Introduction
Garden borders are a key element in creating a beautiful and well-designed outdoor space. Low growing perennials are a great choice for garden borders as they provide year-round interest, require less maintenance, and can create a cohesive look. In this article, we will explore some popular low growing perennials that are perfect for garden borders in the year 2023.
Why Choose Low Growing Perennials?
Low growing perennials have several advantages when it comes to garden borders. Firstly, they create a neat and tidy appearance, adding structure and definition to your garden. Secondly, they require less pruning and maintenance compared to taller plants, making them ideal for busy gardeners. Lastly, low growing perennials can help create a sense of unity and cohesiveness in your garden design.
1. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
Scientific Name: Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is a popular choice for garden borders due to its attractive succulent leaves and stunning late summer to fall blooms. This low growing perennial forms clumps of fleshy, gray-green leaves and produces large, flat clusters of pink flowers that gradually turn to a rusty red color, providing visual interest throughout the seasons.
2. Geranium ‘Rozanne’
Scientific Name: Geranium ‘Rozanne’
Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is a versatile and long-blooming perennial that is perfect for garden borders. It features violet-blue flowers with white centers that bloom from late spring to early fall. This low growing geranium has a spreading habit and forms dense mounds of attractive green foliage, making it an excellent ground cover option.
3. Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
Scientific Name: Lavandula angustifolia
English Lavender is a classic choice for garden borders, thanks to its aromatic foliage, beautiful purple flowers, and ability to attract pollinators. This low growing perennial forms compact mounds of silver-gray foliage and produces fragrant flower spikes in summer. It thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soil.
4. Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’
Scientific Name: Heuchera micrantha ‘Palace Purple’
Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ is a stunning low growing perennial that adds a touch of elegance to garden borders. It features large, deeply-lobed, purple-bronze leaves that create a striking contrast against other plants. This versatile plant also produces delicate spikes of white or pink flowers in late spring. It thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil.
5. Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’
Scientific Name: Nepeta × faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’
Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ is a low growing perennial known for its fragrant gray-green foliage and beautiful spikes of lavender-blue flowers. It has a spreading habit and forms dense clumps, making it an excellent ground cover option. This easy-to-grow plant attracts pollinators and thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Tips for Growing Low Growing Perennials
1. Choose the right plant for your specific garden conditions, including sunlight, soil type, and moisture levels.
2. Prepare the soil by adding organic matter and ensuring good drainage.
3. Water your low growing perennials regularly, especially during dry spells, but be careful not to overwater.
4. Mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.
5. Prune or deadhead as needed to maintain the desired shape and promote new growth.
Conclusion
Low growing perennials are a fantastic choice for garden borders, offering a range of colors, textures, and blooms. They provide year-round interest, require less maintenance, and can create a cohesive and visually appealing garden design. Consider incorporating some of the mentioned low growing perennials, such as Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, Geranium ‘Rozanne’, English Lavender, Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’, and Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’, into your garden borders for a stunning and inviting outdoor space.
