I don't know the proper name for them but 'red hot pokers' springs to mind.
Some one on our site has pampas grass, which I don't care for but it is better to look at than a lot of weeds.
Comfrey, mint and horse radish serve a dual purpose of cover and are useable.
Nasturtiums, violets and forget-me-nots also give a pretty cover and are self seeding.