Edging and border plants serve as the backbone of a well-structured and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. They are the guardians of garden beds, the separators of pathways, and the artistic expressions that shape the overall theme of your landscape. Online Plants is a leading online plant nursery in Australia, offering a diverse selection of border plants to choose from.
Creating Structure and Definition
Edging and border plants are instrumental in creating structure and definition within your garden. A well-pruned hedge not only adds a touch of formality but also provides a clear separation between garden beds and paths or paved areas. It acts as a visual boundary that enhances the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space.
From Formal Elegance to Wild Charm
Hedging and border plants offer remarkable versatility, adapting seamlessly to any garden style. For a classic and formal look, plants like English Box, Escallonia, and Euonymus are ideal. These species can be meticulously pruned into square or box-style borders, adding a touch of elegance to your landscape. In contrast, for a more natural and untamed ambiance, species such as Acacia Limelight and flowing grasses like dwarf varieties of Agapanthus provide a charmingly wild contrast. Additionally, native grasses like Lomandra 'Little Con' and low-border flowering plants such as Liriope are excellent choices for shaded areas, enhancing the garden's diversity and appeal.
Which Border Plants Is Right for You? Compare All Varieties
Variety
Height
Width
Sun
Growth Rate
Best Use
Buxus microphylla ‘Dwarf Japanese Box’
~0.6 m
~0.6 m
Full sun – part shade
Slow
Formal edging, low hedge, boxwood border
Ophiopogon nigra (Black Mondo Grass)
~0.15-0.2 m
Clumping
Shade – sun
Medium
Low border contrast, edging, groundcover
Liriope Evergreen Giant
~0.5 m
~0.5 m
Sun – part shade
Medium
Pathway edging, mass planting
Liriope Munroe White
~0.5-0.8 m
~0.5-0.8 m
Full sun – part shade
Medium
Low border, shaded edges
Lomandra Tanika
~1 m
~0.7 m
Full sun – part shade
Medium
Structural border, wildlife gardens
Lomandra ‘Little Pal’
~0.7 m
~0.6 m
Sun – part shade
Medium
Native borders, rockeries
Garden Border & Edging Plants - Online Plants Australia
At Online Plants, we offer garden consultation service and help you achieve your desired garden theme and style. We provide nationwide delivery services, including Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, and Brisbane, covering both metropolitan and regional areas. For inquiries and guidance, feel free to reach out to us at store@onlineplants.com.au
Frequently Asked Question - FAQs
What are the best border plants for small gardens?
Compact and low-growing plants are ideal for small gardens. Popular choices include Dwarf Japanese Box (Buxus), Liriope, Black Mondo Grass, and Hebe varieties. These plants stay neat, don’t overwhelm pathways, and are easy to maintain.
Do border plants need full sun to grow well?
Not all border plants require full sun. While plants like Grevillea, Rosemary, and Lomandra thrive in full sun, others such as Sarcococca, Liriope, and Ophiopogon (Mondo Grass) perform well in part shade or shaded areas. Choosing plants based on sunlight ensures healthy growth.
Which border plants are low maintenance?
Low-maintenance border plants include Lomandra, Liriope, Buxus, and Pittosporum ‘Golf Ball’. These varieties require minimal pruning, are drought tolerant once established, and maintain a tidy appearance year-round.
How far apart should border plants be planted?
Spacing depends on the mature width of the plant. As a general guide, plant border plants 30–60 cm apart for low borders and 60–100 cm apart for larger shrubs. Proper spacing allows plants to fill out evenly without overcrowding.
Can border plants be used along pathways and driveways?
Yes, border plants are perfect for pathways and driveways. Low and hardy options like Liriope, Lomandra, Mondo Grass, and Dwarf Box help define edges, soften hard landscaping, and improve the overall look of outdoor spaces.
