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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
Hemerocallis 'Scarlet Orbit' red flowers with a yellow centre.

Hemerocallis 'Scarlet Orbit'

Hemerocallis 'Scarlet Orbit' is a striking daylily variety that produces masses of rich scarlet red flowers with golden yellow throats. Perfect for New Zealand gardens, this hardy perennial delivers vibrant colour through summer with minimal care.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Francoa 'Starry Eyes'

Francoa 'Starry Eyes' is an elegant perennial that produces graceful spikes of delicate flowers from late spring through summer. Its lush green...

From$17.95
hemerocallis-wine-delight-
Hemerocallis 'Wine Delight'

Hemerocallis 'Wine Delight' is a stunning daylily that produces masses of rich wine coloured blooms through summer, bringing vibrant colour and...

From$20.63
Hemerocallis 'Squeaky' plant with stunning yellow flowers.
Hemerocallis 'Squeaky'

Hemerocallis 'Squeaky' is a delightful daylily that brings cheerful colour to New Zealand gardens with its abundant flowers through summer. This...

From$23.39
francoa-flower-girl-
Francoa 'Flower Girl'

Francoa 'Flower Girl' is a graceful perennial that produces elegant spikes of delicate flowers from late spring through summer. Its attractive clumps...

From$17.95
Aquilegia Blue Barlow cluster of blue flowers.
Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' (Columbine)

Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' is a classic perennial admired for its elegant double deep blue flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. This...

From$30.29
Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade' plant with lush, lime-green foliage.
Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade'

Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade' is a vibrant perennial prized for its brilliant lime green foliage that adds brightness and contrast to the garden...

From$22.01
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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
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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
Elegant Dietes grandiflora flowers.
Dietes grandiflora (Fairy Iris)

Dietes grandiflora, also known as Wild Iris or Fairy Iris, is a robust, clump-forming perennial prized for its large white flowers with yellow and...

From$15.87
A beautiful Sedum 'Autumn Joy' plant in a garden with pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Sedum 'Autumn Joy', commonly known as Stonecrop, is grown for its stunning flowers and attractive foliage. This herbaceous perennial produces flowers...

From$23.39
Salvia 'Aztec Blue' plants with elegant blue flowers above green foliage.
Salvia 'Aztec Blue'

Salvia 'Aztec Blue' is an eye catching perennial admired for its bold cobalt blue flower spikes that bloom heavily from late spring through autumn in...

From$27.53
salvia-red-2
Salvia 'Red'

Salvia 'Red' (Red Sage) is a vibrant perennial that produces brilliant red flower spikes above aromatic green foliage from late spring until autumn...

From$27.53
campanula-resholdt's-variety--1
Campanula 'Resholdt's Variety'

Campanula 'Resholdt's Variety' (Bell Flower) is a charming perennial known for its masses of soft blue bell shaped flowers that create a beautiful...

From$22.01
polemonium-stairway-to-heaven--2
Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven'

Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven' is a stunning perennial admired for its finely divided variegated foliage and clusters of soft lavender blue bell...

From$30.29
pelargonium-sidoides-
Pelargonium sidoides

Pelargonium sidoides is an attractive evergreen perennial valued for its unusual deep maroon to almost black flowers that are produced from spring...

From$20.63
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Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Silver'

Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Silver' is a stunning perennial prized for its large silver foliage accented with dark veining and its exceptional garden...

From$22.01
Helleborus orientalis with colourful pink flowers.
Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as Lenten Rose, is a hardy perennial prized for its elegant winter and early spring blooms. Flowers appear in...

From$22.95
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
Neomarica northiana flower.
Neomarica northiana

Neomarica northiana (Walking Iris) is a graceful evergreen perennial prized for its striking iris like blue and white flowers and elegant fans of...

From$39.95
Heuchera 'Apple Crisp' plants with lush green foliage.
Heuchera 'Apple Crisp'

Heuchera 'Apple Crisp' is a compact evergreen perennial admired for its bright lime green ruffled foliage that adds year round colour and texture to...

From$22.01
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$20.63
Artemisia absinthium perennial plant with grey foliage.
Artemisia absinthium  (Wormwood)

Artemisia absinthium is a hardy perennial herb valued for its finely textured silver foliage and strong aromatic presence. Popular in New Zealand...

From$22.01
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
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
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
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
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
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
Hemerocallis 'Moon Goddess'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agapanthus, Aquilegia, and Francoa, 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.

–The Plant Company

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