• A garden full of color is every gardener's goal.Flower garden image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  Gardening can often be an exercise in patience. A gardener must wait for the seed to emerge, or for the plant to mature to see if her efforts have paid off. Annuals always bloom the first year, but they only live one year and must be replanted. That is why perennials that bloom the first year you plant them are so rewarding; it's as close to instant gratification as you'll get in the perennial gardening world. Fortunately, there are many beautiful perennial flowers that bloom the first year you plant them.
  
  

Coreopsis

• Coreopsis is a hardy perennial.ruby-red wet coreopsis, isolated image by Tamara Kulikova from Fotolia.com
  
  This perennial steps right up to the plate and starts blooming as soon as it begins to mature. Reaching up to 4 feet in height, the coreopsis flowers are 2 to 3 inches in diameter and a bright yellow or burgundy, blooming from summer into fall. Coreopsis grows in full sun to partial shade and will tolerate dry conditions and poor soil, but prefers a rich, well-drained soil. This is an herbaceous perennial, meaning it will lose its leaves in the fall, but will come back year after year. Remove the spent flowers to prevent coreopsis from self-seeding. According to Floridata, this plant can become invasive. Coreopsis grows from United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 10.
  
  

Delphinium

• Delphinium is an old-fashioned favorite.Delphinium image by Jeffrey Banke from Fotolia.com
  
  Delphinium is an old-fashioned favorite in the perennial flower bed. Stalks of purple, white or pink flowers will bloom throughout the summer and draw butterflies to your garden. To ensure your delphinium flowers the first year, start the seeds indoors early and transplant them as soon as danger of frost has past or purchase plants from your local nursery. Delphinium grows in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. According to Iowa State University, these flowers reach to about 6 feet tall and may need to be staked. Delphinium grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. Removing the spent flowers may encourage additional blooming.
  
  

Gaura

• Gaura is a perennial plant that thrives in full sun and hot temperatures. Long stems grow from a centralized cluster and boast small individual flowers. These flowers are white when they bloom, darkening to pink as the blooms mature. According to Floridata, Gaura's loose growing habit is perfect for a naturalized or wildflower garden. This plant will grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide and will bloom the first year you plant it. Gaura is drought-tolerant and requires well-drained soil in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 10.