Small Perennials

Small Perennials: Big Color in Compact Spaces

Short on space but still want a garden packed with charm? Our Small Perennials collection at Nature Hills offers colorful blooms, unique textures, and low-maintenance beauty in plants that stay under 24 inches tall. These compact powerhouses are perfect for front borders, container gardens, or softening the edges of flower beds with long-lasting appeal.

Designed to be seen and admired up close, small perennials bring visual interest to small-space gardens with minimal effort. Whether you want pops of color, interesting foliage, or summer-long blooms, these little landscape stars are tough, beautiful, and dependable.

Why Choose Small Perennials?

Ideal for Small Spaces & Containers
Softens the edges of beds, walkways, and patios
Season-long interest with colorful foliage and blooms, plus reblooming varieties
Low-maintenance and highly adaptable!
Great for front borders, planted in groupings, or rows where their detail can be appreciated
Pollinator-Friendly and often deer-resistant
Many varieties are fantastic for Rock Gardens and xeric spaces
Must-haves for Cottage Gardens
Wide variety and color for Cutting Borders!

Whether you're adding curb appeal or brightening up a patio, these plants bring big beauty in a small footprint.

Customer Favorites in the Small Perennials Collection

Black Scallop Ajuga (Ajuga reptans) – Glossy dark foliage and spikes of blue-purple flowers; great groundcover for sun or shade
Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) – Dwarf mounded perennial with oversized star-shaped blue blooms from quirky balloon buds
Creeping Phlox & Groundcover (Carpet) Sedum – Excellent flowering groundcovers that add texture and low-growing charm
Dwarf Dianthus, Coral Bells, and Campanula – Reliable bloomers with compact form and eye-catching color

Each one brings joy in a petite package, perfect for tucking into any garden nook or border.

How to Grow & Care for Small Perennials

Small perennials are simple to grow when planted in the right spot. Here's what they need:

Plant in well-drained, rich soil
Provide full to partial sun, depending on the variety
Add a 3–4 inch layer of arborist mulch to conserve moisture and insulate roots
Water new plants regularly using the Finger Test to avoid over- or underwatering
Deadhead where needed to encourage extended blooming (learn about deadheading)

These plants are not just compact, they’re hardy, fast-growing, and often resistant to common pests and diseases!

Read the complete Perennial Care Guide Here!

Let’s Design Your Perfect Little Perennial Garden

From sunny borders to patio pots, Small Perennials are perfect for creating color and texture where space is tight. Durable and decorative, these compact plants are a garden essential.

FAQS for Buying Small Perennials Online

What are the best small perennials for container gardening?

Small Perennials like Black Scallop Ajuga, Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower, and compact Dwarf Dianthus are top choices for container gardening. Their small size, long bloom time, and colorful foliage create a big visual impact in tight spots. Whether you're brightening up a balcony or jazzing up your porch, these little beauties are made to shine in pots.

How tall do small perennials grow?

Small Perennials are defined by their modest height, typically staying under 24 inches tall. These compact plants are ideal for front borders, patio planters, and small garden beds. Even though they’re short in stature, they bring towering beauty through bold colors, striking textures, and pollinator-friendly blooms.

Are small perennials easy to care for?

Yes! Most Small Perennials are low-maintenance and very beginner-friendly. They thrive in full to partial sun, need well-drained soil, and benefit from a layer of mulch to lock in moisture. Regular watering, occasional deadheading, and minimal pruning are all it takes to keep these tiny titans growing strong season after season.

Can I use small perennials in rock gardens or xeriscapes?

Absolutely! Many Small Perennials like Creeping Phlox and Carpet Sedum are drought-tolerant, making them excellent choices for rock gardens and xeric landscapes. These tough plants don't just survive—they thrive in lean, rocky soil and dry conditions while adding stunning color and texture.

Do small perennials attract pollinators?

They sure do! Despite their size, Small Perennials pack a powerful pollinator punch. Many varieties produce nectar-rich blooms that draw in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They're a charming and eco-friendly way to support local pollinators—even in the smallest of gardens.

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