what ground cover grows in shade

What are some good groundcovers for shade?

Phlox – Flowering Ground Covers for Shade

• Sherwood Purple Woodland Phlox. Sherwood Purple Woodland Phlox blooms are periwinkle bluish-purple Grows in zones 5 to 9 in full shade to part shade and part Sun. ...
• Home Fires Creeping Phlox. Fragrant blooms of bright-pink covers lush, deep-green foliage in the Spring. ...
• Blue Moon Woodland Phlox – Flowering Ground Cover for Shade. ...

What is the best ground cover for shade?

• Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulate): Hardy in USDA zones 3b to 10, native blooming with white, pink, lavender or red flowers in spring. ...
• Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 11, produces lush, tropical green foliage and thrives is partial shade to full shade.
• Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp. ...

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What is the best plant for ground cover?

Reviews the Best Ground Cover Plants For Full Sun

• Perennial Farm Marketplace Delosperma 'Fire Spinner' (Ice Plant) Groundcover, 1 Quart, Bright Orange Petals with Purplish-Pink Centers. ...
• Outsidepride Aubrieta Hendersonii Rock Cress Ground Cover Plant Seed - 5000 Seeds. ...
• MOSS VERBENA - 50 + GROUNDCOVER SEEDS - CREEPING PERENNIAL PURPLE FLOWER. ...

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What is the best low growing ground cover?

Which flowers are best for low maintenance ground cover?

• Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is my favourite hardy geranium and is so easy to grow. ...
• Gypsophila repens is a lovely flower to direct sow into borders as it grows around established perennials for a soft and 'frothy' looking prettiness that is hard to find with ...
• Nemophila 'Five Spot' is a super cute plant which you can direct sow around the edges of borders. ...

What is the fastest growing ground cover for shade?

Fast-Growing Ground Cover for ShadeCreeping Thyme. Zones 4 to 9. ... Yellow Alyssum. Zones 4 to 7. ... Ice Plant. Zones 5 to 10. ... Creeping Juniper. Zones 3 to 9. ... Dragon's Blood Sedum. Zones 3 to 8. ... Creeping Phlox. Zones 3 to 9. ... Strawberry. Zones 5 to 10. ... Asiatic Jasmine. Zones 7 to 9.More items...•

What is the best ground cover to plant under trees?

Some good choices for ground cover plants under trees include:Ajuga.Lungwort.Foamflower.Liriope/monkey grass.Periwinkle.Pachysandra.Wild violets.Hosta.

What grows quickly in shade?

Check out these 12 fast-growing shade trees.Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides)Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)Red Sunset Maple (Acer rubrum 'Franksred')Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)More items...•

What is the best low maintenance ground cover?

The Best Low-Maintenance Ground Covers for Your GardenHeuchera. 2/16. ... Honeysuckle. 3/16. ... Brass Buttons. 4/16. ... Creeping Phlox. 5/16. ... Creeping Jenny. 6/16. ... Stonecrop. 7/16. ... Vinca Minor. 8/16. ... Lamium. 9/16.More items...

What can I plant under a tree in full shade?

Some of the more popular shade- and root-tolerant woodland plants include understory shrubs such as oakleaf hydrangea, azaleas, euonymus, variegated aucuba, soft-tip yucca, nandina, many hollies, mahonia, and spirea. These generally do very well, as you can see from a drive around any older, established neighborhoods.

What is the prettiest ground cover?

Our Favorite Flowering Ground CoversBugleweed (Ajuga reptans)Canadian anemone (Anemone canadensis)Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox)Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum)Hosta (Hosta sieboldiana)Horned Violet (Viola cornuta)More items...•

What outdoor plants do not need sunlight?

45 Plants That Grow Without Sunlight (Shade Loving Plants)Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)Peacock Plant (Maranta leuconeura)Wax Begonia (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorem)Nerve Plant (Fittonia spp.)Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)More items...•

What can I grow in a shaded slope?

Good Plants for Sloping AreasBurning Bush.Fragrant Sumac.Japanese Yew.California Lilac.Creeping Juniper.Dwarf Forsythia.Snowberry.Siberian Carpet Cypress.

What is the fastest growing shrub for shade?

Forsythia is the fastest-growing shade shrub on this list, so if you're looking to fill the space fast, consider planting forsythia.

What is the easiest ground cover to grow?

In addition to its fragrant spring blooms, lily-of-the-valley is one of the easiest groundcovers to grow. It's perfect in a shady spot under a big tree in your backyard because it tolerates dry conditions well.

What ground cover chokes weeds?

10 Ground Cover Plants That Choke Out WeedsCreeping Thyme.Phlox Subulata.Moss.Wild strawberry.Trailing Rosemary.Dragon's Blood Sedum.Creeping Jenny.Phlox Stolonifera.More items...•

What is the toughest ground cover?

Ivy is one of the toughest, hardiest groundcovers available. Adaptable to almost any condition but dry full sun, it has saved many an “unplantable” area. It can become invasive, especially when seeds are dispersed far and wide by birds.

What can be planted at the base of a tree?

Here is a list of some common flowers to plant under trees.Hostas.Lilies.Bleeding heart.Ferns.Primrose.Sage.Merry bells.Bugleweed.More items...•

What can you put under trees where grass won't grow?

Add woodchip mulch, particularly in grassless areas under trees, for a cleaner look. Create a small garden with flowers or shrubs. Perennials are an easy, low-maintenance option. Cover the area with rocks or pebbles.

What is the easiest ground cover to grow?

In addition to its fragrant spring blooms, lily-of-the-valley is one of the easiest groundcovers to grow. It's perfect in a shady spot under a big tree in your backyard because it tolerates dry conditions well.

What is the toughest ground cover?

Ivy is one of the toughest, hardiest groundcovers available. Adaptable to almost any condition but dry full sun, it has saved many an “unplantable” area. It can become invasive, especially when seeds are dispersed far and wide by birds.

What is a ground cover plant?

There are many varieties of ground cover plants for any type of garden. Flowering ground cover plants can transform pathways, accent garden features, or grow where there is little sun. Generally, ground cover plants for shade are hardy types of creeping or spreading plants that are green all year long.

How tall does a Pachysandra plant grow?

This low-ground cover plant grows to about 12” (30 cm) high. The plant thrives in full to partial shade and flowers every spring when new leaves appear. Depending on the growing zone, the Allegheny Pachysandra can be evergreen or semi-evergreen (deciduous in colder climates).

What is a hosta plant?

Hosta. A collection of hosta plants – herbaceous perennial ground cover plant. Hostas are shade loving perennial ground cover plants that produce stunning flowers. There are a number of different varieties of Hostas that grow just as well in the shade as in the sun.

What is the most fragrant type of hosta?

The small flowers grow on upright stems that reach up from the top of the plant. The most fragrant type of Hosta is the Hosta plantaginea which produces strongly-scented white flowers. The lavender, violet, and other white flower varieties are mostly scentless.

How tall do Japanese pachysandras grow?

To get the best ground cover, you can plant many of these plants together. The plant is slow-growing and will reach a height between 4” and 24” (10 – 60 cm) after 3 years. The foliage on Japanese pachysandras is very dense, making it a good plant that provides creeping ground cover.

Is Deadnettle a low growing plant?

Deadnettle ( Lamium maculatum ) is a flowering type of low growing plant that thrives well in the shade.

Is a creeping shrub drought resistant?

Compared to other low-ground creeping shrubs, this variety is very drought resistant. Actually, this ground cover plant provides a thick dense carpet of foliage in most soils.

What ground cover plants are good for shade?

Ground cover plants for shade include: Bishop’s Weed, Cinnamon Fern, Creeping Jacob’s Ladder, Crested Leopard Plant, Foamflower, Hellebore, Hootenanny, Northern Inside-Out Flower, Pencilled Cranesbill, and Silver Siberian Bugloss. Some of these plants have attractive foliage or flowers to add style to a shaded area of your garden.

When do leopard plants bloom?

Crested Leopard Plant ( Farfugium japonicum) is a perennial ground cover herb that produces small (1 to 2 inches) yellow flowers in summer or early fall.

How cold can foamflowers grow?

Foamflower can tolerate cold. As an outdoor plant, it is hardy to Zone 4a (as cold as -30 degrees Fahrenheit or –34 degrees Celsius). This plant grows to a height of 10 inches, with a width of 10 inches. You can propagate Foamflower by division, runners, or from seed.

What does a crested leopard plant need?

Crested Leopard Plant needs moderate moisture levels. It needs good drainage in a container. Too much water will cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.

Is foamflower a perennial?

Foamflower is a shade-loving perennial ground cover that produces clusters of white or pink flowers in spring. Foamflower needs moderate moisture levels. It needs good drainage in a container. Too much water will cause root rot and eventually kill the plant. Foamflower tolerates partial or full shade.

When do Northern Inside Out flowers bloom?

Northern Inside-Out Flower ( Vancouveria hexandra) is a perennial ground cover herb that produces showy white flowers in late spring or early summer. These flowers grow with their opening facing towards the plant, rather than outwards!

Is hellebore a perennial?

Hellebore is a shade tolerant perennial ground cover with blue, pink, or white flowers. Hellebore needs moderate moisture levels. It needs good drainage in a container. Too much water will cause root rot and eventually kill the plant. Hellebore tolerates partial or full shade, but can also survive in full sun.

1. Plantain lily

Plantain lilies (scientific name Hosta) are the best perennials for shade, according to Southern Living. With dozens of varieties to choose from, it has tons of different leaf sizes and shapes, varying from round to oval to heart-shaped. Foliage ranges from shades of green and blue with white or cream stripes on the leaves.

2. Japanese pachysandra

Another ground cover plant that will provide your yard with small blooms in the springtime is the Japanese pachysandra (scientific name Pachysandra terminalis). These plants require little attention for all of the beauty they provide.

3. Allegheny spurge

Related to the Japanese pachysandra, the Allegheny spurge (scientific name Pachysandra procumbens) is eye-catching with its silvery-green leaves. Blooms dangle from the stems as opposed to the Japanese version that stands more erect. The plant can become quite dense, and it occurs naturally in woods where the ground stays somewhat soggy.

4. Sweet woodruff

If you're looking for a ground cover that adds a bit of color to your lawn, then sweet woodruff (scientific name Galium odoratum) is an option. These small, perennial plants produce tiny, fragrant, white flowers that grow perfectly in the shade.

5. Bishop's weed

Another plant with delicate white blooms is bishop's weed (scientific name Aegopodium podagraria). Gardening Know How points out that bishop's weed will grow where other plants refuse to. This plant grows and spreads quickly, so if you want to keep it under control, it is best to use an edging.

6. Bunchberry

Bunchberry (scientific name Cornus canadensis) also produces lovely, white blooms, but even when it is not in bloom it will add color to your lawn thanks to its bright, cheery green foliage. It will also produce red berries in the summer. To keep bunchberry happy, you will need to keep it watered.

7. Periwinkle

If you like summer blooms, then periwinkle (scientific name Vinca minor) might be just what you're looking for. This plant is considered an annual, but it can survive as a perennial in the right conditions. Periwinkles are relatively easy to care for and, in some states, are considered invasive.

How tall do sage leaves get?

It forms a dense, 8- to 12-inch-high mat of silver-speckled leaves. The plant covers itself in yellow flowers in early spring. In the hot South, it needs medium to full shade and tends to become leggy if it gets too dry. If that happens, cut it back once or twice a season to 4 to 8 inches tall.

When do golden stars bloom?

It spreads into a tight, low-growing ground cover that is 4 to 6 inches high. Spring brings many bright, yellow, daisy-like flowers, which reappear in late summer. Native to our eastern deciduous forests, golden star likes a bit of morning sun for better blooms but will adapt to medium to full shade.

When do sage flowers appear?

In early spring, the up-facing flowers appear in loose clusters above the leaves. Easily grown in acid, always-moist woodland shade in the South and some sun and light shade in the North, it is an insect-resistant, fast-spreading, attractive ground cover.

Can bunchberries grow in clay soil?

Bunchberry thrives in cool summer climates. It does not like the hot South, and I quickly found out it would not grow in my Atlanta garden. And since bunchberry enjoys friable, acidic woodland soil, it will not grow in clay soils or in soils that are even slightly alkaline.

Is Shuttleworth's Ginger a ground cover?

Shuttleworth’s wild ginger (Asarum shuttleworthii, Zones 6–9) is a champion, no-care ground cover. The beautifully variegated, evergreen leaves stand shoulder to shoulder, creating a close-knit cover. It is low-growing and spreads slowly by creeping rhizomes, forming 4-inch-high mats of leaves, which hide the insignificant “little brown jug” flowers in spring. The 2-inch-diameter leaves have a rich, grayish green color with striking, silvery gray markings.

Is sweet woodruff a spreader?

While it may look delicate, sweet woodruff ( Galium odoratum, USDA Hardiness Zones 5–8) is actually a vigorous spreader. This Eurasian species makes a dense, 15-inch-high ground cover with numerous clusters of fragrant, white, star-shaped flowers, which appear in early summer. The deciduous, emerald green leaves are also star shaped and stay neat well into autumn.

Is Lilyturf hardy in Zone 6A?

Cultivars with variegated leaves, white flowers, or curly, twisted leaves are worth seeking out. Lilyturf is barely hardy in Zone 6a. Farther south, it spreads vigorously. It cares little how hot or dry it gets, what soil it grows in, or how much or little sun or shade it gets.

What is shade loving ground cover?

Shade Loving Ground Covers are an excellent option for sun-deprived areas. Pick one out for your garden from the list below. If your garden is devoid of ample sunlight, then don’t worry. Grow these Shade Loving Ground Covers to beautify your landscape!

What is the best ground cover for a garden?

Mint is the best option for ground cover as it grows aggressively in the shade to partial shade. Corsican mint is a low-growing variety that grows upto 1-3 inches tall.

What is the best shade for Halcyon hosta?

USDA Zones: 3-8. Green to blue leaf varieties like Halcyon hosta suits well for dense shade. At the same time, gold-leaf cultivars with variegated foliage like ‘Patriot,’ and ‘Minuteman’ need some amount of direct sunlight.

How big is a posh ground cover?

This posh ground cover is perfect for moist shade and forms masses of 12-16 inches high pale green leaflets with tiny white blooms in early summer. It does really well in part sun to full shade and prefers slightly acidic soil.

What is carpet bugleweed?

Also known as carpet bugleweed, this creeping evergreen spreads fast with distinct copper-purple foliage and purple-blue blooms, making it a perfect addition for year-round interest. The plant does well in bright, shaded areas.

How tall does a mat forming perennial grow?

This mat-forming perennial grows 8-12 inches tall and spreads nicely in favorable growing conditions. It is considered invasive in some regions, mainly in the northeast and northwest. Though, it can be controlled by pruning.

How tall does a dogwood tree grow?

Native to northern territories of North America, this deciduous, low-growing shrub is categorized as a form of dogwood. It grows up to 3-9 inches tall and makes for an excellent ground cover in shaded areas. At the flowering stage, it looks extremely ornamental.

What is the best groundcover for shade?

Japanese Spurge , Pachysandra terminalis , This has long been the most reliable mountain groundcover for shade. Perfect for planting under the canopies of older trees, where little else grows. A lifesaver on the north sides of walls or north-facing slopes and between tall multistory buildings. Works nicely in the front of shaded borders or as filler between larger shrubs. Dense enough to keep down weeds, it is an excellent solution for dark parts of the garden, where other plants fear to tread.

What is the only evergreen vine that stays green in a dark shady garden?

English Ivy, Hedera helix, is the only evergreen vine that stays green in a dark shady garden. Large lustrous foliage stays waxed green through winter, forming a lush groundcover under large shrubs and trees. Quickly climbs walls, pillars, arbors, and fences without support. One of the best vines uses to dangle from the edge of hanging pots and baskets or cascading off the edge of tall urns planted with upright fillers.

What is the color of bugleweed?

Bugleweed , Ajuga tenorii, has gorgeous, cream-purple foliage with glowing pink edges. Royal blue flower spikes bloom in spring, often lightly repeating in late summer. This unique perennial forms a tight, cushion-like clump. Ideal for mass planting as a groundcover or border edging or for contrast in mixed containers.

What is a Virginia creeper?

Virginia Creeper , Parthenocissus quinquefolia, is a native vine specially selected to dress up those miles of stockade fence. A mountain vine with rich green foliage turns fire engine red through October with blue fruit accents. When spaced at 8′ intervals, this fast-growing vine covers a boring fence within a season. Plant red walls of beauty that are both deer and javelina PROOF! One plant covers a 10′ x 10′ area as a groundcover and quickly climbs between boulders.

How many common ground cover plants are there?

Here are 12 common ground cover plants you should know about.

Is periwinkle good for shade?

Periwinkle, Vinca Minor, is o ne of the best groundcovers for shade, displaying large, violet, pinwheel-shaped flowers against glossy dark leaves. Sun tolerant in cool mountain gardens. In hot summer gardens, plants in dappled to deep shade. Good for use as a fire escape planting.

Do plants grow well in shady areas?

Plants that perform well as ground covers in shady areas earn this reputation because they are incredibly tenacious and thrive without much sunlight. In the mountains of Arizona, it is much easier to find plants that love sun, heat, and wind. Between the shady spots of trees, under patios, or the north side of that two-story home, the choices shrink considerably.

Groundcover for Sun and Shade

This type of plant is used in a variety of other situations. Groundcover plants may trail or cascade over walls or rocks located in a garden or be used to draw attention to a hanging basket or other outside display container.

Perennial Groundcovers

The following are returning groundcovers used regularly in beds and borders that get part sun and part shade.

Groundcover for Shade

If you wish to finish off a shady spot with an appropriate, spreading groundcover you’ll find a good selection for your project, including:

Planting Groundcovers for the First Time

Spread out small plants when originally planting or grow from seed. Many groundcover plants will spread together quickly and return in the same manner each year.

Part Sun Groundcovers

Many of the following also perform well in a full sun area. They may be used to fill in a dappled sun area or one that just gets a few hours of sunshine daily:

Why are ground covers important?

Ground cover plants play an important role in the forest garden, protecting the soil, providing refuge for wildlife at ground layer, preventing unwanted plants from establishing and can provide some food such as berries or leaves . Ground covers are easy to establish and can be very easy to manage.

What is the name of the plant that grows to 0.3 – 0.6m?

Lungwort – Pulmonaria saccharata. Overview: Lungwort – Pulmonaria saccharata is a herbaceous perennial of the borage family, growing to 0.3 – 0.6m at a slow rate. The common name of Lungwort was assigned to the plant supposedly because a likeness was made between the mottled leaves and human lungs.

When does Hosta bloom?

Dense, basal leaves that are striking and considered highly attractive, overlap each other and form a rounded and spreading mound of foliage. It is in flower in June – July – bell-shaped blooms growing up shoots, that look lily-like, in pretty shades of purple or white. The plant is hermaphrodite and pollinated mainly by bees. Grows well in evenly moist, well-drained soils.

How to propagate a sage plant?

Propagation: This plant is easy to propagate at any time during the growing season from cuttings of basal stems or by division. It roots where the stems touch the ground and once established these can be cut away from the original plant and moved. It will also self-seed, but bear in mind that the cultivars will not come true from seed, and if volunteers are not removed they may overtake the parents.

Is it easy to grow ground cover?

Ground covers are easy to establish and can be very easy to manage. During this post, we’ll take a look at some of our favourite ground cover plants with a focus on those that are suitable for deep shade. We’ll provide an overview of the plants, how they are used, the wildlife they can attract, and how to propagate the plants.

What is the best ground cover for a small yard?

Often seen in driveways, walkways or patio areas, this no-water ground cover is an ideal option for homeowners who have very little time for yard maintenance or who need to cover a large area quickly. 2.

What is a sedum ternatum?

Also known as woodland stonecrop, Sedum ternatum is native to North America and can thrive in both sun and shade. It will need a little water after planting but is a highly drought-tolerant succulent once established. It will spread well on its own, and you can easily take cuttings and plant them to encourage faster growth over a larger area. Although it only flowers for a short period in late spring into summer, this stonecrop offers an attractive ground cover throughout the year.

Is thyme a creeper?

Creeping Thyme: This European and North African native is an evergreen ground cover with flowers in shades of pink and purple. It is on this list because it is a drought-tolerant option that does just fine in shade, but it also offers a lovely fragrance and is a great creeper. Ground cover varieties of thyme are a particularly good choice ...

Is synthetic grass a living ground cover?

This is the only non-living ground cover that gives you the look and feel of lush, green grass without the required irrigation that makes natural grass lawns a poor choice during times of drought. This is also a great way to have the look of a living ground cover in areas where nothing will grow or in areas of deep shade.

Is creeping thyme good for a walkway?

Ground cover varieties of thyme are a particularly good choice for homeowners looking for an option that can handle some traffic. So if you need a low-water ground cover in between stepping stones or bordering a walkway, creeping thyme might be the right choice for you. 9.