These annuals and perennials create a gorgeous border with vibrant flowers and textures all season long.

When planting a mixedborder garden, there are many fabulous plant varieties to choose from.

Theannuals and perennialsin the following list are excellent choices for a colorful border.

Salvia farinacea Victoria Blue deep purple flowers

Credit: David Goldberg

This annual plant is drought-tolerant and thrives in the heat, blooming throughout the summer.

Grow them in drifts of several plants for the most stunning effect.

‘Visions’ (shown here) has pretty pink flowers.

angelmist dark plum angelonia

Credit: Peter Krumhardt

Plant caladiums outdoors in spring after temperatures have warmed and the danger of frost has passed.

This easy-care plant is perfect for the front of the border thanks to its low, creeping growth habit.

It bursts of bright flowers in late spring.

pink astilbe chinensis ‘visions’

Credit: Bob Stefko

‘Hypnotica Orange’ is an eye-catching plant for the front of your border garden.

Regular deadheading and plenty of moisture will keep them looking their best throughout the growing season.

Don’t overwater once plants are established.

pink and green Caladium in planter

Credit:Marty Baldwin

Flower stems can be left to go to seed to help fill in bare spots over time.

Its low-growing stems make it agood choice for edging your border garden.

For smaller spaces, ‘Strawberry Shake’ is another option.

pink-creeping-phlox-4459e876

Credit: Peter Krumhardt

Its off-white flowers slowly take on a pink hue for a pretty two-tone effect.

Provide ample water during the hottest parts of the summer.

Though they come in several warm hues, many salvias are perfect for adding a splash of cool color.

light orange and yellow dahlia flowers growing together in garden

Credit: Jamie Hadley

Other varieties offer different colors and sizes.

Flowers can be deadheaded or left on theplants to provide food for wild birds.

This variety is an excellent choice for adding late-season color to your border garden.

Big Ears' lamb’s-ears

Credit: Denny Schrock

Leave flower heads intact for winter interest.

Border plants fill these spaces and are often more resilient by nature.

Fish fertilizer,blood meal, or bone mealare often the preferred feed for perennials.

Verbena ‘Fuego Dark Violet’

Credit: Justin Hancock

echinacea purpurea coneflower

Credit: Bob Stefko

vanilla strawberry hydrangeas

Credit:BHG / Kelli Jo Emanuel

Salvia farinacea Victoria Blue deep purple flowers

Credit: David Goldberg

‘Goldstrum’ Black-Eyed Susan

Credit: Jerry Pavia

autumn joy sedum pink blooms detail

Credit: Peter Krumhardt