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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.

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 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
erigeron-sea-breeze--5
Erigeron glaucus 'Sea Breeze'

Erigeron glaucus 'Sea Breeze' is a hardy coastal perennial admired for its masses of soft daisy like flowers and attractive grey green foliage...

From$20.01
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$19.95
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$44.09
Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor 'plant with elegant pink flowers.
Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor' (Society Garlic)

Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor' is a striking evergreen perennial valued for its narrow green leaves edged with cream and flushed pink. This...

From$23.39
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$21.39
helichrysum-petiolare--3
Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) is a popular evergreen plant valued for its soft silver foliage and trailing growth habit. The attractive...

From$24.77
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$20.01
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$24.77
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$22.01
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$32.95
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$33.05
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$18.95
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$16.49
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
potting-media-
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...

From$29.75
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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...

From$13.40
pb-3-planter-bags-1
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...

From$29.08
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$6.90
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$51.69
pb-12-planter-bags-
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...

From$57.76
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
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...

From$8.64
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$225.86
pb-18-planter-bags-
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...

From$77.47
pb-three-quarter-planter-bags-
PB¾ Planter Bags (Planting Bags)

The PB ¾ Planter Bags are 80 microns thick and ags hold 0.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$15.47
pb-28-planter-bags-
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...

From$130.50
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
indoor-plant-fertiliser-tablets-1
Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$36.00
pb-60-planter-bags-
PB60 Planter Bags (Garden Grow Bags)

These PB60 planter bags are 150 microns thick and each bag holds 36 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$169.50
pb-2-planter-bags-
PB2 Planter Bags (Plastic Plant Bags)

These PB2 planter bags are 80 microns thick and hold 1.2 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$20.54
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$499.80
Portulaca Pazzaz Yellow (Yellow Portulaca)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Carex, and Chlorophytum, or related Categories - Grasses, Groundcover Plants, and Indoor Plants.

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.

Coprosma acerosa and Photinia 'Red Robin' may be the stars of the show, but unsung heroes like Malus Echtermeyer, Hedera helix 'Needlepoint', and Plum Black Doris deserve a moment in the sun.
–The Plant Company

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