1 1/2 inch wand

21 POWER PERENNIALS: HARDY GARDENING FLOWERS THAT BRING UNSTOPPABLE COLOR EVERY YEAR

When you’re looking for reliable, low-maintenance plants that deliver impressive flower power, these tough-as-nails hardy perennials are your best bet. Each of these resilient plants thrives in challenging conditions, such as drought, poor soil, and harsh winters, returning each year with stunning blooms that brighten your garden.

Baptisia

Once established, Baptisia, commonly known as false indigo, can thrive for decades. In fact, several specimens in the Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden® have reliably bloomed every spring since their planting in the 1950s. This robust, shrub-like perennial produces elegant stalks adorned with blue, white, purple, or yellow flowers, which are followed by distinctive seedpods filled with seeds. Baptisia also boasts attractive blue-green, pea-like foliage that remains visually appealing even when the plants are not in bloom, making it a fantastic addition to any garden.

Daylily

Practically indestructible, daylilies (Hemerocallis) thrive in nearly any sunny spot and are known for their prolific flowering. They are drought-tolerant, insect-resistant, and come in a vast array of colors and bicolors. Daylilies are available as early, mid, and late-season bloomers, so consider planting a mix in your garden for a continuous display of color throughout the season. Alternatively, you can choose repeat-blooming varieties that flower from spring until fall, ensuring your garden remains vibrant and lively.

Hosta

If you appreciate variety, hostas are an excellent choice for your garden. These shade-loving perennials come in hundreds of shapes, sizes, and colors, from giants that can reach up to 4 feet tall to diminutive varieties that only grow about 4 inches high. Known for their stunning foliage, hostas also produce beautiful flower spikes in shades of blue, white, or lavender during the summer, with flowering times varying by variety. These hardy plants are easy to care for and can be dug up and divided whenever you want to expand your collection or share with friends.

Garden Phlox

Every flower border should feature a generous helping of garden phlox. These timeless perennials produce large, fragrant flower heads that bloom from midsummer to fall, providing vibrant color and delightful scents to your garden. Available in a range of hues including pink, red, purple, white, and bicolor options, some varieties also boast variegated foliage for added visual interest. If you live in a humid climate, consider selecting mildew-resistant types to ensure your garden remains healthy. Garden phlox pairs beautifully with roses, coneflowers, and lilies, making it an excellent companion plant that enhances the overall beauty of your floral arrangements.

Hellebore

Just when it feels like winter will never end, hellebores bring a much-needed burst of color to the landscape. Often referred to as Lenten or Christmas roses due to their early blooming season, these hardy perennials thrive in shady areas, where their nodding flowers in shades of pink, white, rose, green, purple, yellow, spotted, or bicolored varieties brighten up dark corners of your garden. Hellebores make excellent companions for spring-flowering bulbs like Narcissus and Squill, enhancing the beauty of your early garden. Additionally, they are resistant to deer and rabbits, making them a reliable choice for a thriving garden.

Barrenwort

One of the best shade perennials, barrenwort (Epimedium spp.) is a true garden workhorse. This hardy groundcover provides not only colorful foliage but also lovely flowers. Its high drought resistance makes it an excellent choice for shady areas with dry soil. Depending on the variety and your region, Epimedium may even remain evergreen through the winter. This perennial spreads slowly, gradually carpeting your garden with vibrant color and texture, making it a fantastic addition to any shaded landscape.

Oriental Lily

Enhance your flower borders with the vibrant color and delightful fragrance of Oriental lilies (Lilium spp.). These stunning plants produce clusters of richly scented flowers from mid to late summer, showcasing a beautiful palette that includes pink, rose, white, pale orange, and cream. Many varieties are also adorned with speckles and stripes, adding further visual interest to your garden.

Oriental lilies are easy to grow from bulbs planted in either spring or fall. Keep in mind that some taller varieties may need support in windy locations, so it’s a good idea to set stakes in the ground while the plants are still young. Their exquisite blooms make excellent cut flowers, but be sure to remove the stamens before bringing them indoors to prevent any staining on your clothes. To maintain the health and vigor of your plants, remember to dig and divide the bulbs every few years in the fall.

Sedum

If you’re in search of a low-maintenance perennial, make sure to add sedums to your shopping list! These resilient plants come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, thriving in tough conditions without succumbing to heat, drought, winter cold, or pests. One popular variety is Dragon’s Blood sedum, known for its attractive red-and-green foliage and fast-growing creeping habit, making it an ideal groundcover for slopes. While sedums thrive in sunny spots, they can also tolerate part-sun conditions, making them versatile additions to any garden.

Russian Sage

Brighten up your late summer and fall garden with the stunning Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia). This resilient perennial, native to central Asia, thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardens. Its striking bluish-purple flowers bloom from mid to late summer, maintaining their vibrant color for weeks. Complemented by its aromatic, silvery foliage, Russian sage adds both beauty and texture to your landscape. While the plant can grow as tall as 8 feet, dwarf varieties are available, reaching a more compact height of about 3 feet, perfect for smaller spaces.

Peony

Make a lasting investment in your garden with peonies (Paeonia). These stunning sun-loving perennials bloom reliably for decades, becoming larger and more vibrant with each passing year. Available in a wide range of colors and flower forms—including singles, doubles, and semi-doubles—peonies are sure to add beauty to any landscape. Their delightful fragrance makes them an excellent choice for fresh-cut bouquets, filling your home with their lovely scent. While blooming times can vary slightly by variety, most peonies flower in May and June. Even after their blossoms fade, their finely cut foliage continues to provide visual interest in the flower border throughout the growing season.

Bee Balm

Looking to add some floral fireworks to your garden? Consider planting bee balm (Monarda spp.). This native perennial offers stunning bursts of flowers in both cool and warm tones during the summer and fall, creating a vibrant display that delights pollinators. Additionally, bee balm is often overlooked by rabbits and deer, making it a resilient choice for your landscape. It can also withstand some drought conditions, ensuring that it remains a striking feature in your garden even during drier spells.

Blazing Star

Thriving in the wilds of the American prairies, blazing star (Liatris spp.) is a fantastic choice for hot, sunny gardens. These resilient plants are well-suited to withstand heat and drought, and they come in beautiful pink, purple, or white flowering varieties. Blazing star produces a clump of narrow leaves, which are topped in mid to late summer by tall, 2-foot spikes of vibrant blooms. This eye-catching perennial is not only a stunning addition to your garden but also a favorite among butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it a great choice for attracting wildlife to your outdoor space.

Asiatic Lily

Asiatics are the hardiest of all lilies and are nearly foolproof for gardeners. These resilient plants grow quickly from bulbs planted in the fall or early spring, producing stunning, upward-facing flowers in a wide array of colors and bicolors. While bloom times can vary by variety, most display their most impressive flower show in early to midsummer. Asiatic lilies multiply rapidly, allowing you to dig and divide them every few years to spread their beauty to other sunny areas in your garden. Some varieties even have a light fragrance, adding to their charm.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis thrives in hot, dry weather, making it a fantastic perennial for summer gardens. As a native American plant, it’s known for its reliability and prolific blooms. These cheerful flowers come in various colors, including yellow, orange, pink, white, red, and bicolored varieties, and they sway gracefully on slender stems with each breeze. Coreopsis is also resistant to most insects and diseases, making it low-maintenance. The foliage can differ between species, featuring either fine, threadlike leaves or broader ones. To encourage even more flowering, be sure to remove faded blooms promptly.

Catmint

When catmint (Nepeta spp.) is in bloom during spring and summer, it truly shines as the star of the garden. The entire plant becomes adorned with tall wands of vibrant blue flowers that are resilient to heat and drought. After the initial bloom, you can simply shear the plant back by a third of its height, and it will reward you with another wave of flowers in late summer and early fall. Taller varieties, reaching up to 3 feet high, make fantastic companions for roses, peonies, or ornamental grasses, creating a beautiful layered effect in your garden. For shorter catmints that grow around 12 inches tall, position them at the front edge of your garden beds for a charming border.

Culver’s Root

Infuse your fall garden with a burst of color by planting Japanese anemones (Anemone spp.). These delightful flowers bloom from mid to late summer and maintain their vibrant display into early autumn. Featuring single, pure pink blossoms that rise gracefully on wiry, 2-foot-tall stems, they stand out beautifully against the backdrop of dark green foliage. While Japanese anemones may be slow to establish initially, they will eventually form dense clumps over time and can naturalize in an area, adding a lovely, cheerful presence to your garden landscape.

Coneflower

Native to the American prairie, coneflowers (Echinacea) are among the most popular and widely hybridized perennials in the country. In addition to single-flowering varieties, you can also find double and even triple-petal-packed options (though it’s important to note that flowers with heavy petal counts are not as beneficial for pollinators). The color palette for coneflowers ranges from the classic purplish-pink to vibrant shades of white, orange, yellow, and red. They bloom from early summer through fall, attracting a variety of birds and butterflies, making them a delightful addition to any garden.

Moss Phlox

The jewel-like flowers of moss phlox (Phlox subulata) burst into bloom early in spring, often gracing your garden alongside daffodils and tulips. This hardy perennial groundcover is a perfect choice for rock gardens or sloped areas, providing a vibrant carpet of color. Available in shades of violet, pink, white, blue, and delightful bicolor options, moss phlox adds charm and beauty to any landscape. Additionally, these resilient plants are deer resistant, making them a great option for gardens where wildlife may be a concern.

Japanese Anemone

Infuse your fall garden with a burst of color by planting Japanese anemones (Anemone spp.). These delightful flowers bloom from mid to late summer and maintain their vibrant display into early autumn. Featuring single, pure pink blossoms that rise gracefully on wiry, 2-foot-tall stems, they stand out beautifully against the backdrop of dark green foliage. While Japanese anemones may be slow to establish initially, they will eventually form dense clumps over time and can naturalize in an area, adding a lovely, cheerful presence to your garden landscape.

Cranesbill

Known for the shape of its seeds, cranesbill, or perennial geranium, is a delightful addition to any garden. This hardy perennial produces an abundance of white, pink, blue, or light purple flowers on slender, arching stems from late spring through fall. Most varieties feature beautifully mottled or veined leaves that contribute to the visual interest even when the plants aren’t in bloom, especially in the fall when the foliage takes on stunning red hues. These low-growing plants spread to create a lush carpet of color, making them ideal for filling in garden beds or ground cover.

Coral Bells

Thanks to the creativity of plant breeders, coral bells (Heuchera spp.) now showcase a stunning array of varieties. These hardy perennials feature mounding foliage that comes in vibrant colors such as purple, orange, chartreuse, and silver, often adorned with unique patterns. In addition to their eye-catching leaves, some varieties also produce attractive flowers that draw in pollinators, enhancing the ecological value of your garden. Coral bells are quite versatile, as they can tolerate some drought conditions and many types thrive in shady spots, making them a fantastic choice for various garden settings.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, selecting the right perennials can transform your garden into a colorful and thriving ecosystem. From the cheerful blooms of Japanese anemones and the dazzling hues of coral bells to the pollinator-friendly displays of bee balm, these hardy plants offer both beauty and resilience. By incorporating a variety of species that thrive in your specific conditions—whether it’s sun, shade, or drought—you can create a dynamic landscape that not only enhances your outdoor space but also supports local wildlife. With thoughtful planning and care, your garden can provide vibrant floral displays throughout the seasons, ensuring enjoyment for years to come.

HOW TO APPLY MAKEUP: STEP BY STEP FOR BEGINNERS

The world of makeup can be dazzling and daunting, especially for the uninitiated. Brushes, palettes, powders – it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin! But fear not, aspiring makeup mavens! This guide is your key to unlocking the secrets of beauty, one step at a time. Forget complicated rituals and intimidating jargon. We’ll break down the application process into simple, easy-to-follow steps, perfect for anyone starting their makeup journey. Whether you’re craving a natural glow or a glamorous statement look, you’ll find your perfect canvas right here.

WASH YOUR FACE CLEAN

Cleaning your face before applying makeup is an essential step in any skincare and beauty routine. The process of cleansing serves as a crucial foundation for achieving a flawless makeup application. When you clean your face, you remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities that may have accumulated throughout the day or night. This not only ensures a smooth canvas for makeup but also helps prevent clogged pores and potential skin issues. Clean skin allows makeup products to adhere better, promoting a more even and long-lasting application. 

Moreover, a clean face enhances the effectiveness of skincare products by allowing them to penetrate the skin more effectively. In essence, incorporating a thorough face-cleansing ritual into your daily routine is a fundamental practice for maintaining healthy, radiant skin and achieving optimal makeup results.

APPLY MOISTURE

Just as you diligently remove your old makeup, it is equally important to cleanse your face. Employ a gentle facial cleanser to delicately cleanse your skin, taking approximately one minute to massage and eliminate bacteria and dead skin cells from your pores. Conclude the process by rinsing with cool water. Complete your skincare routine by applying a facial moisturizer, suitable for all skin types, to ensure your skin remains hydrated and nourished. This simple yet effective routine contributes to maintaining a fresh and healthy complexion.

PRIM YOUR FACE

Before applying any makeup, it’s essential to use a face primer. The primary role of a face primer is to elevate the overall look of your makeup and extend its durability. Applying the primer with your fingers, distribute a small amount evenly across your entire face. The primer not only enhances the staying power of your makeup throughout the day but is particularly crucial if you anticipate sweating, running, or engaging in activities that might otherwise cause your makeup to wear off or smudge. In such cases, a primer becomes a necessary step in ensuring your makeup maintains its integrity and longevity.

PUT ON A COAT OF FOUNDATION

Various foundation types exist, but their application generally follows the same principles. Liquid, cream, and powder foundations all aim to achieve a more uniform complexion, providing a smooth base for additional makeup. To apply foundation, utilize a foundation brush or a damp beauty sponge, ensuring even coverage extends to your neck and earlobes if needed. Select a foundation shade that closely matches your natural skin tone, avoiding shades that are significantly darker or lighter. Harmonizing your foundation with your chest and neck prevents any stark contrasts, creating a seamless transition between your face and the rest of your body. Avoid a harsh line along your jawline, as it results in an unnatural and unblended finish. 

For stubborn blemishes, a concealer brush can be employed to add a touch of extra foundation. While liquid foundation can be applied with fingertips, it’s worth noting that this method may introduce bacteria, potentially leading to future breakouts.

APPLY SOME CONCEALER

Applying concealer is a transformative step in perfecting your makeup look. Concealer serves as a versatile tool, effectively camouflaging imperfections such as blemishes, dark circles, and uneven skin tones. Using a concealer brush or your fingertips, dot a small amount of concealer onto the areas that require extra coverage. Gently blend the product into your skin for a seamless and natural finish. Concealer not only provides an added layer of coverage but also brightens and highlights specific areas, enhancing your overall complexion. It’s a quick and efficient way to achieve a more refreshed and radiant appearance, contributing to a polished and flawless makeup finish. 

Whether you’re aiming for a subtle everyday look or a more glamorized finish, the strategic application of concealer can make a significant difference in achieving a refined and well-balanced makeup result.

SET FOUNDATION AND CONCEALER

While optional, incorporating a setting powder into your makeup routine can significantly enhance longevity and prevent creasing. To set your foundation and concealer in place, employ a damp beauty sponge to pick up loose powder, pressing it into the under-eye area. Subsequently, gently sweep away any excess with a brush. For an all-over set, use a large, fluffy brush to apply a translucent or matching setting powder across your entire face. 

This step proves especially beneficial when using liquid foundation, aiding in setting the foundation and eliminating any unwanted shine or tackiness, ensuring a lasting and flawless makeup finish.

APPLY A HIGHLIGHTER

This versatile product is designed to accentuate and illuminate specific areas of the face, providing a natural, healthy glow. Using a highlighter brush or your fingertips, apply the product to the high points of your face where light naturally hits—such as the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the cupid’s bow, and the brow bone. The subtle shimmer of the highlighter captures and reflects light, creating a flattering and dewy effect. Whether you prefer a subtle, everyday glow or a more intense and glamorous shine, the strategic application of highlighter enhances your facial features and adds a touch of dimension to your overall makeup look. 

ADD CONTOURING

Contouring is like using makeup magic to define and shape your face. It involves applying darker and lighter makeup in specific areas to highlight your features and create shadows. To contour, use a contour product that is a bit darker than your skin tone to emphasize areas like the hollows of your cheeks, the sides of your nose, and your jawline. Blend it well to avoid harsh lines. 

Then, use a lighter shade on areas you want to stand out, like the tops of your cheekbones and down the center of your nose. Blending is key to make it look natural and enhance your face’s natural structure, giving you a sculpted and polished appearance. Contouring is a fun way to play with makeup and accentuate your best features!

APPLY LITTLE BLUSH

The last touch in getting your face ready is to apply blush to your cheeks. Each person’s cheeks naturally have a hint of color, but it differs from one individual to another. Use a big brush to gently apply blush to the apples of your cheeks—the round part that appears when you smile. Keep the application light; add just enough to enhance the natural color that would naturally appear. This step adds a subtle and healthy flush to your complexion, completing the preparation of your face for the next stages of your makeup routine.

FILL EYEBROWS

Adding eyebrows to your makeup routine is like giving your face a finishing touch. Eyebrows frame your eyes and enhance your overall look. To fill in your eyebrows, use a pencil, powder, or gel that matches your natural hair color. With gentle strokes, follow the natural shape of your brows to create definition and fullness. Be careful not to go too heavy; the goal is to enhance, not overpower. 

Well-groomed eyebrows can bring balance to your face and make your eyes stand out. Experiment with different products and find the method that suits you best. Adding eyebrows is a simple yet impactful step that completes your makeup and gives your face a polished and put-together appearance.

APPLY EYESHADOW PRIMER

Using an eyeshadow primer is another optional step, but it significantly contributes to achieving natural eye makeup looks that last longer. If you’ve skipped this, you might have observed your eyeshadow fading or becoming oily, accumulating in the creases of your eyelids over time. Apply the eyeshadow primer with your fingertip, blending it seamlessly from the base of your lashes to the top of your crease. Setting it with a powder creates an ideal foundation for seamlessly blending your eyeshadow, ensuring a prolonged and flawless appearance for your natural eye makeup looks.

PUT ON YOUR EYESHADOW

Enhancing your makeup with eyeshadow offers versatility, allowing you to choose between subtle neutrals or vibrant, bold colors. For either option, you’ll need two complementary eyeshadows: a lighter shade and a darker one.

Begin by dipping your eyeshadow brush into the lighter shade, tapping off any excess product. Apply this light shade across your entire eyelid, starting from the lash line and extending just above the crease.

Next, dip the brush into the darker color, ensuring to tap off excess product. Concentrate this darker shade at the outer corner of your eye, slightly above the lash line. Sweep the darker color along the crease, just below the brow bone, stopping around the center of your eyelid to avoid darkening the inner corners.

To seamlessly blend the two shades, use a clean shadow brush. For a more intensified look, you can reapply the darker shadow. This straightforward technique adds depth and dimension to your eyes, whether you’re aiming for a subtle enhancement or a more striking appearance.

APPLY EYELINER

This versatile cosmetic tool comes in various forms, including pencil, liquid, and gel, allowing for diverse looks ranging from subtle to dramatic. To begin, choose the type of eyeliner that suits your desired outcome and personal preference. For a more natural look, opt for a soft pencil and gently line the upper lash line, smudging slightly for a softer effect. Liquid eyeliner is ideal for achieving precision and creating bold, defined lines. Whether you prefer a classic winged look or a modern graphic design, mastering the technique takes practice. Remember to steady your hand, start with thin strokes, and gradually build up the intensity. Experimenting with different eyeliner styles can elevate your overall makeup routine, enhancing your eyes and expressing your unique sense of style.

FINISH OFF WITH MASCARA

Completing your eye makeup routine, the finishing touch is the application of mascara, a game-changer that adds volume and length to your lashes. Once your eyeliner is perfectly applied, carefully curl your lashes if desired, then reach for your favorite mascara. Wiggle the wand from the base of your lashes to the tips, ensuring each lash is coated for a defined and dramatic effect. For an extra boost, consider applying a second coat after the first one dries. 

Mascara not only opens up your eyes but also beautifully frames them, creating a captivating and polished look. With the right mascara, your eyes will be the focal point of your makeup, providing the perfect finishing flourish to your overall beauty routine.

SMOOTH OUT LIPS

Prior to applying any lip products, consider using lip balm, primer, or sealer to enhance their longevity and vibrancy. Not only does this step contribute to a more enduring color payoff, but it also ensures the comfort of soft, supple lips throughout the day. Investing in a quality balm or salve serves the dual purpose of preventing lip flakiness and providing a smooth canvas for your chosen lip products.

Incorporating this simple yet effective pre-lipstick routine is a key step in achieving a flawless and comfortable finish to your overall makeup look.

APPLY LIP LINER

Outline your lips using a lip liner that complements either your natural lip shade or the color you intend to apply. Ensure your lip liner is sharpened and trace along the natural contours of your lips. Once outlined, proceed to fill in your lips with the pencil. This technique not only defines the lip shape but also evens out the color and texture, providing a smooth base for the effortless application of gloss or lipstick later on.

APPLY LIPSTICK OR LIP GLOSS 

Enhancing your lips with the perfect shade of lipstick or the glossy allure of lip gloss is a transformative step in any makeup routine. The application process can be both an art and a personal expression, allowing you to play with colors and textures to complement your overall look. When applying lipstick, precision is key. Begin by outlining your lips with a matching lip liner to define their shape. Then, carefully fill in the color, ensuring even coverage. For a bolder appearance, you can experiment with vibrant hues, while subtle nudes provide a classic touch. 

On the other hand, lip gloss offers a more lustrous and understated effect. Its glossy finish adds a delightful sheen, making your lips appear fuller and more radiant. Whether you opt for a matte lipstick or a shiny lip gloss, choosing the right product for the occasion can elevate your style and leave a lasting impression. So, dive into the world of lip makeup, experiment with different shades, and let your lips become the canvas for your self-expression.

SETTING SPRAY

The ideal conclusion to your makeup routine can be a setting spray or setting powder. Achieving a makeup look that lasts throughout the day without any unwanted greasing, creasing, or shine requires the use of a high-quality setting solution.

Setting sprays cater to all skin types and are versatile enough to set various makeup looks, whether it’s a light coverage or a full-face masterpiece. By keeping your makeup firmly in place, a setting spray minimizes the need for reapplication, ensuring your makeup remains impeccable for extended periods.

Applying setting spray is akin to the finishing touch hairspray provides to your hairstyle. Hold the bottle approximately 8 inches from your face and lightly spritz a few times to ensure even coverage. For comprehensive coverage, start by spritzing in an X shape across your face, followed by a T shape for thorough protection from forehead to chin. Invest in a quality setting solution to elevate the longevity and flawless finish of your makeup.

CONCLUSION

For beginners, the step-by-step guide provided here serves as a solid foundation, offering insights into each aspect of the makeup routine. From skincare preparation to the final touches of mascara and setting spray, this comprehensive guide aims to empower individuals to take their initial steps into the world of cosmetics. Remember, makeup is a form of self-expression, and the key is to embrace creativity, practice, and find what works best for you. As you hone your skills and experiment with different techniques, the process becomes not just a routine but a delightful exploration of your unique beauty.