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suggestions for low growing perennial plants #924314

Asked February 07, 2026, 10:53 AM EST

We have a wall garden with a small, ground-level water fountain that the birds love to bath in until plants get too tall. It gets mostly filtered sun until mid to late afternoon, when it gets full sun until the house's shadow shades it. I have been planting impatiens, but learned last summer that they attract mosquitos - or is that a myth? I'm asking for suggestions for something I can plant that will help pollinators, and not grow too tall as that seems to make the birds nervous. If the plants could also be something that whistle pigs don't find attractive, that would be awesome.

Hillsborough County New Hampshire

Expert Response

Hi Wendy,

Thank you for contacting the UNH Extension Yard & Garden Infoline. My name is Debi Green. I am a Master Gardener Volunteer and I am happy to answer your questions.

In the link below you will some suggestions for annuals that will meet your criteria. Ageratums and Sweet Alyssum are a couple of my own personal favorites that are low-growing, shade tolerant, attract pollinators and repel pests. You might consider interspersing some perennial herbs such as chives (latin name: allium) and certain varieties of catmint (latin name: nepeta) which can tolerate some shade and stay low. 'Cat's pajamas' has done well in my part-shade garden and stays about 10" tall. 
https://extension.unh.edu/resource/pollinator-plants-northern-new-england-gardens-fact-sheet

Lantana is another annual that would repel mosquitoes and is low-growing. It does prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade, so maybe place it in the spots that would get the most sun.  https://sebsnjaesnews.rutgers.edu/2021/06/can-you-garden-mosquitoes-away/

Hellebore are another one of my personal favorites for a shady spot. They are highly toxic and therefore wildlife leaves them alone. They bloom in late winter/early spring and stay beautiful until early summer. 

Below is a comprehensive list of plants that are whistle pig resistant and which conditions they grow best in:https://ccecolumbiagreene.org/gardening/groundhog-resistant-plants

I hope you find these suggestions helpful. If we can be of any further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out again!

Thank you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension. Replied February 10, 2026, 10:37 AM EST

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