Clumping perennials are your best defense against invasive weeds. These hardy plants form tight clusters that choke out weeds naturally, reducing the need for chemicals and constant upkeep.
They don’t just block weeds—they improve soil and attract beneficial insects. From sun-loving varieties to shade-friendly options, there’s a clumping perennial for every garden spot. Choose wisely, and you’ll create a low-maintenance, eco-friendly landscape that thrives.
Here are 15 top clumping perennials to transform your garden into a weed-resistant oasis.
1. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm is a showstopper in any garden. This native North American plant boasts vibrant flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its aromatic foliage adds sensory appeal and helps deter deer and rabbits.
Planting guide:
- Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
- Water regularly until established
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
2. Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflower is a hardy prairie native that’s as tough as it is beautiful. Its daisy-like flowers come in a range of colors and bloom from midsummer to fall. This drought-tolerant plant forms dense clumps that leave little room for weeds to take hold.
Planting guide:
- Select a full-sun location
- Ensure soil has good drainage
- Plant 1-3 feet apart, depending on variety
- Water deeply but infrequently
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers
3. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-Eyed Susan, with its cheerful yellow petals and dark centers, is a garden favorite. This robust perennial spreads quickly, forming thick mats that smother weeds.
It’s drought-tolerant once established and provides long-lasting color from summer through fall.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun to light shade
- Tolerates a wide range of soil types
- Space plants 18-30 inches apart
- Water regularly during the first growing season
- Divide every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding
4. Cranesbill (Geranium)
Hardy geraniums, also known as cranesbills, are low-maintenance workhorses in the garden. These spreading perennials form dense mounds of foliage that effectively suppress weeds.
With a long blooming period and attractive foliage, they’re a versatile addition to any landscape.
Planting guide:
- Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Water regularly until established
- Trim back after flowering to encourage a second bloom
5. Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies are renowned for their ability to thrive in almost any condition. These tough perennials form dense clumps of grass-like foliage that crowd out weeds. With a vast array of colors and forms available, there’s a daylily for every garden style.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun to light shade
- Tolerates most soil types
- Space 18-24 inches apart
- Water deeply once a week
- Divide every 3-5 years to maintain vigor
6. Stonecrop (Sedum)
Stonecrops are succulent perennials that excel in hot, dry conditions. Their thick, fleshy leaves and sturdy stems form dense mats that leave no room for weeds. From low-growing groundcovers to upright varieties, stonecrops offer versatility and low maintenance.
Planting guide:
- Choose a sunny location
- Ensure excellent drainage
- Space 6-24 inches apart, depending on variety
- Water sparingly once established
- Trim back in early spring to maintain shape
7. Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint is a fragrant, long-blooming perennial that forms bushy mounds. Its lavender-blue flowers attract pollinators while its aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits. This drought-tolerant plant spreads quickly, smothering weeds in its path.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Prefers well-draining soil
- Space 18-24 inches apart
- Water regularly until established
- Cut back after first bloom for a second flush of flowers
8. Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Blazing Star, with its tall spikes of purple flowers, adds vertical interest to the garden. This prairie native forms dense clumps that outcompete weeds while attracting butterflies and bees. Its drought tolerance makes it perfect for low-maintenance landscapes.
Planting guide:
- Select a full sun location
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Space 12-15 inches apart
- Water deeply but infrequently
- Leave foliage standing over winter for added interest
9. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
Coral Bells, known for its colorful foliage, is a versatile shade-loving perennial. Its dense, mounding habit helps suppress weeds while adding year-round interest to the garden.
With varieties ranging from deep purple to lime green, there’s a coral bell for every color scheme.
Planting guide:
- Choose a spot with partial to full shade
- Plant in rich, well-draining soil
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Water regularly, avoiding wet foliage
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
10. Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Garden phlox is a classic perennial that forms tall, upright clumps. Its fragrant flowers bloom in mid to late summer, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. The dense growth habit of phlox helps crowd out weeds while providing long-lasting color.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew
- Space 18-24 inches apart
- Water at the base of the plant
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain health
11. Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)
Astilbe is a shade-loving perennial known for its feathery plumes of flowers. Its lush foliage forms dense clumps that effectively suppress weeds. With colors ranging from white to deep red, astilbe adds elegance to woodland gardens and shady borders.
Planting guide:
- Choose a spot with partial to full shade
- Plant in rich, moist soil
- Space 18-24 inches apart
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells
- Divide every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding
12. Hosta (Hosta)
Hostas are the go-to perennial for shady spots. Their large, textured leaves form dense mounds that smother weeds. With varieties ranging from miniature to giant, there’s a hosta for every garden nook.
Their low maintenance nature makes them perfect for busy gardeners.
Planting guide:
- Plant in partial to full shade
- Ensure rich, well-draining soil
- Space according to variety size
- Water deeply and regularly
- Divide every 5-10 years or as needed
13. Tickseed (Coreopsis)
Tickseed, with its cheery daisy-like flowers, is a long-blooming perennial that forms dense clumps. Its drought tolerance and ability to spread quickly make it an excellent choice for crowding out weeds.
Available in shades of yellow, orange, and red, tickseed adds a bright splash to any garden.
Planting guide:
- Select a full sun location
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Water regularly until established
- Deadhead to encourage continuous blooming
14. Sage (Salvia)
Sage is a versatile perennial that comes in a wide range of colors and sizes. Its aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits while its flowers attract pollinators.
The dense, upright growth habit of sage helps suppress weeds and adds structure to the garden.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun
- Ensure excellent drainage
- Space 12-24 inches apart, depending on variety
- Water deeply but infrequently
- Prune back in early spring for bushier growth
15. Lenten Rose (Helleborus)
Lenten rose is a shade-loving evergreen perennial that blooms in late winter to early spring. Its leathery leaves form dense clumps that effectively crowd out weeds.
With flowers ranging from white to deep purple, Lenten roses add color to the garden when little else is blooming.
Planting guide:
- Choose a spot with partial to full shade
- Plant in rich, well-draining soil
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Water regularly until established
- Remove old foliage in late winter to showcase flowers
These 15 clumping perennials offer a natural, low-maintenance solution to weed control while enhancing the beauty and biodiversity of your garden. By selecting plants suited to your specific growing conditions and following proper planting and care guidelines, you can create a lush, weed-resistant landscape that thrives year after year.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.