
Groundcover plants are a great solution to some landscape problems such as areas that are hard to mow, shady or dry areas where grass won’t grow, or areas where erosion control is needed. It may be that groundcover is more aesthetically pleasing than a lawn would be. In some cases, if a low maintenance option is needed, groundcover is perfect.
Choosing the right groundcover
To choose the right plant for groundcover, several factors need to be considered: Growing conditions, square footage of the area to be covered, and desired aesthetic.
Growing Conditions– It’s important to know how much sun the area gets, characteristics of the soil such as moisture retention and whether it is sand or heavy clay and what hardiness zone you are in. These factors will determine what can be successfully grown in the area being covered.
Square footage– Knowing how big your area is will help determine how many plants are needed. Different plants grow to different sizes and at different rates. You will be able to figure the cost and time required to grow in which will be important in making decisions on what plant to use.
Desired Aesthetic– Different plants have different sizes, colors, and textures. Finding the right look will influence what you plant.
*Take a look at our Jeepers Creepers line of groundcovers for some great ideas.
For a copy of this guide to download and keep please click here.
Quick Lists
Shade |
Ajuga |
Baltic Ivy |
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia) |
English Ivy |
Deadnettle (Lamium) |
Forget Me Not (Myosotis) |
Hellebore |
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria) |
Myrtle |
Pachysandra |
Sweet Woodruff (Galium) |
Moist Soils |
Ajuga |
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia) |
Deadnettle (Lamium) |
Irish Moss (Sagina) |
Mazus |
Sun |
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos) |
Candy Tuft (Iberis) |
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia) |
Ice Plant (Delosperma) |
Juniper, Spreading |
Phlox, Creeping |
Rock Cress (Arabis) |
Sedum, Spreading |
Snow in Summer (Cerastium) |
Dry Soils | |
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos) | |
Ice Plant (Delosperma) | |
Juniper, Spreading | |
Myrtle | |
Pachysandra | |
Sedum, Spreading | |
Snow in Summer (Cerastium) | |
Thyme, Creeping | |
Very low | |
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia) | |
Ice Plant (Delosperma) | |
Irish Moss (Sagina) | |
Mazus | |
Phlox, Creeping | |
Rock Cress (Arabis) | |
Snow in Summer (Cerastium) | |
Thyme, Creeping |
Evergreen |
Baltic Ivy |
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos) |
English Ivy |
Hellebore |
Irish Moss (Sagina) |
Myrtle |
Pachysandra |
Sweet Woodruff (Galium) |
Thyme, Creeping |
Not all varieties are available throughout the season so please call ahead to check current availability with our nursery.