14 flowering perennials for the back of a border
Updated: May 14, 2023
What's the #1 way to make your flower borders look more exciting? Plant flowering perennials of different heights. For the back of the border (the part that actually borders your house, hedge, etc.) go for taller perennials for height and pops of color.
It’s the undulations and different levels that bring interest and keep your border from looking flat.
After you’ve chosen your favorites from my list of the top 14 tall flowering perennials, be sure to continue your flower border planning by checking out our suggestions for flowers to plant in the middle and front of your borders.
Enough with the talking... check out14 tall flowers that will come back year after year and let me know what you're planting in the comments below.
1. Sparks Variety Monkshood (Aconitum henryi 'Spark's Variety')
This tall perennial has deep blue flowers that look great in shady borders. It grows to around 3-4 feet.
Height: 100-120 cm (39-47 inches)
Sun exposure: Partial to full shade
Type of soil: humus-rich and well-drained
Blooms: late summer to early fall
2. Baneberry (Actaea ramosa 'Brunette')
This perennial has dark chocolate-colored leaves & delicate white flowers. It grows to 2-3 feet.
Height: 170 cm (67 inches)
Sun exposure: Partial to full shade
Type of soil: humus-rich and well-drained
Blooms: late summer to early fall
3. Andropogon Gerardii 'Weinheim Burgundy' (Andropogon gerardii 'Weinheim Burgundy')
This clumping grass has deep red foliage and tall seed heads, perfect for adding color to your garden.
Height: 180 cm (71 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Type of soil: Well-drained
Blooms: late summer to early fall
4. Palm-Leaf Marshmallow (Althaea cannabina)
This perennial produces large mauve flowers on tall spikes, it's a perfect addition to a sunny border.
Height: 180 cm (71 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Type of soil: Well-drained
Blooms: late summer to early fall
5. New York Aster (Aster novi-belgii 'Blaue Nachhut')
This aster produces a profusion of blue flowers in late summer, it's a must-have for any cottage garden.
Height: 140-160 cm (55-63 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun
Type of soil: Well-drained
Blooms: late summer to early fall
6. Candle Larkspur Pacific (Delphinium pacific 'Astolat')
This delphinium produces tall spikes of blue flowers and is a classic cottage garden favorite. And if purple is your favorite color, check out this list of the top 19 purple flowering perennials.
Height: 180 cm (71 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun
Type of soil: Well-drained
Blooms: late spring to early summer
7. Foxglove (Digitalis ferruginea 'Gigantea')
This foxglove produces tall spikes of rusty-orange flowers, great for adding height to a border. Need more pink your garden? Check out my top pink perennials here.
Height: 180 cm (71 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Type of soil: Well-drained
Blooms: late spring to early summer
8. Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum')
Joe Pye weed has dark purple leaves and large pink flowers, perfect for a wildflower meadow.
Height: 200 cm (79 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Type of soil: Well-drained
Blooms: late summer to early fall
9. Perennial Sunflower (Helianthus giganteus 'Sheila's Sunshine')
This sunflower can grow up to 15 feet tall and produces yellow flowers, perfect for a sunny spot in the garden.
Height: 200 cm (79 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun
Type of soil: Well-drained
Blooms: late summer to early fall
10. Ironweed (Vernonia crinita)
Ironweed is a tough perennial with purple flowers, it's perfect for adding height and color to a wildflower meadow or naturalized area.
Height: 200 cm (79 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun
Type of soil: Well-drained
Blooms: late summer to early fall
11. Yellow Oxeye (Telekia speciosa)
This tall perennial has large yellow flowers and leaves that can turn red in fall. It's perfect for adding height to a border. Like yellow? Then you'll love this list of the best yellow perennials for every garden.
Height: 150 cm (59 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Type of soil: Well-drained
Blooms: late summer to early fall
12. Fingerleaf Rodgersia (Rodgersia aesculifolia)
This perennial has large, maple-like leaves and spikes of pink or white flowers. It's perfect for adding interest to a shady border.
Height: 150 cm (59 inches)
Sun exposure: Partial shade
Type of soil: Well-drained
Blooms: late summer to early fall
13. Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)
This tall perennial has spikes of tiny pink or white flowers and is great for adding height and interest to a border. It’s also known for its attractive foliage and long blooming period. And it’s quite easy to grow and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Height: 150 cm (59 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun
Type of soil: Well-drained
Blooms: late summer to early fall
14. Variegated Feather Reed Grass | Ornamental Grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Overdam')
This feathery grass produces pink-tinged plumes in late summer, great for adding movement to a border.
Height: 140-160 cm (55-63 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun
Type of soil: Well-drained
Blooms: late summer to early fall
Are ready to plant tall?
Whatever tall perennials you choose from this list, be sure that you keep pollinators in mind when you plant. These helpful insects prefer brightly colored flowers with different shapes, sizes, and scents.
And I need to let you know that while there are ‘rules’ to designing the perfect herbaceous border, these rules are meant to be broken. If you want to plant a tall flower in the front of your border, walkway, or garden edge, go for it.
Especially if it’s a thin plant like a foxglove. You’ll still be able to see through the stems to the rest of the flowers.
After you’ve planted, please tag me on social media. I'd love to see what you're growing. Happy planting!
