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perennial border plants

Searching for the perfect perennial border plants to create a vibrant, long-lasting edge for your garden? In New Zealand’s varied climate, border plantings play a crucial role in defining pathways, garden beds, and outdoor spaces. Perennials offer year-round beauty, return reliably each year, and require less maintenance than annuals—making them ideal for busy gardeners and landscape enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re after a bold splash of colour or subtle, blended tones, incorporating perennial border plants will bring structure, texture, and visual appeal to your garden design.

Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

5 from 1 customers

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant adds bold colour and structure to New Zealand gardens while remaining smaller and easy to place. Flowering through the warmer months, it attracts pollinators and provides long lasting interest. Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is ideal for borders, containers, and sunny garden beds.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian
Portulaca Pazzaz Yellow plant with beautiful yellow flowers.

Portulaca Pazzaz Yellow (Yellow Portulaca)

Portulaca Pazazz Yellow, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Showy, yellow flowers are produced continuously through spring and summer off trailing, succulent stems which are host small, green leaves. It typically grows to 15 cm tall and 50 cm wide. Portulaca Pazazz Yellow is commonly mass planted in borders, planted to trail over the side of wall or spill out onto a path, included in rock gardens, planted around outdoor living areas, or maintained in a container.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 15 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Extended dry periods
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock, Tropical
portulaca-pizzaz-sunset-

Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant)

Portulaca Pazazz Sunset, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Bright orange and yellow flowers...

From$25.58
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.

Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$19.58
chlorophytum-curly--2

Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$21.53
scutellaria-snowflakes--1

Scutellaria Snowflakes (Scutellaria Skullcap)

Scutellaria Snowflakes, commonly known as Scutellaria Skullcap or the Skullcaps plant, is grown for its foliage and flowers. This versatile and...

From$24.98
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' plant.

Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Golden Glow, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and bright foliage. It features...

From$21.53
hosta-blue-mouse-ears--5

Hosta Blue Mouse Ears

Hosta Blue Mouse Ears is a miniature variety that features blue-green leaves with a powdery appearance. The foliage is complemented with...

From$24.23
bergenia-cordifolia-3

Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
gaura-sparkle-white-5

Gaura Sparkle White

Gaura ‘Sparkle White’ is a bright white flowering perennial known for its lively blooms that flutter on slender stems. Blooming from spring through...

From$22.88
Cissus rhombifolia trailling over the sides of a planter with lush foliage.

Cissus rhombifolia (Grape Ivy)

Cissus rhombifolia, commonly known as the Grape Ivy plant, is an evergreen perennial grown for its colourful and trailing foliage. Hanging stems host...

From$30.98
aechmea-fasciata-

Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$43.13
Aristea major plants with blue flowers and lush, green foliage.

Aristea major

Aristea major is a spectacular herbaceous perennial that grows as a clump with tall, green, sword-like leaves. Tall spikes rise above the foliage in...

From$17.48
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$26.33
prostanthera-eddington-blue-

Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant)

Prostanthera Eddington Blue is an evergreen shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It features small and glossy, green leaves which are highly...

From$26.93
helichrysum-petiolare--3

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

From$24.23
brunfelsia-scent-sational-

Brunfelsia pauciflora Scent sational (Yesterday Today Tomorrow Plant)

Brunfelsia Scent-Sational, commonly known as the Yesterday Today Tomorrow plant features masses of sweetly fragrant, pansy like flowers during spring...

From$32.33
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.

Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.23
perovskia-atriplicifolia--1

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant)

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage or Russian Lavender, is a small and erect shrub that is grown for its fine foliage and...

From$24.23
serissa-snowflake--2

Serissa Snowflake (Snow Rose Plant)

Serissa Snowflake, commonly known as the Snow Rose plant, is an evergreen shrub grown for its lovely flowering and foliage. Showy, white flowers...

From$24.23
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.

Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$20.93
Stromanthe triostar plant.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$32.33
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.

Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$20.18
Leonotis leonurus shrub with masses of orange flowers.

Leonotis leonurus (Lions Tail Plant)

Leonotis leonurus, commonly known as the Lions Tail Plant, is a shrub grown for its interesting flowers and foliage. Its unusualness comes from...

From$26.93
duranta-geisha-girl-

Duranta Geisha Girl (Geisha Girl Plant)

Duranta Geisha Girl is a popular choice known for its evergreen shrub with fresh green leaves and deep, blue flowers. The flowers have a white centre...

From$28.28
sansevieria-hahnii-

Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$37.73
A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

From$21.53
A strong and studry planting spade.

Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$158.00
Moss pole for plants.

Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.53
70-windbreak-2

Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$420.00
pb-8-planter-bags-1

PB8 Planter Bags (Potting Bags For Plants)

These PB8 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 4.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$43.44
Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Aristea, Bergenia, Brunfelsia, Carex, Chlorophytum, Cissus, Cistus, Coprosma, Duranta, Gaura, Helichrysum, Hosta, Kniphofia, Leonotis, Mint, Perovskia, Portulaca, Prostanthera, Sansevieria, Scutellaria, Sedum Serissa and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Moss Poles, Planter Bags, Spades, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials Evergreen Shrubs and Succulents.

Search perennial border plants

Why Choose Perennial Border Plants?

Perennial border plants are designed to thrive season after season, providing continuous interest and stability to your garden borders. Unlike annuals, which need replanting each year, perennials establish strong roots and develop lush growth, returning with minimal effort. Their diverse forms—ranging from compact groundcovers to taller accent plants—make them a versatile choice for any garden edge. They also help suppress weeds, reduce soil erosion, and complement both modern and traditional landscape styles.

Top Perennial Border Plants for New Zealand Gardens

When selecting perennial border plants, consider your garden’s conditions such as sun exposure, drainage, and the desired colour palette. Here are a few popular favourites that flourish in New Zealand:

Geranium Stephanie (Perennial Geranium Plants)

For soft, mounding foliage and vivid blooms, Geranium Stephanie (Perennial Geranium Plants) brings a touch of classic charm to any border. Its robust growth and resilience make it a reliable addition, offering gentle pink flowers throughout the spring and summer.

Diascia Genta Ruby (Diascia Perennial)

If you’re seeking rich ruby hues and a graceful form, Diascia Genta Ruby (Diascia Perennial) is an excellent option. This compact and floriferous perennial features abundant blooms that attract pollinators, making it ideal for edging paths or filling smaller border spaces.

Portulaca Pazzaz Yellow (Yellow Portulaca)

For sunny, well-drained sites, Portulaca Pazzaz Yellow (Yellow Portulaca) offers cheerful golden flowers with succulent foliage. It’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, keeping borders vibrant even in the heat of summer.

Kniphofia ‘Dwarf Scarlet’ (Hot Poker Plant)

For striking architectural interest, Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant) provides upright spikes of scarlet blooms, adding drama to mixed perennial borders. The compact habit makes it suitable for smaller spaces or in front of taller plantings.

Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant)

If you love multi-toned borders, Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant) features radiant colours that transition beautifully through the day. Its spreading form helps fill gaps and soften edges, while the vivid hues bring eye-catching warmth to garden borders.

Planting and Care Tips

To ensure your perennial border plants thrive, prepare your soil well—adding compost for rich nutrients and checking drainage. Mulch around your plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune lightly after flowering to encourage repeat blooms and healthy growth. Rotate plant groupings for a layered look, mixing heights and textures for maximum effect.

By choosing the right perennial border plants, you’ll create a garden edge that’s not only beautiful throughout the year but also easy to care for. Discover more in our full range of border-friendly perennials and transform your outdoor spaces with lasting colour and structure.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Sure, Avocado 'Reed' and Ficus benjamina are crowd-pleasers, but Rhododendron Vireya Golden Charm, Persimmon Fuyu, and Acer rubrum 'Bowhall' are quietly making a name for themselves.
–The Plant Company

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