10 Best Low-Growing Perennial Border Plants To Grow

2023-01-24
10 Best Low-Growing Perennial Border Plants To Grow

A variety of plants that offer at least three seasons of interest are the hallmarks of a well-designed perennial border garden. Creating a dynamic display requires some thought about leaf shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Without a good mix, gardens feel flat and somewhat dull. But to really bring out contrasts, it’s important to arrange your selections in a way that places taller plants toward the back and shorter plants to the front. Think of it like putting together a group photo. To help you find the right plants to place toward the front of your scene, these 10 types of perennial border plants are easy to care for and will provide a variety of textures and colors through the seasons.

01 of 10

Gorgeous Groundcover

Groundcovers help ensure every inch of soil is filled with plants so fewer weeds can pop up. Using a native plant for this job is a good way to avoid inadvertently planting an invasive or aggressive groundcover. A good choice is foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia). This perennial has colorful leaves and each spring, it produces a flurry of white flowers that’ll bring early pollinators to your garden. Eventually, they'll form a non-invasive cushion of leaves that fill in gaps between other plants in your mixed border.

Growing Conditions: part shade to full shade in moist, well-drained soil

Size: 6-12 inches tall and 1-2 feet wide

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

02 of 10

Shade Lover

Coral bells (Heuchera) will add not only color to a shady border garden with their leaves, but texture as well with their ruffled edges. These shade-loving plants can handle a variety of soils and conditions once established except for soggy soil. Some types of coral bells can even take sun. In spring and summer, tiny pink, red, or white flowers arise on tall stems, attracting a variety of pollinators.

Growing Conditions: part shade to full shade in moist, well-drained soil

Size: 6-12 inches tall and 1-2 feet wide

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

03 of 10

Year-Round Star

Hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) is also known as house leek or simply by its genus name, Sempervivum. This hardy European succulent groundcover has won the hearts of many gardeners for its adaptability, drought tolerance, and interesting pink and yellow blooms. Hens and chicks will bloom every year and look great year-round, given even moderate care. Be sure to plant them in a location where they can slowly spread and remain for many years undisturbed. 

Growing Conditions: full sun to part shade in well-drained soil

Size: 6-12 inches

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

04 of 10

Deer Resistant Perennial

Grass-like sedges (Carex) come in a huge variety of sizes and colors. For example, the 'Milk Chocolate' New Zealand hair sedge (C. comans) shown here, has striking bronze foliage. The native plantain leaved sedge produces broad green leaves. No matter their appearance, deer tend to leave sedges alone. Many sedges, including these two examples, grow in tidy, low-growing clumps that work well as an edging plant for your perennial border garden. Some types of sedges prefer sun and others do better in shade so you can find a sedge to suit just about any situation you have.

Growing Conditions: Part shade in moist, well-drained soil

Size: 6-12 inches tall

Hardiness Zones: 3-8, depending on type

05 of 10

Drought Tolerant Native

Rose verbena (Glandularia canadensis) is a beautiful flowering native plant that naturally grows in rocky areas, prairies, and along roadsides where life is tough and competition is fierce. Its resilience makes rose verbena an excellent garden plant that will easily handle droughts and look lovely doing so. Reaching less than two feet tall, these perennials tend to root where their stems touch the ground, giving established plants a mounded look. Purplish pink flowers appear in summer.

Growing Conditions: full sun in well-drained soil

Size: 2 feet tall

Hardiness Zones: 5-9

06 of 10

Colorful Flowers for Shade

Lungworts (Pulmonaria) make great additions to perennial border gardens because their silvery patterned leaves and pink or purple spring flowers bring a splash of color where few other plants can. Plus, these beauties are deer and rabbit resistant.

Growing Conditions: full sun to full shade in moist, well-drained soil

Size: 1 foot tall and 1 foot wide

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

07 of 10

Fall Color

Native to Eastern North America, the hardy geranium (Geranium maculatum) offers several seasons of interest to border gardens. Its finely textured foliage forms an attractive groundcover when planted in masses. In spring, hardy geranium produces soft pink to purple flowers that attract pollinators, followed by a rainbow of yellow, orange, red, and purple leaf shades in the fall.

Growing Conditions: full sun to part shade in average soil

Size: 1 to 2 feet tall

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

08 of 10

Hummingbird Favorite

Columbine (Aquilegia) is a perennial wildflower with delicate-looking foliage. Its spring flowers come in a multitude of colors from white to pink, red to purple, and bicolors, and attract hummingbirds. Some types of columbine can get three feet tall, but for something more compact for the front of your border garden, try the Earlybird series that stays under a foot tall.

Growing Conditions: part shade in moist, well-drained soil

Size: 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

09 of 10

Pollinator Magnet

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance perennial that attracts hordes of pollinators, then anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a must. Anise hyssop is a relative of mint, but unlike its rambunctious relative, it slowly spreads by underground rhizomes and reseeds itself politely in place. In midsummer, wands of small, light purple flowers appear, drawing native bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. Leave dry stems standing in fall as a treat for birds.

Growing Conditions: full sun in many soil types

Size: 3-4 feet tall by 2-3 feet wide

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

10 of 10

A Unique Focal Point

Texture is key to creating a garden with vibrant and eye-catching appeal, and when in bloom, prairie smoke (Geum triflorum) fits the bill perfectly. After flowering, this native perennial produces tufts of seed heads that create an almost cloud-like effect when planted in a group. Give them room to spread naturally and their wispy pink blooms will steal the show in a sunny border garden.

Growing Conditions: full sun and well-drained soil

Size: 1.5 feet tall by 1 foot wide

Hardiness Zones: 3-7

Related Article

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

Rose of Jericho is a unique houseplant that can survive with minimal water, making it a great option for travelers and forgetful gardeners.
21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

Color is always nice, but scale is everything when choosing miniature garden plants. Peruse our favorite picks for fairy gardens and terrariums.
13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

Create a gorgeous, pollinator-friendly garden by including these nectar-rich plants.
Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is coleus a perennial that comes back every year? That depends on where you live and how you care for it. Use these tips to enjoy coleus as a colorful perennial or annual plant.
How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

Ranunculus are favorite flowers for weddings, arrangements, and gardens. Here's how to plant and grow ranunculus.
How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

This guide on how to grow glossy abelia includes essential planting and care tips such watering, fertilizing, and pruning needs. You'll also find popular types of abelia to grow and pretty companion plants for this flowering shrub.
Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas not blooming can be a frustrating problem for gardeners. These straightforward tips will promote tons of long-lasting flowers.
10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

Mix and match these sweet potato companion plants in your vegetable beds for pest-free crops and easier gardening.
How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

Learn how to harvest mint to keep plants more manageable and gather fresh mint leaves for cooking, drying, and storing!
How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

These easy-to-follow tips will help you figure out how and when to harvest radishes for the best flavor and size. Plus, get troubleshooting advice if your radish roots aren't developing properly.
How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

Find out exactly how and when to start tomato seeds indoors so they'll be ready to transplant into your garden in spring.
Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Learn the differences between tillers and cultivators and the tasks they're best suited for.
Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Composting is a simple way to turn your kitchen and yard waste into food for your garden. But some of these items should never be in compost.
Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

With a bit of grass seed or sod, lawn repair is easy, and you’ll soon have a lush green carpet again.
What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

Tiny white bugs on plants in your home or outdoors can be a big problem. Learn how to identify and get rid of them with this guide.
How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

Protect your plants from the most common diseases. Learn to recognize the symptoms and how to prevent these diseases in the first place.
How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

Decorative rocks and stones add another element of nature to your yard, whether you grow hydrangeas, tulips, or cacti.
Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Even if you're a beginner, these simple landscape planning tips will take the mystery out of designing your yard's ideal layout.
10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

Use native plants in your garden instead of popular invasive landscape plants: See a list of common invasive plants, plus native alternatives to plant instead.
Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Use our lawn-care schedule to help you maintain a beautiful yard all year long. You'll learn exactly when to mow, aerate, fertilize, and overseed.