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10 BEST GROUNDCOVERS
Bishop’s Hat (Epimedium)
A low-growing perennial to use under trees or around rhododendrons, azaleas or camellias, this spreading groundcover is perfect
for dry shade conditions. Flowers bloom in spring in varying shades of pink, red, creamy yellow or white. Divide in spring or fall;
cut back in winter before new growth emerges.
Bearberry Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri)
This fast-growing, woody prostrate groundcover can grow to 8 in. high by 10 ft. wide. With glossy green leaves and bright red
berries, this versatile plant can drape over walls or be used for erosion control on a slope.
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Low and spreading, this groundcover with its clusters of white flowers grows best in rich soil with abundant moisture. The flowers
appear in late spring and summer and self-sows freely. Use as a groundcover under a vine maple or along a pathway edge.
Completely dies down in winter and definitely needs policing as it can be very invasive.
Thyme (Thymus)
Mostly fragrant, the varieties most commonly in use are Lemon Thyme, Mother-of-Thyme, Elfin Thyme and Woolly Thyme. These
can be very useful planted between pavers as they are able to absorb foot traffic. Because they are dense and can creep variable
distances, these sun-tolerant groundcovers are also beautiful planted cascading down walls or in between boulders on a retaining
wall.
Sedum species
Encompassing a large variety of species, these succulent groundcovers behave quite different from each other. Some can be cold
hardy; others are tender. Some are evergreen and habits can be trailing or upright with leaves varying in shape, size and color.
They are low maintenance plants but are not suitable for foot traffic. Used en masse or in containers, they are drought tolerant
and most varieties like full sun.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia)
A vigorous, low-growing groundcover, Creeping Jenny’s bright yellow flowers appear in summer. It is best grown in a contained
area or in a hanging basket. Will spill from a wall as well. Needs some shade.
Blue Star Creeper, Little Star Creeper and White Star Creeper (Pratia pedunculata)
Also known as Laurentia fluviatilis and Isotoma fluviatilis
Densely populated with blue, pale blue or white flowers in late spring and summer, this useful groundcover can tolerate light foot
traffic. Although it prefers moist shade conditions, it will flower best in sun in moist, well-drained soil. Can be invasive.
Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’), Dwarf Green Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’)
A must-have for any garden, this grass-like evergreen plant definitely has a flair for the unusual! This black grass can be paired with
Scotch moss as a companion plant; the difference in foliage colors will be eye catching. Purple spike flowers appear in summer,
followed by black berries. Attractive as borders along pathways or in rock gardens and planted in swaths. Best in filtered sun to full
shade and does best in well-drained soil.
Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)
A creeping, mat-forming groundcover reaching only ½ inch in height, this groundcover is perfect for planting between stepping
stones as it gives off a wonderful minty fragrance when bruised. Tiny purple flowers appear in summer. Plant in moist, welldrained soil in sun, part shade areas.
Lithodora (Lithodora diffusa)
This woody groundcover forms a mounding mass 6-12 inches in height and will get 3-4 feet in width. Use in rock gardens or spilling
over walls. Brilliant blue flowers appear in late spring and early summer. ‘Grace Ward’ is the form most commonly seen, along with
‘White Star’ which has white flowers with blue edges, and ‘Star’ whose flowers are blue with white margins. Best in full sun.
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