Groundcovers 101
Published on
March 9, 2023 at 10:18:51 PM PST March 9, 2023 at 10:18:51 PM PSTth, March 9, 2023 at 10:18:51 PM PST
Groundcover plants are an effective solution for tough areas where other plants (or even grass) struggle to grow. Groundcovers are known to spread over time and “fill in” thin or bare areas, providing dense cover.
Function:
- Spreads over an area
- Controls erosion
- Chokes out weeds
- Creates low-maintenance areas
- Provides plantings in areas difficult to maintain (i.e. slopes)
- Establish cover where even grass is hard to establish
Winter-Hardy:
Perennial selections will last for years and years.
Planting:
- For best results plant in a mass
- Check spacing recommendation on the plant label - many perennial groundcovers are best planted 1 plant per square foot
- Cover the planting area with 2” shredded wood mulch to limit weeds and keep soil temperature moderate
- Place new plants in soil at same depth as they were growing in the pot
- Water thoroughly
- Feed to provide vigor
Care:
- After initial planting, water regularly until established
- Feed monthly with a balanced plant food in spring and summer
- Maintain mulch layer until plants fill the desired space
Our Favorite Groundcovers:
Tolerates Dry Soil
Ajuga
Perennial
Part Shade to Full Sun
3" tall, 12" wide
- Spring to early summer bloom
- Thrives under trees
- Moderate growth rate
Creeping Phlox
Perennial
Full Sun
6" tall, 3' wide
- Spring to summer bloom
- Excellent bank cover
- Attracts butterflies
- Moderate growth rate
Hens & Chicks
Perennial
Full Sun
4-6" tall, 12" wide
- Thrives in rocky soils
- Slow growth rate
- Great for containers or rock garden
Patchwork Sedum
Perennial
Full Sun
3-8" tall, 12-36" wide
- Mats of succulent leaves
- Flowers yellow, white or pink
- No pruning needed
- Drought tolerant
Snow in Summer
Perennial
Full Sun
6-12" tall, 9-12" wide
- Early summer blooms
- Deer Resistant
- Moderate growth rate
Tolerates Damp Soil
Brunnera, Jack Frost
Perennial
Part Shade to Full Shade
12-14" tall, 12-18" wide
- Blue flowers in spring
- Medium growth rate
Hardy Plumbago
Perennial
Part Sun to Full Sun
12-18" tall, 12-18" wide
- Summer to fall blooms
- Fast growth rate
- Flowers fade to autumn foliage
Lady's Mantles
Perennial
Filtered Sun
12" tall, 12-18" wide
- Summer blooms
- Moderate growth rate
- Flowers and foliage are good for cutting
Lamium
Perennial
Part Shade to Full Shade
3" tall, 12" wide
- Spring to summer blooms
- Purple flowers
- Fast growth rate
Lysamachia, Creeping Jenny
Perennial
Part Sun
2-4" tall, 18-24" wide
- Trailing foliage
- Easy maintenance
- Moderate growth rate
Tolerates Shade
Ivy
Annual
Sun or Shade
3-8" tall, 12-24" wide
- Heat and drought tolerant
- Easy maintenance
- Grown for foliage
Pachysandra
Perennial
Shade to filtered sun
4-6" tall, 2-3' wide
- Early spring blooms
- Easy care
- Slow growth rate
Vinca Minor
Perennial
Part Shade to Full Shade
6" tall, 2-3' wide
- Showy spring blooms
- Perfect beneath a tree
- Moderate growth rate
Annual Flower Borders
Begonia
Annual
Sun or Shade
12-24" tall, 18-24" wide
- Spring thru fall blooms
- Heat tolerant
- Easy maintenance
Impatiens
Annual
Part Shade to Full Shade
10-16" tall, 10-16" wide
- Spring thru fall blooms
- Attracts butterflies
- Moderate growth rate
Marigold
Annual
Full Sun
10-12" tall, 6-8" wide
- Spring thru fall bloom
- Easy Maintenance
- Fast growth rate
Petunia
Annual
Part Sun to Full Sun
12-24" tall, 24-36" wide
- Reblooms
- Heat and drought tolerant
- Easy maintenance
Verbena
Annual
Full Sun
6-12" tall, 12-18" wide
- Spring thru fall blooms
- Attracts pollinators
- Heat tolerant
Vinca
Annual
Part Sun to Full Sun
12-14" tall, 18-25" wide
- Late spring to fall blooms
- Showy flowers
- Moderate growth rate