15 Tall Perennial Flowers To Add Vertical Interest And Hight To Your Garden

Incorporating tall perennials into your garden design adds a vital element of visual interest and depth. These statuesque flowers not only grow upwards, but also provide a striking contrast to the surrounding foliage. The varied colors, textures, and flower sizes create a harmonious balance that draws the eye upwards and outwards.

By placing taller perennials (up to 5-10 feet) towards the middle or back of borders, you can add an additional dimension to your planting scheme, creating a sense of layering and visual intrigue. This is particularly important in garden design, as it creates a ‘wow’ factor that grabs attention and draws the viewer’s eye through the landscape. Furthermore, tall perennials with long flower stalks are ideal for creating a flowering privacy screen.

With such a wide range of varieties available to suit different light conditions (shade to full sun) and flowering periods (spring to winter), you can create a garden that is always in bloom. Whether placed in an isolated corner, along a fence or wall, or within a flower bed, tall perennials offer endless opportunities for creative expression.

Why You Should Use Tall Perennials in Your Garden?

Taller perennials can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of your garden. By introducing a layering effect, they bridge the gap between low-growing plants and towering trees, creating a visually appealing and natural-looking landscape. One of the most notable benefits of incorporating taller perennials is that they bring leaves and flowers to eye level, making them easily accessible for appreciation.

This is particularly important in garden design, as it allows us to engage with the space at a more intimate level, rather than simply looking up or down at individual plants. Taller perennials also offer an effective solution for concealing unsightly features, such as walls, bins, or other structures that may detract from the overall appearance of your garden. Furthermore, they provide corridors for small animals to hide and move around, promoting a thriving ecosystem.

While it’s true that perennials don’t require annual replanting, there are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting taller varieties. In particular, at the back of a border, perennial choices should prioritize tall, long-lived plants over tall annuals, as this will minimize the need for future maintenance and potential damage to surrounding plants.

Some Tips to Grow Tall Perennials

When it comes to incorporating tall perennials into your garden design, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure to maintain access to these taller plants by keeping pathways and passages open. They may need the occasional pruning, deadheading, or watering, so don’t forget about them just because they’re planted towards the back of the garden.

The thickness of their foliage can also impact how you choose to use them – if you want a lush, green wall, opt for varieties with thicker leaves, like Russian sage. On the other hand, if you prefer a more transparent effect, choose perennials with less dense foliage, such as foxglove. To create a visually appealing display, it’s also a good idea to balance the height of your tall perennials with smaller plants, rather than creating a sudden wall-like effect.

Of course, this may depend on the overall aesthetic you’re going for in your garden, so feel free to experiment and find what works best for you. Finally, if you really need to add some extra height to your display, consider using pots or open containers – they can provide that extra boost of elevation without overwhelming the surrounding plants.

15 Best Tall Flowering Perennials To Add Height in Your Garden

Whether your outdoor space is basking in full sun or shaded by trees, there’s a tall perennial to suit. For sunny spots, hollyhock, foxtail lily, and sneezeweed will thrive, while for shaded areas, consider foxglove and baneberry to bring vibrancy to low-growing companions. I’ve curated a list of 15 stunning perennials that not only reach impressive heights but also boast exceptional flowers, foliage, and personality.

These extra-tall beauties are easy to grow and will add depth and color to your garden, making them essential additions for any outdoor space.

Foxglove (Digitalis spp.)

Foxglove’s statuesque presence is a defining feature of many gardens. The tall perennial boasts showy, bell-shaped flowers that adorn long, upright spikes, providing a kaleidoscope of color and vibrancy throughout the season. The flower stems and inflorescences form striking, cone-like structures that point skyward, adding a dynamic vertical element to the landscape.

The genus Digitalis offers a diverse range of varieties, from compact forms like Digitalis obscura and Digitalis parviflora to taller cultivars such as Digitalis purpurea. Among its ranks are numerous award-winning perennials, including Digitalis purpurea ‘Camelot rose’, which features magenta flowers, and Digitalis grandiflora, with its bright lime yellow blooms.

Foxglove’s versatility makes it an ideal choice for borders and beds in informal gardens, such as the classic English country garden or a charming cottage garden. Its hardiness allows it to thrive in USDA zones 3 to 8, and it can tolerate full sun or partial shade. The blooming season spans spring and summer, with plants reaching heights of 2 to 6 feet (60 to 180 cm) and widths of 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm), depending on the specific variety.

Foxglove’s adaptable nature means it can flourish in well-drained loam, clay, chalk, or sandy soil.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian is a versatile perennial that can reach up to 5 feet tall when in bloom, transforming its appearance over time from middle to high-growth. This dynamic characteristic makes it an excellent addition to informal gardens and wild prairies, where it can thrive under full sun or partial shade. The delicate, lace-like blooms are a beautiful sight, with plenty of pink and white flowers that add charm to any landscape.

While it’s not ideal for creating a wall, hedge, or visual barrier, Valerian offers the unique advantage of being a valuable herb to harvest, complementing its ornamental value. With hardiness spanning USDA zones 4-8, this adaptable plant prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil but can also thrive in nutrient-rich clay and sandy soils, spreading up to 3 feet in width (90 cm).

Monkshood (Aconitum spp.)

Monkshood, also known as Aconite or Devil’s Helmet, is a striking herbaceous perennial that boasts an array of unique characteristics. The flowers, which resemble hoods, are arranged on inflorescences with spaced blooms, giving the impression of floating in mid-air at eye level. This delicate appearance makes Monkshood an ideal choice for informal borders and beds, where it can add a touch of whimsy to the garden.

With over 250 species to choose from, Monkshood offers a diverse range of foliage and stem heights. The low-growing leaves are often offset by tall stems bearing colorful racemes, creating a beautiful contrast. Some species, like Aconitum napellus, can thrive in zones as low as 3 or 4, while others require the warmer temperatures of USDA zones 6 to 10. Monkshood prefers full sun to partial shade and blooms during the summer months. When in bloom, it can reach heights of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters).

To thrive, Monkshood requires well-draining soil with constant humidity, although it is tolerant of loam, clay, or sand. With its unique appearance and adaptability, Monkshood is a great addition to any garden.

Elfdock (Inula helenium)

Elfdock, a perennial with an unmistakable charm, boasts bright yellow blooms reminiscent of untamed sunflowers. Its relationship to the aster family is evident in its vibrant yet rebellious appearance, which adds to its herbaceous and spontaneous nature. This wildflower is perfect for creating a naturalistic look in borders or as a statement piece in low-maintenance areas of larger gardens.

The foliage is striking, with broad leaves that are shaped like shields, making it a decorative addition to any landscape. Notably, elfdock can be grown directly from seed, making it an accessible option for gardeners of all levels.

In terms of hardiness, elfdock thrives in USDA zones 5-8. It requires full sun or partial shade and blooms throughout the summer and fall months. The plant grows to be approximately 4-6 feet tall, with a spread of up to 4 feet.

Its adaptability is evident in its ability to thrive in well-drained soil types with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)

Sneezeweed, a North American perennial, shares similarities with sunflowers in terms of its bright and lively appearance. While the flower heads are smaller, measuring around 3 inches (7-8 cm) in diameter, they are abundant and feature a range of vibrant colors including yellow, orange, red, and purple. This energetic bloom is perfect for adding life, energy, and vibrancy to a border that needs a boost.

It can thrive in large wild prairies, cottage gardens, or informal settings, looking best when planted in large clumps that showcase its overall radiant effect. In contrast, it may not be the best fit for formal gardens. In terms of hardiness, Sneezeweed is suitable for USDA zones 3 to 9 and prefers full sun exposure. The blooming season typically occurs in the fall, with plants reaching heights of around 5 feet (1.5 meters) and widths of approximately 2 feet (60 cm).

As for soil requirements, it is adaptable to well-drained loam, clay, chalk, or sandy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.

Meadow Rue (Thalictrum spp.)

Meadow rue is a perennial flower that can reach impressive heights of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) with its delicate, snowflake-like flowers arranged in elegant inflorescences. These flowers come in a range of subtle colors, including lavender, cream, light yellow, and green-yellow, each variety offering a unique hue. The plant itself has a wild, natural charm that makes it an excellent choice for creating a beautiful screen or backdrop in the garden.

When planted at the back of a bed or border, the flowers can be appreciated as a whole, rather than individually. Meadow rue thrives in USDA zones 3 to 9 and can tolerate partial shade, although it also flourishes in full sun in temperate climates. The plant reaches heights of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters), with most varieties growing between 4 to 6 feet tall (1.2 to 1.8 meters).

In terms of soil requirements, meadow rue prefers well-drained and humid soil rich in humus, but it is also adaptable to loam, clay, and sandy soils.

Desert Candles or Foxtail Lily (Eremurus spp.)

Desert candle is a show-stopping perennial that boasts tall, statuesque spikes adorned with vibrant flowers in shades of white, yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple. As the blooms emerge, they begin at the base of the spike and gradually work their way up to the tip, creating a dramatic display of star-shaped flowers. The foliage is equally impressive, featuring long, slender blades that add an air of elegance to the overall appearance.

This striking perennial makes for a fantastic addition to any garden, whether it’s a showy flower bed or border. Its architectural silhouette also lends itself well to placement at the sides of a front path, creating a warm and inviting welcome mat for guests.

As for its specifications, desert candle is hardy in USDA zones 5-8. It thrives in full sun and produces blooms throughout the spring and summer months.

Reaching heights of up to 10 feet (4 meters) and spreading out to about 3 feet (90 cm), this perennial requires well-drained soil that can be sandy loam, loam, clay, or even sandy. Its drought-resistant nature means it can withstand dry spells with ease.

Chimney Bellflower (Campanula pyramidalis)

Chimney bellflower is a stunning herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 5 feet tall, boasting conical inflorescences adorned with lilac to lavender-hued, star-shaped flowers. This striking plant’s pyramidal habit makes it an excellent addition to cottage and English country gardens, where its height allows it to create a beautiful backdrop for mid-to-back borders or large flower beds.

While chimney bellflower is a relatively short-lived perennial, lasting only 2-5 years, its natural tendency to self-seed means it can become naturalized in certain regions, such as southern Europe. It’s also worth noting that this plant requires some time to mature, taking around a year or two before it begins blooming. When it comes to growing conditions, chimney bellflower is relatively adaptable, thriving in USDA zones 7-10 and full sun.

The soil requirements are well-drained and can be of various types, including loam, clay, chalk, or sand. With its unique appearance and moderate size (5-7 feet tall and 2 feet wide), this perennial is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking to add some visual interest to their outdoor spaces.

Globe Thistle (Echinops bannatocus)

Echinops bannaticus, a species of globe thistle, stands out with its exceptional height, reaching up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall. This impressive stature allows its beautiful globular inflorescences to truly shine, each approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter and resembling perfect round balls in a vibrant lavender purple hue.

For optimal visual impact, plant Echinops bannaticus in clumps within your beds or borders, as it thrives in informal gardens despite its ability to add a touch of elegance to formal settings. It also excels in xeric or dry, rocky gardens, where its foliage can be particularly striking. When it comes to growing conditions, this perennial is well-suited for USDA zones 3-8 and requires full sun or partial shade.

The blooming season typically falls within the summer months, with a mature size of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) in height and 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in spread. Additionally, Echinops bannaticus tolerates well-drained loam, chalk, or sandy soil and is both drought-resistant and tolerant of rocky soil.

Hillside Black Beauty (Actaea simplex)

Hillside black beauty is a perennial that offers both elegance and drama. Its leaves, a deep purple hue with broad segments, form a lush shrub that remains low-growing. However, the real showstopper is the flowering stalk, which can reach up to 6 feet in height. These spikes are adorned with white to pink blooms set against a backdrop of rich purple stems. This versatile plant excels in formal settings, but also thrives in informal gardens and can be grown in containers for added height.

Hillside black beauty is well-suited for USDA zones 3 to 7, tolerating partial shade and avoiding intense afternoon sun. It blooms late in the summer season and can grow up to 6 feet tall with a spread of approximately 3 feet (90 cm). To thrive, it requires well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged, making loam or clay a suitable choice.

Plume Poppy (Macleaya cordata)

The plume poppy is a standout perennial that can add depth, vibrancy, and visual interest to your garden beds and borders. Its unique ‘plumed’ flowers resemble colorful, feathery tufts on slender stems, making it an attractive addition to any landscape. This versatile plant comes in a range of colors including white, yellow, pink, orange, red, and purple, and is further distinguished by its striking foliage, which can be a vibrant green or even blue!

Plume poppy thrives in a variety of settings, whether it’s dappled shade or full sun. Its lush appearance, courtesy of its impressive leaves, makes it an ideal choice for filling out borders. With its adaptability to most soil types and well-drained conditions, this perennial is sure to be a hit in USDA zones 3 to 8. When exposed to partial shade, plume poppy can also tolerate hot climates, making it suitable for a wide range of growing conditions.

Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

Hollyhock’s stately presence is a hallmark of classic perennial gardens. This statuesque beauty boasts an impressive range of flower colors, from the purest whites to rich purples, with pink, red, orange, yellow, and blue hues in between. Its showy blooms are mounted on exceptionally long stems, making it a ‘vertical’ plant that can add a striking dimension to borders, beds, or pathways.

As an herbaceous perennial, hollyhock’s natural elegance makes it a perfect fit for gardens seeking a more relaxed, effortless look. It thrives in walls, ditches, and other areas where its statuesque beauty can be fully appreciated.

In terms of hardiness, hollyhocks are surprisingly resilient, thriving in USDA zones 3 to 9. They require full sun to reach their full potential and typically bloom during the summer months. Measuring between 5 to 6 feet tall (1.5 to 1.

8 meters) and 1 to 2 feet wide (30 to 60 cm), hollyhocks are adaptable to a variety of well-drained soil types, including loam, clay, chalk, or sand-based soils.

Big Bluestem (Andropogon Gerardii)

Big bluestem is a stunning perennial grass that boasts a range of varieties, from vibrant greens to deep red hues like the striking ‘Indian Warrior’. While it may not produce showy flowers, its statuesque presence is undeniable. Its upright habit and long, feathery plumes make it a focal point in any garden. This versatile grass looks beautiful year-round and can be used to create dramatic clumps or add height and texture to borders and beds.

It’s also an excellent choice for lawns, gravel gardens, and urban landscapes that prioritize low maintenance.

This hardy grass thrives in USDA zones 3-9, requiring full sun to reach its full potential. Its blooming season is nonexistent, as it focuses on developing its striking foliage instead. The plant grows 5-6 feet tall (1.5-1.8 meters) and spreads 1-2 feet wide (30-60 cm). It excels in well-drained loam, clay, foam, or sandy soil and is surprisingly drought-resistant.

Torch Aloe (Aloe arborescens)

Torch aloe, a succulent that’s often overlooked in favor of its more famous cousin, aloe vera, is actually the perfect addition to any hot country garden. This tall, flowering perennial can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) tall and produces massive, long-lasting blooms of vibrant red flowers that are shaped like tubes and have a waxy texture. The spikes of flowers resemble burning candelabras, which gives this plant its name.

It’s an ideal choice for large flower beds or as a standalone feature in your garden. Torch aloe thrives in formal and informal gardens alike, making it a great fit for desert landscapes, gravel gardens, and more. Just keep in mind that it might not be the best fit for cottage gardens. In terms of hardiness, torch aloe is suitable for USDA zones 9 to 11. It prefers full sun exposure and blooms from winter to spring.

As for its size, it can grow up to 10 feet tall with a spread of around 3 meters. When it comes to soil requirements, torch aloe does well in well-drained loam or sandy loam. This drought-resistant and salt-tolerant plant is perfect for hot country gardens that need a little extra resilience.

Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)

Culver’s root is a hidden gem among perennials, boasting unique characteristics that make it a standout in any garden. The plant’s slender stems are adorned with clusters of ‘star-shaped’ leaves, arranged like the tiles on a pagoda roof, providing an attractive display throughout the growing season. As the stems reach their full height, they’re crowned with long, thin spikes of dainty flowers that can be found in shades of white, pink, and lavender.

These blooms remain vibrant for an extended period, making Culver’s root an ideal choice for adding a pop of color to borders late in the season when other plants may be struggling. Its natural elegance also makes it perfect for informal settings.

In terms of hardiness, Culver’s root thrives in USDA zones 3-9 and requires full sun exposure to reach its full potential. It blooms from midsummer to fall, reaching heights of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) with a spread of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm).

To grow well, it needs well-drained loam or clay-based soil, and can tolerate heavy clay and wet soils.

Going Up to the Sky with Tall Perennials

While many perennials are stunning in their own right, there’s something particularly captivating about those that stretch towards the sky. These towering plants not only add visual interest to the garden but also seem to defy gravity, creating a sense of drama and whimsy. By incorporating some of these ‘uplifted’ varieties into your outdoor space, you can bring a touch of celestial beauty right into your backyard, as if the blue expanse itself had been transported down to earth.