Low Growing Perennials

Low Growing Perennials

Low-growing perennials are perfect for creating colorful, dynamic borders and ground covers in gardens. They offer a variety of textures, colors, and blooming patterns, and many have the added advantage of blooming all summer, providing a prolonged display of beauty. These plants are typically under a foot in height, making them ideal for the front of borders, along pathways, or as fillers between larger plants.

One excellent choice for a low-growing perennial that blooms all summer is Catmint (Nepeta). Varieties like ‘Walker’s Low’ offer a long blooming period with spikes of lavender-blue flowers. Despite its name, ‘Walker’s Low’ is low-growing and is known for its hardiness and drought tolerance.

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) is another popular perennial, forming a dense mat of foliage covered with star-shaped flowers in spring. Available in shades of pink, purple, white, and blue, it’s an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, and slopes.

The perennial Geranium, particularly the ‘Rozanne’ variety, is valued for its long flowering season and low-growing habit. With its bright blue flowers and sprawling growth, it creates an attractive ground cover and is also great for hanging baskets and containers.

For vibrant color, consider planting Dianthus. These low-growing perennials offer a variety of colors, from white and pink to red, and are known for their spicy fragrance. They bloom in late spring to early summer and often rebloom in the fall.

Sedums, such as Sedum spurium or ‘Dragon’s Blood’, are succulent perennials that offer both interesting foliage and flowers. These tough plants are great for dry, challenging spots and have a creeping habit that makes them excellent ground covers.

Another attractive option is Coral Bells (Heuchera). Known primarily for their colorful foliage, which ranges from silver to deep burgundy, they also send up delicate flower spikes in early summer. They’re great for adding a splash of color to shady areas.

Lavender (Lavandula) is not only fragrant but also quite low-growing, especially the dwarf varieties. It blooms in summer, attracting bees and butterflies, and its gray-green foliage is attractive even when the plant is not in flower.

For sunny spots, the Coreopsis, particularly dwarf varieties like ‘Nana’, is a bright and cheerful option. These perennials produce an abundance of yellow flowers and are known for being easy to grow and maintain.

In summary, low-growing perennials offer a range of options for creating colorful, textured borders and ground covers. Whether you’re looking for plants that bloom all summer, like Catmint and Geranium ‘Rozanne’, or those that offer interesting foliage like Sedum and Heuchera, there’s a wide variety of choices available. These perennials can help create a layered, cohesive garden design, adding interest and beauty to any outdoor space.