhead adult plants before they go to seed.
This will help stop the spread and give you control over their growth. If necessary, remove any wayward plants by pulling them up and composting or burning them. It’s also crucial to exercise caution when using these plants for medicinal purposes. Many species can be harmful if used incorrectly, potentially interacting with medications in negative ways. To ensure your safety and the well-being of loved ones, consult with a herbalist or naturopath before using any herbal remedies.
With proper knowledge and guidance, you can enjoy the benefits of self-seeding perennials while maintaining a healthy and harmonious relationship between yourself and your garden.
