8 Best Shade Loving Ground Covers
Easy to Grow Favorite Groundcovers
Ajuga (Bugleweed) - Chocolate Chip is a fast growing ground hugging evergreen
groundcover with dozens of blue flowers in spring. Plant ajuga beneath taller
growing perennials or shrubs in place of costly mulch to help keep the weeds
down. Highly effective between stepping stones. Be careful not to plant too close to a lawn
where it will co-mingle whereupon it is difficult to eradicate.
Athyrium (Japanese
Painted Fern) - Our absolute favorite for season long color. Soft gray foliage is accented by silver &
dark maroon. The deer stay away from
this hardy fern. Winner of the
prestigous Perennial Plant of the Year
Award.
Hellebore -Stunning
in bloom. The large palmate leaves forms
a a canopy and a lush look all season long. Semi-evergreen so cut the old
foliage back in late winter. A tough groundcover that takes dry shade well.
Heuchera - Coral Bells
-Mounded habit with taller bell-shaped flowers.
Available in an amazing array of
colors, leaf sizes & texture. For
continuous color in the shade garden, mix and match your favorites.
Lysimachia Aurea -
Golden Creeping Jenny - This dense mat of gold easily roots and spreads fast. I like to dig up handfuls
from my shade garden & add to my yearly shade container plantings. Color
varies depending on sun exposure. Great planting underneath tall perennials
& shrubs.
Pachysandra -
Foliage stays evergreen. Spreads via underground runners. Does a wonderful job
in inhibiting weed growth. Deer stay away
Tiarella - Foam Flower
- Evergreen to semi-evergreen depending
on where you live. Edge a shaded border or pathway, plant between bulbs. White
flowers in spring on top of colored foliage for 4 seasons of interest. Terrific winter color. You got to try it if you haven't done so
already.
Vinca -Evergreen
groundcover. For 4 seasons of interest try variegated Blue & Gold. Grows
faster in moist soil. Needs about 2
years to establish well - but well worth the wait.
