Good Border Color Plants

Bulbs

• Low-growing bulbs, such as snowdrops, spring or fall-blooming crocus, species tulips and hyacinths, are ideal for adding color to the front of the flower border. Group these bulbs alone in masses, or plant them underneath perennials or ground covers that grow lower than the bulbs themselves or emerge after the bulbs' flowers have faded. This is a good way to hide the bulbs' foliage so it can die back naturally, which is essential for the bulbs to continue to perform at their peak year after year.

Annuals And Perennials

• Annuals, which are plants that grow, flower, set seed and die in one growing season, are the best way to add season-long color, because most of these plants bloom nonstop all summer long right up to the first fall frost. The Wave petunia is one of the best. It does not need deadheading and once established is one of the most carefree annuals, needing only an occasional watering. Other good annual flower choices for the border include celosia, verbena and phlox. Perennials are plants that come back from their own root system in the garden year after year. Heuchera can add color to the border because of the wide array of foliage colors available, including lime green, peach and black. Other good perennial plants that create a colorful border are perennial geranium, dianthus, or hellebore for winter color.

Shrubs

• Low-growing shrubs are an ideal border plant for formal gardens. Boxwood is often used, and there is a variegated variety, but other shrubs will work just as well if they are kept trimmed. Another option is to use shrubs at the back of the border instead of at the front. This creates a living screen and backdrop for your flower garden. Ninebark has the advantage of dark foliage and is a great way to get away from green. Look for shrubs with red or yellow foliage, such as red leaf photinia or Spirea Mellow Yellow. Variegated shrubs tend to add a busy feeling to the garden.

Ground Covers

• Ground cover plants are another option for adding color to the flower border. Ajuga has brown or bronze foliage, in addition to small purple flowers. Ground-cover roses are another attractive choice for intermixing with early- or late-flowering bulbs. Lamb’s ear has an interesting fuzzy grey leaf. The flower stalks can get pretty tall, and hummingbirds love them. Remember that some ground covers will creep into the flower border, so select varieties that will not choke out your other plants.