Border Garden: A Guide to Planning, Planting, and Care

Border gardening is a traditional way to add oodles of color and charm.

If you’re an avid gardener, you know the truth. Nothing beats the satisfaction of creating a beautiful, thriving garden that reflects your style and preferences. And when it comes to designing a border garden, the possibilities are truly endless. But with so many plant choices available, selecting the best options can be daunting.

That’s where we come in! In this guide, we’ll share our expertise on the best plants for border gardens in the United States. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie, we have tips and advice. We also include a giant list of our favorite plants. We know you’ll love them, too. So let’s get started and turn your dream garden into a reality!

What Is a Border Garden?

A border garden is a type of garden planted along the edge of a lawn, walkway, or other outdoor area. The purpose of a border garden is to create a transition between the outdoor space and the surrounding landscape. Plus, it adds color and interest to the area. Border gardens typically include a mix of plants with different heights, colors, and textures. Gardeners arrange them in layers, with taller plants towards the back and shorter plants at the front. They can be formal or informal in design. Moreover, garden planners include various colors and sizes to fit any outdoor space.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Plants

Choosing the right plants for your border garden is crucial for a successful and thriving garden. Here are some important factors to keep in mind when selecting plants:

Climate and Hardiness Zones

Consider your location and the climate in your area when selecting plants for your border garden. Different plants thrive in different temperature ranges. So you should find hardy plants that can withstand the weather conditions in your region. The USDA hardiness zone map is a useful tool to help you determine the best plants for your area.

Soil type and pH

The soil in your garden can have a significant impact on the health and growth of your plants. Some plants prefer acidic soil, while others thrive in alkaline soil. It’s essential to test your soil’s pH and choose plants well-suited to your garden’s soil type.

Sun exposure and light requirements

The amount of sunlight your garden receives is another crucial factor to consider when selecting plants. Some plants require full sun to thrive, while others prefer partial shade or full shade. Make sure to choose plants that are compatible with the amount of sun exposure in your garden.

Watering needs

Different plants have different watering requirements, so choosing plants well-suited to your garden’s watering schedule is essential. Some plants require frequent watering, while others can thrive with less water.

Growth habit and size

Consider the growth habit and size of the plants you select for your border garden. Some plants grow tall and vertical, while others have a more sprawling habit. Make sure to choose plants that look great with each other and create a cohesive look in your garden.

Color scheme and design

Finally, consider the color scheme and design of your border garden. Choose plants to complement each other and create a cohesive look in your garden. Consider the textures, shapes, and colors of the plants you select. Thus, you will create a design that reflects your personal style and preferences.

Considering these factors, you can select the best plants for your border garden. That way, you will create a beautiful and thriving garden to enjoy for years to come.

Best Plant Choices for Border Gardens

When it comes to selecting plants for a border garden, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of our top picks, listed by plant type:

Perennials flowers for a border garden

1. Salvia (Salvia spp.) | Height: 1-4 feet. | Placement: Middle or back row. | USDA Growing Zones: 4-9. |Appearance: Salvia plants have long spikes of small, tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and red. They have a pleasant fragrance that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
2. Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.)| Height: 2-4 feet. | Placement: Middle or back row. | USDA Growing Zones: 3-9. | Appearance: Coneflowers have large, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. They have a long blooming season and are easy to care for.
3. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) | Height: 1-4 feet. | Placement: Middle or back row USDA. | Growing Zones: 3-9. | Appearance: Daylilies have trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors, including yellow, orange, red, and pink. They have a long blooming season and can tolerate various growing conditions.
4. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) | Height: 3-5 feet. | Placement: Back row USDA | Growing Zones: 5-9 | Appearance: Russian Sage has silvery-grey foliage and spikes of lavender-blue flowers that bloom in late summer. It has a pleasant fragrance and attracts butterflies and bees.
5. Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp.) | Height: 2-4 feet. | | Growing Zones: 3-9 | Appearance: Black-eyed Susans have yellow or orange daisy-like flowers with dark centers. They have a long blooming season and are easy to care for.
6. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.) | Height: 1-3 feet. | Placement: Front or middle row USDA | Growing Zones: 3-9 | Appearance: Coreopsis has yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in summer. They have a long blooming season and are easy to care for.
7. Phlox (Phlox spp.) | Height: 1-4 feet. |Placement: Middle or back row USDA | Growing Zones: 4-8 |Appearance: Phlox has clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, white, red, and purple. They have a long blooming season and attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
8. Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum) | Height: 1-3 feet. | Placement: Front or middle row USDA | Growing Zones: 4-9 | Appearance: Shasta Daisies have white, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers. They have a long blooming season and are easy to care for.
9. Catmint (Nepeta spp.) | Height: 1-3 feet. | Placement: Front or middle row USDA. | Growing Zones: 3-8 | Appearance: Catmint has lavender-blue flowers that bloom in late spring and summer. They have a pleasant fragrance and are easy to care for.
10. Hostas (Hosta spp.) | Height: 1-3 feet. | Placement: Front or middle row. | USDA Growing Zones: 3-9 | Appearance: Hostas have large, heart-shaped leaves in shades of green, blue, and variegated patterns. They do not produce flowers but are great for adding texture and foliage to your border garden.

Shrubs for the border garden

1. Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) | Height: 3-6 feet. | Placement: Middle or back row USDA | Growing Zones: 3-9 | Appearance: Hydrangeas have large, showy blooms in shades of pink, blue, and white. They prefer part shade and moist soil conditions.
2. Spirea (Spiraea spp.) | Height: 2-5 feet | Placement: Middle or back row | USDA Growing Zones: 3-9 | Appearance: Spirea has clusters of small, pink or white flowers that bloom in early summer. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
3. Roses (Rosa spp.) | Height: 2-6 feet | Placement: Middle or back row | USDA Growing Zones: 3-9 |Appearance: Roses have large, fragrant blooms in many colors. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
4. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja spp.) | Height: 4-8 feet | Placement: Back row. | USDA Growing Zones: 5-9. | Appearance: Butterfly Bush has long spikes of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. They attract butterflies and other pollinators.
5. Fothergilla (Fothergilla spp.) | Height: 2-4 feet | Placement: Middle or back row. | USDA Growing Zones: 4-9 | Appearance: Fothergilla has fragrant, white bottlebrush-like flowers in spring and vibrant fall foliage in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
6. Lilacs (Syringa spp.) Height: 5-15 feet | Placement: Back row. | USDA Growing Zones: 3-9. | Appearance: Lilacs have fragrant, cone-shaped flower clusters in shades of white, pink, purple, and blue. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
7. Weigela (Weigela spp.) | Height: 4-6 feet. | Placement: Middle or back row. | USDA Growing Zones: 4-8 | Appearance: Weigela has bell-shaped flowers in pink, red, and white shades. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
8. Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) | Height: 3-10 feet | Placement: Middle or back row USDA | Growing Zones: 3-9 | Appearance: Ninebark has clusters of small, white or pink flowers in spring and colorful foliage in shades of red, bronze, and purple.
9. Potentilla (Potentilla spp.) | Height: 1-3 feet | Placement: Front or middle row. | USDA Growing Zones: 2-7. | Appearance: Potentilla has bright yellow, red, or white flowers that bloom in late spring and summer. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
10. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) | Height: 3-12 feet | Placement: Middle or back row | USDA Growing Zones: 3-9 | Appearance: Winterberry has bright red berries that persist through winter. They prefer moist, acidic soil conditions.

Annuals and biennials

1. Petunias (Petunia spp.) | Height: 6-12 inches | Placement: Front row | USDA Growing Zones: 9-11 (treated as annuals in colder zones) | Appearance: Petunias have trumpet-shaped flowers in a range of colors, including pink, purple, red, and white. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
2. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) | Height: 6-24 inches | Placement: Front row | USDA Growing Zones: 2-11 (treated as annuals in colder zones) | Appearance: Marigolds have large, showy flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
3. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum spp.) | Height: 6-36 inches | Placement: Front or middle row | USDA Growing Zones: 7-10 (treated as annuals in colder zones) | Appearance: Snapdragons have spiky clusters of flowers in shades of pink, red, yellow, and white. They prefer full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
4. Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) | Height: 6-9 inches | Placement: Front row | USDA Growing Zones: 4-8 (treated as annuals in warmer zones) | Appearance: Pansies have large, colorful flowers in shades of purple, yellow, orange, and blue. They prefer cool temperatures and well-drained soil.
5. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) | Height: 4-6 inches | Placement: Front row | USDA Growing Zones: 9-11 (treated as annuals in colder zones) | Appearance: Sweet Alyssum has small, fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, and lavender. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
6. Foxgloves (Digitalis spp.) | Height: 2-5 feet | Placement: Middle or back row | USDA Growing Zones: 4-9 | Appearance: Foxgloves have tall spikes of bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. They prefer part shade and well-drained soil.
7. Nicotiana (Nicotiana spp.) \ Height: 1-5 feet | Placement: Middle or back row | USDA Growing Zones: 10-11 (treated as annuals in colder zones) | Appearance: Nicotiana has trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and yellow. They have a pleasant fragrance and prefer full sun to part shade.
8. Dianthus (Dianthus spp.) | Height: 6-24 inches | Placement: Front or middle row | USDA Growing Zones: 3-9 | Appearance: Dianthus has small, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
9. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) | Height: 1-2 feet | Placement: Front or middle row | USDA Growing Zones: 2-11 (treated as annuals in colder zones) | Appearance: Calendula has bright orange or yellow flowers that bloom in spring and summer. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
10. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum spp.) | Height: 6-18 inches | Placement: Front or middle row USDA Growing Zones: 9-11 (treated as annuals in colder zones) | Appearance: Nasturtiums have bright orange, yellow, and red flowers that bloom in summer. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Ornamental grasses for the border garden

1. Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) | Height: 3-5 feet. | Placement: Back row | USDA Growing Zones: 4-9 | Appearance: Feather Reed Grass has tall, upright blades of green or blue-green foliage and feathery plumes of flowers in late summer.
2. Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) | Height: 6-12 inches. | Placement: Front row | USDA Growing Zones: 4-8 Appearance: Blue Fescue has spiky blades of blue-grey foliage and is a great choice for adding texture and color contrast to your border garden.
3. Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) | Height: 5-8 feet. | Placement: Back row USDA Growing Zones: 5-9 | Appearance: Maiden Grass has tall, arching blades of green or variegated foliage and feathery plumes of flowers in late summer.
4. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) | Height: 2-4 feet. | Placement: Front or middle row | USDA Growing Zones: 3-9 | Appearance: Little Bluestem has narrow blades of blue-grey foliage that turn reddish-brown in fall. They have a wispy appearance and are easy to care for.
5. Fountain Grass (Pennisetum spp.) | Height: 2-4 feet. | Placement: Middle or back row | USDA Growing Zones: 5-9 | Appearance: Fountain Grass has arching blades of green or variegated foliage and feathery plumes of flowers in late summer. They are great for adding texture and movement to your border garden.

Vines to grow on a trellis

1. Clematis (Clematis spp.) | Height: 6-20 feet. | Placement: Back row | USDA Growing Zones: 4-9 | Appearance: Clematis has large, showy flowers in various colors, including pink, purple, red, and white. They prefer full sun to part shade and a trellis or support structure for climbing.
2. Climbing Roses (Rosa spp.) | Height: 6-20 feet. | Placement: Back row | USDA Growing Zones: 3-9 | Appearance: Climbing Roses have large, fragrant blooms in many colors. They prefer full sun and a trellis or support structure for climbing.
3. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) | Height: 15-30 feet. | Placement: Back row | USDA Growing Zones: 4-9 | Appearance: Trumpet Vine has large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange or red. They prefer full sun and a trellis or support structure for climbing.
4. Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) | Height: 6-20 feet. | Placement: Back row | USDA Growing Zones: 4-9 | Appearance: Honeysuckle has fragrant pink, red, and yellow flowers. They prefer full sun to part shade and a trellis or support structure for climbing.

Bulbs for a border garden

1. Tulips (Tulipa spp.) | Height: 6-30 inches. | Placement: Front or middle row | USDA Growing Zones: 3-8 | Appearance: Tulips have large, cup-shaped flowers in various colors, including red, pink, yellow, and white. They bloom in early spring and prefer well-drained soil.
2. Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) | Height: 6-24 inches. | Placement: Front or middle row | USDA Growing Zones: 3-9 | Appearance: Daffodils have large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of yellow and white. They bloom in early spring and are easy to care for.
3. Alliums (Allium spp.) | Height: 6-36 inches. | Placement: Front or middle row | USDA Growing Zones: 3-9 | Appearance: Alliums have large, round flower heads in shades of purple, pink, and white. They bloom in late spring and add height and interest to your border garden.
4. Crocuses (Crocus spp.) | Height: 3-6 inches. | Placement: Front row | USDA Growing Zones: 3-8 | Appearance: Crocuses have cup-shaped flowers in purple, white, and yellow shades. They bloom in early spring and add fantastic color to your border garden.
5. Hyacinths (Hyacinthus spp.) | Height: 6-12 inches. | Placement: Front or middle row | USDA Growing Zones: 4-8 | Appearance: Hyacinths have fragrant pink, purple, and white flowers. They bloom in early spring and prefer well-drained soil.

Tips for Designing and Maintaining a Border Garden

Designing and maintaining a border garden can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you create and care for your border garden:

1. Plan for variety: Choose a mix of plants with different heights, colors, and textures. This allows you to create a visually interesting border garden. Incorporate both annuals and perennials to ensure a long season of blooms.
2. Consider the environment: Make sure to choose plants that will thrive in your garden’s growing conditions. These include sun exposure, soil type, and moisture levels.
3. Group plants by their needs: Arrange plants with similar water and sun requirements together in your border garden. You will make watering and maintenance easier.
4. Plant in layers: Plant taller plants towards the back of your border garden. Likewise, place medium-sized plants in the middle, and shorter plants at the front. This will create depth and interest in your landscape.
5. Mulch regularly: Mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your plants, being careful not to cover the stems or trunks.
6. Water consistently: Water your border garden regularly, being careful not to overwater or underwater. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply once or twice weekly. Of course, that will depend on the weather and soil conditions.
7. Deadhead spent blooms: Regularly deadhead (remove) spent blooms from your plants. As a result, you encourage more blooming and keep your border garden looking neat.
8. Prune as needed: Prune your plants as needed to maintain their shape and size. Each plant has different pruning requirements. So make sure to research the best practices for each species in your border garden.

You can create a beautiful and thriving border garden by following these tips. Indeed, your yard will be the envy of all your gardening-savvy neighbors.

The Takeaway: Border Gardens Are a Striking Way to Offer So Much Visual Appeal

Creating a border garden with these beautiful plants can add more interest and diversity to your landscape. Consider the growing conditions and needs of each, and choose the ones that will thrive in your garden environment. Be sure to include plants that peak at varying times throughout the year for a long season of color.

If you enjoy gardening, be sure to follow DIY Home & Garden on MeWe. We have a lively group of about 77,000 avid followers who share your interest in gardening, DIY, crafting, and all things home. We’d love to see you there!

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Deborah

Editor and author at DIY Home & Garden, a Word Innovations publication

Deborah Tayloe is a full-time blogger, children's book author, and freelance writer, contributing to large publications.

She has a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education/English and a Spanish Minor. In addition, she holds a Certificates in Natural Health and Herbology from accredited programs. She pursued these natural wellness certifications due to her love for herb gardening.

Despite freelancing to make a living, her love is "all things home."

Deborah grew up in a family that grew a large vegetable garden and a fruit orchard, helping her parents pull weeds and can home-grown foods as part of her childhood. In fact, she had no idea that she could purchase veggies and fruits in pre-packed steel cans until she went to college and made a food run.

Today, she lives in Bertie County, North Carolina, an agricultural rural area with more chickens than people. She lives with her husband and two rescue pets a sweet toy fox terrier and a cat who showed up one day and moved into the house. Together, they enjoy DIY projects, furniture refinishing, gardening, and canning.

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