Flowering shrubs for low maintenance border?

[whereisthesunshine]

I am currently to finish a border in the front garden. Have a mix of perennials and bulbs which I am happy with. Has anyone got any recommendations for a) (long) flowering shrubs and b) low flowering plants to fill gaps and keep weeds at bay.

Soils is clay-y.

Thank you.

Sorry for typos

What way does it face & is it sunny? Shady?

Weigela is a lovely shrub and comes in several varieties and sizes.

Heathers are doing really well in our east facing sunny clay. I have white and pink alternating.

It gets lots of lovely morning/midday sun.

Will look into Weigela; thank you. Got heathers already but will buy some more to fill gaps.

To be honest, there are a gazillion perennials that will suit your conditions. Try to get a load of different things so you have something to look at in all seasons, and mix up some evergreens with some herbaceous perennials so you don't have a bare bed in winter.

Geranium 'rozanne' is a cracker - long flowering season and a lovely purple.

I'm a big spiraea fan, although not the longest lived bloom.

Potentillas go for ever. Just seen the first blooms on mine, and they keep going until autumn.

Cist us can be pretty spectacular.

I've filled a border with roses, peonies, clematis (along the back fence) Heather and lavender. I leave it to itself most of the year.