Perennial flowers to plant this fall to make your garden beautiful

The fall season means many things — the leaves change color and the temperatures get cooler. But, as the season begins to change, plant-lovers also know it’s time to plan for planting perennials that will flower next year.

While annual plants bloom for a single season before withering away, perennial flowers continue to come back for another season or more. This doesn’t mean they will live forever. Many perennials will live just three to five years. But some hardy perennial flowers can bring life and color to your garden for 20 years or more.

Check out 10 long-lived perennial flowers that range from delicate blooms to robust greenery to gain ideas for your fall planting.

1.  Astilbe

With fern-like foliage and eye-catching flowers, this perennial plant grows well in light to moderate shade. Astilbe can thrive for 15 years or longer.

2. Balloon Flower

Also known as Chinese bellflowers, these long-lived perennials begin with interesting balloon-shaped buds that burst open in summer. They may be blue, pink, purple or white.

3. Bee Balm

Although it might sound like something you apply to a bug bite, bee balm is actually a member of the mint family that often attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and, yes, bees.

4. Bearberry

Sometimes called kinninnick, bearberry is a low-growing shrub that can flourish for decades. The evergreen plant produces clusters of pink or white bell-shaped flowers and red berries.

5. Coral Bells

Named for the shape and hue of its flowers, these long-lived plants — also called alumroot or heucheras — feature striking foliage, as well.

6. Cranesbill Geranium

Although some geraniums are annual plants, the cranesbill variety can blossom for 10 years or longer. Colors range from pale blue and violet to light pink and bright magenta.

7. Daylilies

If you want large, vibrant flowers that don’t require much care, consider daylilies. The bright flowers can grow for many years without any special attention.

8. Goldenrod

The sunshiny shade of this resilient, long-lived perennial can often be seen spreading across wild meadows and prairies but can also add interest to your own garden.

9. Pigsqueak

Bergenia cordifolia, aka “pigsqueak,” offers bold foliage and bright magenta flowers that thrive in shady gardens.

10. Stonecrop

This one isn’t a flower, but it’s still gorgeous. This low-maintenance, perennial succulent loves full sun and delivers attractive color and texture to rock gardens, containers and more.

[h/t: Better Homes & Gardens]