Annual Plants for Border Edges

These five annual plants are all excellent choices for garden edges. Use them to line a bed, border or pathway. The plants will also be good annuals for small containers.

Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria)

Dusty miller is actually a tender perennial and hardy to zone 9, however most gardeners grow this prized foliage plant as an annual. Dusty miller rarely flowers, but the fuzzy white leaves create an attractive accent in the garden. These edging plants grow between 6 and 18 inches tall. The leaves are definitely the main feature of the plant; soft textured, deeply lobed and silvery white. Dusty miller will tolerate full shade, but the brilliant silver-white foliage looks better in full sun. Prune back as needed, if the dusty miller plant gets too woody or shaggy.

Wishbone Flower (Torenia fournieri)

The wishbone flower has attractive blue flowers that grow easily on the bushy annual plant. The plant grows between 6 and 12 inches tall and makes an attractive edging plant selection for garden beds, borders and pathways. Wishbone flowers tolerate shade well, but require evenly moist soil that drains well. Sow seeds directly outdoors in late summer to autumn, or start indoors during the winter months. The species plant is blue flowering, but there are several cultivars available with flowers in pink, burgundy, lavender, white and other flowers.

Creeping Zinnia (Sanvitalia procumbens)

A beautiful, creeping ground-cover, this zinnia is an annual north of zone 8. Creeping zinnia grows no taller than 6 inches, and is mat-forming, making it a great edging plant or living mulch. The yellow, orange or rust colored flowers look like tiny sunflowers and are available in single or double forms. Sow creeping zinnia seed directly outdoors in the fall, since the seedlings do not transplant well. Once the creeping zinnia is well-established, it is drought tolerant, making it a great border plant selection for hot garden spaces, full sun borders, or water-wise xeriscaping.

French Marigold (Tagetes patula)

Native to South America, French marigolds are easy to grow, making them a favorite choice for kids gardens. Grow marigolds in average soil in full sun, or part shade in very hot areas. These annual plants only grow 12 inches tall and are perfect for brightening up garden beds and borders. Marigolds are easy to find from local garden nurseries or mail order companies but gardeners should check to make sure they are buying healthy plants.

Polka-dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Shade loving, and brightly colored, this tropical native plant is actually an evergreen perennial. However, many gardeners grow it as an annual bedding plant to brighten shady spots and containers. The polka-dot plant has green and pink colored leaves that are highly attractive and add a bright splash of color to any shade garden bed or border.