Who says annuals are the only ones that get to be center stage in the middle of your garden beds? Too often gardeners forget about the nonstop show from spring to fall that many perennials provide. There are many long blooming perennials and shrubs that really require little or low maintenance to keep the show going all season long. Now don't get me wrong, annuals do provide a visually pleasing array of color from the last spring frost to the first fall frost; but in the end all they have to offer you is a pile of mush to clean up and bare dirt that needs to be replanted for fall or the following spring. You labor all summer to water, fertilize, and sometimes even deadhead them and after all that work they don't even bother coming back for you next year.
            I personally would rather plant perennials that are not only going to give me a spectacular display, but will return each year to put on that same show and maybe even an encore or two. That being said, it would be nice to just plant your perennials and let them do all the work, but to really make that show a raving success you just might need to be the gardener that hides out in the wings! Most long blooming perennials will put on quite the show without any assistance, but others would really benefit from deadheading after the first big push. I also recommend feeding your heavy bloomers in early spring and again in early fall. This allows for enough food to keep blooming through the season, and provides nutrients to take back down and store for the winter so they can start the show with a bang! I prefer Dr. Earth Rose and Flower Food for my perennial garden.
            So who really gives a good show you ask? Listed below are several perennial plants that will give you a non-stop display for several weeks in your garden.
 
Achillea varieties: Commonly called Yarrow, this plant puts out a killer display. This plant prefers a dry, hot, sunny spot, and once established  will rebloom numerous times if spent blossoms are removed. To really get a good encore after the second or third bloom cut back to new growth. My favorite varieties are 'Summerwine' and 'Pink Grapefruit'.
Agastache varieties: Not only will this plant bloom from spring to fall, but it is also a hummingbird attractant. This plant performs quite well without any deadheading and the seedheads after flowering are really attractive on through fall. Two of my favorite varieties are 'Blue Fortune' and 'Acalpulco Salmon and Pink'.
Coreopsis varieties: Refered to as Tickseed, this perennial blooms all summer long. Coreopsis is also a great plant for attracting bees. The grandiflora and lanceolata types will extend their bloom if deadheaded. Rosea hybrids and verticillata types do not require deadheading.
Dianthus varieties: Known as Pinks or Carnations, they are very easy to grow and will put on a tremendous show. If used as cut flowers the bloom season is extended because you are essentially deadheading the blooms.
Echinacea varieties: Coneflower is a long time standard for being an outstanding perennial in the garden. The flowers are not only numerous, but each individual flower lasts for a very long time. Breakthrough breeding has recently introduced several new colors and heights to add to your collection. 'Magnus' is the can't be beat standard variety, but my new favorite is 'Sundown'.
Gaillardia varieties: An excellent flower for cutting, this plant attracts bees, birds, and butterflies. Various shades of orange, yellow, and red add a big splash of color to your garden. Benefits from deadheading and is drought tolerant once established.
Geranium varieties: Most hardy geraniums bloom for two to three months during the season, but there are two varieties that really stand out and go all season. Look for 'Rozanne' and 'Jolly Bee' to outperform the rest.
Hardy Fuchsia: With the numerous vareties and color combinations available any variety you pick is certain to be a winner in your garden. Once they start blooming late spring, they don't stop until fall frost. No deadheading required. Two favorites are 'Chillerton Beauty' and 'Riccartoni'.
Lavender varieties: I don't even have to tell you how stunning lavender is in the garden. Various shades of purple, blue, and even pink stand out all summer and provide lasting fragrance. Excellent cut flower and attracts bees.
Leucanthemum varieties: Called 'Shasta Daisy' these large flowers really stand out in the garden. They start the show around late June and continue through summer. If deadheaded they will give a second show that lasts into fall. My favorites are 'Snowcap' and 'Aglaia'.
Nepeta varieties: Blossoms of bluish purple and even pink can be found blooming from spring to fall. With aromatic foliage and non-stop blooms it is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Shear back to get a second show of flowers later on. 'Walker's Low' is one of my favorite varieties.
Penstemon varieties: A terrific plant for summer color, Penstemons come in quite the array of sizes and colors. Many of the taller varieties are excellent for cut flowers. Deadhead for longest lasting show of color.
Phygelius varieties: Upside down tubular flowers not only offer tremendous color in the garden but are great for attracting hummingbirds. Requires deadheading to put out continuous bloom.
Rudbeckia varieties: One of the best summer through fall flowers around. Bright golden colored flowers offer long lasting blooms and interesting seed heads. Makes an excellent cut flower and does not require deadheading. Try 'Goldsturm' for a big impact.
Salvia varieties: This long blooming perennial is excellent as a stand alone or in mixed beds. Offering flowers in shades from pink to blue to purple, this plant starts in May and can go on into August and even October if deadheaded. To really get a spectacular second show after the heavy first bloom cut back down to nice foliage. My personal favorite is 'Caradonna'.
Scabiosa varieties: Showstopper! This pincushion shaped flower will go from spring to fall with minimal deadheading. With some of the larger varieties you may deadhead more often. Watch out for powdery mildew, otherwise an excellent choice.
Verbena 'Homestead Purple': A garden hardy variety of verbena, this plant offers purple flowers from spring to fall. Continuous blooms will go all season, although will bloom more heavily if deadheaded a bit.
 
            With the list above you are bound to have a spectacular garden that you will want to spend all your free time in. Perennials aren't the only plant that will give an endless show. If you are looking for some structural plants to add to the act, look towards Hydrangeas, Potentilla, Roses, Spiraeas, and even Star Jasmine. These shrubs are bound to be a great companion plant with your long blooming perennials. Strive for a garden that will reward you all season long!