Having perennial plants in your borders is a great idea – they are easy to grow, low maintenance and usually very pretty.
If you have been looking for the best perennial plants for borders, then look no further – we are here to tell you the best ones you can find.
Best Perennial Plants For Borders
Border plants are not only pretty but they are a great option for screening, and for attracting pollinators and providing a habitat for other wildlife. Here are a few of our favourites:
Salvia
This ornamental sage plant is a great addition to any garden, especially as it can flower for months on end. This not only makes your garden look amazing, but it is great for those all-important bees and butterflies too! The flowers range from white and pastel pink through to a deep magenta, red and even electric blue. Salvia are fairly hardy, and are even suitable for coastal gardens as they can tolerate salt. Salvia prefers a full sun position, planted in well-draining soil. They should withstand a winter, but prolonged cold periods can damage them so you may need to protect them with mulch or fleece in the coldest months. You should only cut back the old growth in the late spring, as this will give them an added layer of protection.
Geum
Geum is very popular, partly because it can flower from late spring and all the way into autumn! The semi evergreen foliage provides a perfect foil for the pretty flowers which come in orange, yellow and red, and of course these will attract pollinators to your garden. Geum prefers a sun to partial shade position – they won’t grow in full shade, but can tolerate some shade more than some other plants. Grow these plants in acid or alkaline soil, that retains its moisture; they won’t like excessively dry soil or those that are baked and hot. They do need moisture but won’t cope well if their roots get soggy. Deadhead after flowering to encourage more blooms, and the clumps should be divided every three years.
Echinacea
Known for their use in herbal medicine, echinacea’s popularity has jumped in the last few years – and it’s easy to see why. The striking pink and purple flowers are incredibly attractive, and the foliage is reminiscent of a wild prairie, plus they are very easy to grow! Echinacea will tolerate a wide variety of soils, as long as they are not too dry; it is resistant to most types of adverse weather and they are sturdy enough that they don’t need staking. Echinacea prefers full sun, and like most plants it prefers well draining soil, which you should mulch with well-rotted manure in the autumn to give a good boost of nutrients. You should deadhead the flowers to encourage more growth, and these will last a long time and look beautiful in flower arrangements.
Heliopsis
Heliopsis comes in a variety of colours, from reds and yellows to deep orange depending on the variety, and the foliage is an attractive deep green colour. In the right conditions, Heliopsis will flower in the summer through to autumn. They like to grow in a full sun position in light, well draining soil – sandy types are ideal. This plant will not tolerate heavy, clay-based soils! It is advised to deadhead the flowers after they have gone over, and you can reinvigorate congested collections (they will grow surprisingly quickly and vigorously!) by dividing them in late winter.
Geranium
This vast family of plants contains a good deal of cultivars, but they generally have the same growing requirements: they like moist, well draining soil and a full sun position. They will not cope if the winter is long and cold, so it is advised to take cuttings in the autumn so you don’t lose your plants. They prefer a neutral to alkaline soil, and you can plant them in the ground or keep them in pots, hanging baskets or planters. Keeping them in pots adds a level of convenience, as you can bring them indoors or place them in the greenhouse in winter. As well as the beautiful flowers, many geraniums have scented leaves – you can pick from orange, apple, lemon, lavender or spice, for an added bit of garden fun!
Yarrow
This one is native to the UK, and in some cases it can be invasive, so you know that it will be easy to grow! They are a lovely plant, and if you are intending on planting them then you will definitely be pleased by how easy they are. They are beautiful in a border, with their feathery foliage and those gorgeous yellow, white or pink flowers that will bloom right through the summer. They most like a free draining soil in a full sun position, though they will tolerate partial shade, and can cope with most types of spoil providing they aren’t waterlogged. You will need to deadhead the flowers to encourage more growth, and cut back the old foliage in the spring before the new growth starts. Dividing the clumps every 3-5 years will give them a new lease of life.
Aster
These pretty plants are related to the daisy, and will flower mostly in the late summer and autumn – hence the name “Michaelmas Daisy.” They will need well draining soil that can retain moisture, and they will grow best in dappled to partial shade. You should deadhead regularly, and cut them right back to the ground in the autumn, pinching out the tips when they grow back, to encourage more growth. Keep them well watered; this can help protect against the mildew to which they are susceptible.
Final Words
Now that you have a better idea on the best perennial plants for borders, you can get out there and get planting your favourites!
It is wise to remember that every plant will have different requirements, and make sure that you are doing the right thing for each – but these are fairly easy going plants to enjoy.
