Groundcovers List
(Click the name of the groundcover to visit the full library entry)
(Japanese ardisia)
Ardisia japonica
Evergreen groundcover for morning sun to partial shade. Small white flowers in clusters in fall, followed by red berries from fall through winter. Not cold hardy in Northern areas. Dies to the ground but usually returns in the spring. Slow-growing, moisture-loving, clumping ground cover. Spread by underground stems. Will freeze below 15 degrees. Zones 8 – 9.
which has larger, more vertical growing and shiny leaves. Both plants can be controlled with
. Zones 7 – 11.
. It is also more drought tolerant than English ivy. Not as easy to find in nurseries as English ivy. One of my favorite groundcovers. Hopefully the other landscape architects will start specifying it. Must have shade and organic management. Zones 6 – 9.
Evergreen groundcover for sun or shade. Height 2″ – 6″ Spacing 6″ – 9“ Light-textured, low-growing groundcover. Resembles tiny strawberry plants. Small yellow flowers in summer. Partial shade is best, any soil, but responds to well-prepared and well-drained beds. Moderate water and fertilizer needs.
Groundcover for small to medium size areas. Red spider, rust. Plant gets a little weedy. Avoid using in large areas. Native to Europe. Zones 3 – 7.
PURPLE WINTERCREEPER Euonymus fortunei
‘Coloratus’ Evergreen groundcover for sun to part shade. Height 8″ – 12” Spacing 12” Spreads by runners; reddish fall color that lasts through winter. Sun or partial shade is best exposure. Moderate water and fertilization. Establishes fast if planted properly with mulch applied after planting. Well-drained, well-prepared beds. Moderate water and fertilization requirements. Native to China. Zones 4 – 9.
spp. Evergreen for sun to part shade. Height 2” – 6” Spread 8” – 24” Spacing 6″ – 9” White, pink, rose, yellow, or red flowers. Finely textured, succulent groundcover. Easily damaged by foot traffic or pets when the succulent leaves and stems are crushed. Native to Europe and Asia. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is a tall growing perennial with dramatic flowers that are white as they start developing in the summer and end up red in the fall.
S
. ‘Ruby Glow’ is lower growing and blooms all summer. Easy, any soil, prefers well-prepared and drained beds. Best exposure is partial shade. Groundcover for small areas, Oriental gardens, rock gardens, stone walls and small accent areas. At least one species for every zone.
(
minor
) Evergreen groundcover for shade or part shade – groundcover . 6″ – 18“ Height 12“ spacing. Vinca major sometimes looks pretty ratty in late summer. Like most plants it does far better under an organic program. Coarse groundcover for large areas in shade. Spreads quickly and has blue flowers in late spring. Relatively drought tolerant once established. Good plant for a naturally wooded area.
V. major
is the large-leafed, more commonly used variety.
V. minor
has smaller, shinier leaves, is more refined in appearance, and can tolerate more sun. Zones 4 – 9.
