Perennial Plants for Borders

African Lily

• African lilies are perennial border plants that can grow up to a height of 3 feet. They produce long-lived, trumpet shaped, dark blue flowers in late spring. These evergreen border plants tolerate neglect and poor soil conditions. Plant this flowering perennial plant in a sunny location. African lilies can tolerate slight shade during the afternoon hours. While established plants are drought tolerant, they do not bloom well when they receive inadequate water during the spring and summer. Protect the roots throughout the cold winter months with a 4-inch layer of mulch. These perennial plants tolerate crowded conditions.

Blue False Indigo

• Blue false indigo grows to a height of 4 feet with a similar width. These drought tolerant perennial plants enter a dormant stage during the winter months, even in warm climates. They produce long, blue flower spikes. While it takes several years for this perennial flowering plant to establish, they live for many years once they become established. Grow this perennial border plant in a sunny location with sandy soil.

English Lavender

• English lavender is one of the drought and deer resistant border plants. This perennial flowering plant grows to a height of 2 feet with a similar spread. They produce aromatic purple flowers during the summer months. Plant these border plants in a sunny location. They prefer sandy soils on the dry side.

Rosemary

• Rosemary plants are perennial border plants that respond well to shaping. They can grow to a height of 5 feet. They produce small blue flowers. The aromatic evergreen perennials plants perform best in well-drained, sandy soils. They tolerate poor soil conditions. Plant this border plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Use rosemary in sachets, cooking, homemade bath products and potpourri.

Yarrow

• Yarrows are low-maintenance perennial border plants. They grow to a height of 5 feet. They produce gold, pink, red, white and yellow flowers. They are susceptible to disease in areas with high humidity. Once established, monitor these perennial border plants for crowding. Divide crowded plants at the root ball and replant them in a sunny location.