When I created a new garden border last year, choosing the right edging was a challenge. I wanted to avoid metal or wood, but leaving it open for the lawn to invade wasn't appealing either. That's when I found edging plants, a natural solution to maintain order.
Opting for plants instead of hardscaping is a smart choice for those seeking a tidy look while keeping grass and weeds out of flower beds. The ideal edging plants are compact, weed-suppressing, and visually appealing within your current planting scheme.
From aromatic herbs to bushy varieties that define spaces, there are plenty of options available. Here are my top five edging plants to enhance your garden border this spring.
1. Lady's Mantle
- USDA: zones 3-8
Lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis) stands out as a fantastic choice. This shade-loving plant offers ample groundcover at the front of your border.
According to a gardening expert, 'Lady's mantle is an easy-care favorite that brings greenery and light green-yellow flowers in summer.'
Its clumping habit softens borders while maintaining structure. Plus, its hairy leaves fend off pests like snails and slugs, creating a robust weed barrier.
Do keep in mind that lady's mantle can self-seed quite readily, popping up in unexpected areas. To manage this, it's wise to deadhead blooms before they set seed in midsummer. You can use sharp pruning shears for this task.
Find lady's mantle starter plants at Nature Hills.
2. Hardy Geraniums
- USDA: zones 3-9
If you enjoy purple plants, hardy geraniums are excellent edging candidates.
These plants generate dense mounds of foliage adorned with delightful flowers in purple, pink, and white. They are also pollinator-friendly, attracting beneficial insects throughout the growing season.
Hardy geraniums spread quickly, establishing a strong weed barrier at the front of your garden border.
To promote a second bloom cycle, prune them back to around 3 inches after the first flowers fade. This will also help manage their self-seeding habit.
Use precise cutting tools, like these Fiskars bypass pruning shears, to ensure clean cuts and keep geraniums thriving.
This 'Johnson's Blue' geranium from Walmart showcases a lovely blue shade.
3. Euonymus
- USDA: zones 5-9
For a more formal look, euonymus shrubs are an excellent choice. Non-climbing varieties are perfect for a compact and tidy edge – 'Gold Edge' (available on Amazon) is a favored, disease-resistant alternative to boxwood.
One major benefit is that euonymus maintains its variegated colors throughout the year, as it is evergreen.
This adaptable plant thrives in both sun and shade, tolerates various soil conditions, and becomes drought-tolerant over time.
4. Rosemary
- USDA: zones 8-11
An aromatic herb, rosemary is one of my favorites for edging. This clump-forming herb not only retains borders but also releases a delightful fragrance when brushed against.
Keep in mind that rosemary can grow quite vigorously. Regular trimming will help maintain its shape and compactness.
Rosemary prefers sunny spots, making it ideal for bright borders. Plenty of sunlight encourages purple-blue flowers in early spring.
'Arp' rosemary (found at Burpee) is a particularly hardy variety.
5. Dianthus
- USDA: zones 4-8
Dianthus is another flowering option recommended for a vibrant summer border.
According to experts, 'They are compact with silvery foliage year-round and produce pink flowers in summer.'
'For best results, ensure your soil is well-drained and space them 6-12 inches apart in full sun to form a dense border for pathways,' they advise.
This is an ideal choice for low blooms at the front of your border, adding a cottage garden touch to your planting.
Check out dianthus starter plants at Walmart.
Products to Consider
Bypass Pruning Shears
These shears are perfect for essential pruning jobs, cutting branches up to 1 inch in diameter.
Canvas Garden Apron
This stylish canvas apron features multiple pockets for your tools and ties at the neck and waist for comfort.
Floral Gardening Gloves
These long-sleeved gloves showcase a lovely floral design while protecting your hands and arms during garden tasks.
Common Questions
How Can I Prevent Grass from Growing in My Garden Border?
To prevent grass from invading your garden border, consider using a weed barrier (like this from Amazon), applying mulch to smother grass and weeds, or using the three-inch edging rule to create a trench that severs grass roots.
When creating the perfect garden border, your options are limitless. You can opt for a low-maintenance evergreen border for year-round interest or plant a herb border for a consistent supply of fresh herbs.
