In the bed in the front of my house I have a row of boxwoods (3 winter gems and 1 cone type); in front of those is a row of 4 Palace Purple coral bells and on both ends of that row is an Astilbe. I originally planted Liriope but it became invasive (I think the garden center I bought them from mislabeled them because they are not like the ones I had at a different house I lived in) I removed them and planted as the front row Japanese Painted Ferns. Half of them didn't make it through the winter here in zone 6 central Pennsylvania. I am now considering planting annuals for this front row of plants but have no idea what would look nice. I don't want any that will become a groundcover--wanting ones that will pretty much not spread. And they can't be too tall since they are the front row. Does anyone have any ideas? TIA.

For annuals, I find the best way is to just go to a garden store (or a seed catalog in the winter if that's your way) and pick something pretty.

Your fern comment suggests the area is somewhat shady, in which case I might pick snapdragons. Even as an adult I find them charming, and they like a little shade. Many varieties stay small (it seems with garden center plants it's harder to find things that do grow big.)

Wax begonias are a good border too. Not too tall and they come in red, pink and white blooms. They like a little shade, but not too much.

Wax begonia and impatients tend to stay in their lane and mound nicely.

I wouldn't recommend snaps. I love them to death, but they can get sloppy if crowded and don't get bright sun, and they don't bloom as reliably through hot summer weather.
Oxalis is nice too... purple clover... stays low to the ground, tolerates shade

Snapdragons don't bloom long here, either- usually only in spring. Wax begonias bloom all summer and are very tolerant of sun and shade. I find vincas to be indestructible in the full hot sun in front of my porch.



Karen

Vinca is ironclad in sunny spots.

Diamond Frost euphorbia if you don't have a long border since they aren't sold in flats and cost more.