Perennials come back every year, and we grow southern Maine’s largest selection of them — hundreds of varieties hardy in our zone 5 winters. Start with how much sun your spot gets, then pick for height, bloom time and color.
Acanthaceae 'Wild Petunia'
Ruellia humilis 'Wild Petunia'
from $11.99 · 1GAL
Alkanet 'Alexander's Great'
Brunnera 'Alexander's Great'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Blue Angel'
Anchusa 'Blue Angel'
from $6.99 · 1QT
Alkanet 'Heartleaf (macrophylla)'
Brunnera 'Heartleaf (macrophylla)'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Jack Frost'
Brunnera 'Jack Frost'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Jack of Diamonds'
Brunnera 'Jack of Diamonds'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Looking Glass'
Brunnera 'Looking Glass'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Permafrost'
Brunnera 'Permafrost'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Queen of Hearts'
Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Sea Heart'
Brunnera 'Sea Heart'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alpinum 'Edelweiss'
Leontopodium 'Edelweiss'
from $6.99 · 1QT
Alyssum 'Basket of Gold (Compacta)'
Aurinia 'Basket of Gold (Compacta)'
from $6.99 · 1QT
How to choose
- Sun first. Full sun means 6 or more hours of direct sun; shade means under 3 hours.
- Check the zone. Most of southern Maine is zone 5. Anything rated zone 4 or 5 and colder will come back reliably.
- Mix bloom times. Choose a few for spring, summer and fall so something is always flowering.
- Plan for the mature size. Leave room for the spread on the plant tag, not the size in the pot.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to plant perennials in Maine?
Spring after the soil can be worked and early fall (late August through September) are best. Fall planting gives roots time to settle before winter, as long as you water until the ground freezes.
How long until a new perennial fills in?
Most perennials take about three seasons: they sleep the first year, creep the second and leap the third. Water them weekly the first summer.
Do I need to cut perennials back in fall?
Not always. Leaving seed heads and stems feeds birds and protects the crowns over winter. Cut back anything diseased, and tidy the rest in spring.
Which perennials do deer leave alone?
Plants with fuzzy, scented or bitter leaves, like catmint, yarrow, lavender and Russian sage, are rarely eaten. See our deer-resistant perennials guide for the full list.