21 Best Short Perennials for the Front of the Border

Garden borders are prime real estate. They provide the landscape with structure, balance, and visual interest. It’s natural to consider this space for flowering annuals. However, short perennial plants can do the job just as well, and they improve the soil structure while they do it.

Whether it’s edging a charming stone path, or creating boundaries between flower beds, borders create a polished look. There is some important work they do below the ground, as well. 

Bedding Begonia ‘Pink Wax’

	botanical name Begonia semperflorens ‘Pink Wax’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6”-8”
	hardiness zones 10-11

If you live in a warm climate area, bedding begonias are perfect for the job of bordering your beds. Begonias garner attention with their brightly colored, semi-succulent leaves, and cheerful flowers. They have good drought resistance and are relatively pest-free. Rex begonias also make a great border plant, as they stay close to the ground.

‘Pink Wax’ only reaches about one foot tall at maturity. It has great versatility in terms of exposure and can thrive in sun or shade. However, it will bloom best in full exposure. Its versatility means you can use it in different locations to create a cohesive appearance. 

Dianthus ‘Firewitch’

	botanical name Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Firewitch’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 6”-8”
	hardiness zones 3-9

Dianthus are easy to care for and reliably perennial in most climates. Some types can grow in Zone 10, but those summers are too hot for others. You may know these by their common name, pinks. We also know these flowers as carnations, though the ones given that moniker are usually larger, florist types. 

‘Firewitch’ has a fierce name but is a sweet little perennial. Blue-green, grass-like foliage forms a mat that remains evergreen in most climates. The blooms are small and bright pink, with a sweet and spicy scent similar to cloves. 

Creeping Phlox ‘Scarlet Flame’

	botanical name Phlox subulata ‘Scarlet Flame’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 4”-6”
	hardiness zones 2-9

There are many types of phlox. Some are tall and work great in cut flower beds. Creeping phlox is a low-growing species that makes an excellent border. At only four to six inches tall, this one won’t obscure the view of what lies behind it. 

‘Scarlet Flame’ has hot pink, star-shaped flowers and blooms in the spring. Phlox likes well-drained soil and tolerates poor soil well. Once established it is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. 

English Daisy ‘Tasso Strawberries and Cream’

	botanical name Bellis perennis ‘Tasso Strawberries and Cream’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 4”-6”
	hardiness zones 4-8

English daisies are perfect for the border. Technically, they are not perennials but biennials. This means that they live for two years. Fortunately, English daisies reseed themselves, so once you plant them, they are likely to stick around. They are adorable and compact and clock in at just four to six inches. 

‘Tasso Strawberries and Cream’ has large flowers compared to the small size of the plant. The double pompoms are an ombre of pink, starting dark in the center and fading to white outside. The foliage is broad, and grows in a neat rosette, staying tidy throughout the season. 

Oxalis ‘Molten Lava’

	botanical name Oxalis vulcanicola ‘Molten Lava’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6”-10”
	hardiness zones 9-11

Oxalis is another warm climate perennial with short stature and easygoing growth for the front border. Sometimes referred to as false shamrock, the two plants have a similar appearance. They are long-blooming and need afternoon shade to look their best. More light will equate to better flowering, but the flowers are not necessarily the focal point. 

‘Molten Lava’ is a plant that you will covet for its stunning foliage. Small, heart-shaped leaves appear in groupings of four, just like a four-leaf clover! The leaves are shades of chartreuse and orange with bits of yellow and red mixed in.

Coneflower ‘Tweety’

	botanical name Echinacea x ‘Tweety’ PP28,952
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 8”
	hardiness zones 4-9

Coneflowers are great in the garden for their attractive foliage, fun spiky flowers, and ability to draw pollinators. Some standard varieties are a bit tall for the border, but not this wonderful dwarf coneflower. At only eight inches at maturity, these guys are cute and compact. 

In addition to its diminutive size, this variety has bright yellow petals that surround its large central disk. The spiky center is green in the center and deepens to orange at the edges. They are large compared to the overall size. 

Coral Bells ‘Caramel’

	botanical name Heuchera ‘Caramel’ PP16560
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 12”
	hardiness zones 4-8

Coral bells are a great addition to garden beds in more shaded areas. They grow in partial to full shade, although some exposure will promote flowering. Even without blooming, the attractive foliage creates a beautiful border. 

‘Caramel’ is an unusual variety of coral bells. There are many with leaves in shades of red and purple, but few with the light, caramel color that this one sports. The leaves are lighter on top with more of a pinkish hue underneath. It’s a stunner!

Forget-Me-Not ‘Victoria Pink’

	botanical name Myosotis sylvatica ‘Victoria Pink’
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 6”-8”
	hardiness zones 3-8

Another surprisingly colored perennial, this forget-me-not lacks the signature blue blooms common to the genus. Rather, ‘Victoria Pink’ has, you guessed it, pink flowers! Forget-me-nots are short-lived perennials that are sometimes grown as biennials in front yards and border beds. They reseed themselves freely. This is why they’re classed as invasive in parts of North America.

Forget-me-nots are rabbit and deer-resistant, and drought-tolerant in partial shade. Afternoon shade and morning exposure is preferable. Cut off the spent blooms before they go to seed if you want to control the spread. They can wander a bit if left to their own devices.  

Blanket Flower ‘Goblin’

	botanical name Gaillardia x grandiflora ‘Goblin’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 10”-12”
	hardiness zones 3-10

If you’re looking for low-maintenance and drought-resistant, blanket flowers are perfect. These major bloomers are heat tolerant, salt tolerant, and great for feeding and attracting pollinators. It’s good to divide these every two to three years to keep them healthy and long-lasting.

The name ‘Goblin’ doesn’t do justice to this gaillardia. It’s a slightly shorter-than-average variety and very floriferous. The blooming season is from early summer through fall. The blooms are bright red with a red-speckled yellow eye and yellow around the perimeter of the petals.

Vinca ‘Variegata’

	botanical name Vinca Major ‘Variegata’
	sun requirements Full sun to full shade
	height 6”-24”
	hardiness zones 7-9

Before I get started, if you live in California, this one is not for you. It’s considered invasive there. Elsewhere, it is a spreading plant, but it’s also possible to keep it under control. Here in Zone 9, it’s short-lived, making it easier to control. 

‘Variegata’ is a variegated vinca (say that three times fast) with beautiful periwinkle flowers. Vinca is sometimes given the nickname periwinkle for the color of its blooms. It is easy to grow from seeds or starts, and low-maintenance once established.  

Hosta ‘Mighty Mouse’

	botanical name Hosta ‘Mighty Mouse’
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 6”-12”
	hardiness zones 3-9

If you prefer a green border, hostas are wonderful and reliable. Their large leaves have a glossy finish and grow in neat but loose rosettes. Hostas have a tropical look, but they are surprisingly cold-tolerant. 

‘Mighty Mouse’ is a dwarf variety with striking, variegated leaves. The foliage is blue-green with irregular, pale yellow margins. It reaches about 12 inches tall over the growing season, just right!

Candytuft ‘Purple Rain’

	botanical name Iberis sempervirens ‘Purple Rain’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 10”
	hardiness zones 11

Candytuft is a sweet, short perennial sub-shrub ideal for front borders. It’s versatile in many ways, tolerating a range of climates and soil types. If you live in a humid climate, this might be one to skip because that is the exception to its tolerance. 

This flowering sub-shrub forms a rounded mound about one foot tall and wide. It makes an excellent border plant and is relatively long-lived (up to 10 years). “Purple Rain’ is a gorgeous variety, but then, one would expect no less from a flower inspired by the artist himself. 

Perennial Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’

	botanical name Geranium bohemicum ‘Johnson’s Blue’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6”-2’
	hardiness zones 4-9

Perennial or hardy geraniums are tough and adaptable. They tolerate a wide range of climates and are most heat tolerant when they get some afternoon shade. Their long blooming habit makes them a valuable member of any flower bed. 

When it comes to long bloom periods, ‘Johnson’s Blue’ is a champion. It blooms from spring through fall, and its foliage changes in the fall, as well. The green leaves turn to hues of orange and red.

Ice Plant ‘Jewel of Desert Grenade’

	botanical name Delosperma cooperi ‘Jewel of Desert Grenade’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 4”-6”
	hardiness zones 5-10

Ice plants are great, colorful little members of the garden. Their prolific flowering habit and small stature make them ideal for the border or along a walkway. They have semi-succulent foliage that remains evergreen, and for most of the growing season, they flower freely. 

‘Jewel of the Desert Grenade’ is loud and flashy with electric magenta blooms. The petals are white toward the center making them even more showy and brilliant. Make sure this one has excellent drainage to avoid root rot. 

Sedum ‘Stewed Rhubarb Mountain’

	botanical name Sedum ‘Stewed Rhubarb Mountain’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 8”-20”
	hardiness zones 3-9

If you’re gardening in a dry climate, sedum is a wonderful succulent that flowers beautifully in late summer. It pairs well with a gravel walkway, where it will have excellent drainage. Give it plenty of light for the most flowers. 

‘Stewed Rhubarb Mountain’ has a big name, and it blooms big, too! The foliage is green and rimmed with purple. The blooms are pink, purple, and white, borne in rounded clusters. 

Alyssum ‘Oriental Nights’

	botanical name Lobularia maritima ‘Oriental Nights’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2”-4”
	hardiness zones 5-11

Alyssum is an absolute delight! This mat-forming perennial has a sweet fragrance that perfumes the air over a long growing season. It’s easy to grow and has tasty flowers that you can add to cookies or salads. 

Pollinators love alyssum, and bees especially love purple varieties. ‘Oriental Nights’ meets that requirement. Clusters of small blossoms in shades of lavender and purple cover this short perennial for a long portion of the year, adding charm to the front border of your home.

Bellflower ‘Rapido Blue’

	botanical name Campanula carpatica ‘Rapido Blue’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 5”-7”
	hardiness zones 3-8

Bellflowers are pretty and petite. They form small mounds of toothy, bright green foliage, reaching about seven inches tall. They make a great, easy, versatile border in a garden. Their textured leaves make a nice contrast to smooth leaf neighbors. 

Verbena ‘Homestead Purple’

	botanical name Verbena canadensis ‘Homestead Purple’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 8”-12”
	hardiness zones 6-10

Looking for a border plant for the pollinator patch? Verbena is the perfect short perennial for planting in front border beds! The pollinators adore it, and it’s easy for you to tend to. Verbena prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant. 

‘Homestead Purple’ is a low grower, reaching only one foot tall at most. The rounded clusters of flowers are a gorgeous shade of violet and bloom from spring to fall. It’s also heat—and salt-tolerant, so it works well in coastal gardens. 

Lilyturf ‘Silver Midget’

	botanical name Liriope muscari ‘Silver Midget’
	sun requirements Full sun to full shade
	height 12”-18”
	hardiness zones 5-10

If you like a grassy look, lilyturf is wonderful. This incredibly versatile and tolerant plant is a cinch to care for. I have a ton of this in my borders, and I don’t have to touch it except thin it out every few years. It’s fine in poor soil, sand, clay, and salty environments. The only thing it won’t stand for is ‘wet feet’. 

Creeping Thyme ‘Spicy Orange’

	botanical name Thymus x citriodorus ‘Spicy Orange’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2”-4”
	hardiness zones 5-9

Creeping thyme makes a beautiful border, and it looks great as a ground cover, too. It tolerates light foot traffic and releases a delightfully herbaceous aroma when disturbed. Fine, delicate foliage is surprisingly sturdy and highly pest-resistant. It is evergreen, keeping the garden tidy all year.

‘Spicy Orange’ doesn’t have orange flowers; they are soft pink on purple stems. The name comes from the strong, spicy, and citrusy fragrance. It tolerates partial shade but blooms best with more exposure. 

Sedge ‘Bunny Blue’

	botanical name Carex laxiculmis ‘Bunny Blue’
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 6”-14”
	hardiness zones 4-8

Even shade gardens deserve nice borders. Sedges are perfect for these spots. They grow well in partial and full shade and have a polished, grassy appearance. Sedge grass is semi-evergreen to evergreen, depending on the climate. Unlike many shade plants, it is heat and drought-tolerant.