Low-growing perennials are a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to create a lush landscape with depth and interest. Ideal for borders, pathways, rock gardens, and even containers, these plants provide stunning colors and textures without overwhelming your space.

In this guide, we will explore a variety of low-growing perennials, delving into their unique characteristics, best growing conditions, and design possibilities.

Astilbe

Often celebrated for their feathery plumes, Astilbe offers a burst of color that can shine in shaded areas of your garden. These perennial beauties typically bloom from late spring to early summer, showcasing an array of colors including pinks, reds, and whites. Astilbes thrive in moist, well-drained soil and prefer partial to full shade. Their foliage remains lush and green throughout the growing season, adding texture long after their flowers have faded. Plant them alongside ferns and hostas for a vibrant woodland look.

Autumn Fern

The Autumn Fern, with its delicate, feathery fronds, brings an ethereal quality to shaded spaces. This fern is particularly valued for its coppery-red new growth, which matures to a glossy green. Autumn Ferns thrive in rich, moist soils but can tolerate occasional dry spells. They prefer partial to full shade, making them a perfect companion to other shade-loving plants. Use them as ground cover or in a bouquet of foliage to create visual layers in your garden.

Barrenwort

Barrenwort, or Epimedium, is an often-overlooked perennial that thrives in shady conditions. With heart-shaped leaves and delicate flowers that range from white to purple, this plant is truly a gem. It forms dense mats that prevent weeds and add charm to shady nooks. Barrenwort prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter, making it suitable for woodland gardens. Its ability to tolerate dry shade makes it a favorite among gardeners aiming to enhance those challenging areas.

Bearberry

Bearberry, or Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, is a resilient evergreen perennial that adds structure to rocky or sandy landscapes. With its tiny, leathery leaves and clusters of pinkish-white flowers followed by bright red berries, bearberry is perfect for those looking to attract wildlife. It thrives in well-drained soils and sunny locations, making it suitable for slopes or sandy areas. This hardy perennial can help prevent erosion, making it not only beautiful but functional as well.

Blanket Flower

The vibrant blooms of Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) can brighten any garden. These drought-tolerant perennials produce daisy-like flowers that come in shades of red, yellow, and orange, resembling a warm sunset. They thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions. Perfect for summer gardens, Blanket Flowers attract butterflies and bees, making them invaluable for supporting local pollinators. Plant them in clusters for a striking display.

Bleeding Heart

With its iconic heart-shaped flowers, Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) has become a beloved perennial among garden enthusiasts. It flourishes in partial shade and requires rich, moist soil to thrive. The soft pink and white blooms evoke a sense of romance, making them ideal for cottage gardens. As the blooms fade in late spring, the lush foliage remains, creating a beautiful green tapestry. For optimal results, plant these in groups to make their unique shape stand out.

Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)

Don’t let its name deceive you; Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium) is not a true grass but rather a charming perennial with alluring blue-violet flowers. This plant grows well in moist soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. Blue-Eyed Grass attracts various pollinators, making it an excellent partner for more prominent plants. Its low growth and delicate blooms add subtle beauty to meadows or wildflower gardens, blending beautifully with native species.

Blue Star Creeper

If you’re searching for a hardy ground cover, look no further than Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis). With its tiny star-shaped blue flowers, this perennial creates a mesmerizing carpet of blooms that can handle foot traffic. It thrives in sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. This resilient creeper is perfect for between stepping stones, along pathways, or in containers. Its lush foliage adds a fresh look all season long.

Calla Lily

Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia) are known for their elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bring sophistication to any garden. While often treated as annuals in cooler climates, they can be cultivated as perennials in warmer areas. Preferring well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun, these plants can create striking vertical accents. Their unique flowers come in a variety of colors, including classic white, vibrant yellow, and deep purple, and thrive in moist environments.

Catmint

Catmint (Nepeta) is a delightful perennial not just for cat owners! Known for its aromatic leaves and lavender-blue flowers, Catmint thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Hardy and drought-tolerant, it attracts butterflies and bees while repelling detrimental garden pests. This perennial can reach about 12-36 inches in height, providing a lovely backdrop for smaller plants. Its compact form and continuous bloom make it an ideal choice for borders and rock gardens.

Coral Bells

Coral Bells (Heuchera) offer a stunning array of colorful foliage, ranging from deep burgundy to bright lime green. Their delicate flowers rise above the leaves to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. These plants do best in well-drained soils and thrive in partial shade to full sun, depending on the variety. Coral Bells are an excellent choice for containers, borders, or as ground cover, providing year-round visual interest.

Creeping Mazus

Creeping Mazus (Mazus reptans) is a charming perennial that produces beautiful violet-blue flowers in spring and early summer. This low-growing plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and is perfect for filling in gaps and softening edges in your garden. With its ability to spread quickly, it’s ideal for hanging baskets or as ground cover. It is also a great option for those with less-than-perfect soil conditions, making it highly adaptable to various landscapes.

Creeping Thyme

Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a beloved ground cover known for its aromatic foliage and tiny pink flowers. This low-growing perennial loves sun and thrives in well-drained, sandy soils. Its resilience to drought and ability to withstand foot traffic make it an excellent option for pathways and rock gardens. The sweet scent of its leaves is an added bonus, attracting pollinators to your garden along the way.

Daylily

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are a gardener’s delight, known for their stunning blooms in an array of colors. These low-growing perennials (depending on the variety) are forgiving plants that thrive in various conditions, from full sun to partial shade. They typically bloom in early summer, and each flower lasts for only a day—hence the name—but they produce countless buds for an extended floral display. Ideal for borders, daylilies can also serve as effective ground cover while offering excellent visual appeal throughout the season.

Dusty Miller

Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria) stands out for its silvery-gray foliage that adds contrast and texture to any garden. This low-growing perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Dusty Miller can tolerate drought conditions, making it a practical choice for warmer climates. Pair it with brightly colored flowers to enhance their vibrancy and create stunning visual contrast in mixed borders or containers.

Dwarf Abelia

Dwarf Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora) is a compact shrub-like perennial that delivers beautiful fragrant flowers throughout the summer. With glossy green leaves that take on a reddish hue in autumn, Dwarf Abelia provides year-round interest. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile option for borders or container gardens. Its ability to attract bees and butterflies adds to its appeal in a pollinator-friendly garden.

Dwarf Fountain Grass

Dwarf Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) adds graceful movement and texture to the garden. This low-grower produces arching leaves and fluffy, bottlebrush-like flower spikes that sway in the breeze. Dwarf Fountain Grass thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and is tolerant of drought once established. It works well in borders, mixed beds, or as an accent plant, and it provides a stunning contrast to perennial flowers.

Dwarf Lobelia

Dwarf Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is a charming, ground-hugging perennial that produces a waterfall of vibrant blue flowers. Ideally suited for containers or hanging baskets, this low-growing plant thrives in partial shade to full sun. It loves moist, well-drained soil and fills garden spaces with cheerful color during the growing season. Dwarf Lobelia’s delicate appearance and sprawling habit make it a sweet addition to any garden.

Dwarf New England Aster

Dwarf New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) features stunning blossoms in late summer and early fall that brighten your garden as many other flowers begin to fade. These compact plants bear vibrant purple, blue, or pink flowers. Dwarf New England Asters prefer full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in garden beds or along pathways. Not only do they provide a pop of color, but they also attract essential pollinators such as butterflies, creating a vibrant, lively space.

Dwarf Plumbago

Dwarf Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) is a low-growing perennial that produces stunning blue flowers in late summer to early fall. This plant features finger-like leaves that turn a brilliant red in autumn, providing year-round interest. Dwarf Plumbago thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it suitable for rock gardens or along borders. Its captivating bloom paired with the changing foliage provides a stunning visual experience as the seasons shift.

Dwarf Purple Coneflower

Dwarf Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) offers all the charm of its taller counterparts in a more compact form. These perennials are known for their daisy-like petals that can vary in color from hot pink to white. Dwarf Purple Coneflowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, attracting heat-loving pollinators to create a lively garden environment. Use them in borders or as accents throughout beds for a delightful splash of color.

Eastern Pasque Flower

Eastern Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla patens) charms with its unique, delicate blooms in shades of purple and lavender. This low-growing perennial blooms in early spring, bringing color and life to the garden after winter. Eastern Pasque Flowers prefer well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. Their whimsical, feathery seed heads add additional visual interest, making this plant an excellent choice for naturalize areas or rock gardens.

European Wild Ginger

European Wild Ginger (Asarum europaeum) is an excellent option for shaded gardens, offering evergreen foliage and low-growing habit. The heart-shaped leaves provide texture, while its unique, understated brownish flowers appear in spring, often hidden below the foliage. European Wild Ginger does well in rich, well-drained soils and can adapt to various growing conditions. This perennial works beautifully as ground cover, helping to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Foamflower

Foamflower (Tiarella) offers delicate foamy blossoms atop mounds of lush foliage. This perennial loves shady areas and does best in rich, well-drained soils. Blooming in spring, its white to pink flowers attract pollinators and add to your garden’s overall appeal. Foamflower is adaptable enough to grow in both borders and shaded woodland gardens, making it perfect for a myriad of garden design styles.

Garden Violet

Garden Violet (Viola odorata) produces a dreamy carpet of violet-colored blooms in spring. These low-growing perennials thrive in partial to full shade and love rich, well-drained soils. Known for their delightful fragrance, Garden Violets can form dense colonies, adding color and charm to shaded spaces. This perennial works beautifully along pathways, in rock gardens, or even in containers, providing a sweet touch to any garden display.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod (Solidago) is a vibrant, low-maintenance perennial that produces stunning spikes of yellow flowers. These blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other important pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any garden. Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, Goldenrod can tolerate a range of conditions. Use it as a bold accent within perennial beds or as a yellow burst in meadows, where its cheerful flowers can shine in late summer to early fall.

Hardy Geranium

Hardy Geraniums (Geranium spp.) are a versatile perennial that provides continuous blooms from spring through fall. Known for their hardy nature, these plants thrive in various conditions, including full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. With their charming flowers in hues ranging from blue to pink to white, Hardy Geraniums can brighten up any garden when planted en masse. Their spreading habit makes them perfect for ground cover or planting alongside taller perennials for added visual depth.

Heucherella

Heucherella is a delightful hybrid between Heuchera and Tiarella, gaining popularity for its attractive foliage and delicate flowers. This low-growing perennial thrives in partial shade to full sun and well-drained soils. The colorful leaves can range from gold to burgundy, making every variety a feast for the eyes. Use Heucherella in front of borders or as a container plant to bring visual interest to shaded areas of the garden.

Hostas

Hostas, the quintessential shade-loving perennial, come in an impressive array of sizes, shapes, and colors. With their large, textured leaves, Hostas create a lush backdrop for any garden. They thrive in moist, well-drained soils and love partial to full shade. Choose from a variety of hues and patterns, and plant them alongside bleeding hearts and ferns for an inviting woodland garden. Hostas are easy to care for and will reward you with stunning foliage season after season.

Irish Moss

Irish Moss (Sagina subulata) is a charming, low-growing perennial that creates a soft, lush carpet resembling moss. Popular for rock gardens and pathways, this evergreen plant thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Irish Moss flowers in spring with tiny white blooms, but its real charm lies in its dense green foliage. It’s perfect for filling gaps in the garden or as a soft border plant, allowing you to create a truly tranquil outdoor space.

Japanese Aster

Japanese Aster (Aster ageratoides) brightens gardens with its charming white blooms that appear in late summer and fall. Preferring partial shade and rich, well-drained soils, this low-growing perennial pairs beautifully with ferns and other woodland plants. The subtle beauty of its flowers, combined with its lovely, rounded leaves, makes it an excellent choice for naturalizing gardens and adding interest during the transition to fall.

Japanese Forest Grass

Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra) features stunning cascading foliage that adds elegance to any shade garden. With its arching, fine-textured leaves, this perennial creates a soft, flowing effect. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers partial to full shade. The unique coloration of its leaves, which can include shades of green, gold, and variegated patterns, makes it a visually appealing choice for borders or container gardens.

Japanese Onion

Japanese Onion (Allium fistulosum) is a perennial onion variety known for its sweet flavor and striking green stalks. This low-growing vegetable thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it ideal for kitchen gardens or borders. As they grow, they produce beautiful globe-shaped flower heads, attracting pollinators while serving as a culinary delight. Planting them alongside other perennials can create a beautiful and functional garden space.

Lady’s Mantle

Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) is cherished for its soft, crinkled leaves that collect dew droplets, creating a sparkling effect in the morning light. This perennial thrives in partial shade to full sun, preferring well-drained soil. In late spring to early summer, tiny chartreuse flowers emerge, adding delicate beauty to your landscape. Use Lady’s Mantle as ground cover or border plants to enhance the vibrancy of your garden beds.

Lamb’s Ear

With its velvety, silvery leaves, Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina) adds a tactile element to gardens. This low-growing perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great option for rock gardens or pathways. While its soft green foliage is lovely on its own, Lamb’s Ear produces tall spikes of purple flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. This perennial is also drought-tolerant, making it a reliable choice for low-maintenance gardens.

Largeleaf Brunnera

Largeleaf Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla), often referred to as False Forget-Me-Not, boasts large, heart-shaped leaves that provide an eye-catching backdrop. This perennial thrives in shady areas with moisture-rich soil. In spring, it produces charming clusters of small blue flowers reminiscent of true forget-me-nots. With its low-growing habit and lush foliage, Largeleaf Brunnera is perfect for woodland gardens or beneath larger shrubs.

Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula) is not only renowned for its soothing scent but also for its beautiful purple flowers. This low-growing perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for Mediterranean-style gardens or as edging along pathways. Attracting bees and butterflies, Lavender provides both visual appeal and functionality. Whether you use it in culinary dishes, craft aromatic sachets, or simply admire its beauty, Lavender is a must-have perennial.

Low-Growing Perennial Pinks

Low-Growing Perennial Pinks (Dianthus spp.) produce delightful, fragrant flowers in a vibrant array of colors. These charming plants thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, making them perfect for rock gardens or borders. Their often spicy fragrance adds an engaging dimension to your garden. Combining their striking colors with other complimentary perennials can provide a stunning show of blooms throughout the warmer months.

Lungwort

Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a unique perennial with attractive foliage and charming blossoms. Known for its striking spotted leaves, Lungwort blooms in early spring, showcasing blue, pink, and purple flowers. This shade-loving perennial thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is perfect for woodland gardens. The unique foliage not only adds texture but also provides visual interest throughout the growing season, making it a lovely addition to any garden.

Monkey Grass (Liriope muscari)

Monkey Grass (Liriope muscari) is a versatile perennial often used as ground cover or edging. This tough, low-growing plant produces slender foliage that remains lush and green, with spikes of purple or white flowers appearing in late summer. Monkey Grass prefers well-drained soils and can adapt to various lighting conditions, from full sun to shade. Use it along pathways or in containers to add color and texture year-round.

Mop Head Hydrangea

While Mop Head Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is typically taller, dwarf varieties provide a stunning low-growing alternative. Their rounded flower clusters bloom in shades of blue, pink, or white, drawing attention to gardens without overwhelming them. Preferring partial sun and well-drained, moist soil, dwarf Mop Head Hydrangeas can be used in borders or pots, offering season-long beauty and adaptability in various garden settings.

Pigsqueak

Pigsqueak (Bergenia) is distinctive for its large, glossy leaves with a fleshy texture. This perennial blooms in early spring with pink flowers that rise high above the foliage, attracting pollinators. Pigsqueak thrives in moist, well-drained soils, making it suitable for shaded areas. Its robust leaves provide year-round interest, ensuring your garden remains vibrant even in winter months. This perennial is often used for ground cover or as a striking backdrop for smaller plants.

Pussytoes

Pussytoes (Antennaria) adds a touch of whimsy to your garden with its soft, fuzzy flower clusters. This low-growing perennial thrives in well-drained soils and full sun. As a drought-tolerant plant, Pussytoes are excellent for low-maintenance gardens. Their unique form works well in rock gardens or along pathways, providing subtle yet charming visual interest. Pairing them with other perennials enhances their beauty and creates a cohesive outdoor design.

Roman Chamomile

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is an aromatic perennial plant known for its fragrant, daisy-like flowers. This low-growing perennial prefers well-drained soils and full sun, making it an ideal choice for herb gardens or border plantings. Roman Chamomile attracts beneficial insects and can be used for its medicinal properties, adding value to your garden. Its layered petals and pleasant scent make it a delightful addition to any landscape.

Rose Vervain

Rose Vervain (Verbena bonariensis) has gained popularity for its tall, slender stems topped with clusters of purple flowers. While not the traditional low-growing perennial, the shorter varieties can serve as lovely companions at the edge of garden beds. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soils, attracting pollinators and giving gardeners a burst of color in late summer. Rose Vervain creates a magical, airy feel when integrated with companion plants.

Salvia

Salvia is a diverse genus of plants that features low-growing varieties with stunning flower spikes. These perennials prefer well-drained soil and thrive in full sun, blooming from late spring until the first frost. Salvia comes in various colors, including blues, purples, and pinks, making them versatile for any garden design. Their resilience to drought and ability to attract pollinators make them a favorite for mixed borders and cottage gardens alike.

Scotch Moss

Scotch Moss (Sagina subulata) is a delightful creeping plant that adds a unique touch to gardens. With its bright green foliage, this low-growing perennial thrives in well-drained soils, preferring partial shade to sun. Scotch Moss produces tiny white flowers in spring that further enhance its appeal. It makes an ideal ground cover, providing a soft look along pathways or around rock gardens, where it can easily spread and create a lush carpet of greenery.

Sedge

Sedge (Carex) is a versatile perennial often found in wetlands, but many varieties adapt beautifully to drier conditions. This grass-like plant offers unique texture and soft movement in garden design. Sedges thrive in partial shade to full sun and can grow in various soil types. With their low profile, they can fill the gaps creatively in mixed borders and accompany larger ornamental plants.

Shasta Daisy

Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum) is a classic perennial with cheerful white petals and bright yellow centers. These durable plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil, blooming from late spring to early summer. Shasta Daisies add a picturesque charm to cottage gardens and natural landscapes. Their ability to attract pollinators and produce a bountiful display makes them a must-have for any sunny border.

Small Daylily

Small Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) offer all the beauty of traditional daylilies in a more compact form. Perfect for smaller gardens or mixed borders, these low-growing perennials bloom vibrantly throughout summer, showcasing colors from yellow to red and everything in between. Small Daylilies thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, rewarding gardeners with continuous color and charm. Their rich foliage adds visual interest even when not in bloom.

Snowdrop Anemone

Snowdrop Anemone (Anemone sylvestris) offers delightful white flowers that bloom in early spring. This low-growing perennial thrives in partial shade to full sun, preferring well-drained soil with a bit of moisture. Their charming, cup-shaped flowers attract early pollinators, contributing to a lively garden atmosphere. Plant snowdrop anemones in clusters beneath trees or alongside other spring bloomers for a magical display.

Spotted Deadnettle

Spotted Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum) features striking variegated foliage and delicate blooms in shades of purple, pink, or white. This low-growing perennial prefers partial shade and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for ground cover, especially in shaded areas. Its ability to suppress weeds while providing visual interest makes it an asset in any garden ecosystem, complemented by its early spring blooms.

Stokes Aster

Stokes Aster (Stokesia laevis) is a charming perennial that boasts stunning blue or purple flowers. This low-growing plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, blooming in the summer months. Its unique flower shape, resembling daisies, adds whimsy to garden beds. Stokes Aster is non-invasive and thus a great addition to borders, allowing for a lovely show of color while remaining manageable in size.

Stonecrop

Stonecrop (Sedum) is a perennial succulent known for its ability to thrive in challenging conditions. These low-growing plants can tolerate drought and poor soil, making them ideal for rock gardens and sunny borders. Stonecrop produces tiny star-shaped flowers in late summer, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Their unique shapes and colors create a striking low profile in your landscape, ensuring your garden remains vibrant.

Toad Lily

Toad Lily (Tricyrtis) is a unique perennial known for its intricate, speckled flowers resembling orchids. This low-growing plant thrives in partial shade and prefers rich, well-draining soils. Blooming in late summer to early fall, Toad Lilies offer a distinctive charm, often surprising guests with their exotic aesthetics. Incorporate them in woodland gardens or along shaded borders to enhance their appeal, adding an unexpected pop of interest.

Threadleaf Coreopsis

Threadleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata) is a fantastic perennial for those looking to add dazzling yellow flowers to their garden. This low-growing plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, blooming from late spring to early fall. Its delicate, fern-like foliage provides a soft and feathery texture that pairs beautifully with other perennials. Threadleaf Coreopsis is also drought-tolerant, making it a joyful addition to low-maintenance gardens.

Veronica Speedwell

Veronica Speedwell (Veronica spp.) is a versatile perennial boasting attractive spikes of flowers that come in blue, purple, and white. This low-growing plant thrives in both full sun and partial shade, preferring well-drained soils. Veronica Speedwell blooms from late spring to early summer, attracting a variety of pollinators to your garden. Its adaptability and stunning blooms make it an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, or as ground covers.

Vervain

Vervain (Verbena spp.) offers a delightful cascade of color with its clusters of tiny flowers that bloom in shades of brown, purple, and pink. These low-growing perennials thrive in full sun and can tolerate various soil types. Vervains can add vibrant accents to flower beds or serve as lovely ground covers. Their drought tolerance and ability to attract pollinators make them a valuable addition to low-maintenance gardens.

Winecup

Winecup (Callirhoe involucrata) is known for its exquisite, cup-shaped flowers that bloom in vibrant magenta, often creating a vibrant display in spring and early summer. This low-growing plant thrives in well-drained soils and full sun. Winecup is perfect for rock gardens or prairie-style borders, providing a naturalistic touch to your landscape while ensuring a burst of color.

Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is celebrated for its resilient nature and vibrant flowers, coming in various colors, including white, yellow, and pink. This low-growing perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. Its drought-tolerant properties make it ideal for low-water gardens or xeriscapes. Yarrow attracts beneficial pollinators and serves well in companion planting arrangements, offering additional texture and dimension to your garden.