Enhancing your garden’s borders with the right edging plants can create a beautiful, cohesive look while also providing practical benefits like weed control and soil retention. Here are eight of the best edging plants to consider for your garden.
1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus spp.)
Creeping thyme is an excellent low-growing ground cover. Its small, blue-green leaves are attractive throughout the year, and it produces lovely pink, purple, or white flowers from late spring to summer. This plant is also aromatic, adding a pleasant scent to your garden.
2. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral bells are a fantastic choice for spots with filtered sunlight. They come in a wide range of colors, making them versatile for various garden styles. Tilly director of design Cate Singleton suggests using a blend of colors for a cottage garden look or choosing lime green or dark purple varieties for a contemporary feel.
3. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Periwinkle is a hardy perennial that can thrive in full sun, full shade, and dry conditions. This low-growing vine blooms with blue, purple, or white flowers throughout spring and summer, making it a resilient and attractive edging option.
4. Begonia
Begonias are perfect for adding long-lasting color to shaded borders. In zones 9 to 11, they can be planted as perennials, while in other zones, they are typically grown as annuals. Their vibrant flowers can brighten up any garden edge.
5. Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera)
Creeping phlox is ideal for garden borders with its vibrant green foliage and stunning pink, purple, or white flowers that bloom from spring to summer. This plant fills in gaps beautifully and creates a lush, colorful edge.
6. Angelina Sedum (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’)
Angelina sedum is a favorite for hot climates. Its lime green color and unique leaf texture make garden beds stand out. Singleton notes that it works well in rock gardens, where it can cascade over walls and fill in spaces effectively.
7. Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
Irish moss is a lush, emerald green ground cover that can withstand foot traffic, making it perfect for garden edges. Although not a true moss, it thrives in full or partial sunlight and adds a rich, green carpet to your garden.
8. Liriope (Liriope spicata)
Liriope, often called “border grass,” is a durable and attractive option for garden borders. It looks great in formal garden designs and can be mixed with other plants like daylilies for a more eclectic appearance. Its hardiness and ease of care make it a popular choice.