These daisy-like flowers are hardy in Zones 5-9. Japanese Aster ( Kalimeris incisa) is a low-growing, clumping perennial that generally grows to about 16″ tall. Here are some low-growing daylily varieties that tend to bloom all summer: Daylilies are generally hardy in Zones 3-9. Some shorter species are perfect for the edge of border gardens and beds, with most dwarf types reaching about 18″ tall. They also tend to have attractive bright green foliage throughout the seasons.ĭaylily ( Hemerocallis) plants are reliable herbaceous perennials that combine pretty grass-like foliage with lovely lily-like flowers. There are some low-growing types of perennial Shasta Daisy for the front edge of a garden. Shasta Daisy ( Leucanthemum × superbum) is a perennial daisy with several lovely compact cultivars that grow to about 16″-18″ high. This is one low-growing perennial that tends to bloom all summer in good conditions. Most types have violet-purple spires of small flowers and grey-green foliage. These flowers tend to thrive in hardiness zones 5-9. Salvia ( Salvia nemorosa) is a herbaceous perennial with numerous cultivars that generally reach 10″-24″ high when fully grown. Many species and cultivars of Amsonia are hardy in Zones 4-9. Most types generally grow to 12″ to 16″ tall, with delicate foliage and star-shaped flowers. Echinacea is hardy in Zones 3-9, making it a far-reaching hit! Look for a low-growing cultivar for the front of sunny flower borders and blooming beds.īluestar ( Amsonia) is an elegant flowering perennial named for its soft blue flowers. Purple Coneflower ( Echinacea purpurea) is a reliable hardy perennial with several dwarf types that grow to about 18″ high. Dwarf Purple Coneflower (E chinacea purpurea) Most have vibrant red and yellow daisy-like flowers.Ĥ. Many types are hardy in Zones 3-10 and are relatively low-maintenance. Blanket Flower ( Gaillardia x grandiflora)īlanket Flower ( Gaillardia x grandiflora) is a hardy, low-growing perennial flower that reaches a maximum height of about 10″-12″ in most environments. These low-growing perennials are the perfect low-maintenance choice for an elegant garden all season long.ģ. Reaching a maximum height of 12″-18″ tall, Lambs Ear plants rarely flower, and are hardy in Zones 4-8. Lambs Ear ( Stachys byzantina) is a classic foliage perennial that makes an elegant border plant for the edge of a garden. Read more about different varieties of Sedum. These low-maintenance plants are perfect for the front of a sunny border or flower garden bed, and are among the most popular edging plants for sunny spots. Most species are hardy in zones 5-9, with some variation. Stonecrop ( Sedum) are low-growing flowering succulent plants that generally grow between 6″ to 12″ tall. Each plant idea includes the common name, botanical latin, general height, hardiness estimates, and the names of specific cultivars of the species. These plants look gorgeous for months on end! Fortunately, there are countless low-growing options available.Ĭheck the list below for the perfect low-growing perennials for your outdoor space. Some of the most common edging plants used for the front of a garden bed or border are Lamb’s Ears, Sedum, and dwarf species of ornamental grasses. For beds that are observed up close, plant that are no more than 18 inches fit the bill.” Fine Gardening’s Beds & Borders, Design Ideas for Gardens Large and Small, by the Editors of Fine Gardening magazine Of course, you can go taller than 2 feet if the plant is see through (or airy enough to permit a view of the plants behind it). For beds that are viewed from a distance, 2-foot-tall plants work well. “The ideal height of edging plants depends on how close you will be to the beds when viewing them. A taller 18″ – 24″ perennial might be the lowest-growing plant in a larger scale garden. A plant that grows to 6″ – 12″ tall may be preferable along the sides of a walkway. The optimal height of a short perennial depends on the vantage point where the garden bed is most often observed from. There are many options available, from naturally-short plant species to modern cultivars that have been bred to be “compact” or “dwarf” versions of taller classics. Low-growing perennials are used as easy-care ornamental plants along pathways, at the front of flower beds, and along the front perimeter of herbaceous border gardens. Read on to learn all about low-growing perennial plants and where to plant them in your garden. Many of these plants are perfect as edging plants along the front of a garden bed, along a walkway, or at the edge of a herbaceous border garden. Low-growing perennials are are long-lived ornamental plants that tend to reach a maximum height of 6″ to 24″ tall. Looking for a low-growing perennial or two for edging a garden or for the front of a flowering border? Fortunately there are quite a few versatile choices.