Perennials are easy to grow and bring beauty and life to your garden year after year. They are highly beneficial plants. Along with trees and shrubs, they contribute to soil health, prevent erosion, and provide habitat and food for pollinators, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Below are 18 native or introduced perennials selected not only for their suitability to Indiana’s climate, but also for their ease of care, hardiness, and high performance. Perennials truly are the backbone of a garden, and they are easy to love!

Long spells of endless sunshine might seem like your garden’s idea of a good time, but, like most things in life, moderation is key — even for plants. With all that sun can come high temps and a lack of humidity that leaves your flowers, veggies, and herbs wilted or dried up, as well as defenseless against disease and pests. You can help prevent heat-stressed plants and keep your own cool, too. So, put on a wide-brimmed hat, grab your water bottle, and help your greenery stay, well, green!

Here’s how to handle it when Mother Nature shows up with high temps and just won’t leave.