Choosing the right edging plants can transform your garden, giving it a polished look while also serving practical purposes like defining borders and keeping grass from encroaching. Whether whether your garden basks in the sunshine or cozies up in the shade, there’s a perfect plant for every situation.
Let’s kick those plain, old edges to the curb and spruce them up with some botanical flair!
Edging Plants for Shady Spots
If your garden has a shady corner, don’t worry—there are plenty of beautiful plants that thrive in low-light conditions. Here are some top picks for adding color and texture to your shaded garden borders.
Hosta
Hostas are a classic choice for shady spots. These hardy perennials come in a variety of leaf colors and patterns, from deep green to blue-ish hues. They’re perfect for lining shady walkways or creating a lush border under trees. Hostas prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, but they really shine in rich, organic soil. Give them plenty of water, especially during dry spells, to keep their foliage looking vibrant.
Begonia
Begonias are another excellent option for shady gardens. These versatile plants produce flowers in a range of colors, including pink, red, white, and even yellow. They thrive in partial to full shade and are relatively low-maintenance. Plant them in well-draining soil and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Begonias are great for adding a splash of color to those darker corners of your garden.
Ferns
If you’re looking for a plant that loves moisture and shade, ferns are the way to go. These plants add a soft, feathery texture to your garden and are perfect for edging shady, woodland pathways. Ferns prefer consistently moist soil and will thrive in areas that mimic their natural woodland habitat. Plant them near a water source like a pond or stream for the best results.
Impatiens
Impatiens are shade-loving annuals that bloom continuously from spring to fall. They come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, orange, and white, making them a versatile choice for garden borders. Impatiens prefer well-drained, moist soil and partial to full shade. Ensure they’re watered regularly, especially during hot, dry periods, to keep them blooming beautifully.
Lenten Rose
Lenten roses are an interesting choice for shady spots in your garden. These evergreen perennials bloom in late winter to early spring, adding much-needed color when most other plants are still dormant. They prefer well-drained, humus-rich soil and can handle a range of shade conditions, from partial to full shade. Their unique flowers and year-round foliage make them a valuable addition to any shady garden border.
Virginia Bluebells
Virginia bluebells are perfect for adding a touch of whimsical charm to your shaded garden areas. These perennials produce clusters of blue, trumpet-shaped flowers in early spring. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and will thrive in partial to full shade. Plant them under trees or along woodland paths to create a magical, fairy-tale-like garden border.
Edging Plants for Sunny Spots
If your garden gets a lot of sunshine, you’ll need plants that can handle the heat and thrive in bright conditions. Here are some of the best edging plants for sunny spots.
Daylily
Daylilies are a gardener’s dream. These tough, resilient perennials produce stunning, trumpet-shaped blooms that last just a day, but the plants continue to produce flowers throughout the summer. Daylilies thrive in full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types, making them a versatile choice for sunny garden borders. Plant them in well-drained soil and water regularly for the best blooms.
Lavender
Lavender is a fantastic choice for sunny garden borders. This fragrant perennial produces spikes of purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Lavender prefers well-drained, sandy soil and full sun. It’s relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it perfect for hot, sunny spots. Use lavender to create a fragrant, colorful hedge along your garden’s edges.
Creeping Phlox
Creeping phlox is an excellent groundcover that looks stunning along garden borders and walkways. This perennial produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Creeping phlox thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s perfect for adding a carpet of color to your sunny garden areas and can even be used to fill in gaps between stones or in rock gardens.
Moss Rose
Moss rose, also known as portulaca, is a low-growing annual that thrives in sunny conditions. It produces vibrant, rose-like flowers in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, orange, and pink. Moss rose is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil. It’s a great choice for edging flower beds, container gardens, and even paved walkways.
Coneflower
Coneflowers are a classic choice for sunny borders, with their unique, spiky blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. These hardy perennials are drought-tolerant and relatively low-maintenance, making them a great option for busy gardeners. They also attract pollinators like butterflies and birds, adding life and movement to your garden.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum offers clusters of tiny, fragrant flowers in white, pink, or purple. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. With its trailing habit and sweet scent, Sweet Alyssum is perfect for softening the edges of sunny borders.
Marigold
Marigolds are bright, cheerful annuals that add a pop of color to any sunny garden border. These plants produce bold, orange and yellow flowers that bloom from spring to the first frost. Marigolds prefer well-drained soil and full sun. They’re also known for their pest-repellent properties, making them a functional and attractive addition to your garden.
Sedum
Sedum (Sedum spp.), commonly known as stonecrop, is a versatile succulent that thrives in full sun and poor soil conditions. Its fleshy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers bring both texture and vibrant color to garden borders. Known for its low-maintenance nature and drought tolerance, Sedum is an excellent, practical choice for edging sunny borders. Its resilience and attractive appearance make it a favorite among gardeners looking to add beauty without the hassle.
Zinnia
Zinnias are annuals that bring a burst of color to sunny garden borders. These plants produce large, dahlia-like flowers in a range of colors, from pink and purple to yellow and red. Zinnias thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They’re relatively low-maintenance and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a great choice for any sunny garden spot.
Choosing the right edging plants can enhance the beauty and functionality of your garden. Whether you have a shaded nook or a sunny border, there’s a perfect plant for every spot. Happy gardening!
