The Best Ornamental Plants for Edging Your Garden

As the seasons change and your garden evolves, one element that can truly elevate its visual appeal is the careful selection of ornamental plants for edging. These border-hugging beauties not only frame your garden beds with elegance but also serve practical purposes, such as defining boundaries, controlling soil erosion, and adding texture and color to your outdoor oasis.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top ornamental plants that are perfect for edging your garden, taking into account factors like growth habit, bloom time, and maintenance requirements. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a budding gardener, this post will provide you with the insights you need to create a stunning, well-defined garden that will be the envy of your neighborhood.

Choosing the Right Ornamental Edging Plants

When it comes to selecting the best ornamental plants for edging, there are several key considerations to keep in mind:

Growth Habit

The growth habit of the plant is crucial, as you'll want to choose species that naturally maintain a compact, tidy appearance along the edges of your garden beds. Opt for plants that have a low, mounding or trailing growth pattern, as these will be less likely to encroach on the main planting areas.

Bloom Time

Incorporating plants with different bloom times can extend the visual interest of your garden's edging throughout the seasons. Consider a mix of early-blooming, mid-season, and late-flowering varieties to ensure a continuous display of color.

Maintenance Requirements

Some edging plants require more frequent pruning or deadheading to keep them looking their best, while others are more low-maintenance. Evaluate your gardening schedule and preferences to select plants that align with your desired level of upkeep.

Climate and Soil Conditions

It's essential to choose ornamental edging plants that are well-suited to the growing conditions in your local area. Research the specific light, moisture, and soil requirements of each species to ensure they thrive in your garden's environment.

Aesthetic Appeal

Of course, the visual appeal of the plants is also a crucial factor. Consider the color, texture, and overall form of the edging plants to create a cohesive and visually striking border that complements the rest of your garden design.

Top Ornamental Edging Plants

Now that we've covered the key considerations, let's dive into some of the best ornamental plants for edging your garden:

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender is a classic choice for garden edging, with its fragrant purple or blue flowers and silvery-green foliage. This drought-tolerant, sun-loving plant thrives in well-drained soil and maintains a neat, compact growth habit, making it an excellent option for lining pathways or defining garden beds.

Thyme (Thymus spp.)

Another aromatic and low-growing option, thyme is a versatile edging plant that comes in a variety of cultivars, from the traditional English thyme to the vibrant-hued lemon thyme. Thyme is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and can even tolerate light foot traffic, making it a practical choice for edging walkways or stepping stones.

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Creeping phlox is a carpet-forming perennial that produces a stunning display of pink, purple, or white flowers in the spring. Its dense, mat-like growth habit and evergreen foliage make it an excellent choice for edging garden beds or spilling over retaining walls.

Sedum (Sedum spp.)

Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a diverse genus of succulent plants that come in a wide range of colors and growth habits. From the low-growing, spreading Sedum acre to the upright, flowering Sedum 'Autumn Joy,' these drought-tolerant plants are perfect for creating a unique and eye-catching edging.

Dwarf Boxwood (Buxus microphylla)

For a more formal, manicured look, dwarf boxwood is a classic choice for edging garden beds and pathways. These slow-growing, evergreen shrubs maintain a neat, compact shape with minimal pruning, making them a popular option for traditional or formal garden designs.

Liriope (Liriope muscari)

Also known as lily turf, liriope is a clumping, grass-like perennial that produces spikes of lavender or white flowers in the late summer. Its dense, tufted growth habit and tolerance for a range of soil conditions make it a versatile edging plant for both sun and shade.

Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Similar to its culinary cousin, creeping thyme is a low-growing, mat-forming plant that produces a carpet of tiny, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white. Its resilience to foot traffic and drought-tolerance make it an excellent choice for edging pathways or garden beds.

Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus)

Mondo grass, with its narrow, grass-like foliage and delicate, bell-shaped flowers, is a popular choice for creating a lush, textural edging. This low-maintenance plant thrives in both sun and shade, making it a versatile option for a variety of garden settings.

Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina)

Lamb's ear is a charming, silver-leaved perennial that forms a soft, velvety carpet along garden edges. Its fuzzy, wooly leaves and occasional purple flowers add a unique tactile and visual element to the garden.

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

Also known as moneywort, creeping Jenny is a fast-growing, trailing plant that produces a carpet of bright yellow or chartreuse foliage. Its vigorous growth and tolerance for a range of soil conditions make it an excellent choice for edging garden beds or spilling over retaining walls.

Designing with Ornamental Edging Plants

Now that you're familiar with some of the top ornamental edging plants, it's time to start planning your garden design. Here are a few tips to help you incorporate these beautiful border plants effectively:

Mix and Match

Consider creating a layered, multi-species edging by combining plants with different bloom times, growth habits, and foliage colors. This will add depth, texture, and visual interest to your garden's borders.

Repeat Patterns

For a cohesive, formal look, consider repeating the same edging plant in a consistent pattern along your garden beds. This creates a sense of symmetry and order.

Transition Zones

Use edging plants to create a smooth transition between different garden areas, such as the boundary between a formal flower bed and a more naturalistic planting.

Pathways and Borders

Lining garden paths and walkways with low-growing edging plants is a classic technique that helps define the space and guide the eye through the garden.

Containers and Raised Beds

Don't limit your edging plants to the ground – consider using them to frame the edges of raised garden beds or large containers for a polished, finished look.

Remember, the key to successful ornamental edging is to choose plants that not only look beautiful but also thrive in your specific growing conditions. With a little planning and creativity, you can transform the borders of your garden into a captivating, cohesive design that will be the envy of your neighbors.