Early Bloomers

• Tulips are a favorite of many gardeners and often are used for cut flowers. They also are full-sun perennials. One of the first flowers of spring in Zone 4 as well as other zones, they are available in many colors, from white to yellow to red. The plants reach heights ranging from 6 to 24 inches. Other spring-blooming perennials include phlox, iris, daffodil and periwinkle.
  
  

Summer Flowers

• Geraniums can be taken inside for winter.geranium image by photografika from Fotolia.com
  
  Geraniums are bushy perennials that generally grow 1 to 2 feet in height and bloom in summer. Some varieties have been known to grow up to 4 feet tall. Geraniums love full sun and are available in colors ranging from white to dark red. These perennials can be taken indoors for Zone 4 winters and can thrive as houseplants. Baby's breath, astilbe, carnation and daisies are other examples of full-sun perennials that bloom in summer.
  
  

Autumn Flowers

• As the full-sun conditions of summer wane and autumn arrives, tree leaves begin to change color and cold weather starts to move into Zone 4. Many flowering perennials, however, are just starting to bloom. Sedum is a low-growing perennial that is considered excellent for ground cover. This succulent plant has greenish-silver leaves and an abundance of pink flowers. Chrysanthemum, aster and ornamental grasses bloom at the beginning of the Zone 4 winter.
  
  

Winter Interest

• Long leaves and plumage create winter interest.ornamental grass image by Richard Seeney from Fotolia.com
  
  While most plants don't flower in winter, it is possible to create winter interest in your Zone 4 perennial garden. Ornamental grasses are full-sun plants that add motion and height to any garden. Because they may bloom in autumn, their long, leafy plumage and tall flower stalks give continuous movement throughout the winter months.