The Best Low-Growing Plants for Landscaping in Boalsburg, PA

Adam Allen
10 hours ago
10 min read

Here in Boalsburg (Zone 6b), low beds work best when plants stay compact, knit together, and handle a few local realities: deer pressure, freeze–thaw heave, and the splash of road salt near drives and sidewalks. This guide focuses on low-growing plants for landscaping that stay under roughly 18 inches.

If you're mapping out a path, a curb strip, or the front edge of a bed, the goal is the same: reliable cover that supports your landscape design without becoming another weekend project.

Key Takeaways

Choose hardy, native-forward plants under 18″ by sun/shade and moisture; reserve salt- and deer-tolerant picks for curb lines and edges.
Start with an evergreen mat, then weave in compact seasonal bloomers; space plants at 60–70% of mature spread to reduce weeds and maintenance.
Expect late frosts, freeze–thaw, and alkaline pockets; prioritize drainage, protect young plants from deer, and avoid invasive ground covers.

What "Low-Growing" Means

Low-growing plants for landscaping typically top out between 3″ and 18″. That range keeps fronts of beds tidy, edges readable, and views open, which is useful in small Boalsburg yards and along sidewalks where sightlines matter.

3–6 inches: Best for joints between pavers, the lip of paths, and tight borders. Steppable ground covers at this height act like living mulch to reduce weeds and won't catch toes or mower decks.

6–12 inches: A reliable front-of-bed band that hides drip lines, holds mulch on gentle slopes, and fills gaps quickly. Many low-maintenance plants with colorful foliage sit here, staying neat after spring bloom.

12–18 inches: The upper limit for a "low" front layer. Use under airy shrubs or open tree canopies to cover bare ground without blocking sightlines. On steeper banks, this height adds enough leaf mass for erosion control without feeling tall.

Plant in staggered triangles at 60–70% of mature spread. That closes the canopy faster, shades the soil, and keeps maintenance low.

Blend evergreen mats with seasonal bloomers (year-round cover)

Think of the front layer as two parts working together:

Evergreen base (the constant). Low junipers, certain sedums, and native evergreen ground covers hold structure through winter, keep beds looking finished in the off-season, and limit weed germination.

Seasonal accents (the moments). Add compact bloomers with distinct windows so something small is always happening without turning into a deadhead marathon. Examples to slot in by season and color:

Late spring to early summer: mats of phlox or thyme for bright blue flowers or lavender blue flowers; short spikes that pull in bees and butterflies.
Summer: low growers with fragrant white flowers near seating, plus pockets of pink, yellow, or orange for quick lift.
Fall: low sedum or asters for a final run of color before frost.

Keep accents truly short (under 12″) so the evergreen base remains the visual anchor. Close spacing helps plants fill space in one season, which supports a low-maintenance garden in full sun or shade pockets. Prune lightly after bloom to keep the front edge crisp; save hard cuts for shrubs and taller layers behind.

This simple mix of evergreen structure plus timed bursts of bloom delivers a clean border, fewer weeds, and small-scale color that reads well from the sidewalk without becoming another weekend project.

Boalsburg Conditions to Plan Around

Zone 6b hardiness and late frosts. Nights can dip below freezing into April, so pick plants rated to 0°F or colder and delay tender installs until soil warms. Low-growing perennials handle this well when roots are insulated with 2″ of mulch.

Keep early bloomers close to stone or south-facing walls for a little stored light and heat. If a cold snap is forecast, cover vulnerable edges with breathable fabric to protect fragrant blooms and fresh growth.

Freeze–thaw and drainage. Limestone-valley soils often alternate between well-drained pockets and heavier spots. In fast-draining areas, plants dry out in winter winds; in tight areas, water lingers and roots heave. For garden beds, aim for even drainage: loosen the top 8–10″, blend in compost, and avoid sitting roots in low bowls.

In any "high water" zone, choose excellent ground covers that tolerate moisture swings or build the bed up a few inches to shed water. Good drainage plus winter mulch keeps crowns stable and foliage lush and green into spring.

Road salt and curb exposure. Along drives and sidewalks, splashback is real. Salt-tolerant mats (certain junipers, sedums) and gritty topdressing protect edges. Rinse salt-prone areas during a midwinter thaw to prevent leaf burn on the front strip of the garden.

Sun patterns and heat pockets. South and west exposures can bake. In these challenging spots, choose compact plants with small, thick leaves or silvery foliage. In difficult spots with bright afternoon sun, tuck in drought-tough spreaders so they thrive without daily watering.

Soil reaction and "various soils." Limestone areas skew alkaline, which some classics love and others resent. If you're set on hydrangeas, lilac, or boxwood, look for dwarf varieties suited to your pH and keep a light hand with fertilizer. For mixed conditions, plant in groups by soil preference rather than scattering one of each.

Structure without height. A hardy shrub can anchor a low bed if you keep it compact. Choose naturally small forms or miniatures and schedule gentle pruning after bloom. One small shrub can be the focal point while low-growing perennials and ground covers "do the work" around it.

Containers and quick color. Near entries, hanging baskets, and small baskets on brackets add lift where roots can't spread. Go for sun- or shade-matched combos that echo bed colors—purple, pink, yellow, or white—so the whole frontage reads as one design.

Repeating a short list of plants across the front border keeps the look dense, attractive, and easy to maintain. Group in threes, let them spread to fill space, and the bed will put on "quite the show" through spring, fall, and even winter texture.

Deer pressure across central PA

Start with plant choice. In deer country, selection beats constant spraying. Favor aromatic or textured foliage (thyme, some sedums, certain ferns), and avoid tender favorites in the front row. For shrubs, pick deer-aware cultivars or protect new plants until they're established.

Layer your defenses. Mix strategies: resistant plants on the perimeter, targeted repellents inside, and seasonal rotation so deer don't adapt. Reapply after heavy rain and during late winter when food is scarce.

Site placement matters. Keep deer candy away from woodland edges and use paths, stone, or low fencing to create subtle barriers. A single hardy shrub in the middle of a groundcover matrix is easier to shield than a scatter of nibble-prone options.

Pruning and recovery. If browsing happens, clean up torn stems promptly to reduce stress and disease. Many low growers rebound with a light shear, returning to beauty fast once growth resumes.

These local adjustments set up low-growing plants for landscaping to succeed in Boalsburg. They keep beds tidy with fewer inputs and support a cohesive landscape design that's practical season to season.

Sun Lovers (Dry to Average Soil)

These stay low, knit together, and don't sulk in heat. Great for front edges, rocky banks, and curb strips with reflected sun.

Moss/Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata)

Height/Spread: 4–6″ tall, 18–24″ wide
Look: Evergreen needles form a tight mat; a flush of April color in pinks, whites, and blues.
Where it shines: Rocky banks and shallow soils where other plants stall.
Care: Full sun, average to lean soil, sharp drainage. Shear lightly after bloom to keep the carpet dense.
Notes for gardeners: An essential spring pop that reads as one big cushion; good at smothering tiny weed seedlings before they get established.

Creeping sedum/stonecrop (Phedimus/Sedum spurium cvs.)

Height/Spread: 3–6″ tall, 12–18″ wide
Look: Fleshy leaves in green, bronze, or variegated tones; starry summer flowers that draw pollinators.
Where it shines: Hot edges, hellstrips, between stones—places with reflected heat and quick dry-down.
Care: Full sun, well-drained soil; minimal water once rooted. Clip spent blooms if you want a tidier mat.
Notes: Handles drought and poor soil with an abundance of foliage color. An excellent choice for "plant it and forget it" spots.

Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Height/Spread: 2–4″ tall, 12–18″ wide
Look: Tiny leaves that release scent when brushed; pink to purple bloom flush that feeds bees.
Where it shines: Flagstone joints, path edges, sunny wall caps. Light foot traffic is fine once plants are established.
Care: Full sun, lean to average soil, good drainage. Avoid overwatering. Shear after bloom to keep it even.
Notes: Pollinator-friendly and low odor maintenance—fragrant without becoming fussy.

Blue rug juniper (Juniperus horizontalis' Wiltonii')

Height/Spread: 4–6″ tall, 6–8′ wide over time
Look: Silvery-blue, year-round carpet that hugs the ground; takes on a soft purple cast in winter.
Where it shines: Slopes, retaining wall tops, and curb lines that see salt splash.
Care: Full sun, average soil, no wet feet. Little to no pruning; lift stems off paths if they creep too far.
Notes: Salt, deer, and drought-tolerant—reliable coverage where many plants fail.

These four cover the sunny front line with color, fragrance, and structure while staying compact. For most gardeners, they're the low-work core of a tidy border.

Shade to Part-Shade Winners

These stay compact, knit together, and keep a dim corner looking intentional. Aim for even moisture, leaf-litter mulch, and close spacing so roots share the cooler soil.

Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)

Height/Spread: 6–12″ tall, 12–18″ wide
Look: The foamflower has fresh green or patterned leaves with airy spring bloom spikes.
Where it shines: Woodland edges and the front of shade borders where you want soft texture.
Care: Part to full shade; moist, humus-rich soil. Shear spent blooms to keep the clump tight.
Notes for gardeners: An essential early-season lift in shade; pairs well with sedges for a finished carpet.

Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)

Height/Spread: 4–8″ tall, slowly spreading to form a dense mat
Look: Heart-shaped leaves that read glossy after rain; hidden maroon flowers at soil level.
Where it shines: Consistent, moist shade—downspout-sheltered beds, north foundations, and under deciduous trees.
Care: Even moisture, leaf mulch, no foot traffic. Divide gently if you need more plants.
Notes: An excellent choice for weed suppression in dark corners; the foliage closes ranks into true "living mulch."

Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica)

Height/Spread: Soft 8–10″ tufts that knit into a lawn-lite carpet
Look: Fine blades that arch like hair; move in the breeze and stay tidy.
Where it shines: Dry shade under oaks and maples, paths through woodland beds, and places a mower can't reach.
Care: Part shade to shade; lean to average soils. Cut back lightly in late winter or simply rake out old blades of the sedge.
Notes: Handles leaf drop well. For a meadow-calm feel, mass it and thread spring ephemerals between clumps.

Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera)

Height/Spread: 6–10″ tall, spreading by stolons
Look: Soft green mats topped with pastel flowers in late spring.
Where it shines: Bright shade and morning sun; stabilizes gentle slopes once established.
Care: Even moisture the first season; then average water. Light shear after bloom encourages density.
Notes: Offers an abundance of color without jumping above the low layer.

Green-and-gold (Chrysogonum virginianum)

Height/Spread: 6–12″ tall, slow to moderate spread
Look: Velvety leaves with cheerful yellow stars from spring into fall.
Where it shines: Dappled shade, along shady paths, and beneath open shrubs where you want long bloom at ankle height.
Care: Part shade; consistent moisture and organic mulch. Pinch after flushes to keep the mat compact.
Notes: Bridges seasons nicely—flowers when others rest, then holds a neat green base.

Moist Spots & Low Areas

Water collects here, soil stays cooler, and many plants struggle. One native that handles it well and stays visually tidy is below.

Golden groundsel/Ragwort (Packera aurea)

Height/Spread: Basal foliage sits 4–8″; spring bloom stalks can rise to 18–24″, then fade back to a low rosette.
Look: Dense, semi-evergreen rosettes form a true mat; bright yellow daisies in mid to late spring feed early pollinators.
Where it works: Rain-garden edges, swales, downspout splash zones, and part-shade low spots that hold moisture.
Care: Even moisture and organic mulch; tolerates clay and seasonal wetness. In richer soils, it spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding—space 12–18″ on center and thin as needed.

Between Sones & Steppables

Short plants in paving joints need sun, air, and quick drainage. Keep crowns high and soil lean so roots don't rot after rain or winter thaw.

Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum/T. praecox)

Height/Spread: 2–4″ tall, 12–18″ wide
Why it works: Tiny leaves shrug off heat and stay tight; a flush of pink-purple bloom draws bees and smells great when brushed.
Best uses: Flagstone joints, sunny wall caps, the sunny side of steps—light foot traffic only.
Care: Full sun, lean to average soil, water lightly during the first month, then let it dry between drinks. Shear after bloom to keep it even.

Fine sedums for cracks (e.g., Sedum acre, S. album 'Coral Carpet', S. hispanicum' Purple Form')

Height/Spread: 1–3″ tall mats, spreading by short stems
Why it works: Succulent leaves store moisture, so plants ride out heat in thin soils. Summer starry flowers bring a quick burst of color without height.
Best uses: Hairline gaps, the hotter center of paths, edging along sun-baked pavers.
Drainage is non-negotiable: Sedums rot in soggy joints. Use coarse, mineral soil only; avoid compost. If water pools after rain, widen the joint and add more grit before replanting.
Care: Full sun, minimal water once rooted. Pinch or clip to keep mats out of grout lines.

Let's Map Your Low-Growers

We're Landscape II, and we design, build, and care for outdoor spaces in and around Boalsburg. Our services include:

Planting design and installation (native-forward, low-growing palettes)
Garden bed renovation and seasonal color
Lawn care and turf renovation
Drainage fixes and grading
Hardscapes (walks, patios, walls)
Low-voltage lighting
…and more

Tell us a bit about your goals and schedule. We'll confirm a time, walk the site, and leave you with a clear, low-maintenance plan. Contact us to book a free consultation.

Conclusion

Low beds look finished when plants stay compact, knit together, and handle local stress. In Boalsburg's Zone 6b, that means choosing low-growing plants for landscaping that match your sun, soil, and moisture, laying an evergreen base, then adding short bloomers for seasonal lift.

Close spacing, light mulch, and small, well-timed trims keep the front edge tidy without turning into a project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What low-maintenance plants work in Zone 6b and support a low-maintenance garden?

Look for compact, cold-hardy choices that knit together: creeping thyme, Sedum spurium cultivars, moss/creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica), green-and-gold (Chrysogonum virginianum), foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), and blue rug juniper.

Match sun and soil, space at 60–70% of mature spread, and use a 2″ mulch (kept off crowns) to cut upkeep.

Which ground covers help reduce weeds in tough spots?

Dense, surface-hugging mats do the heavy lifting. For hot, dry edges: creeping thyme and Sedum spurium. For bright shade: Phlox stolonifera. For moist low areas: golden groundsel (Packera aurea).

Prep by clearing roots, loosening the top 6–8″, planting tightly, and edging beds so runners don't creep into paths.

How do low-growing perennials create a focal point without adding height?

Use color and texture instead of height: a drift of Phlox subulata for spring color, foamflower for airy spikes over patterned leaves, green-and-gold for long bloom, or heuchera for contrasting foliage.

Cluster 3–5 of one variety, repeat the group, and back it with a quiet evergreen mat so the focal point reads clean at ankle height.

What makes a planting truly low-maintenance over the season?

Right plant, right place; close spacing to shade soil; minimal but consistent water during establishment; light, well-timed shearing after bloom; and deer-savvy choices at the front edge. Avoid rich compost for drought plants, fertilize sparingly, and refresh mulch yearly.

Those habits keep care low maintenance while the bed stays full and tidy.