15 Low-Growing Plants Perfect for Border Edging

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Border edging is an essential part of landscaping. It adds aesthetic value to the garden and serves practical purposes. It helps define the boundaries of a garden and prevents grass and weeds from encroaching onto flower beds or paths.

One of the most popular options for border edging is using low-growing plants. These plants are easy to maintain, can withstand foot traffic, and add texture and color to the landscape. Here are 15 low-growing plants that are ideal for border edging.

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Creeping phlox is a beautiful groundcover that produces small, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white. Its low-growing nature and spreading habit make it perfect for border edging. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)

Candytuft is a hardy perennial with clusters of delicate white flowers that bloom in early spring. Its evergreen foliage and compact growth make it suitable for border edging all year round. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.

Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)

Blue star creeper is a low-maintenance plant that forms a dense mat of small blue star-shaped flowers. It is ideal for edging pathways or filling in gaps between stepping stones. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.

Aubrieta (Aubrieta deltoidea)

Aubrieta is a fast-spreading perennial that produces masses of tiny purple, pink, or white flowers in early spring. Its cascading growth habit makes it perfect for draping over borders or rock walls. This low-maintenance plant is also deer-resistant, making it a popular gardener choice.

Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping thyme is a fragrant herb with small, pink, or purple flowers that bloom in summer. Its creeping growth habit and low height make it ideal for border edging. It is also often used as a ground cover in gardens and can add a pop of color to rock gardens.

Golden Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

Golden creeping jenny is a vigorous ground cover with bright chartreuse leaves that create a beautiful contrast against other plants. Its trailing habit makes it suitable for cascading over borders or containers.

Crown Vetch (Securigera varia)

Crown vetch is a hardy perennial with clusters of pink and purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. Its spreading growth habit and ability to handle foot traffic make it perfect for planting on edges.

Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)

Corsican mint is a low-growing herb with tiny leaves that release a refreshing scent when stepped on. Its compact growth makes it ideal for planting between paving stones or along borders. This fragrant herb is commonly used in cooking, especially in Mediterranean cuisine, and also has medicinal properties.

Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)

Blue fescue is a popular ornamental grass known for its striking blue-grey foliage. Its clumping habit and low height make it perfect for border edging. Blue fescue is also an excellent choice for containers, rock gardens, and even as a groundcover.

Golden Japanese Sweet Flag (Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’)

Golden Japanese sweet flag is a low-maintenance grass with bright yellow and green striped leaves. Its clumping growth habit makes it suitable for border edging or container planting. Plant it in partial shade and moist, well-draining soil for best results.

Golden Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’)

Golden Japanese forest grass is a slow-growing ornamental grass with cascading golden foliage. Its trailing habit makes it ideal for edging borders or paths. It thrives in partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’)

Creeping jenny is a low-maintenance ground cover with bright chartreuse leaves that create a stunning contrast against other plants. Its spreading habit and ability to handle foot traffic make it perfect for border edging.

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

Lily of the Valley is a fragrant perennial with delicate white flowers that bloom in spring. Its spreading growth habit and low height make it suitable for edging borders or pathways. It thrives in partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil.

Hosta (Hosta spp.)

Hostas are popular perennials known for their large, attractive foliage in shades of green, blue, or variegated. Their clumping habit and low growth make them perfect border-edging plants. They do well in partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil.

Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’)

Dwarf mondo grass is a slow-growing evergreen with dark green foliage that forms a lush, dense mat. Its compact size makes it suitable for border edging or container planting. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.