Plant low-growing perennials for beautiful foliage and blooms.
We spoke with gardening pros about their preferred low-growing perennials and why they recommend them.
These flowers are an important food source for butterflies and native bees.
Credit:Walters Gardens; Courtesy of Southern Living Plant Collection
Many butterfly species need specific plants where they can lay their eggs for the next generation.
Ice plants don’t fare well in cold temperatures so check the USDA hardiness zone before planting.
Some ice plant species are invasive so check the invasive plant list for your geographical region before growing.
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With golden-hued, grass-shaped leaves, this plant brightens up any area in your landscape.
“I love its ferny texture,” says Fifo.
“Its a tight-growing groundcover with nearly-black highlights on its foliage.”
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He recommends the ‘Night Light’ variety for its dark color foliage and blooms.
When the flowers are in bloom, you’re likely to have visits from butterflies and hummingbirds.
Wild Strawberry
Love strawberries and want a low-growing perennial?
Credit:Proven Winners
This native plant manages with minimal care and produces white flowers from late spring through early summer.
Purple Pixie Dwarf Weeping Loropetalum
Purple Pixie Dwarf Weeping Loropetalum can grow in most types of soil.
“This variety has an exceptional low-growing, mounding and weeping growing habit,” says Putnam.
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He recommends planting this variety of Loropetalum as a ground cover.
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Credit:Proven Winners
Credit:Southern Living Plant Collection
Credit:Getty Images
Credit:Proven Winners
Credit:Southern Living Plant Collection
