Flowering border plants
Welcome to the enchanting realm of flowering border plants, where the striking silhouettes of Lysimachia clethroides and the vivid spires of Veronicastrum sibiricum 'Red Arrows' elevate garden aesthetics. These perennials infuse vitality and dynamic color to borders, offering a succession of blooms that captivate the senses throughout the growing season. Their distinctive forms not only provide visual interest but also attract a host of pollinators, creating a lively and flourishing garden sanctuary.
The Allure of Flowering Border Plants
Flowering border plants are the backbone of a well-designed garden, providing structure, color, and contrast. They are specially chosen for their ability to create a layered look that guides the eye from the edge of the garden towards the heart. A well-planned border boasts a mix of plant heights, textures, and bloom times, ensuring that the garden remains vibrant from spring to fall.
Creating Harmony and Contrast
When selecting flowering border plants, it's essential to consider the harmony and contrast they will bring to your garden. Fine-textured plants like Linum perenne 'Saphir', with its delicate blue flowers, provide a soft backdrop for the bolder textures of plants like Alchemilla mollis, whose scalloped leaves catch dewdrops like tiny jewels. The robust foliage of Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams', with its blue-green leaves edged in chartreuse, offers a stunning contrast to the fine leaves and airy blooms of other border plants.
Timing the Blooms for Season-Long Color
A successful border incorporates plants that bloom at different times, ensuring a continuous display of color. Early-season bloomers give way to the robust summer flowers of Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh', with its charming pink spikes resembling miniature hollyhocks. As the season progresses, plants like Kirengeshoma palmata take center stage, with their yellow, bell-shaped flowers adding a warm hue to the late summer palette.
Supporting Wildlife with Diverse Plant Choices
Flowering borders are not only a feast for the eyes but can also support local wildlife. The nectar-rich blooms of Armeria maritima 'Splendens Perfecta', for instance, attract butterflies and bees, while the seed heads of Sedum reflexum 'Aurea' provide food for birds. By including a diverse array of flowering plants, gardeners can create a habitat that supports pollinators and other beneficial creatures.
Plants for Sun and Shade
To achieve a balanced border, it's important to include plants that thrive in both sun and shade. This ensures that every part of the border is lively and colorful. The sun lovers, such as the tall and stately Eupatorium rugosum 'Chocolate', with its white blooms and dark foliage, bask in the bright light. Meanwhile, shade-tolerant varieties like the aforementioned Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams' flourish under the canopy of trees or in the shadow of garden structures.
Year-Round Interest
Even outside of the blooming season, flowering border plants contribute to the garden's aesthetic. Many perennials, such as Lysimachia clethroides, have seed heads or structural forms that add interest in the winter months. The remains of Veronicastrum sibiricum 'Red Arrows' can catch frost or snow, creating a striking silhouette against the winter landscape.
By carefully selecting a variety of flowering border plants, gardeners can craft a living tapestry that evolves with the seasons, offers sustenance to wildlife, and brings joy to all who visit. At Heijnen Plants, we take pride in providing a wide selection of these garden treasures, ensuring our customers can create the borders of their dreams.