Plants for edging bring structure and beauty to outdoor spaces, turning plain borders into inviting features.
The right edging plant can provide colorful flowers, lush foliage, or even aromatic leaves that add another sensory layer to your garden. They help define spaces, keep soil in place, and create a natural carpet along pathways.
You can choose low-growing bloomers for color or lush greens for texture. Here are 13 beautiful edging plants to give your garden paths and borders an elegant upgrade.
#1 Lantana
Lantana bursts with clusters of flowers in vivid shades of red, yellow, orange, and white. It’s a heat-loving plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. You can trim it low to form a colorful edging line along walkways.
Water regularly during dry spells to encourage continuous blooms. Its flowers also attract butterflies and bees, giving your borders life and movement. With its resilience and bold tones, lantana is perfect for edging sunny spots.
#2 Alyssum
Alyssum forms a soft, low-growing mat of dainty blooms that look stunning when planted in groups. The flowers come in white, purple, or pink and release a gentle fragrance. Plant alyssum along borders for a delicate yet eye-catching edge.
It grows best in full sun to partial shade with light, well-drained soil. Water consistently, but avoid overwatering, as the roots prefer slightly dry conditions. This plant also attracts beneficial insects, making it both decorative and useful.
#3 Firebush
Firebush adds warmth and vibrancy to garden edges with its evergreen leaves covered in red hairs and clusters of tubular orange flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, especially in warmer climates.
Plant it near borders where its fiery blooms will create a bold statement. Water it regularly when young, then reduce as it establishes. Firebush also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, turning your edging into a lively feeding station.
#4 Ixora
Ixora is known for its clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in brilliant shades of yellow, pink, and orange. This tropical shrub thrives in full sun and slightly acidic soil. Use it to line pathways or garden beds for a bright, colorful edging.
Keep the soil moist and feed with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Regular pruning will help maintain its compact shape. Ixora is both ornamental and practical, offering long-lasting blooms throughout the year.
#5 Canna
Canna lilies bring a dramatic flair to borders with their tall stems and vibrant flowers in red, yellow, or orange. They thrive in full sun and rich, moist soil. Plant cannas along edges to create bold color blocks or highlight entryways.
Water deeply and consistently to keep them lush. After flowering, remove spent blooms to encourage new growth. With their tropical appearance, cannas turn ordinary borders into vibrant focal points.
#6 Hostas
Hostas are a shade-loving favorite with large, textured leaves that come in green, blue, and variegated patterns. They make excellent edging plants for pathways shaded by trees.
Plant them in moist, well-drained soil and water regularly during dry weather. Their leaves form natural clumps that soften the edges of garden beds.
For best results, divide and replant hostas every few years. Their lush foliage brings cool beauty to any shaded border.
#7 Lavender
Lavender combines beauty, fragrance, and function, making it a classic choice for edging. Its silvery foliage and purple blooms line pathways with elegance while releasing a soothing aroma.
Plant lavender in full sun with well-drained soil to keep it healthy. Water sparingly, as it prefers drier conditions. Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Besides its charm, lavender attracts pollinators and repels unwanted pests naturally.
#8 Fern
Ferns bring soft greenery and texture to shaded borders. Their feathery fronds thrive in dappled light and moist, well-drained soil. Plant them along woodland paths or shaded driveways for a lush green edge.
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially in dry periods. You can mix different fern varieties to create contrast in leaf shapes and sizes. Ferns add timeless elegance and thrive where many flowering plants struggle.
#9 Moss Phlox
Moss phlox is a low-growing perennial that carpets borders with masses of tiny, colorful flowers in pink, purple, or white. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for edging rock gardens and slopes.
Plant phlox close together for a dense, flowing edge of color. Water moderately until established, then reduce to occasional watering. With its bright spring blooms, moss phlox creates cheerful borders that return year after year.
#10 Zinnias
Zinnias bring a burst of color to borders with blooms ranging from bright red to cheerful yellow and pink. They grow easily in full sun and adapt well to most soils. Plant them along pathways to create a lively and inviting edge.
Water regularly, but let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Deadhead faded blooms to keep flowers coming throughout the season. Their variety of heights and colors makes zinnias versatile and fun for edging.
#11 Begonias
Begonias are versatile plants that thrive in containers, borders, or shaded garden edges. Their flowers bloom in shades of pink, red, or white, often contrasting beautifully with glossy foliage.
Plant them in rich, well-draining soil and provide partial shade for best results. Water moderately, avoiding soggy soil to prevent root rot.
With their wide variety of types, begonias can fit into nearly any edging design. They add color and charm even in shaded spots.
#12 Lady’s Mantle
Lady’s Mantle is a low-growing perennial with soft, scalloped leaves that hold dewdrops like jewels. It produces chartreuse flowers in early summer that brighten pathways and borders.
Plant it in moist, well-drained soil with partial shade for best growth. Trim back after flowering to encourage fresh foliage.
This plant is excellent for softening edges around stones, pathways, or garden beds. Its unique foliage texture brings elegance and interest to your landscape.
#13 Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme is an ornamental herb that spreads quickly to form a fragrant carpet. Its purple flowers attract pollinators and add a lovely touch of color. Plant it in full sun with well-drained soil for best results.
Water lightly, as thyme thrives in drier conditions. It works perfectly along pathways because it releases a fresh herbal scent when stepped on. Creeping thyme adds beauty, fragrance, and practicality to garden edging.