Low-growing perennial flowers make a significant impact with their short stature. These versatile plants have various uses in gardens including as ground cover or a pellet plant. When choosing low-growing perennial flowers, consider the area they’ll increase in. As an instance, plant perennials for full sun in regions of the garden which get eight or more hours of sunlight every day.
Perennials for Sun
Sun-loving, low-growing perennials grow best in areas where they will obtain an abundance of sunlight. “Lilliput” coneflower and “Sunny Xita” African daisy are two such low-growing perennials which will produce vibrant blooms in sunny areas. “Lilliput” coneflower (Echinacea purpurea “Lilliput”) is a compact perennial growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8, reaching heights of only about 15 to 18 inches tall. “Lilliput” has deep pink, daisylike flowers which appear in the summer and attract butterflies. It tolerates dry, shallow and rocky dirt making it the perfect plant for rock gardens. “Sunny Xita” African daisy (Osteospermum hybrid “Sunny Xita”) is a repeat bloomer creating deep pink, almost purple flowers. This compact, low-growing plant grows between 8 and 12 inches tall in USDA zones 9 through 11 and works well as a border plant.
Perennials for Shade
Low-growing perennials will bring color to nesting areas using their showy flowers and attractive foliage. “Halcyon” plantation lily (Hosta x tardiana “Halcyon”) rises in USDA zones 3 through 8 reaching heights of no more than 2 ft. It has impressive bluish-green blue and leaf- to lilac-colored bell-shaped flowers. “Halcyon” tolerates compact shade and can develop alone or in masses. “Margaret Wilson” geranium (Geranium phaeum “Margaret Wilson”) is found in USDA zones 4 through 9. It can grow in full to partial shade and will grow to only about 14 inches high. This filler plant has deep green foliage variegated with creamy yellow streaks and purple flowers that appear in late spring. “Margaret Wilson” is drought-tolerant and resistant to rabbits.
Low-Growing Evergreens
Low-growing evergreens are ideal for when you require yearlong greenery in compact areas. Variegated licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare “Licorice Splash”) is also an interesting addition to your garden with its wooly, pale green and creamy yellowish-white variegated leaves. It rises in USDA zones 9 through 11 in sunlight. This evergreen grows at a 1- to 2-foot tall shrubby compact mound and works well as ground cover. “Tiramisu” coral bells (Heuchera “Tiramisu”) is a low-growing evergreen creating stunning leaf that changes color throughout the seasons. It rises in USDA zones 4 through 9 with heights between 8 and 16 inches tall. “Tiramisu” has lobed leaves which are green in the summer and variegated brick red with yellow margins at the spring and fall. In addition, it creates butterfly-attracting white flowers in midsummer.
Deer Resistant Perennials
If deer are common visitors to this area, look at planting low-growing perennials which are deer-resistant. “Candy Stripe” (Phlox subulata “Candy Stripe”) generates a carpet of little pink blooms striped in white which appear on a 6-inch high plant and also attracts butterflies. It rises in USDA zones 3 through 8 in sunlight. “Candy Stripe” is resistant to deer and works well as a ground cover. Creeping bramble (Rubus calycinoides) is a perennial ground cover resistant to deer which can be used in rock gardens or as a weed barrier. It rises in USDA zones 7 through 9 with heights of only 1 to 2 inches tall. This creeping dense perennial has unimpressive white flowers which appear in spring. However, creeping bramble is increased for its dark green leaves that turn hues of red bronze in the winter than its blossoms.