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low growing perennial border plants

Looking to create a polished, colourful edge for your garden? Low growing perennial border plants are the perfect solution for New Zealand gardens, offering reliable blooms, vibrant foliage, and year-round structure—all while keeping height in check. These compact perennials are ideal for lining pathways, framing beds, or softening hardscaped edges, delivering charm and interest at ground level with minimal maintenance required.

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 through summer and autumn to bear showy clusters of flowers ranging in colour from orange, red, pink, yellow, and pastel. This herbaceous perennial grows as a clump, producing thin, strap-like, mid-green leaves, and typically grows to 60 cm tall and the same wide. Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a versatile plant that is commonly planted to attract birds, included in borders and mixed plantings, planted around the base of trees, included in riparian plantings, or mass planted either on a bank or as a groundcover.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian
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 are produced continuously through spring and summer. There are borne off trailing, succulent stems which are host small, green leaves as it grows to 10 cm tall and 50 cm wide. Pazazz Sunset 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. It is well-suited to being grown in a hanging basket and being brought indoors during flowering.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 10 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
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
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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
Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

From$20.18
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
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
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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
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
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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...

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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
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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
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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...

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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
Westringia Low Horizon with lush grey foliage as a groundcover plant.

Westringia Low Horizon

Westringia 'Low Horizon' is a variety of the commonly known Coastal Rosemary, and is a fast-growing shrub. It features narrow grey-green leaves held...

From$20.18
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
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
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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...

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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
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
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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
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$20.18
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Nursery Grade Growing Media

The Plant Company growing media is top of the line and used by the best commercial nurseries. This blend has been developed over many years to...

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Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

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PB3 Planter Bags (Grow Bags Online)

These PB3 planter bags are 80 microns thick and hold 1.8 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

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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...

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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
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PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

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Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who...

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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...

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PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

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PB28 Planter Bags (Growing Bag)

These PB28 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 12 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

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Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Bergenia, Carex, Chlorophytum, Cistus, Coprosma, Duranta, Helichrysum, Kniphofia, Leonotis, Mint, Perovskia, Portulaca, Prostanthera, Sansevieria, Sedum, Serissa Stromanthe and Westringia, or related Categories - Acid Loving Plants, Native Plant Fertiliser, Growing media, Moss Poles, Planter Bags, Spades, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials Evergreen Shrubs and Succulents.

Search low growing perennial border plants

Why Choose Low Growing Perennial Border Plants?

Low growing perennial border plants aren’t just beautiful—they’re practical. Their petite stature means they won’t overshadow other garden stars, making them excellent partners for layered planting schemes. Because they return year after year, you’ll enjoy a lush, well-defined border without the fuss (or cost) of replanting every season. These plants also help suppress weeds, minimize soil erosion, and provide a habitat for beneficial insects. Whether your style is contemporary or cottage-inspired, you can find perennials that suit your vision and add enduring appeal to your borders.

Top Picks for Low Growing Perennial Border Plants

If you want a tough, eye-catching ground cover, Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant) is an unbeatable choice. Its brilliant, succulent blooms thrive in full sun and poor soils, creating a carpet of colour all summer long. For those seeking a classic cottage look, Geranium Stephanie (Perennial Geranium Plants) offer masses of magenta flowers atop attractive foliage. These hardy perennials are tolerant of a range of conditions and are particularly effective at tumbling politely over the edge of garden beds.

Grasses can offer a sleek, modern touch in border planting. Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant) brings a pop of zingy lime-green foliage, staying compact and neat while providing texture and year-round colour. If you want to inject a tropical vibe and some structural interest, consider Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant). It’s best placed where its architecturally bold rosette can shine—but it still sits low enough to fit the border brief.

For a playful twist, intersperse these with flowering spikes like Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant), which holds its torch-like blooms just above the leaf base. While technically slightly taller than the others but still suitable for low edging, Border Ballet adds movement and punctuation in the border without dominating.

Planting and Care Tips

Selecting the right low growing perennial border plants means considering your garden’s light and soil conditions. Most perennials prefer well-drained soil and some sun, but shade-loving varieties are available too. Plant densely for weed suppression, and mulch to conserve moisture and maintain tidiness. Regular deadheading and occasional dividing will keep your borders looking their best, ensuring your perennial edge remains vibrant and healthy for years.

Transform Your Border with Compact Perennials

By choosing low growing perennial border plants, you can achieve a tidy, attractive garden that stands the test of time. Browse our selection, including Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant), Geranium Stephanie (Perennial Geranium Plants), Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant), Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant), and Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant), to create borders that burst with colour, texture, and lasting impact.


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.

Azara microphylla and Corokia Mangatangi may be the stars of the show, but unsung heroes like Escallonia 'Gold Brian', Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple), and Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Lemon' deserve a moment in the sun.
–The Plant Company

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