Groundcover

Gardening Guide

Groundcover

Ajuga

Ajuga reptans
Fast, low growing evergreen groundcover. Leaves can be variegated or in shades of bronze, purple and green. Produces clusters of bright blue flowers on tall spikes. Excellent groundcover.

6" tall x 24" wide

Part shade to shade

Algerian Ivy

Hedera canariensis
Beautiful clinging vine with glossy, thick, leathery foliage with distinctive red stems. A tough and durable groundcover. Wonderful beneath large trees and shrubs or covering shady banks or hillsides.

6" tall x spreading

Part shade to shade

English Ivy

Hedera helix
Dark green lustrous leaves cover this vigorous, self-clinging vine. Top choice for climbing fences, walls and arbors. Interesting as an espalier. Nice addition to containers or hanging baskets. Also used commonly as groundcover.

1' tall x spreading

Part shade to shade

Mondo Grass

Ophiopogon japonicus
Dark green grass-like groundcover with dark green foliage. Spreads by underground runners. A perfect larger border along paths and walkways. Really nice effect as a large scale groundcover. Grows well in constantly moist soils.

10' tall x spreading

Part shade to shade

Dwarf Mondo Grass

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’
Very low growing habit that forms a tight groundcover. Foliage is dark green and holds its color well through winter. Nice in between rocks in walls and between patio pavestones.

3-4" tall x 12" wide

Part shade to shade

Vinca Major

Vinca major
Vigorous perennial evergreen widely grown for its showy lavender-blue flowers. Dense trailing stems are covered with dark green foliage throughout the year. Ideal for use as ground cover or on slopes to control erosion. Thrives in shady areas.

12" tall x spreading

Part shade to shade

Vinca Minor

Vinca minor
A perfect miniature of Vinca major with showy, lavender-blue flowers on trailing stems. Adds charming color to shade garden plantings and containers. Ideal for use as ground cover or on slopes to control erosion.

6" tall x spreading

Part shade to shade

Wood Violet

Viola odorata
A vigorous growing plant and an old-fashioned favorite enjoyed for its sweet scent. Beautiful blue flowers in summer. Makes an excellent edging or border plant. Valued for its nice foliage, as well.

6" tall x 8" wide

Part shade to shade