Here are a few of my favorite perennials. They are hardy, they do very well in southern climates, and most of them have a long blooming period.
BALLOONFLOWER- blue balloon shaped flowers. Flowers start out rounded,and then open to star shape.
BLANKET FLOWER(Gaillardia)- showy, daisylike flowers of red and yellow. Drought tolerant.
CANNA-4-6 foot tall with very big flower stalks in shades of red, yellow, and orange. Blooms for a long period of time in summer. Leaves are large. Watch for leaf rollers.
CHINESE LANTERN- very pretty with lantana. Round, orange flowers in summer.
CLIMBING ROSES- "Don Juan" does excellent in high humidity. No spraying needed and blooms continuously in the spring, summer, and fall.
COREOPSIS- forms a full clump of yellow, daisylike flowers in summer.Plenty of blooms.
DAYLILY- great for an edging along a fence. "Stella de Oro" is continuous blooming.
GLADIOLUS- short blooming period, but worth the effort. Plant with other longer blooming plants. Full range of colors. Lasts long as a cut flower.
HOSTA- shade plant, good under trees. Insignificant flowers. Large leaves. Snails love the leaves, so watch out for them.
IRIS- makes a big show. Needs its own area in the garden, multiplies. "Louisiana Iris" tolerates wet conditions, and is great next to a pond or lake.
LANTANA- my absolute favorite. Blooms continuously in summer. Clusters of small yellow and pink or red and orange flowers. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
MEXICAN HEATHER- blooms in summer. Delicate small flowers.
PANSIES- short, compact plant with showy flowers in cool weather. Does very well in the fall and winter months. It will bloom right through a light frost.
PURPLE CONEFLOWER- big purple pink, daisy shaped blooms. Long blooming period. You'll love this plant!
SPIDERWORT- tall, grassy leaves. Three petaled blue flowers. Hardy.
STOKESIA- a great plant paired with coreopsis. Blue pincushion type flowers in summer.
Some plants require certain climate conditions (according to some plant catalogs) only available in specified zones. To find out what zone you are in, you can check out the Zone Map.