By Caleb MorganUpdated November 2026
Plants for landscape edging give your beds a natural, living border that softens hard lines and still keeps grass out. In this guide, you will learn how to pick low-growing, well-behaved plants, space them correctly, and install them so the edge stays tidy with minimal trimming.
Choose Plants That Stay Low and Contained
The best edging plants stay below about 12 to 18 inches at maturity and do not send runners into the lawn. Tall or fast-spreading plants turn into a messy hedge that you will spend more time cutting back than enjoying. Look at the mature height and spread on the plant tag before buying, not the size of the nursery pot.
Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Easyflex No Dig Landscape Edging Kit Options for Clean Lines (2026).
Common groups that work well include compact boxwood cultivars, dwarf liriope, creeping thyme, sedum, and lavender varieties kept under 18 inches. Avoid running grasses and aggressive groundcovers such as mint or some ivy varieties unless you plan to install a root barrier.
Plan the Spacing and Edge Line
Mark the bed line with a garden hose or spray paint before you dig. Keep a straight line where you want a crisp border, or a gentle curve if you prefer a softer look. Then calculate spacing from the plant’s mature width: a plant that spreads 12 inches generally needs 10 to 12 inches between centers for a closed hedge within one or two seasons.
- Measure the bed perimeter and divide by your planting interval to estimate the number of plants.
- Set a row of stakes or a string line along the edge.
- Dig a shallow trench or a row of individual holes along the line.
- Plant at the same depth as the nursery container, then backfill and firm the soil.
- Water deeply right after planting and mulch lightly, keeping mulch off the stems.
Install a Barrier Where Grass Pressure Is High
Turfgrass roots can creep under a planting row and crowd out the plants from the lawn side. A barrier keeps the boundary clean. Install a shallow edging strip, a plastic root barrier, or a row of stone set 4 to 6 inches deep along the grass side of the planting. This is also where a dedicated edging product can do the heavy lifting, so the plants only need to stay within their own bed.
For guidance on combining plants with hard edging, see Vigoro Pound-In Landscape Edging: A Step-by-Step Guide for Clean Lines or Stainless Steel Edging Landscape: A Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Borders. If you are weighing materials before you choose plants, What Are the Best Options for Landscape Edging? 7 Choices Compared gives a useful overview.
Maintain the Edge Through the Season
A plant border needs about two light trims a year, one in late spring and one in late summer, to keep runners and tips from drifting into the lawn. Use hand shears for small plants and a string trimmer only along the grass side, held low, to avoid nicking the plant stems. Deep summer mulching and an annual check of spacing will keep the line crisp for years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting too close together, which leads to crowding and dieback in the center.
- Choosing plants by nursery size instead of mature height and spread.
- Skipping a barrier where turfgrass is vigorous.
- Letting mulch pile against stems, which invites rot.
- Waiting too long to trim, which makes the border look ragged and harder to reshape.
Recommended Gear
A pair of sharp hand shears makes light, precise trims along plant borders far easier than a powered tool. View on Amazon
A flexible garden hose or marking paint helps you lay out curves before digging, so you can adjust the line without guesswork. View on Amazon
A plastic root barrier strip keeps grass roots from invading the planting bed over time. View on Amazon
FAQ
What are the easiest plants for landscape edging?
Dwarf liriope, creeping thyme, and compact boxwood cultivars are popular because they stay low and hold a neat line with light trimming. Choose varieties rated for your hardiness zone.
How far apart should edging plants be spaced?
Space plants about 10 to 12 inches apart for plants that spread around 12 inches. Check the mature width on the tag and adjust for the look you want.
Do plant borders need a barrier?
A barrier is strongly recommended where turfgrass is aggressive. A plastic root barrier or a stone row set 4 to 6 inches deep helps keep grass roots out of the bed.
Conclusion
Plants for landscape edging can create a soft, living border that stays neat with the right choices. Pick low, well-behaved varieties, space them by mature width, and add a barrier where grass pressure is high. A couple of light trims each year will keep the line clean for seasons to come.
Ready to choose one?
About Caleb Morgan
Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our lawn edging & trimming guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
