A border plant is a plant that is grown next to a garden bed or flowerbed. Border plants are typically taller and have a more vertical structure than the plants in the garden bed, but they can also be shorter and more horizontal. They provide an attractive frame for the garden bed, and they also serve as a transition between different types of plants. These plants will add texture, color, and scale around the perimeter of your garden.

Border plants are often used to separate different areas of the garden, such as between vegetable gardens and flower gardens or between formal areas of the garden and informal areas. You can plant annuals and perennials together to create an attractive and colorful border. They can also be used to create a border around an entire property or just around a patio area.

The following are the qualities that make a good border plant:

• Low maintenance and easy to grow - These plants are not too high maintenance, but they still require some care. They also grow and spread easily.
• Colorful and long-lasting - These plants have beautiful colors that last for months. They also have flowers that last for a long time.
• Hardy and drought tolerant - These plants can withstand harsh conditions such as drought and cold weather.
• Fragrant - The flowers on these plants are often fragrant, which is a great addition to any garden or yard.

Ten plants that are suitable for borders are:

Amsonia hubrichtii - Amsonia hubrichtii is a perennial that has grown in popularity among gardeners and landscapers. The plant is often used as a border plant to provide a natural edge to gardens and landscapes. The plant has three seasons of interest starting in the spring with delicate star-shaped flowers, bright green foliage in the summer, and bright golden yellow foliage in the fall. It is easy to grow in well-draining soil in full sun or partial shade. Hardiness zones 4-9.

Bidens – Bidens have daisy-like blooms typically in yellow or orange, but new varieties include pink, gold, white, and bicolor. In warmer locations, they are a perennial and an annual plant in locations where temperatures fall below freezing. They bloom from May to October and do not need to be deadheaded. In the winter, the plant will remain green. Bidens are considered a good border plant because of their long blooming season, and they can be low growing and can be planted in the front of the garden. Performs best in full sun and moist, well-draining soil. Hardiness zones 8-11.

Coleus - Coleus is a great border plant because it has a lot of colors and textures. These annual plants have beautiful leaves that come in many different colors and patterns. They also have a nice scent and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It looks great with other plants, as well as in containers. It is also a good idea to use coleus as a border because it can tolerate heavy pruning and still look beautiful. It can grow well in shade or sun, and it is versatile enough to grow in a variety of soil types. Coleus is easy to grow and maintain.

Creeping Thyme - Creeping Thyme is a perennial that makes a great border plant. It is also an excellent choice for use in rock gardens and other areas where the soil is poor. It looks great sprawling over rocks. Creeping thyme is a low-growing with a vine-like habit. The flowers of this plant are small and come in pink, purple, and white. They are fragrant, blooming from late spring to early summer. The leaves of this plant are pointed and blue-green. The plant grows best in full sun, although they will tolerate some shade and tolerates poor soil. Hardiness zones 2-9.

Dianthus - Dianthus is a popular border plant because it can be grown in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. The flowers are also fragrant and bloom from early spring to late fall. They have long stems that grow in clusters. Dianthus grows in a variety of soils and climates. The flowers of Dianthus are also beautiful, with colors ranging from white to pink to salmon. These flowers are sometimes used as cut flowers and can last up to two weeks when placed in water. Some people also enjoy planting them because they attract butterflies and bees while providing some shade for other plants in the garden.

Heuchera - Heuchera is a great border plant because of its hardiness, ability to grow in shade or sun, and its wide range of colors. The plants are low maintenance and easy to grow. Heuchera, also known as Coral Bells, is a perennial plant that is native to North America. They are low maintenance and easy to grow. They have foliage that ranges from silver-gray to deep green with new varieties coming in shades of purple, rose, lime green, gold, and more. They produce flowers in the summer months. The leaves on these plants are usually evergreen, but some species will lose their leaves in the winter months. They can be short-lived perennials unless they are divided regularly. Hardiness zones 4-9.

Hosta - Hostas make great border plants because of their large leaves that grow up to three feet tall and spread two to three feet wide. Hosta leaves vary from light green to dark green. There are also white and blue varieties. They also have small flowers that bloom in the summertime. Hosta is a hardy perennial plant that can be found in gardens all around the world. They make a great addition to any garden, as they provide a nice contrast to shorter plants. Hosta is a tough plant that can withstand many different types of weather conditions. They can thrive in shady areas, rocky areas, and moist areas.

Lantana - Lantana is a beautiful and delicate-looking plant that makes a great border. There are over one hundred different varieties of lantana, and it comes in an assortment of colors. The flowers are small and look delicate, but they are quite tough and can survive in many different environments. They grow well with other plants because they attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators to your garden as well as provide a service by being an excellent source of nectar for them to feed on during their visit. Lantana is an extremely popular plant because of its ability to grow in a variety of conditions. It can grow in both wet and dry soil and thrives in full sun or partial shade.

Sedum – Sedum is known for its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions, drought tolerance, and low water requirements. This makes them a perfect choice when you want to create a border plant in your garden that requires little maintenance and can survive in all sorts of conditions. In general, Sedum is divided into two categories: low-growing sedum and upright sedum. The low-growing sedum stays short and spreads whereas the upright sedum forms vertical clumps and looks great along borders.

Sweet Alyssum – Sweet alyssum is a low-growing, spreading plant that can be used to fill in an area or border. It is also a good plant for filling in the cracks between pavers and stones. It is one of the most popular plants sold in North America. They are popular because the plant is tough and produces tons of blooms. While sweet alyssum is a perennial flowering plant it is an annual in cooler geographies. The tiny little flowers come in white, pink, or purple. These flowers have an intense sweet fragrance. Alyssum is also easy to grow and maintain, so it is often planted as borders in flower beds or in rock gardens.

Let us know your favorite border plants!

Landscape photo courtesy of Proven Winners.