15 Beautiful Low Growing Perennials for Border, Sideway
When it comes to adding charm to borders and sidewalks, low-growing perennials are the unsung heroes of the gardening world.
These plants stay humble, yet make your landscape look effortlessly beautiful all year round. Ever thought about lining your garden with something that doesn’t require constant pruning but still delivers a pop of color?
That’s where these hardy perennials come in. Not only do they require minimal maintenance, but they also fill in those empty spaces at the front of your garden like a pro—no more bare patches, just pure greenery. Sounds like a dream, right?
I’m totally hooked on these low-growing plants. Every time I see a well-maintained border with these little beauties peeking out, I think, “Now that’s what a garden should look like!”
Trust me, these 15 perennial plants will make you look like a garden guru with very little effort.
Also read:
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15 Best Low Growing Perennials for Border, Sideway
1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): A Fragrant Carpet
Let’s kick things off with creeping thyme, a plant that’s like the groundcover superhero you never knew you needed.
Why? It’s practically perfect for borders and walkways. Imagine stepping outside and getting a waft of fresh, herby goodness underfoot. The aroma alone is worth planting it!
Scientific Name: Thymus serpyllum
Zone Hardiness: 4 to 8
Height x Width: 3-6 inches by 12-18 inches
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Creeping thyme grows to a modest height of just 3-6 inches, spreading its little heart out. Its tiny, aromatic leaves bloom with delicate purple flowers in the summer, adding a dash of color.
Plus, it’s drought-tolerant and loves the sun. Ever thought about walking barefoot through your garden on a warm day? With creeping thyme, you can—it won’t mind.
2. Miniature Daffodils (Narcissus spp.): A Splash of Sunshine
Daffodils are known for their cheerful yellow blooms, but miniature daffodils are even better—smaller, but just as bold.
These are perfect for tight spots along your garden edge or sidewalk, offering a warm, sunny vibe in the spring. The little blooms pack a punch of color that’ll brighten your day.
Scientific Name: Narcissus spp.
Zone Hardiness: 4 to 8
Height x Width: 6-8 inches by 4-6 inches
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Standing at just 6-8 inches, they’re the ideal height for those border spaces where you don’t want anything too tall or overbearing.
And let’s not forget the best part: they come back year after year. So, after that first bloom, it’s a “see you next spring!” scenario. Who doesn’t love a reliable perennial?
3. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): A Groundcover Wonder
If you’ve ever wished for a golden-hued groundcover that doesn’t demand constant attention, creeping Jenny is your answer.
This plant spreads quickly, creating a lush carpet of vibrant green or gold, depending on the sunlight.
It’s perfect for shady or partially sunny borders, offering a burst of color without being invasive. Creeping Jenny stays around 6 inches tall, meaning it’ll never outgrow its welcome.
Scientific Name: Lysimachia nummularia
Zone Hardiness: 4 to 8
Height x Width: 6 inches by 12-18 inches
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
It’s also pretty tolerant of various soil conditions—so even if your soil isn’t perfect, Creeping Jenny will still thrive. It’s like the chill friend who just goes with the flow and looks amazing while doing it.
4. Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis): A Ground-Hugging Beauty
Next up is blue star creeper, which, as the name suggests, has these charming blue flowers that create a stunning contrast with its bright green foliage.
It’s another great option for filling in gaps along walkways or the edge of your garden.
It grows only about 3-4 inches tall, making it the perfect choice for a low-maintenance border plant.
Scientific Name: Isotoma fluviatilis
Zone Hardiness: 5 to 9
Height x Width: 3-4 inches by 12-18 inches
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
I’ve found blue star creeper to be incredibly versatile. It thrives in full sun and partial shade, and it even tolerates a little foot traffic. So, if you’ve got kids or pets running around, don’t worry—it’ll bounce back without a hitch.
5. Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Fragrant and Beautiful
Let’s talk about lavender, a plant that’s both fragrant and beautiful—what’s not to love? Lavender is a fantastic perennial for borders because of its low, bushy form and stunning purple blooms.
Not only does it look gorgeous, but it also draws in pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding life to your garden.
Scientific Name: Lavandula spp.
Zone Hardiness: 5 to 9
Height x Width: 12-18 inches by 12-18 inches
Sun Needs: Full sun
Though lavender can grow a bit taller, there are dwarf varieties that stay compact, making them perfect for smaller spaces or the front of your borders.
Lavender grows to around 12-18 inches but is incredibly hardy and low-maintenance. The best part? You’ll get that relaxing fragrance every time you walk by.
6. Campanula (Campanula portenschlagiana): Bell-Shaped Beauty
This beauty deserves a spot in any border or sidewalk garden. Campanula, also known as the dalmatian bellflower, has these gorgeous bell-shaped flowers that pop in shades of purple or blue.
They’ll add a lovely, delicate touch to your landscape without demanding too much attention.
Scientific Name: Campanula portenschlagiana
Zone Hardiness: 4 to 8
Height x Width: 6 inches by 12 inches
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
With its modest height of 6 inches, it’s a perfect filler for those areas where you want something subtle but charming. This plant thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for various garden spots.
Trust me, it’s like the low-maintenance diva of the garden—looking fabulous while doing the least.
7. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.): Colorful Foliage Delight
Coral bells are fantastic for adding a burst of color to your garden.
Known for their vibrant foliage, which can range from deep purple to chartreuse, these plants create an eye-catching contrast against the green backdrop of other perennials. They’re not just pretty—they’re tough, too!
Scientific Name: Heuchera spp.
Zone Hardiness: 4 to 9
Height x Width: 8-12 inches by 12-18 inches
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Coral bells stay pretty compact, reaching around 8-12 inches, making them perfect for low borders and walkways. Plus, their delicate flowers on tall stems will add some height without stealing the show.
Bonus: They’re tolerant of a range of soils and conditions. A garden’s best friend? I think so!
8. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.): Simple Yet Stunning
If you’re looking for something that blooms reliably, daylilies are your plant. They’ve been a garden staple for years—and for good reason.
Their bright, showy flowers open in the morning and last all day, making them a perfect choice for edging or lining your garden.
Scientific Name: Hemerocallis spp.
Zone Hardiness: 3 to 9
Height x Width: 12-18 inches by 18-24 inches
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Though daylilies can get taller, you can find compact varieties that stay under 12-18 inches—making them ideal for your low-growing border.
And did I mention how easy they are to care for? If you’re a busy gardener, daylilies are like the plant equivalent of a low-maintenance friend who still knows how to party.
9. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans): A Groundcover Powerhouse
Here’s a plant that’s got it all—ajuga (also known as bugleweed) is an incredible groundcover that’s perfect for filling in those pesky gaps along walkways or garden borders.
This perennial is known for its bold purple blooms and vibrant foliage that can range from green to burgundy to bronze, depending on the variety.
Scientific Name: Ajuga reptans
Zone Hardiness: 3 to 9
Height x Width: 4-6 inches by 12-18 inches
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Ajuga stays nice and compact at around 4-6 inches tall and spreads to fill in your garden spaces without becoming invasive.
It’s also super low-maintenance, which is always a win in my book. And trust me—once it gets established, you’ll be amazed by how much ground it covers.
10. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum): A Fragrant Groundcover
If you’re after a fragrant groundcover with a bit of whimsy, sweet woodruff is the plant for you.
This beauty is known for its lovely whitish flowers and soft green foliage that gives off a gentle scent when crushed underfoot. It’s perfect for those shady spots along a border.
Scientific Name: Galium odoratum
Zone Hardiness: 4 to 8
Height x Width: 4-8 inches by 12-18 inches
Sun Needs: Full to partial shade
It’s the ideal plant if you want something that stays low, about 4-8 inches tall, and fills in shady areas effortlessly.
And did I mention how wonderful it smells? You’ll find yourself walking through your garden just to take a deep breath of that sweet, fresh scent.
11. Sedum (Sedum spp.): The Tough Yet Charming Filler
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a fantastic perennial that thrives in dry conditions and poor soil. If you’re looking for a plant that actually wants to be left alone, sedum is the one.
With its succulent-like qualities, it requires very little care—just a good spot in the sun and it’ll be happy for years to come.
Scientific Name: Sedum spp.
Zone Hardiness: 3 to 9
Height x Width: 4-12 inches by 12-18 inches
Sun Needs: Full sun
Sedum is available in low-growing varieties that stay under 12 inches and can spread out to fill in those areas along borders or pathways.
Plus, in late summer and fall, it’ll reward you with clusters of star-shaped flowers, attracting bees and butterflies. Who knew a tough plant could look so cute, right?
12. Heucherella (Heucherella spp.): The Best of Both Worlds
If you like the vibrant foliage of coral bells but want something a little more unique, heucherella is a great choice.
This hybrid between heuchera and tiarella gives you the best of both worlds: eye-catching foliage and delicate flowers.
It’s perfect for adding texture and color to the front of your garden beds.
Scientific Name: Heucherella spp.
Zone Hardiness: 4 to 9
Height x Width: 8-12 inches by 12-18 inches
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Heucherella stays compact, growing to just 8-12 inches tall, making it a perfect option for low borders.
Its colorful leaves range from vibrant oranges and reds to deeper purples, making it a standout in any border. Plus, its small flowers add an extra touch of elegance.
13. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima): The Tiny, Sweet-Smelling Gem
For those who like a bit of fragrance in their garden, sweet alyssum is a must-have. Its tiny flowers come in a range of colors—white, purple, and pink—and the scent will transport you to a summer evening garden party.
It’s ideal for sidewalk borders or any spot that could use a little low-maintenance charm.
Scientific Name: Lobularia maritima
Zone Hardiness: 5 to 9
Height x Width: 4-6 inches by 8-12 inches
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
This plant stays compact at 4-6 inches tall and spreads easily, making it perfect for filling in between other perennials.
I’ve had it in my garden for years, and the scent alone makes me smile every time I walk by. It’s like a mini bouquet underfoot!
14. Ferns (Various Species): The Shady Spot Specialist
If your garden is more on the shady side, consider adding ferns to your low-border planting scheme.
While some ferns can grow quite tall, there are plenty of low-growing varieties that are perfect for those shady nooks and crannies that need a little love.
Scientific Name: Various species
Zone Hardiness: 3 to 9 (depending on the species)
Height x Width: 6-12 inches by 12-18 inches
Sun Needs: Full to partial shade
Ferns generally stay around 6-12 inches tall, offering soft, feathery foliage that creates a calm, lush look in your garden.
They’re perfect for lining shaded walkways or those darker corners where most plants struggle to grow. Trust me, a fern-filled border looks straight out of a fantasy novel.
15. Low-Growing Coneflower (Echinacea spp.): Bold and Beautiful
Last but certainly not least, the low-growing coneflower is a favorite for any garden.
While coneflowers are usually known for their taller varieties, dwarf types like Echinacea ‘Pixie Meadowbrite’ provide all the color and resilience in a compact form.
These beauties will attract pollinators and stand out with their vibrant pink, purple, or orange blooms.
Scientific Name: Echinacea spp.
Zone Hardiness: 3 to 9
Height x Width: 8-12 inches by 12-18 inches
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
At 8-12 inches tall, the low-growing coneflower is perfect for front borders and adds a pop of color throughout the summer.
The flowers are bold, and the plant is hardy—no wonder it’s a garden classic! Plus, it’s a pollinator magnet, making it a win-win for both you and your garden’s ecosystem.
Conclusion:
So there you have it! These 15 low-growing perennials are the perfect solution for filling in those tricky spots along your borders and sidewalks.
Whether you’re after something with vibrant blooms, fragrant foliage, or just a ground-hugging beauty, these plants have got you covered.
The best part? They’re all hardy, easy to care for, and will come back year after year, giving your garden a natural, low-maintenance charm.
