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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.

hemerocallis-moon-goddess-

Hemerocallis 'Moon Goddess'

Hemerocallis 'Moon Goddess' is a stunning perennial known for its large fragrant pale yellow flowers that open in the evening, creating a beautiful display in NZ gardens. This reliable daylily adds elegance and softness to borders and garden beds while being easy to grow and highly adaptable.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Stachys macrantha plants with lush green foliage and elegant, pink flowers.

Stachys macrantha

Stachys macrantha is a lovely herbaceous perennial grown for both its flowers and foliage. This small plant produces masses of pink-purple flowers on short stems through late spring and summer. These are complemented by dark green foliage that sits neatly below the flowers.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Leucanthemum 'Banana Cream' flower.
Leucanthemum 'Banana Cream'

Leucanthemum 'Banana Cream' is a compact, long flowering perennial valued for its soft creamy yellow daisy flowers that gradually fade to pale cream...

From$26.15
geum-tempo-yellow-
Geum 'Tempo Yellow'

Geum 'Tempo Yellow' is a cheerful perennial that produces bright yellow flowers over a long flowering period, adding vibrant colour to NZ gardens...

From$16.95
agapanthus-lapis-5
Agapanthus 'Lapis'

Agapanthus 'Lapis' is a compact and elegant perennial prized for its abundant clusters of rich blue flowers that appear above tidy clumps of lush...

From$13.95
agapanthus-sarah-
Agapanthus 'Sarah'

Agapanthus Sarah is a compact and attractive perennial known for its rich coloured flower heads and tidy clumping habit. It performs exceptionally...

From$17.95
osteospermum-ice-white-
Osteospermum 'Ice White'

Osteospermum 'Ice White' is a beautiful flowering perennial admired for its crisp white daisy like blooms with contrasting dark centres. This compact...

From$24.77
Viola odorata plants with lush green foliage and purple flowers.
Viola odorata (Sweet Violet)

Viola odorata, commonly called Sweet Violet, is a charming perennial known for its fragrant blooms and lush green foliage. Native to Europe but...

From$23.39
gaura-steffi-blush-2
Gaura 'Steffi Blush Pink'

Gaura 'Steffi Blush Pink' is a compact perennial that produces masses of delicate blush pink flowers on slender stems from spring through autumn. Its...

From$24.77
Orthrosanthus multiflorus grass plant with elegant, blue flowers.
Orthrosanthus multiflorus (Morning Iris)

Orthrosanthus multiflorus (Morning Flag) is a hardy evergreen perennial valued for its grassy foliage and masses of delicate pale blue star shaped...

From$22.01
Eucomis comosa plants with impressive sprays of pink flowers.
Eucomis comosa

Eucomis comosa (Pineapple Lily) is a striking perennial bulb admired for its tall flower spikes topped with leafy crowns that resemble miniature...

From$24.77
Zephyranthes candida plants covered in white flowers.
Zephyranthes candida

Zephyranthes candida (Rain Lily) is a charming bulbous perennial valued for its crisp white star shaped flowers that appear after rainfall. Well...

From$15.18
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$11.50
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$12.95
Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena) plants with purple flowers bordering a path.
Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena)

Verbena bonariensis, commonly known as Tall Verbena, is a striking perennial that brings height and elegance to New Zealand gardens. It produces...

From$24.77
dianthus-memories-
Dianthus Memories

Dianthus Memories is a scented variety of Carnation that features masses of double, white, highly fragrant flowers. These stunning flowers are...

From$16.49
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$31.67
saxifraga-starblush-
Saxifraga 'Starblush'

Saxifraga 'Starblush' is a delightful alpine perennial that produces masses of soft pink flowers above compact mounds of evergreen foliage. Its...

From$23.39
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
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
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
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
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
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
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
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
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
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
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
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
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
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
Hemerocallis 'Moon Goddess'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agapanthus, Gaura, and Geum, or related Categories - Perennials.

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, Ficus 'Black Knight' and Lomandra Little Con are crowd-pleasers, but Nyssa sinensis, Wisteria 'Caroline', and Prunus 'Okame' are quietly making a name for themselves.
–The Plant Company

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