You know that awkward empty strip along garden beds, paths, or fences that looks like it’s begging for a glow-up? That’s exactly where border plants work their magic.
Borders aren’t just decoration—they frame your garden like eyeliner frames your eyes. Without them, everything looks… unfinished.
And while you could go with annuals, let’s be honest—who has the time (or patience) to replant those every single year?
That’s why I’m all about perennials for borders. Plant them once, enjoy them year after year, and let them do the heavy lifting for your landscape.
I’ve trialed (and occasionally killed) my fair share of plants, and trust me—not all perennials are created equal. Some thrive beautifully in border duty, while others flop harder than a bad reality TV show.
So, in this guide, I’ll share my personal favorites, plus a few insider tips to help you pick the best match for your garden.
Sound good? Let’s get into it.
1. Lavender
Nothing says border royalty like lavender. It’s fragrant, gorgeous, and politely stays in its lane.
I love lavender because it pulls double duty: you get the aromatic bonus (seriously, who doesn’t love that calming scent?) and the visual pop with its purple blooms. Line it along a walkway, and suddenly your garden feels like a Tuscan villa.
Another bonus? Lavender is low-maintenance. It laughs in the face of drought, thrives in poor soil, and doesn’t beg for attention. The only thing it hates? Wet feet. So if your soil turns into a swamp after rain, you may want to rethink this choice.
Ever brushed against lavender on a summer evening? That subtle whiff of scent lingers like a little garden perfume. Border perfection, right?
2. Hostas
If lavender is the drama queen, hostas are the chill, laid-back pals who just show up and look good.
Hostas are a dream for shady borders. Their big, bold leaves come in shades of green, blue, and variegated combos that look like they were hand-painted. Honestly, they’re one of those plants that make people say, “Whoa, what’s that?” even though they’re ridiculously easy to grow.
The best part? They fill in space like pros. Got a gap in your border where nothing wants to grow? Toss in a hosta, and problem solved.
The only catch: deer think hostas are a salad bar. If you live in deer country, just know you might be feeding the wildlife more than your garden aesthetic.
But hey, if you want lush, leafy borders without much effort, hostas are your guys.
3. Daylilies
You know those friends who are always cheerful no matter what’s going on? That’s daylilies.
These perennials pump out vibrant blooms in yellows, oranges, reds, and even purples. Each flower lasts only a day (hence the name), but the plant produces so many buds that the show goes on for weeks. Talk about overachievers.
I like planting them in groups for borders because they create this wave of color that feels playful and energetic. And here’s the kicker: they thrive in almost any soil and tolerate both neglect and heat. Perfect for gardeners who sometimes “forget” to water. (Yes, I’m guilty.)
They’re also great at naturalizing, which is a fancy way of saying they’ll happily spread out and cover more ground if you let them. Not invasive, just generous.
So if you want a border that’s both colorful and low-fuss, daylilies should be high on your list.
4. Salvia
Let me just say it: salvia doesn’t get enough credit.
This perennial gives you tall, spiky blooms in purples, blues, and even reds that add structure and height to borders. It’s like the tall friend in group photos—always making the rest of the crew look good.
But here’s the real reason I love salvia: it’s a pollinator magnet. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds—you name it, they’ll all show up. Plant a border of salvia, and suddenly your garden becomes the hottest hangout spot in the neighborhood (for insects, anyway).
Plus, salvia is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun. I once neglected mine during a brutal summer, and it still came back looking fresh, like it had spent the season at a spa.
Honestly, if your border needs a pop of vertical interest and a constant stream of visitors with wings, salvia is the way to go.
5. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Ah, sedum—the plant that proves low-maintenance doesn’t mean boring.
Sedum’s succulent-like leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers make it a unique border choice. It comes in creeping varieties (perfect for edging) and taller ones (great for mid-border interest). Personally, I’m a fan of the creeping types because they create this carpet-like edge that looks sharp year-round.
Here’s the kicker: sedum practically thrives on neglect. Dry soil? Poor soil? Forgetful gardener? Sedum shrugs and says, “No problem.”
In late summer and fall, the blooms attract butterflies, adding even more interest when other plants are starting to fade. That’s the kind of reliability you want in a border buddy.
So, if you want a border plant that’s stylish, hardy, and basically indestructible, sedum deserves a spot on your list.
6. Catmint (Nepeta)
If you’ve ever wanted a plant that looks pretty and keeps bugs like mosquitoes away, say hello to catmint.
Catmint has soft, silvery foliage and lovely lavender-blue flowers that bloom like crazy all summer. It’s like lavender’s carefree cousin—similar vibe, less picky.
I love using catmint for borders because it spills beautifully over edges. That little cascade softens hard lines and makes paths feel inviting. And the kicker? It’s nearly indestructible. Dry soil, poor soil, blazing sun—it doesn’t care.
Of course, if you own cats, be prepared for some entertainment. They tend to roll in it like it’s their personal spa treatment. It’s funny the first time. By the third time, you’ll be googling “how to protect catmint from my own cat.”
Still, for toughness, fragrance, and all-season charm, catmint earns a top spot in border design.
7. Shasta Daisies
Nothing says “classic garden charm” like Shasta daisies.
They’re cheerful, dependable, and bloom with those bright white petals and sunny yellow centers that scream summer. Honestly, they look like they belong in a child’s drawing of a garden, and I mean that in the best way.
The reason I love them for borders is their consistency. They grow upright, stay tidy, and keep producing blooms for weeks. Plus, they mix well with practically anything. Pair them with lavender, salvia, or daylilies, and your border looks effortlessly coordinated.
And here’s a secret: if you deadhead spent flowers (just snip them off), Shasta daisies often reward you with a second bloom. It’s like they’re saying, “Thanks for noticing me—here’s some extra color.”
Simple, reliable, and oh-so-friendly. Shasta daisies are the plant equivalent of a neighbor who always waves hello.
8. Russian Sage
Tall, airy, and dramatic—Russian sage knows how to make a statement.
Its silvery stems and lavender-blue flowers create this cloud-like effect that’s perfect for adding texture to borders. Plant it toward the back or middle, and it gives everything around it a dreamy, layered look.
I once thought Russian sage might be high-maintenance (it looks so elegant, after all), but nope. It’s heat- and drought-tolerant, shrugs off pests, and basically asks for nothing except sunlight.
And let’s not forget the bonus: bees and butterflies adore it. Plant it in a sunny border, and suddenly you’ve got pollinators dancing around like it’s a garden party.
One warning though—this plant spreads. So if you’re looking for a neat, perfectly behaved border plant, Russian sage might test your patience. But if you’ve got the space? It’s breathtaking.
9. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Sometimes borders need more than flowers—they need foliage flair. Enter heuchera.
These beauties bring bold, colorful leaves in shades of burgundy, lime, caramel, even nearly black. The flowers are delicate and pretty, but honestly, the leaves are the real stars here.
I like using heuchera along shady paths or as a contrast to green-heavy borders. Their foliage adds instant depth and drama without trying too hard. Plus, they’re perennial champs—coming back year after year with minimal fuss.
If you’ve ever struggled to keep borders interesting outside the bloom season, coral bells are your secret weapon. They keep looking good when everything else is napping.
One tip: mix different leaf colors together. Trust me, it feels like you’ve designed a border straight out of a gardening magazine.
10. Coreopsis
Coreopsis is the ultimate sunny little overachiever.
With its bright yellow (and sometimes red or pink) daisy-like blooms, this perennial just keeps flowering…and flowering…and flowering. You’ll look at it in July and think, “Okay, surely it’s done now,” but nope—it keeps going.
I love it for borders because it’s low-growing, bushy, and lights up the edge of a bed. And honestly? It’s so low-maintenance, it almost feels like cheating.
One summer, I planted coreopsis and promptly forgot about it. By August, it had transformed into this glowing golden cushion that made me look like a gardening genius. (Spoiler: I am not.)
If you want borders that look cheerful and vibrant with zero stress, coreopsis has your back.
11. Astilbe
Shady borders can feel tricky, but astilbe steps up like a pro.
These plants shoot up feathery plumes of pink, white, red, or purple flowers that look like fireworks frozen mid-burst. Pair that with their lush green foliage, and you’ve got serious drama for those darker garden corners.
Astilbe thrives in moist, shady spots, which makes it perfect for borders where hostas also shine. I once paired deep pink astilbe with lime-green hostas, and the combo looked so good, neighbors actually asked me if I hired a landscape designer. (Nope, just luck and a Pinterest addiction.)
The only catch: astilbe hates dry soil. If you can keep it consistently moist, though, it rewards you with border beauty that feels a little magical.
12. Geranium (Cranesbill)
If you’re looking for a perennial that doesn’t act like a diva, geraniums (the hardy perennial kind, not the annuals you grab at the nursery) are your best friend.
They’re neat, compact, and smother themselves in cheerful blooms that range from purple to pink to white. They’re perfect for softening edges, filling gaps, and generally making borders look more “put together” without much effort.
I especially like how they spread politely. They cover ground without staging a garden coup. That means less weeding for you, and let’s be honest, that’s always a win.
Bonus: once established, they’re ridiculously low-maintenance. You plant them, they bloom, and they keep the border looking fresh for months. What’s not to love?
13. Peonies
Now, peonies aren’t just flowers—they’re an event.
Every spring, they explode with giant, fluffy blooms in shades of pink, red, white, and even yellow. Stick them in a border, and suddenly you’ve got luxury on display.
Here’s the truth though: they have a diva streak. The flowers are heavy, and if you don’t stake them, they’ll flop dramatically across your border like they fainted at their own beauty. Still, when they’re upright and blooming, there’s nothing more spectacular.
And the best part? Once established, peonies are practically immortal. Seriously—there are century-old peony plants still thriving in old gardens. So while they make you wait (they sometimes take a couple of years to really shine), they’re the ultimate long-term investment for borders.
14. Phlox
If you want your borders to smell as good as they look, plant phlox.
This perennial comes in both creeping varieties (great for edging) and taller garden phlox (perfect for the middle or back of borders). Either way, you get clouds of blooms in colors ranging from white to hot pink to purple.
What I love most is the fragrance. On warm evenings, phlox borders smell sweet and inviting—like nature’s version of a scented candle.
They do need a little airflow to prevent mildew, so don’t cram them too close together. But honestly, when they’re blooming, they’re worth every bit of effort. It’s like your borders are throwing a floral perfume party.
15. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
If you want a plant that basically takes care of itself, meet black-eyed Susans.
These sunny, golden-yellow flowers with dark centers bloom from midsummer into fall. That’s a long season of color when many other perennials are already calling it quits.
I love them in borders because they add a bold splash of cheer, and they look amazing paired with grasses or purple blooms like salvia. They also stand tall and proud, so they don’t get lost in the mix.
Pollinators adore them too—bees and butterflies will thank you. Honestly, it’s hard not to smile when you see a border full of black-eyed Susans waving in the breeze.
16. Bleeding Heart
Want a plant that sparks instant conversation? Go with bleeding heart.
Its arching stems produce heart-shaped pink or white flowers that dangle like tiny ornaments. It’s whimsical, romantic, and honestly one of the most unique perennials you can add to a border.
It thrives in shady spots, so if you’ve got a border under trees or along a north-facing wall, this plant will be your new hero. The foliage does die back in summer, which can leave a gap—but if you plant it alongside hostas or ferns, they’ll cover the space beautifully.
Every time I’ve grown bleeding hearts, someone inevitably stops and says, “Wait…are those flowers really shaped like hearts?” Yep. They really are that charming.
17. Ornamental Grasses
Okay, technically not “flowers,” but hear me out—ornamental grasses deserve a spot in borders.
They bring movement, texture, and year-round interest. Tall, feathery plumes sway in the breeze, softening everything around them. Even in winter, their dried seed heads look elegant against snow or frost.
There are so many options too: feather reed grass for upright structure, fountain grass for soft, arching elegance, or blue fescue for compact mounds with silvery-blue tones. Mix them with flowering perennials, and suddenly your border feels dynamic and layered.
Plus, grasses are tough as nails—most are drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and low-maintenance. It’s like adding a little drama without the drama.
Conclusion
So there you have it—17 of the best perennial plants to use for borders. From fragrant lavender to dramatic peonies, from cheerful daisies to elegant grasses, there’s something here for every garden style and every level of effort (or, let’s be honest, laziness).
Borders aren’t just “extra.” They frame your garden, highlight pathways, and make the whole space feel intentional. The right perennials save you from the endless cycle of replanting, while giving you gorgeous, reliable displays year after year.
My advice? Mix it up. Combine bloomers with foliage plants, add pops of color with structural grasses, and don’t be afraid to experiment. That’s the fun of gardening—it’s part design, part science, part happy accident.
And hey, even if you plant something that totally flops, you’ll still have a story to tell. (Ask me about the time I accidentally turned my border into a deer buffet with hostas. Spoiler: the deer won.)
So grab a few of these perennials, get them in the ground, and let your borders do the talking. Trust me—you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
