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Ground Covers
Ranunculus - Buttered Popcorn
Ranunculus repens ‘Buttered Popcorn’
The Buttered Popcorn’, Ranunculus repens, is a great ground cover that vigorously spreads to 4′. Its broad finley cut leaves are silvery-green with a variegated chartreuse edge. It has delicate yellow flowers in late spring but is mostly grown for its striking foliage color. ‘Buttered Popcorn’ needs to be planted in a full sun location with well-drained soil.
Lambs Ears - Big Ears
Stachys byzantina ‘Helen von Stein’
The Stachys ‘Big Ears Lamb’s Ear’, Stachys byzantina ‘Helen von Stein’, is known for its soft, fuzzy, silvery green foliage. With spikes of purplish pink small flowers, it has a wonderful effect on any garden. ‘Big Ears Lamb’s Ear’ is a little bit larger than the average Lamb’s Ear, with a plant height of 10′ and a spread of 18-24′ and blooms in mid-summer. (Lamb’s Ear is not known for its flowering, but however its foliage.) It may not look extremely good in the summer time, but will recover in the fall.’Big Ears Lamb’s Ear’ needs to be planted in full sun in a well-drained area. It is useful in the border or as a ground cover. It will add texture and color in rock gardens and looks wonderful with Veronica ‘Goodness Grows’, Tradescantia ‘Concord Grape’ or other purple blooming perennials.
Bigleaf Periwinkle
Vinca major
The Bigleaf Periwinkle, Vinca major, is also known as Greater (rosy) Periwinkle, Big Perwinkle and Large Periwinkle. The plant is shrub-like and grows to 12″ tall with trailing ascending stems; 1-3 feet long. The leaves are dark green and bigger than t
Periwinkle - Wojos Gem
Vinca Major ‘Wojo’s Gem’
The Periwinkle ‘Wojo’s Gem’, Vinca Major ‘Wojo’s Gem’, is a new selection of trailing vinca with creamy yellow centers edged and flecked with dark green. It is idstinct from Vinca ‘Illumination’ with larger leaves is hardy in protected spots in zone 6.Use in as a spreading groundcover to brighten shade gardens. Beautiful cascading down slopes, banks, walls and curbs. Pest and disease free. Herbaceous perennial.
Periwinkle
Vinca minor
Periwinkle, Vinca minor, is also known as Trailing Myrtle, Dwarf Periwinkle and Creeping Myrtle. This species of Periwinkle is one of the most popular and widely used ground covers. Trailing stems with smooth, evergreen leaves (to 1.5″ long) root at th
Periwinkle - Illimuniation
Vinca minor ‘Illumination’
The Vinca Minor ‘Illumination’, produces near continuous foliage changes. Spring growth emerges chartreuse then brightens to golden yellow. Each yellow leaf is edged with a grass green margin. Later in the year plants turn to cream on attractive pink stems. Direct sun will prematurely bleach foliage. Blooms in late spring and continues sporadically through the summer. Flowers are Dutch blue, 1 inch wide for high contrast against foliage. Dramatic alone in hanging baskets for long golden tresses. Ideal foliage accent for color pots too. In the garden use as a spreading groundcover to brighten shade gardens. Beautiful cascading down slopes, banks, walls and curbs. Pest and disease free. Herbaceous perennial.
Barren Strawberry
Waldsteinia ternata
The Barren Strawberry’, also known as Waldsteinia ternata, is a wonderful ground cover that grows in full sun to part shade and prefers normal to sandy soils. It has dark, dense, evergreen, strawberry-like foliage that forms into nice mounds with a height of 4-6″. ‘Barren Strawberry’ bears yellow flowers in spring and then shows warm, yellow colors in Autumn. ‘Barren Strawberry’ looks great with Veronica ‘Royal Candles’, Saliva ‘Marcus’ and grasses.
Liriope
Liriope muscari
Liriope, Liriope muscari, is also commonly called border grass and is not actually a grass but a member of the lily family, a fact that inspires another of its common names, Lilyturf, Blue Lillyturf and Bigblue Liriope.. The dark green, ribbon-like foliage grows in length from 12 to 18 in and then recurves toward the ground to form rounded clumps. As the clumps mature they merge into a continuous carpet that resembles a plot of shaggy lawn grass. In summer, spikes of small purple, violet or white flowers rise from the center of clumps. Flowers are followed by pea-sized black or white berries in autumn. Liriope spreads quite fast in reasonable soil, creating a substantial tuberous root mass. This plant is a true survivor and will grow almost anywhere. This perennial evergreen should be sheared back in the early spring to enjoy a flush of new growth.
Liriope - Big Blue
Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’
The Liriope ‘Big Blue’, Lirope muscari ‘Big Blue’, also known as Lirope,is a grass-like foliage set with tall spikes of lavender-blue, hyacinth-like blooms in late summer.The Lirope ‘Big Blue’ is slow spreading. It is a very versatile ornamental grass that can be used as a groundcover or garden accent or even in a container. Place in location that is well drained.
Liriope - Variegated
Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’
The Liriope ‘Variegated’, Lirope muscari ‘Variegata’, also known as Lirope variegated lily-turf, is as it’s name implies, a variegated border grass. The grassy foliage is edged with creamy yellow.It has purple-blue blooms, similar to grape hyacinths, that appear on top the tidy 9 to 12″ plants in early fall. Excellent for edging and ground covers. When plantings space 12-15″ apart
Liriope - Spicata
Liriope ‘Spicata’
The Liriope, ‘Spicata’, also known as Lirope, is an almost indestructible plant for stubborn areas. Liriope gracefully fills those spots where nothing else will grow. Large, pale lavender flower spikes bloom in late summer, rising above arching, evergreen tufts of grassy foliage.This Lirope has 3/4″ wide grass-like dark green leaves, up to 24″ long. An excellent groundcover and accent grass.
Japanese Honeysuckle - Halliana
Japanese Honeysuckle - Halliana
Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’
Japanese Honeysuckle ‘Halliana’, Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’, is the most commonly seen Honeysuckle and is also known as Hall’s Honeysuckle. It has whitish-yellow flowers with a delightful fragrance. Hall’s Honeysuckles are a very fast growing plant t
Moneywort - Goldilocks
Lysimachia nummularia
The Moneywort ‘Goldilocks’, Lysimachia nummularia, also known as Creeping Jenny, displays trailing discs of greenish gold that turn-bright yellow in sun. An attention-getting groundcover that’s also a superb addition to patio pots and hanging baskets.This Moneywort is versatile, tough, and extra cold-resistant. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.
Moneywort - Golden
Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’
The Lysimachia ‘Golden Moneywort’, Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’, also known as Creeping Jenny, has dime sized, wonderful evergreen and yellow veined foliage with bright yellow blooms. This easy growing Lysimachia is perfect for brightening any garden. With a plant height of 6′, ‘Golden Moneywort’ is known as being a little invasive.Lysimachia should be planted in full sun, but can tolerate some afternoon shade. The sun will help it maintain its golden color. It does need moist soil in a well-drained area, not allowing it to dry out between waterings. ‘Golden Moneywort’ is a great ground cover and looks wonderful planted in perennial gardens or around water gardens.
Creeping Wirevine
Muehlenbeckia
The Creeping Wire vine, Muehlenbeckia, is a vine with strongly rooting and densely intertwining stems. The roughly circular leaves are 1cm across and the white, strongly scented flowers are borne in small clusters, followed by shining black fruits.vine, Muehlenbeckia, is different, odd, down right strange.This New Zealand gem has dark, wiry stems that contort, curl, and bend like nothing you’ve seen. Small, attractive emerald green leaflets. A choice and very hardy addition to combos.
Dwarf Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon japonicus
Dwarf Mondo Grass, Ophiopogon japonicus, is an ornamental grass which grows to 4″ in height and is closely related to the liriope. It is also known as Dwarf Lilyturf, Mondo Grass Dwarf and Monkey Grass. Tiny, pale lavender flowers on short stalks bloom in summer are often hidden by the leaves. This perennial evergreen grows in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Mondo Grasses are symmetrical with a fine texture and has a dense crown. It spreads by underground stems or tubers. This plant is widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders and groundcovers. It is intolerant of full sun.
Japanese Spurge
Pachysandra terminalis
The Japanese Spurge plant, Pachysandra terminalis, and also known as Pachysandra, is a shrubby, evergreen ground cover which grows 8-12″ high and spreads by rhizomes to form a dense carpet of rich, dark green foliage. Oval leaves (2-4″ long) appear primarily in whorls at the stem ends. Tiny white flowers in 1-2″ long, terminal (hence the species name) spikes bloom in early spring. Flowers are not particularly showy, but on close inspection are quite attractive. Pachysandra can be used as a lawn substitute in shaded non-traffic areas and ground cover for shade areas. It is an excellent selection for shaded areas under shallow-rooted trees. Plant 6 inches apart. This perennial plant needs partial shade to full shade to prosper.
Japanese Spurge - Green Carpet
Japanese Spurge - Green Carpet
Pachysandra terminalis ‘Green Carpet’
Japanese Spurge ‘Green Carpet’, Pachysandra terminalis ‘Green Carpet’, is an old-time ground cover plant that grows to 6-8″ high with versatile uses. This evergreen is self-sustaining and always looks well. It is ideal for partly shaded or full shade areas. Once established, a Pachysandra planting will eliminate grass cutting and weeding. Your lawn work stops were this plant starts. Green Carpet is the only satisfactory plant that will grow as a ground cover under Pine trees. This plant is used extensively under large spreading trees, back of buildings or in other situations too shady for grass to grow. Pachysandra will transform otherwise bare and ugly ground areas into attractive year-round cover. It is also very effective as a border plant along paths or driveway edgings. It can be used as a lawn substitute in shaded non-traffic areas. Plant 6 inches apart to obtain quick cover.
Japanese Spurge - Silveredge
Pachysandra terminalis ‘Silver Edge’
The Japanese Spurge ‘Silveredge’, Pachysandra terminalis ‘Silver Edge’, has thin silver-white margins, hence the name ‘Silveredge.’ This plant is a slower growing variegated form of Japanese Spurge which is an old-time ground cover plant with versatile
Virginia Creeper
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
The Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, is a fast-growing, high-climbing vine that attaches itself with tendrils which expand, disk-like, on their tips. The deciduous leaves that radiate outward from a leaf stem, like spokes on a wheel. Each
Phlox - Candy Stripe
Phlox subulata ‘Candy Stripe’
The Phlox ‘Candy Stripe’, Phlox subulata, is an ideal ground cover with masses of tiny white flowers with a pink mid-stripe and a thick mat of semi-evergreen foliage. Blooming from April to May, it has a plant height of 6′ and a spread of 12-18′. It is a definite addition to any perennial garden.’Candy Stripe’ needs to be planted in a full sun area in well-drained soil. Use ‘Candy Stripe’ in rock gardens, as a spread over curbs and short retaining walls, or in difficult edges of dry streambeds.
Phlox - Emerald Blue
Phlox subulata ‘Emerald Blue’
The Phlox ‘Emerald Blue’, Phlox subulata, is an ideal ground cover with dark blue flowers and a thick mat of semi-evergreen foliage. Blooming from April to May, it has a plant height of 4-6′ and a spread of 18-24′. It is a definite addition to any perennial garden.’Emerald Blue’ needs to be planted in a full sun area in well-drained soil. Use ‘Emerald Blue’ in rock gardens, as a spread over curbs and short retaining walls, or in difficult edges of dry streambeds.
Purple Wintercreeper Euonymus
Euonymus fortunei ‘Coloratus’
Purple Wintercreeper Euonymus, Euonymus fortunei ‘Coloratus’, also known as Wintercreeper and Wintercreeper Eunonymus, is a dense, woody-stemmed, broadleaf evergreen plant which comes in a variety of forms. Euonymus fortunei ‘Coloratus’ (commonly calle
Chameleon Plant
Houttuynia cordata
The Houttuynia ‘Chameleon Plant’, Houttuynia cordata, is one of the most popular ground covers around. Small white flowers appear from July to August, but sometimes hard to see because of its foliage. It is an extremely hardy ground cover and easy to grow but can become very invasive. Being similar in shape to English Ivy, it features boldly variegated leaves of red, pink, white, green, and yellow with a plant height of 15′.Houttuynia requires light shade and needs a consistently moist soil in a well-drained area. They have a fresh, somewhat citrus-like scent when crushed. Use Houttuynia ‘Chameleons’ as a ground cover, in rock gardens, with water plants or in scented gardens.
Lamium - Beacon Silver
Lamium maculatum ‘Beacon Silver’
The Lamium ‘Beacon Silver’, Lamium maculatum, has beautiful oval, gray-green to silvery-white leaves with greenish margins. The short spiked clear, pale pink flowers make it a wonderful ground cover. With a plant height of 6′ and a spread of 12-24′, Lamium ‘Beacon Silver’ blooms from May to July. ‘Beacon Silver’ will grow best in full sun, but will tolerate some afternoon shade in a moist area. Plant in a well-drained soil and do not allow it to dry out. Use Lamium in hanging baskets, in mixed containers, trailing over walls or as an edger, but spread must be controlled. ‘Beacon Silver’ looks great among Hostas, Ferns, Lungworts (Pulmonaria), bulbs and wildflowers.
Lamium - Golden Anniversary
Lamium maculatum ‘Golden Anniversary’
The Lamiun, ‘Golden Anniversary’, Lamium maculatum, is a handsome variety without becoming invasive. The pretty pink flowers are almost eclipsed by the brilliance of the golden variegated foliage. In all but the most severe winters its foliage persists, making it good for winter containers especially hanging baskets, teamed with winter flowering pansies, primroses or polyanthus. It makes superb ground cover in shade under trees and shrubs, including dry shade where few plants survive. Underplant with dwarf bulbs, and chop back whenever stems become invasive.
Lamium - Orchid Frost
Lamium maculatum ‘Orchard Frost’
The Lamium ‘Orchid Frost’, Lamium maculatum, has beautiful oval, silvery edges and bluish green foliage. The short spiked clear, pale pink flowers make it a wonderful ground cover. With a plant height of 6″ and a spread of 18-24″, Lamium ‘Orchid Frost’ blooms from May to July. ‘Orchid Frost’ will grow best in full sun, but will tolerate some afternoon shade in a moist area. Plant in a well-drained soil and do not allow it to dry out. Use Lamium in hanging baskets, in mixed containers, trailing over walls or as an edger, but spread must be controlled. ‘Orchid Frost’ looks great among Hostas, Ferns, Lungworts (Pulmonaria), bulbs and wildflowers.
Lamium - Pink Pewter
Lamium maculatum ‘Pink Pewter’
The Lamium ‘Pink Pewter’, Lamium maculatum, has a beautiful display of dark green, silvery leaves with white centers. The short spiked salmon pink flowers make it a wonderful ground cover. With a plant height of 6′ and a spread of 12-24′, Lamium ‘Pink Pewter’ blooms from May to July. ‘Pink Pewter’ will grow best in full sun, but will tolerate some afternoon shade in a moist area.Plant in a well-drained area and do not allow drying out. Use Lamium in hanging baskets, in mixed containers, trailing over walls or as an edger, but spread must be controlled. ‘Pink Pewter’ looks great among Hosta’s, Ferns, Lungworts (Pulmonaria), bulbs and wildflowers.
Lamium - White Nancy
Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’
The Lamium ‘White Nancy’, Lamium maculatum, has beautiful oval, variegated silvery-white leaves with greenish margins. The short spiked white flowers make it a wonderful ground cover. With a plant height of 6″ and a spread of 12-24″, Lamium ‘White Nancy’ blooms from May to July.’White Nancy’ will grow best in full sun, but will tolerate some afternoon shade in a moist area. Plant in a well-drained soil and do not allow it to dry out. Use Lamium in hanging baskets, in mixed containers, trailing over walls or as an edger, but spread must be controlled. ‘White Nancy’ looks great among Hostas, Ferns, Lungworts (Pulmonaria), bulbs and wildflowers.
Oriental Limelight
Artemisia Hybrid ‘Oriental Limelight’
The ‘Oriental Limelight’, Artemisia Hybrid, is a tall grower that’s great in large containers. The mounding self-branching habit makes ‘Oriental Limelight’ an ideal companion for many flowering plants. An aggressive grower with variegated lemon yellow and green foliage.It has beautifully marked foliage and is a hardy herbaceous plant, though it will stay evergreen in a mild, sheltered spot.
Silver Mound
Artemisia schmidtiana
The Artemisia ‘Silver Mound’, Artemisia schmidtiana, is a wonderful soft, silky, silver-gray accent that is useful in many gardens. ‘Silver Mound’ is a non-spreader and produces small yellow flowers. The foliage has wonderful fragrance. With a height of 12″-14″ and a plant spread of 12″-24″, this plant cannot be passed up. ‘Silver Mound’ needs full sun and will grow well in average, well-drained soil. It well do best in low humid areas but is drought tolerant. Its excellent foliage goes great in front of borders to set your garden apart from the rest. Try ‘Silver Mound’ with Echinacea ‘Purple Coneflower’ or Rudbeckia ‘Black Eyed Susan’ to add interest in your garden or to accent fresh or dried flower arrangements.
Silver Brocade
Artemisia stelleriana
The Artemisia ‘Silver Brocade’, Artemisia stelleriana, is a compact, silver-white, wooly perennial with a plant spread of 24-30′ and a height of 15′. ‘Silver Brocade’ produces yellow flowers in early summer, (not being showy). The foliage, however, has a wonderful fragrance. This striking variety is most noticeable when planted in perennial beds and borders and in herb gardens for color and texture.’Silver Brocade’ likes sandy soil but needs a well-drained area and should be planted in full sun with a small amount of afternoon shade. Try ‘Silver Mound’ with Echinacea ‘Purple Coneflower’ or Rudbeckia ‘Black Eyed Susan’ to add interest in your garden or to accent fresh or dried flower arrangements.