best plants to line a sidewalk

Best Plants for Sidewalk Edging

By Steven KingJanuary 15, 2026

Transforming a simple sidewalk into a vibrant, inviting space is an achievable goal with the right plants. Line your walkway with the best sidewalk plants to create a welcoming entrance, improve curb appeal, and even enhance your property's value. Let's explore some of the most stunning and low-maintenance plants perfect for lining a sidewalk.

Before we dive into the best plants, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the right ones for your sidewalk: sunlight exposure, soil type, climate, and the size of your plants at maturity. This will help you create a harmonious and well-balanced landscape.

Evergreen Shrubs for Year-Round Beauty

Evergreen shrubs are an excellent choice for lining sidewalks as they maintain their foliage throughout the year, providing structure and color even in the winter months.

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Evergreens also create a sense of privacy and can help screen out unwanted views. They are perfect for creating a lush, inviting entrance to your home.

Boxwood (Buxus)

Boxwood is a classic choice for hedges and borders, thanks to its dense, glossy foliage and neat growth habit. It thrives in partial shade to full sun and is relatively low-maintenance. Boxwood can be pruned into formal shapes or allowed to grow naturally, making it a versatile option for various sidewalk designs.

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Consider using 'Green Velvet' or 'Winter Gem' varieties for their rich color and cold hardiness. Boxwood can grow up to 6-8 feet tall and wide, so be sure to choose a size that fits your space and prune regularly to maintain its shape.

Holly (Ilex)

Holly is another excellent evergreen option with its vibrant green foliage and showy red berries in the fall and winter. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Holly plants can grow quite large, so choose a variety suitable for your sidewalk's size, such as 'Blue Princess' or 'Blue Angel,' which grow only 3-5 feet tall.

For a more compact option, consider 'Blue Boy' or 'Blue Girl,' which grow just 2-3 feet tall. Holly plants are often used in combination with other evergreens to create a diverse and interesting landscape.

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Ornamental Grasses for Movement and Texture

Ornamental grasses add movement, texture, and visual interest to your sidewalk planting. They are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and provide habitat and food for local wildlife. Many ornamental grasses are deciduous, so they will lose their foliage in the fall, but their dried stalks often provide winter interest.

When selecting ornamental grasses for your sidewalk, consider their size at maturity, as some can grow quite tall. Choose varieties that complement your home's architecture and create a cohesive design.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass is a popular choice for its upright, airy plumes and fine-textured foliage. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Switchgrass can reach heights of 4-7 feet, so it's essential to choose a variety that fits your space, such as 'Heavy Metal' or 'Northwind,' which grow only 3-4 feet tall.

some pink and white flowers are growing in the grass on the side of the road

an image of different types of flowers and plants in the same color scheme, with text below

purple flowers line the sidewalk in front of a house

purple flowers are growing on the sidewalk next to a curb with stone edgings

an image of a sidewalk with plants growing out of it

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purple and green flowers are growing in the grass near a sidewalk with a bench on it

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Switchgrass is native to many regions in North America, making it an excellent choice for creating a natural, low-maintenance landscape. Its showy plumes turn golden in the fall and provide food and shelter for birds in the winter.

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum)

Fountain grass is known for its cascading, arching foliage and fluffy, pinkish-white plumes that sway gently in the breeze. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Fountain grass can grow up to 4-6 feet tall, so choose a variety that suits your sidewalk's size, such as 'Hameln' or 'Moudry,' which grow only 2-3 feet tall.

Fountain grass adds a soft, romantic touch to any landscape and is often used in combination with other ornamental grasses and perennials. Its delicate plumes turn golden in the fall and provide winter interest.

When planting your sidewalk, consider creating a mix of evergreens, ornamental grasses, and flowering perennials for a diverse and engaging landscape. Group plants in odd numbers for a more natural look, and don't be afraid to repeat plants to create a cohesive design. With the right plants and a little planning, your sidewalk will become a stunning entrance to your home that welcomes visitors and enhances your property's curb appeal.