Best Low-Growing Perennials for Garden Borders
I used to stare at the empty border of my yard, wondering what to plant. That’s when I discovered low-growing perennials, and they completely changed how my garden looked.
In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite picks for sunny and shady spots, along with tips to help you plan a border that looks good from spring to fall.
If you’re looking for easy ways to add life and shape to your garden, this is a great place to start. Let’s find the plants that fit your space and your style.
Why Use Low-Growing Perennial Plants in Garden Borders?
These compact plants help define borders, soften edges, and bring lasting color to your landscape with minimal upkeep.
They Shape and Organize Your Garden
Borders need structure, and that’s exactly what these plants provide.
By lining paths, garden beds, or walkways with low growers, you create a natural edge that feels tidy without needing plastic or metal barriers.
Their short height allows them to stay out front without hiding taller plants behind them. This helps your garden feel layered and thoughtfully arranged, not overgrown or chaotic.
They Add Texture and Seasonal Interest
Low-growing perennials come in all kinds of textures and shades. Some have soft, fuzzy leaves like lamb’s ear.
Others bring pops of bright flowers in pink, purple, blue, or white. When you mix these different varieties, you build a border that looks full and interesting from spring through fall.
By choosing plants with staggered bloom times or evergreen leaves, you can even keep your borders attractive all year long.
They Fill in Bare Spots and Protect Soil
These plants are excellent at covering open soil, especially in narrow strips along fences or sidewalks.
This ground-hugging habit doesn’t just improve the look of your garden. It also helps suppress weeds, prevent erosion, and keep moisture in the soil.
Instead of empty gaps that attract weeds or dry out fast, you get a living carpet that protects the space and looks better over time.
Top Low-Growing Perennials
Some plants are built for bright sun. Others thrive in shade. And a few look good nearly all year. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose what works best for your garden.
Best for Sunny Borders
Sun-drenched borders deserve plants that thrive in the spotlight, combining drought tolerance with long-lasting color.
These three performers create stunning displays while standing up to heat and challenging conditions with minimal maintenance.
| Plant | Zones | Bloom Time | Sun Needs | Care Needs | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedum | 3–9 | Late summer to fall | Full sun | Drought-tolerant, well-drained soil, trim in spring | Thick, water-storing leaves; great for dry spots |
| Catmint | 4–8 | Late spring through summer | Full sun | Trim after the first bloom for repeat flowers | Aromatic foliage attracts pollinators |
| Creeping Thyme | 4–9 | Early to mid-summer | Full sun | Avoid wet soil, and low watering needs once established | Dense, fragrant groundcover; ideal between pavers |
Best for Shady Areas
These shade specialists transform dark corners into garden highlights, combining interesting foliage with reliable performance where sun-loving plants fear to tread.
| Plant | Foliage Description | Shade Level | Spacing | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hostas | Heart-shaped or puckered; green, blue, or variegated | Partial to full shade | 1–3 feet apart (varies by type) | Broad, lush foliage; great for dense coverage |
| Coral Bells | Bright shades of purple, peach, lime; ruffled leaves | Partial shade | 12–18 inches apart | Adds color to shady spots; delicate flower spikes |
| Lamium | Silver-green, often variegated | Partial to full shade | 12 inches apart | Soft groundcover; spreads without being invasive |
Best for All-Year Appeal
Four-season appeal sets these perennials apart, delivering garden structure and visual interest long after their showier neighbors have disappeared for winter.
| Plant | Winter Interest | Zones | Light Needs | Care Needs | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamb’s Ear | Holds color and shape through cold months | 4–9 | Full sun | Well-drained soil, trim as needed | Fuzzy, silver foliage adds soft texture |
| Creeping Phlox | Evergreen base stays year-round after blooming | 3–9 | Full sun | Needs airflow to prevent mildew | Spreads in colorful mats during spring |
| Liriope | Semi-evergreen to evergreen in warm zones | 5–10 | Sun or shade | Drought-tolerant once established | Grass-like leaves with lavender summer flower spikes |
Choosing the Right Plants for Your Conditions
Successful groundcover plantings begin with understanding your garden’s unique environment.
Rather than fighting against existing conditions, experienced gardeners work with their site’s natural characteristics, selecting plants adapted to thrive in their specific soil type, light exposure, and moisture levels.
This approach reduces maintenance, increases plant vigor, and creates sustainable landscapes that improve with time rather than requiring constant intervention.
Step 1: Grab a Handful of Soil
Go outside. Yes, now. Scoop a handful of soil from where you want to plant.
- Does it stick together like playdough? You’ve got clay.
- Does it fall apart like beach sand? That’s sandy soil.
- Does it hold together but crumble easily? Hello, loam, your soil is garden gold.
Now that you’ve got a feel for the ground, let’s pick your plant partners:
If your soil drains fast and dries out easily, try: Sedum, Creeping Thyme, or Lamb’s Ear. They don’t mind skipping a few watering days.
If your soil stays moist and feels rich, go for: Hostas, Coral Bells, or (if you’re adding it later) Astilbe. They like the extra nutrients and moisture.
Step 2: Watch the Sunlight
Take a look at the spot you’re planting. Better yet, track the sun for a full day. Don’t guess, shade in the morning and sun in the afternoon still counts!
Ask yourself:
- Is it sunny for most of the day (6+ hours)? That’s Full Sun. Plants like Catmint, Sedum, or Creeping Phlox will thank you.
- Does it only get 3–6 hours of light? That’s Partial Shade. Try Coral Bells or Lamium.
- Less than 3 hours of direct sun? That’s Full Shade. You’re in Hosta territory now.
Your Planting Match-Up
Match both conditions, soil and sunlight, to create a plant list that’s made for your space.
- Got dry, sunny soil? You’re looking at a border filled with Sedum, Creeping Thyme, and Catmint. All three love the heat, thrive in lean soil, and hardly ever ask for water.
- Working with shady, moist ground? Try Hostas, Coral Bells, or Lamium. They’ll fill in the space with bold leaves and soft flowers without begging for sunlight.
- If your yard has morning sun and afternoon shade, that’s a sweet spot. You can mix in adaptable plants like Liriope, Creeping Phlox, or even Heuchera and still get reliable color and coverage.
Think of this like building your own garden recipe. Two key ingredients, light and soil, help you choose the right plants.
When you match them well, the plants settle in faster, grow stronger, and need less help from you.
Maintenance Considerations
Understanding the maintenance requirements of different groundcovers allows you to create stunning displays that align with your available time and gardening preferences.
Low-Maintenance Options
- Sedum and Lamb’s Ear barely need water once they’re established.
- Creeping Thyme resists pests and rarely needs trimming.
What Needs a Bit More Care?
- Coral Bells may need dividing every few years.
- Hostas need protection from slugs and snails.
- Lamium spreads fast—keep an eye on it to avoid crowding.
Conclusion
Low-growing perennials bring lasting color, texture, and structure to your garden, all with less effort than high-maintenance plants.
They’re perfect for borders, edging, or filling in gaps, and whether your yard gets full sun or stays mostly in the shade, there’s a mix that can fit your space and style.
These plants stay close to the ground but make a big impact. With the right planning, you can have a garden that feels full, balanced, and fresh all year long.
Are you interested in more helpful gardening advice like this? Check out other blogs on this website.
