If you’re looking for shrubs to brighten up your garden edges, you’ve come to the right place. When I first started planting borders, I made the rookie mistake of picking plants that grew way too tall (oops, my bad!).
Now, I know that the key to a perfect border is low-growing shrubs. They’re neat, easy to manage, and they give your garden that polished, put-together look. Plus, they won’t block the view of your favorite flowers.
Stick around as I am about to share some of my go-to shrubs that will keep your borders looking fabulous!
1. Lavender
If you’ve ever walked by a lavender plant on a warm afternoon, you know the scent is intoxicating.
Lavender is perfect for borders, not just for its beautiful purple blooms, but also because its fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies.
To grow lavender, make sure to plant it in full sun and well-draining soil (trust me, it doesn’t like wet feet!).
2. Boxwood Forms
Boxwood is the perfect choice if you need something evergreen and tidy in your garden. It grows low and dense, so it’s ideal for borders that don’t require constant trimming.
It can withstand a bit of neglect, which is great for someone who sometimes forgets to water (don’t worry, it happens to everyone).
3. Dwarf Japanese Pieris
I never realized how much I’d love this shrub until I planted it in a shady spot near my garden entrance.
With its glossy leaves and lovely clusters of white or pink flowers in early spring, it’s the kind of shrub that makes you pause for a second look.
It’s great for small borders as it stays compact and offers color throughout the year.
4. Spirea
Spirea is the best choice for gardeners who are looking to add both texture and colors to their borders.
It’s easy to grow, produces beautiful pink or white flowers in the warmer months, and doesn’t demand much care. My sister planted several along the edges of her flower beds, and they’re always a hit with the butterflies.
5. Wintercreeper
Wintercreeper is one of those underrated shrubs that quietly works wonders in the garden. Its variegated leaves stay attractive all year long and it can handle both sun and shade.
I love using it as ground cover in borders because it spreads easily and provides that full look without requiring much effort. It’s also great for filling in those awkward spots where you want a plant that won’t get too big or fussy.
6. Heuchera
Everyone will definitely fall in love with Heuchera plants. The rich, colorful foliage (whether it’s deep purple, lime green, or vibrant red) adds so much personality to any garden, especially in shaded areas.
Heuchera loves partial to full shade and it’s happy as long as you plant it in well-drained soil. It attracts pollinators and looks stunning even when it’s not in bloom!
7. Barberry
I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to fall for barberry, but the bright red foliage and spiny texture have completely won me over.
This low-growing shrub is great for borders because it provides year-round color and even serves as a natural deterrent to unwanted visitors – those thorns can be a bit of a challenge!
It thrives in a lot of sunlight and soil that drains well. Plus, it’s almost impossible to overwater.
8. Gold Mound Spirea
Gold Mound Spirea adds a burst of sunshine to borders with its golden-yellow foliage. My grandma had planted this in her front yard and it’s always the first thing people comment on when they walk by.
The bright color is especially striking in the spring and summer, and its small white flowers are just the cherry on top. It’s easy to care for, too – plant it in full sun and prune it back after flowering to keep it looking fresh.
9. Buddleia ‘Buzz’
A compact version of the classic butterfly bush, ‘Buzz’ is perfect for those of us who want all the pollinator-attracting power of a butterfly bush but in a more manageable size.
If you want to bring some life and movement to your garden, this is the shrub for you. Keep in mind that this plant needs a lot of sunlight throughout the day, so it might not be suitable for those borders that are in shade.
10. Fountain Grass
Fountain grass has been a favorite in gardens because of its graceful, arching leaves and soft, feathery plumes.
It’s perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any border, and it’s easy to grow in full sun with well-drained soil. This grass is also a big hit with birds – especially in the fall when its seed heads ripen.
11. Reed Canary Grass
If you’re looking for something a little more dramatic, Reed Canary grass adds height and texture to borders with its flowing stems.
Most gardeners love it because the tall grass creates a beautiful backdrop for shorter plants.
It thrives in moist soil, so it’s perfect for damp spots in your garden. This plant is also fantastic for attracting waterfowl, making it ideal if you’re near a pond or water feature.
12. Indian Grass
Indian grass is another prairie favorite for garden borders. Its golden seed heads look absolutely gorgeous during late summer and fall.
Plant it near your fence and enjoy those gold tones throughout the growing season. Remember that it needs full sun and dry, well-drained soil to keep growing and glowing!
13. Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass is a true workhorse for low-maintenance garden borders. It’s perfect for creating a green border that looks great year-round with very little effort.
It’s drought-tolerant, grows in full sun, and can handle a bit of foot traffic, which makes it ideal for lawns or low borders. And the best part is that it’s nearly impervious to pests and disease!
14. Blue Star Juniper
For anyone who loves a low-maintenance, no-fuss plant, Blue Star Juniper is a dream. It stays low and spreads beautifully, adding a soft blue-green color to your borders.
I love how it contrasts with darker greens, making other plants pop. Plus, it’s drought-tolerant and doesn’t need constant pruning—just plant it and let it do its thing.
15. Snowberry
This one is all about the berries. Snowberry produces white or pale pink berries in fall, giving your garden a unique, seasonal touch. The foliage stays compact, making it ideal for edging flower beds or pathways.
I love how the berries last into winter, adding a little extra visual interest when everything else starts to fade.
16. Sweet Box
This evergreen shrub may not be flashy, but it makes up for it with its incredible fragrance. In late winter, tiny white flowers appear, filling the air with a sweet, almost vanilla-like scent. Even when it’s not in bloom, its glossy dark green leaves keep it looking fresh and polished year-round.
It thrives in shady spots, making it perfect for those tricky garden borders that don’t get much sun. I planted some near my patio, and the scent in early spring is unreal!
17. Dwarf Weigela
This compact shrub brings a burst of personality with its trumpet-shaped pink or red flowers, which attract hummingbirds and pollinators all season long. It stays low and rounded, making it a perfect choice for lining walkways or filling small border spaces.
The foliage adds even more interest, with some varieties sporting deep burgundy or variegated leaves. I love how it delivers vibrant color without demanding too much upkeep—just an occasional trim to keep it tidy.
18. Mexican Orange Blossom
If you want something with lush green leaves and fragrant white flowers, Mexican Orange Blossom is a great pick.
It has a citrusy scent that fills the air in spring, and the glossy foliage looks great year-round. I planted some near my patio, and now every spring, it smells absolutely amazing.