5 Fast-Growing Border Plants That Will Increase Curb Appeal

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. It’s good advice in general, but is particularly important when you’re getting ready to sell your home.

To attract homebuyers right off the bat and ensure your property looks like a million bucks, even from the street, curb appeal should be top of mind.

Border plants are one easy and affordable way to boost your curb appeal and get your home off the market in no time. Let’s take a closer look at what border plants are and how you can use them to your advantage.

What are border plants?

Put simply, border plants are shrubs or flowers you plant along the edges of flower beds, walkways, fences, driveways, or other landscape features to define spaces, create structure, and add visual appeal. These plants can be small, like creeping ground covers, or larger shrubs that form living hedges or natural barriers.

“Regardless of size, border plants help highlight specific areas of your yard, drawing positive attention and making your landscape appear more organized and thoughtfully designed,” says Julia Omelchenko, resident botany expert at Plantum, an app designed to simplify plant care.

Border plants can be planted in different parts of your yard, not just along the foundation of your home. You may plant them along fences, along driveways, or even near the trunks of large trees to add pops of color.

“They’re also great for framing patios, surrounding gazebos, highlighting flower beds, or marking the edges of garden paths,” explains Omelchenko.

5 types of border plants and how to care for them

1. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas thrive in moderate climates and partial shade, making them ideal border plants for the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest states.

Hydrangeas are known for their large, showy blooms in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white. Interestingly, the color of some hydrangea species can change depending on soil acidity. For example, their flowers turn blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil.

“The best time to plant hydrangeas is in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. Hydrangeas typically reach maturity and begin blooming within two to four years,” explains Omelchenko.

Plant them in a location with morning sun, afternoon shade, and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.

Since hydrangeas love moisture, they need additional deep watering during dry spells.

“Hydrangeas look stunning along fences, property borders, or the sides of the house. Their rounded, lush form and large flowers create a dramatic, luxurious effect that instantly boosts curb appeal,” adds Omelchenko.

2. Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus)

The lily of the Nile is native to South Africa and grows well in warm regions like California, the Southeastern U.S., Texas, and Arizona. This plant’s flowers usually come in rich blue, purple, or white hues. They form lush clusters on top of tall stems, giving them a striking appearance. The best time to plant the lily of the Nile is in spring after the last frost.

“The plant prefers bright sunny spots but can tolerate partial shade in hot climates. It needs well-drained soil and becomes drought-tolerant once established. Water it moderately and avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can cause root rot,” says Omelchenko.

The lily of the Nile looks gorgeous along driveways, garden paths, or near patios. Its vertical lines add height and elegance, making it a great choice for more formal, classic designs. Additionally, its tall, upright blooms contrast beautifully with lower-growing border plants.

3. Holly (Ilex)

The holly is native to Europe, North America, and Asia and ideal for most regions in the U.S. Although it’s well known for its glossy green leaves and bright red berries, this border plant might also feature white or yellow edges, adding extra decorative appeal.

“Holly shrubs are best planted in spring or fall. They grow slowly but eventually form dense, attractive bushes,” says Omelchenko.

These plants require regular watering and should be pruned in late winter or early spring to add shape and control their size.

“The holly is excellent for creating borders along fences, property lines, or around house foundations,” explains Omelchenko.

4. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

The lilac, or Syringa vulgaris, is native to the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe and thrives in cooler climates. Its beautiful spring blooms look their best after a cold winter, which is essential for bud formation.

Lilacs are famous for their pastel shades—lavender, pink, blue, and white—as well as vivid deep purple blooms. They’re also highly prized for their rich, sweet fragrance. Lilac trees attract butterflies and other pollinators. As a bonus, their flowers are excellent for bouquets.

“Plant lilacs in early spring or fall. They typically begin blooming one to two years after planting, and with proper care, lilac bushes last for many years and reliably bloom each spring,” says Omelchenko.

They need at least six hours of sunlight a day and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Prune them immediately after flowering to maintain the shape and encourage abundant blooms the following year.

“Lilacs are perfect for planting along fences or garden edges, where you can fully enjoy their scent. Planting them near windows or seating areas, like around a gazebo, is a great idea to allow the springtime fragrance to fill the air,” adds Omelchenko.

5. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

The black-eyed Susan is native to North America and adapts to a wide range of climates but prefers sunny locations with well-drained soil. These cheerful flowers resemble daisies, featuring golden-yellow petals with dark brown or nearly black centers.

“The best time to sow the seeds is in spring after the last frost. If sown early, many cultivars will bloom the same year or the following year if planted later. A lot of black-eyed Susan varieties will also readily reseed themselves year after year,” says Omelchenko.

Once established, black-eyed Susans are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. They thrive in full sun and bloom from midsummer to early fall.

“Black-eyed Susans are excellent for bordering flower beds, driveways, or around mailboxes. Their bright blooms immediately catch the eye and pair well with taller shrubs or ornamental grasses,” explains Omelchenko.

These border plants are also deer-resistant as they do attract butterflies and other pollinators. Thanks to their long blooming period and easy care requirements, black-eyed Susans are popular with both beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

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