The Best Zone 5 Perennial Seeds

Bee Balm (Monarda 'Jacob Cline')

• The aromatic leaves of this North American plant are topped with a large moplike flower head of scarlet-red petals that attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds during the flowering period (June to August). It needs moist, well-drained soil and can grow well in full sun or partial shade. This plant grows up to 30 inches in height and diameter, making it ideal for beds and borders. Germination period: up to 40 days

Fringed Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia)

• Originating from the Atlantic side of North America, this plant produces a splendid show of pendant, heart-shaped flowers on a bed of delicate, fernlike foliage. The flowering period starts in April and can last well into September if you pinch off the stems after the blooms have finished. It needs moist, well-drained soil and can grow well in full and partial shade. It can reach up to 18 inches in height and diameter, and is good for masking the foliage of earlier bulbs that have died down. Germination period: up to 30 days

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

• Originally from eastern North America, this hardy wildflower is the world's most popular herbal remedy. Its ornamental, daisylike flower attracts butterflies in the summer and small birds in the winter. Although it prefers moist, well-drained soils, poor soil conditions can result in shorter plants (as opposed to a normal height of up to 4 feet). It can grow well in full sun or partial shade with the flowering period lasting from July right through to November. Germination period: up to 20 days

Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia rooperi)

• This striking hardy perennial from South Africa (also known as torch lily) certainly earns its place in the garden. Its stems rise up from tufts of long leaves and can reach up to 3 feet in height. The conical flower heads bloom from July to September, and turn from orange to yellow as they fade--making a stunning two-tone effect. It prefers moist soil in full sun or partial shade, and is ideal for borders. Germination period: up to 30 days

Sea Holly (Eryngium planum)

• The striking blue flowers and silver stems of this spiky plant originating from the mountains of Europe provide a stunning backdrop to perennial borders all year round. It grows well in moist, well-drained soil and full sun--growing up to 3 feet in height and 18 inches in diameter. Its effect on the garden lasts long after the flowering period (July to September), as the dead flower heads provide interest during the winter. Germination period: up to 30 days