The best perennial plants in this roundup are the Pink Coneflower for dependable flower-bed color, Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ for a classic sunny-border display, and Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’ for low-growing coverage. They differ in more than bloom color: some arrive as live plants, while others are seeds or bulbs that need extra time and care before they fill out. Your choice also depends on sunlight, soil, mature spread, and whether you want flowers, foliage, or ground cover. I compare each option by its likely role in a garden and the effort involved in getting it established. Read on for the full breakdown and guidance on matching a plant to your space.
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Key Takeaways
- Live plants offer a more direct start: the coneflower, Russian sage, lavender, and container-grown Rudbeckia arrive further along than seed packets, though planting and establishment still matter.
- ‘Goldsturm’ and pink coneflower suit sunny flower beds for different reasons: Rudbeckia offers a familiar border look, while coneflower adds a distinct flower form and can support a varied planting plan.
- Ajuga and hostas fill different ground-level roles: Ajuga is a low-growing option, while the two hosta packs are better suited to foliage-led planting where their mature size can be accommodated.
- Seeds and bulbs call for more patience than potted plants: asters, Sweet William, calla lilies, and blazing star may involve more steps before the intended display takes shape.
- Pack size does not equal instant coverage: the 9-pack hostas, 6-pack hostas, and 5,000-plus Sweet William seeds differ in plant form and establishment needs, so quantity alone is a poor comparison.
| 600 New England Aster Heirloom Flower Seeds |  | Best for Late-Season Pollinators | Plant: New England aster (Aster novae-angliae) | Seed count: 600 | Flower color: Purple | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Clovers Garden Russian Sage Live Plants, 2 Plants in 4-Inch Pots |  | Best for Long Summer-to-Fall Color | Botanical name: Perovskia atriplicifolia | Quantity: 2 live plants | Arrival height: 4–8 inches | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mixrug Sweet William (Dianthus) Flower Seeds, 5,000+ Seeds |  | Best for Colorful, Fragrant Seed Sowing | Plant: Sweet William (Dianthus) | Seed count: 5,000+ | Plant type: Biennial or perennial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perennial Farm Anemone ‘Red Riding Hood’ Live Plant |  | Best Compact Live Perennial | Plant type: Perennial windflower | Quantity: 1 rooted plant | Container size: #1 container | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Pink Coneflower (Echinacea) Live Perennial Plant in 2 Qt Pot |  | Best for Low-Maintenance Pollinator Gardens | Plant type: Perennial coneflower (Echinacea) | Pot size: 2 Qt | Flower color: Pink | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Red Chrysanthemum Live Fall Flowering Perennial (3 Qt Pot) |  | Best for Fall Color | Plant type: Chrysanthemum | Flower color: Red | Pot size: 3 Qt | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Lavender Live Plants, 2-Pack, Purple Blooms |  | Best for Fragrance and Low-Water Gardens | Plant type: Live perennial | Variety: Lavandula Purple | Pack size: 2 plants | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’ Live Ground Cover Plants, 2-Pack |  | Best Evergreen Ground Cover | Plant type: Perennial ground cover | Quantity: 2 plants | Foliage: Glossy dark purple | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 9-Pack Hosta Bare Root Perennial Plants |  | Best for Planting a Large Shade Bed | Plant type: Perennial hosta | Quantity: 9 plants | Root type: Bare root | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Willard & May Mixed Hosta Perennials (6 Pack Bare Root Starts) |  | Best Compact Hosta Starter Pack | Brand: Willard & May | Plant type: Hosta perennial | Quantity: 6 pack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ Black-Eyed Susan Perennial, 1-Quart Container |  | Best for Long Summer Color | Plant type: Live perennial | Flower color: Golden yellow with dark centers | Bloom period: July–September | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Purple Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) Bulbs, 5 Count |  | Best for Pollinator-Friendly Vertical Interest | Plant: Liatris spicata (blazing star or gayfeather) | Quantity: 5 bulbs | Bulb size: 4–5 inches | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 100Pcs Calla Lily Seeds – Mixed Color Perennial Flowers |  | Best for Patient Seed-Growing Gardeners | Plant: Calla Lily | Quantity: 100 seeds | Seed type: Heirloom | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| perennial plant | Plant type | USDA hardiness zones | Flower color | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600 New England Aster Heirloom | — | 2–8 | Purple | — |
| Clovers Garden Russian Sage Li | — | — | Blue-purple | 2 live plants |
| Mixrug Sweet William | Biennial or perennial | — | — | — |
| Perennial Farm Anemone ‘Red Ri | Perennial windflower | — | — | 1 rooted plant |
| Pink Coneflower | Perennial coneflower (Echinacea) | 3–9 | Pink | — |
| Red Chrysanthemum Live Fall Fl | Chrysanthemum | 5–9 | Red | — |
| Lavender Live Plants | Live perennial | 5–9 | — | — |
| Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’ Live Gro | Perennial ground cover | 4–9 | Blue | 2 plants |
| 9-Pack Hosta Bare Root Perenni | Perennial hosta | 3–8 | — | 9 plants |
| Willard & May Mixed Hosta Pere | Hosta perennial | — | — | 6 pack |
| Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ | Live perennial | 4–8 | Golden yellow with dark centers | — |
| Purple Blazing Star | — | 3–9; product details also specify zone 7 | Purple | 5 bulbs |
| 100Pcs Calla Lily Seeds | — | — | — | 100 seeds |
More Details on Our Top Picks
600 New England Aster Heirloom Flower Seeds
I’d choose these New England aster seeds when the goal is to keep a garden flowering into fall and provide forage for bees and butterflies. Their potential height of 48 inches makes them a bigger presence than the compact ‘Red Riding Hood’ anemone, so they suit the back of a border better than a low edging. The listing describes a long fall-to-winter bloom period, though actual timing depends on growing conditions. Unlike that ready-to-plant anemone, these require patience: seeds need eight weeks of cold stratification before sowing, and the plants need regular watering. The 600-seed quantity offers room to sow a broad patch, but it also means planning space for plants that should be spaced 18–24 inches apart.
Pros:- Fall blooms attract bees and butterflies when many summer flowers are fading.
- 600 heirloom, GMO-free seeds allow planting across beds or suitable containers.
- Listed for USDA hardiness zones 2–8.
- Can be sown in fall or spring after the required cold stratification.
Cons:- Requires eight weeks of cold stratification before sowing.
- Needs regular watering rather than thriving on minimal attention.
- Can reach 48 inches and needs 18–24 inches of spacing.
Best for: Gardeners who want to grow a substantial fall-blooming pollinator patch from seed and can plan ahead for cold stratification.
Not ideal for: Anyone seeking instant color, a compact border plant, or a low-watering perennial; these seeds need preparation, regular watering, and generous spacing.
- Plant:New England aster (Aster novae-angliae)
- Seed count:600
- Flower color:Purple
- Expected bloom period:Fall to winter
- Expected height:48 inches
- USDA hardiness zones:2–8
- Sun exposure:Full sun
- Cold stratification:8 weeks
- Plant spacing:18–24 inches
Our verdict“Choose these if you can plan ahead and want a tall, seed-grown source of fall color and pollinator forage.”
Clovers Garden Russian Sage Live Plants, 2 Plants in 4-Inch Pots
These two live Russian sage plants suit gardeners who would rather start with established plants than wait for seeds to grow. Their blue-purple flowers are described as blooming from mid-summer until the first freeze, extending the season beyond the summer-to-early-fall display of the pink coneflower. The tradeoff is scale: Russian sage can reach 4 feet tall and wide, making it a poor match for a narrow border or small container. Compared with the compact ‘Red Riding Hood’ anemone, it needs substantially more room but offers a larger, airy shrub-like presence. The plants arrive 4–8 inches tall in 4-inch pots, so they still need time to establish before reaching mature size. They are ornamental, not edible.
Pros:- Ships as two live plants rather than seeds.
- Blue-purple blooms can continue from mid-summer until the first freeze.
- Attracts pollinators and is suited to zone 4 and warmer.
- Plants are listed as non-GMO and grown without neonicotinoids.
Cons:- Mature plants can reach 4 feet tall and wide, requiring ample space.
- Arrive only 4–8 inches tall, so they need time to fill out.
- Ornamental plant, not suitable for eating.
Best for: Gardeners with sunny, open beds in zone 4 or warmer who want live starts and extended blue-purple blooms for pollinators.
Not ideal for: Small-space gardeners, people seeking a compact container perennial, or anyone looking for an edible herb.
- Botanical name:Perovskia atriplicifolia
- Quantity:2 live plants
- Arrival height:4–8 inches
- Pot size:4 inches
- Mature size:Up to 4 feet tall and wide
- Hardiness:Zone 4 and warmer
- Bloom season:Mid-summer to first freeze
- Flower color:Blue-purple
Our verdict“Pick these live starts if you have room for a large perennial and want a longer bloom window than the pink coneflower offers.”
Mixrug Sweet William (Dianthus) Flower Seeds, 5,000+ Seeds
Sweet William stands out for fragrant flowers in several colors and a seed count suited to filling a bed, border, or cut-flower patch. Compared with the single-color New England aster seeds, this mix offers white, pink, purple, red, and violet blooms, but it flowers earlier, from mid-spring to mid-summer, rather than targeting fall. The label describes the plants as biennial or perennial, so buyers should not expect every plant to behave as a permanent perennial. It also may bloom the year after planting, making it less suitable than the rooted ‘Red Riding Hood’ anemone for gardeners who want an established plant now. Full sun and well-drained soil matter, and the listing gives inconsistent hardiness ranges, so I’d verify local suitability before sowing.
Pros:- 5,000+ seeds provide plenty for broad sowing or repeat planting.
- Fragrant flowers come in white, pink, purple, red, and violet.
- Flowers attract pollinators and can be used in cut arrangements.
- Can be started indoors or sown outdoors in spring or autumn.
Cons:- May not bloom until the year after planting.
- Listed as biennial or perennial, so it may not persist like a reliably perennial plant.
- Requires full sun and well-drained soil; the supplied hardiness ranges conflict.
Best for: Seed-starting gardeners who want a large, multicolor supply of fragrant flowers for sunny beds, borders, or cutting.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need reliable first-year blooms, want a live plant, or require a clearly specified hardiness range.
- Plant:Sweet William (Dianthus)
- Seed count:5,000+
- Plant type:Biennial or perennial
- Height:12–24 inches
- Width:6–12 inches
- Bloom time:Mid-spring to mid-summer
- Flower colors:White, pink, purple, red, and violet
- Germination:About 10 days at 60–70°F
- Hardiness zones listed:3–9 in title; 4–10 in description
Our verdict“Choose Sweet William for fragrant, multicolor seed-grown flowers if you can wait for blooms and accept variable longevity.”
Perennial Farm Anemone ‘Red Riding Hood’ Live Plant
‘Red Riding Hood’ is the most space-conscious live flowering option in this group: its 12–18-inch clumping habit fits borders, containers, and woodland-style plantings where Russian sage could outgrow its spot. The rooted plant also avoids the sowing wait required by New England aster or Sweet William seeds. Its rose-pink flowers arrive from late summer through fall, giving it a later display than Sweet William’s mid-spring-to-mid-summer blooms, though it is a single plant rather than a large seed supply. Part shade tolerance adds flexibility compared with the full-sun pink coneflower. The main caveat is seasonal shipping: from November through early March, it may arrive dormant and trimmed, so its appearance on arrival may not reflect its growing-season form.
Pros:- Compact 12–18-inch height suits small gardens and containers.
- Late-summer-to-fall rose-pink blooms extend the season.
- Tolerates part shade as well as full sun.
- Ships as a rooted plant and is listed as deer resistant.
Cons:- Only one plant is included, so covering a large area takes multiple plants.
- May arrive dormant and trimmed when shipped from November through early March.
- Requires moderate watering.
Best for: Gardeners seeking a compact, rooted perennial for a small border, container, or partly shaded garden with late-season blooms.
Not ideal for: Buyers who want a large planting quantity, immediate foliage during winter shipping, or a plant suited to dry conditions without moderate watering.
- Plant type:Perennial windflower
- Quantity:1 rooted plant
- Container size:#1 container
- Bloom color:Rose-pink
- Blooming period:Summer to fall
- Height:12–18 inches
- Sun exposure:Full sun to part shade
- Water needs:Moderate
- Plant spacing:18 inches
Our verdict“Choose this rooted anemone for a compact, partly shade-tolerant late-season perennial, especially where Russian sage would be too large.”
Pink Coneflower (Echinacea) Live Perennial Plant in 2 Qt Pot
This pink coneflower in a 2-quart pot is a strong fit for gardeners who want an established native perennial with summer color and less watering once it settles in. Unlike the New England aster seeds, it arrives as a live plant and does not require cold stratification; compared with Russian sage, it has a narrower listed mature spread at 18 inches, though it still reaches 24–36 inches tall. Its summer-to-fall flowers draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while seed heads provide food for birds and winter interest. The tradeoff is a full-sun, well-drained-soil requirement, so it offers less placement flexibility than the part-shade-tolerant ‘Red Riding Hood’ anemone. Drought tolerance is described as applying once the plant is established, not immediately after planting.
Pros:- Live plant avoids seed-starting and cold-stratification steps.
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during summer and fall.
- Drought-tolerant once established.
- Seed heads offer winter interest and food for birds.
Cons:- Needs full sun for best growth, unlike the part-shade-tolerant ‘Red Riding Hood’ anemone.
- Requires well-draining soil.
- Drought tolerance develops only after establishment.
Best for: Gardeners wanting a live, pollinator-friendly perennial for a sunny, well-drained bed, with bird-supporting seed heads after flowering.
Not ideal for: Gardeners with shaded planting sites, poorly drained soil, or a need for drought tolerance before plants are established.
- Plant type:Perennial coneflower (Echinacea)
- Pot size:2 Qt
- Flower color:Pink
- Mature height:24–36 inches
- Mature width:18 inches
- Sunlight:Full sun
- USDA hardiness zones:3–9
- Blooming period:Summer and fall
Our verdict“Choose this coneflower for a sunny bed where an established perennial can provide summer pollinator blooms and useful seed heads afterward.”
Red Chrysanthemum Live Fall Flowering Perennial (3 Qt Pot)
I’d choose this red chrysanthemum when the garden needs a defined burst of late-season color rather than a foliage-first ground cover like Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’. Its reported 24-inch height and spread give it enough presence for a border or a substantial container, while the 3-quart pot offers a more established starting point than bare-root hostas. It’s listed for USDA zones 5–9 and full sun to partial shade, so it suits a broad range of gardens, provided the soil drains well.
The tradeoff is upkeep: this plant calls for consistent moisture, unlike lavender’s low-water needs once established. Its listing includes summer and fall bloom periods, but buyers seeking a carefree, year-round foliage effect may prefer ajuga or hostas. I’d pick it for seasonal flower impact, not for the lowest-maintenance planting.
Pros:- Red blooms provide strong seasonal color in summer and fall.
- Listed as hardy in USDA zones 5–9.
- 3-quart pot provides a potted starting point rather than bare roots.
- Full sun to partial shade allows more placement flexibility than full-sun lavender.
Cons:- Needs consistent moisture, adding watering demands.
- Well-draining soil is needed to suit its growing requirements.
- Its seasonal blooms offer less year-round interest than evergreen ajuga.
Best for: Gardeners in USDA zones 5–9 who want a potted perennial with vivid red blooms for a sunny fall border or patio display.
Not ideal for: Gardeners seeking a drought-tolerant perennial or a ground cover that provides year-round foliage; this chrysanthemum needs consistent moisture and has a seasonal flower focus.
- Plant type:Chrysanthemum
- Flower color:Red
- Pot size:3 Qt
- Mature height:24 inches
- Mature spread:24 inches
- USDA hardiness zones:5–9
- Sun exposure:Full sun to partial shade
- Blooming period:Summer and fall
- Soil:Well-draining
Our verdict“Choose this potted chrysanthemum for a bold fall display if you can keep its soil consistently moist.”
Lavender Live Plants, 2-Pack, Purple Blooms
This two-plant lavender pack is the lineup’s clearest choice for gardeners who want fragrance and pollinator appeal from a sun-loving perennial. Compared with the Red Chrysanthemum, lavender has lower watering needs once established and blooms from late spring into summer rather than focusing on fall color. Its 18–24-inch mature spread can create a modest planted grouping, while purple flowers and reported deer-deterrent qualities add practical appeal.
The conditions are less flexible than those for the chrysanthemum: lavender calls for full sun and well-draining soil, so it is a poor fit for shaded or persistently damp beds. The listing also notes that plant size and pot details vary, making this a less predictable choice for buyers matching a precise layout. I’d favor it for a sunny, relatively dry spot, not for a moist shade garden like the one suited to hostas.
Pros:- Fragrant purple blooms add sensory appeal.
- Attracts pollinators and is described as helping deter deer.
- Low moisture needs once established.
- Two plants can form a small grouping without buying a larger multipack.
Cons:- Requires full sun, limiting placement options.
- Needs well-draining soil and may struggle in persistently wet beds.
- Plant size and pot details vary across the listing.
Best for: Gardeners with a sunny, well-drained border who want fragrant blooms, pollinator interest, and lower watering needs after establishment.
Not ideal for: Buyers with shaded, damp planting areas or those who need uniform plant and pot dimensions for a tightly planned design.
- Plant type:Live perennial
- Variety:Lavandula Purple
- Pack size:2 plants
- Mature height:18–24 inches
- Mature spread:18–24 inches
- USDA hardiness zones:5–9
- Sun exposure:Full sun
- Bloom period:Late spring to summer
- Moisture needs:Low once established
Our verdict“Choose this pair for a sunny, well-drained garden where fragrance and low established watering needs matter more than shade tolerance.”
Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’ Live Ground Cover Plants, 2-Pack
Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’ earns its place for foliage coverage, not flower size: glossy dark-purple leaves stay in view year-round, with blue flower spikes adding a spring accent. Unlike the taller Red Chrysanthemum, this two-plant pack is meant to spread through low garden areas, reaching about 6 inches tall and helping cover bare soil. Its USDA zone range of 4–9 also extends colder than the lavender and chrysanthemum listings.
That spreading habit is useful for filling a shaded bed, but it can be a drawback if you want a compact, isolated plant. Ajuga prefers moist, well-drained soil and moderate watering; it is not the low-water choice that lavender becomes after establishment. Although the listing allows partial shade to full sun, its description positions it best for partial to full shade. I’d choose it for ground-level coverage, not for a tall focal point or a dry site.
Pros:- Evergreen dark-purple foliage provides interest beyond its spring bloom.
- Spreading growth helps cover bare areas and suppress weeds.
- Blue spring flower spikes add seasonal color.
- Listed for USDA zones 4–9.
Cons:- Moderate moisture needs may call for regular watering.
- Its spreading habit may not suit tightly contained planting schemes.
- Best suited to partial or full shade according to the description.
Best for: Gardeners filling a partial- to full-shade bed who want low-growing, year-round foliage and spring flowers.
Not ideal for: Gardeners who need a non-spreading accent plant or have a dry bed where regular moisture is difficult to provide.
- Plant type:Perennial ground cover
- Quantity:2 plants
- Foliage:Glossy dark purple
- Flower color:Blue
- Plant height:About 6 inches
- USDA hardiness zones:4–9
- Sun exposure:Partial shade to full sun
- Blooming season:Spring
- Moisture needs:Moderate
Our verdict“Choose ajuga when year-round, low-growing coverage matters more than a tall flowering display.”
9-Pack Hosta Bare Root Perennial Plants
For a gardener covering a substantial shady area, the main advantage here is quantity: nine bare-root hostas can create a broader planting than the six-start Willard & May Mixed Hosta pack. Hostas bring foliage texture first, with mildly fragrant purple or white bell-shaped flowers as a midsummer extra. Their USDA zones 3–8 include colder conditions than the lavender and chrysanthemum options, and their stated spread of 20–60 inches suggests room for a mature, leafy presence.
This is a better fit for patience and space than for instant, uniform coverage. The listing specifies full shade to partial shade and sandy soil, so it does not suit a sunny border or buyers who need exact cultivar colors and sizes. The blooms last about two weeks, making foliage—not flowers—the lasting payoff. I’d choose this pack over the smaller hosta set when planting area matters more than a defined 18-inch size.
Pros:- Nine plants support a larger planting than the six-pack hosta option.
- Suitable for full shade to partial shade.
- Listed as hardy in USDA zones 3–8.
- Midsummer flowers are described as mildly fragrant.
Cons:- Bare-root plants require planting and establishment rather than offering an instant potted display.
- Shade requirements limit suitable locations.
- Flowers last about two weeks, so foliage carries most of the seasonal interest.
Best for: Gardeners planting a broad shaded area who want multiple hostas and can allow bare-root plants time to establish.
Not ideal for: Sunny-garden owners or buyers seeking a guaranteed uniform variety, immediate fullness, or a long-lasting floral display.
- Plant type:Perennial hosta
- Quantity:9 plants
- Root type:Bare root
- Foliage:Rich green with varied textures
- Flower color and form:Purple or white, bell-shaped
- Blooming period:Mid to late summer
- Light requirements:Full shade to partial shade
- USDA hardiness zones:3–8
- Spread:20–60 inches
Our verdict“Choose this nine-pack for a spacious shade garden where hosta foliage matters more than long-lasting flowers or immediate coverage.”
Willard & May Mixed Hosta Perennials (6 Pack Bare Root Starts)
Willard & May’s six bare-root hostas make more sense for a smaller shade-garden project than the nine-plant hosta pack, particularly if an approximately 18-inch diameter is a useful planning guide. The listing emphasizes easy-care, hardy plants that return each year, with a stated summer-through-fall bloom season. Hostas also offer a foliage-led alternative to Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’: they grow into larger clumps, while ajuga is the lower ground cover intended to spread between plants.
The tradeoff is a less specific description. The foliage is listed as green, with no cultivar details or hardiness zone supplied, so buyers wanting defined color variation or a climate match have less information than they do with the nine-pack. Bare roots also need careful initial planting, and moderate moisture is called for. I’d select this set for a modest hosta grouping, but choose the larger pack for broader coverage and clearer zone information.
Pros:- Six starts suit a smaller planting project than a nine-plant pack.
- Bare-root format is intended for planting directly into a garden bed.
- Hostas are described as low-maintenance and returning year after year.
- Listed mature diameter gives a planning reference of about 18 inches.
Cons:- Bare-root starts need careful initial planting.
- Only green foliage is specified, limiting color guidance.
- No USDA hardiness zone is provided in the product data.
Best for: Gardeners starting a modest shade-garden grouping who want six bare-root hostas and can manage planting and establishment.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need named varieties, a stated hardiness zone, varied foliage colors, or a large number of plants to cover a broad area.
- Brand:Willard & May
- Plant type:Hosta perennial
- Quantity:6 pack
- Root type:Bare root
- Mature size:About 18 inches in diameter
- Foliage:Green
- Blooming season:Summer through fall
- Sunlight:Full sun to shade
- Moisture needs:Moderate
Our verdict“Choose this set for a compact hosta planting if you accept bare-root establishment and do not need a stated hardiness zone.”
Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ Black-Eyed Susan Perennial, 1-Quart Container
I’d choose ‘Goldsturm’ Black-Eyed Susan for a sunny border where dependable color matters more than a wide range of flower shapes. Its golden, dark-centered daisies bloom from July through September, giving the garden a longer summer display than the Purple Blazing Star, whose listed bloom timing is less consistent. Unlike the Calla Lily seeds, this arrives as a fully rooted perennial, so the main task is planting it when conditions allow rather than waiting through germination.
The tradeoff is its site preference: it needs full sun and moist soil, and its 30–36-inch spread calls for room. I’d skip it for a dry, shaded bed; the more flexible light range listed for Blazing Star may fit that situation better. It also offers a familiar yellow palette rather than the mixed colors promised by Calla Lily seeds.
Pros:- Flowers from July through September for an extended seasonal display
- Fully rooted and ready to plant when weather permits
- Attracts butterflies and songbirds
- Mature height of 20–24 inches suits many sunny borders
Cons:- Needs full sun, limiting placement options
- Requires moist soil rather than a dry-site planting
- Spreads 30–36 inches, so it needs room
Best for: Gardeners with a sunny, moisture-retentive border who want a rooted plant with a long summer-to-fall flower display.
Not ideal for: Gardeners planting in dry or shaded beds, or anyone seeking compact plants or varied flower colors.
- Plant type:Live perennial
- Flower color:Golden yellow with dark centers
- Bloom period:July–September
- Mature size:20–24 inches tall; 30–36 inches wide
- Sunlight:Full sun
- USDA hardiness zones:4–8
- Soil:Loam; keep moist
- Container size:#1
Our verdict“Choose ‘Goldsturm’ for a sunny, moist bed where a rooted plant and months of golden blooms matter more than compact size or color variety.”
Purple Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) Bulbs, 5 Count
Purple Blazing Star is the lineup’s pick for gardeners who want upright flower spikes rather than the daisy shape of ‘Goldsturm’ Black-Eyed Susan. The five bulbs can grow up to about 40 inches tall, adding height and a strong purple accent to borders or natural-style plantings. Its listed tolerance for sun or part shade and poor soil gives it more placement flexibility than ‘Goldsturm’, which calls for full sun and moist soil. The flowers also suit pollinator-focused gardens, and the plants are described as deer resistant.
The main uncertainty is timing: the product lists May–June in one place and summer to fall elsewhere, so I wouldn’t buy it for a precisely timed display. These are bulbs, not rooted plants, and the listing calls for regular watering. Compared with the fully rooted Black-Eyed Susan, this option asks for more establishment patience.
Pros:- Tall flower spikes add vertical structure and purple color
- Listed for full sun or part shade
- Tolerates poor soil
- Pollinator-friendly and described as deer resistant
Cons:- Bloom timing conflicts between the product details and listed specs
- Sold as five bulbs rather than an established potted plant
- Regular watering is specified despite its poor-soil tolerance
Best for: Gardeners seeking tall purple spikes for a sunny or partly shaded border, especially where soil is poor and pollinator appeal matters.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a fully rooted plant, a confirmed bloom window, or a low-growing flower for the front of a bed.
- Plant:Liatris spicata (blazing star or gayfeather)
- Quantity:5 bulbs
- Bulb size:4–5 inches
- Expected height:Up to 40 inches
- Flower color:Purple
- Light exposure:Full sun or part shade
- USDA hardiness zones:3–9; product details also specify zone 7
- Soil and watering:Loam; tolerates poor soil; regular watering
- Bloom timing:May–June in specs; summer to fall in product details
Our verdict“Pick these bulbs for tall, pollinator-friendly purple blooms and flexible light conditions, but not when precise flowering dates are a priority.”
100Pcs Calla Lily Seeds – Mixed Color Perennial Flowers
I’d reserve these 100 mixed-color Calla Lily seeds for gardeners who enjoy raising plants from seed and value color variety over quick establishment. The quantity gives you many chances to try, while the other two picks in this group arrive as a rooted Black-Eyed Susan or as five Blazing Star bulbs. That makes the Calla Lily option the most hands-on choice, not the easiest route to an established perennial border. The listing describes plants reaching about 2 feet and calls for regular watering in sandy soil.
The catch is the germination process: it can be slow and erratic, sometimes taking weeks or months, with consistent moisture needed during establishment. The stated spring-to-fall bloom period doesn’t remove that wait or guarantee when seedlings will flower. I’d skip this pack if you need predictable first-season color, or if you prefer a plant with a clearer hardiness-zone listing.
Pros:- Pack contains 100 seeds for multiple sowing attempts
- Mixed-color selection offers more variety than the single-color Blazing Star bulbs
- Can be grown indoors or outdoors according to the product details
- Listed expected height of about 2 feet
Cons:- Germination may be slow and erratic, taking weeks to months
- Requires consistent moisture during germination and establishment
- No USDA hardiness zone is provided in the supplied specs
Best for: Patient gardeners who enjoy starting flowers from seed, can maintain steady moisture, and want to try a varied-color planting.
Not ideal for: Gardeners seeking quick, predictable blooms, low-effort establishment, or clear USDA zone guidance before planting.
- Plant:Calla Lily
- Quantity:100 seeds
- Seed type:Heirloom
- Flower colors:Mixed colors
- Expected height:About 2 feet
- Sunlight:Full sun
- Soil:Sandy soil
- Moisture:Regular watering
- Planting and bloom period:Plant in spring; expected blooms spring to fall
Our verdict“Choose this seed pack if you enjoy a long, hands-on growing process and color variety; choose a rooted plant instead for more immediate garden color.”
How We Picked
I ranked these options by how clearly each product fits a useful perennial-garden role, how much establishment work its form is likely to require, and how readily a buyer can plan around the supplied quantity. Live plants, bare-root starts, seeds, and bulbs are not interchangeable: each carries a different timeline and level of uncertainty for a gardener. I also weighed whether a listing gives enough information to match the plant to a site, such as a sunny bed, shaded area, or ground-cover space.
The higher-ranked picks offer a clear garden use and a relatively direct path to planting, while lower-ranked choices have narrower site needs, less predictable establishment, or extra planning demands. The products are not a guarantee of local performance: climate, drainage, planting depth, and care affect results. I treat the product form and stated pack size as decision aids, not proof of mature coverage or flowering success.
| perennial plant | Flower color |
|---|---|
| 600 New England Aster Heirloom | Purple |
| Clovers Garden Russian Sage Li | Blue-purple |
| Mixrug Sweet William | — |
| Perennial Farm Anemone ‘Red Ri | — |
| Pink Coneflower | Pink |
| Red Chrysanthemum Live Fall Fl | Red |
| Lavender Live Plants | — |
| Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’ Live Gro | Blue |
| 9-Pack Hosta Bare Root Perenni | — |
| Willard & May Mixed Hosta Pere | — |
| Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ | Golden yellow with dark centers |
| Purple Blazing Star | Purple |
| 100Pcs Calla Lily Seeds | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Perennial Plants
Before choosing a plant by flower color or pack count, I would match it to the site and the kind of garden work I want to do. These checks help avoid buying a plant that is attractive on a listing but mismatched to the available light, space, or planting schedule.
Match the plant to light and site conditions
Start by observing how many hours of direct sun the planting area receives and whether nearby trees or buildings create seasonal shade. A sunny border and a shaded bed call for different plant choices, and choosing by bloom color alone can lead to weak growth or disappointing flowering. Check the seller’s growing guidance for the specific plant and compare it with your local conditions before ordering. Drainage matters too: a spot that stays wet can create problems even if the light seems right. If you are unsure, note the site across a full day before buying rather than relying on a quick glance.
Choose between seeds, bulbs, bare roots, and potted plants
Plant form affects how much setup and patience the project may take. Seeds generally involve sowing and waiting for germination and growth; bulbs and bare roots need correct planting and time to establish; potted plants offer a more developed starting point but still need careful watering after planting. Do not assume that a packet with many seeds will create a full border quickly, since germination, spacing, and losses shape the final display. Buying a potted plant is not a shortcut around site preparation, but it can suit gardeners who prefer to begin with a visible plant. Check what arrives and when it can be planted before placing an order.
Plan for mature spread, not just the delivered size
A small pot or starter root can grow into a much larger garden feature, while several small plants may take time to knit together into coverage. Read the plant’s mature width and height from a reliable growing reference, then mark the intended space before planting. Crowding can limit airflow and make maintenance harder, while excessive spacing can leave bare soil for longer than expected. This is especially relevant when comparing ground-cover packs with ornamental plants intended as individual border features. Buy for the mature layout you can maintain, not only the quantity listed on the package.
Decide whether flowers or foliage should lead
Flowering perennials bring seasonal color, but the garden may look quieter between bloom periods. Foliage-led plants can provide structure for longer stretches, yet they may not deliver the same showy flower display. Combining the two types can make a bed feel more balanced across the season, provided their light and moisture needs are compatible. Think about what you want to see from a window or path during the parts of the year when blooms are absent. A plant that fits the garden’s visual role can be a better choice than one selected only for a striking product photo.
Account for local climate and winter behavior
Perennial does not mean that every plant will survive every winter or return reliably in every region. Check hardiness guidance for your area and look for local advice when a listing gives limited climate detail. Some plants may need winter protection, well-drained soil, or a sheltered position, while others may behave differently in hot or humid conditions. Also check whether the product is sold as a seed, bulb, or live plant, since shipping and planting timing can affect establishment. If your local conditions sit outside the plant’s stated range, choose a better-matched option rather than relying on extra care to solve every mismatch.
Compare the real effort behind pack size
Large quantities can be useful for a broad planting, but they may also mean more sowing, spacing, watering, and thinning. A smaller live-plant pack can be easier to place, though it may cover less ground at first. Before buying, estimate the planting area, calculate a sensible spacing plan, and check whether you can care for all the plants at once. Avoid treating seed counts as equivalent to established plants or assuming that a multi-pack guarantees a finished-looking bed. The right quantity is the one you can plant well and maintain through establishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose a live perennial plant or start from seed?
Choose a live plant if you want a more developed starting point and can plant it soon after arrival. Seeds can suit a larger project or a gardener who is comfortable with sowing, germination, and waiting for growth. Neither format removes the need to match the plant to the site and follow its growing instructions. A high seed count should not be read as a promise of a particular number of successful plants. Compare the time and care you can provide with the form being sold.
Can I plant all 13 options in the same garden bed?
Not automatically: the lineup includes plants with different light, space, and planting requirements. Before combining them, check each plant’s site guidance and mature dimensions, then group only those with compatible needs. A mixed bed can offer variety, but plants that compete for space or prefer different conditions may be harder to maintain. You can also divide the options among separate beds or containers if the garden has distinct sun and shade areas. A simple site plan is more useful than planting every purchase together by default.
Which option makes the most sense for a shaded garden?
The hosta packs are the most foliage-focused choices in this lineup and are worth investigating for a shaded planting area. Still, shade varies from light dappled cover to deep shade, so check the seller’s instructions and local growing advice before choosing. Do not assume that every plant labeled a perennial will thrive in a low-light bed. Consider moisture and drainage alongside shade, since a damp site can behave differently from a dry one under trees. If the bed receives substantial direct sun, verify that the chosen hosta can handle those conditions.
How can I tell whether a multi-pack will cover my planting area?
Use the mature width of each plant and the recommended spacing to estimate how many will fit, rather than relying on pack count alone. Starter plants need time to grow, so a pack may not provide immediate coverage even when the eventual spacing works. Seeds are harder to translate into coverage because germination and thinning change the final number of plants. Measure the bed, sketch the layout, and leave room for mature growth before ordering. If rapid coverage is the priority, look for clear information about plant size and spacing, not just a large quantity.
What should I check before ordering a perennial plant online?
Confirm the plant’s identity, form, pack contents, and planting guidance, then compare those details with your climate and available space. Look for clear information about light, mature size, hardiness, and delivery timing. For live plants and bare roots, check how quickly they should be planted after arrival and what condition they are expected to arrive in. For seeds and bulbs, confirm planting depth and timing from suitable growing instructions. If key details are missing, consult a local nursery or a trusted regional gardening resource before buying.
Conclusion
Best overall: I would start with the Pink Coneflower for a sunny flower bed when a live perennial and a clear ornamental role are priorities. Best value: the Mixrug Sweet William seed packet may suit gardeners planting a larger area who are comfortable sowing and tending seedlings, but its seed count is not a guarantee of coverage. Best premium-style choice: Russian sage is the pick for someone seeking a defined live-plant addition rather than a seed-starting project, provided the site matches its growing needs. Best for beginners: the potted Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ offers a straightforward starting format and a familiar border role; new gardeners should still check local conditions and spacing. Best for specific needs: choose Ajuga for a ground-cover role or a hosta pack for a foliage-led shaded area after confirming site fit. The right purchase depends less on the word perennial than on whether the plant’s form, growing requirements, and mature role match your garden.
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