It works well in woodland settings in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. … Spreads around by seed into a groundcover for shade. Zones: 4-8. Best groundcovers for shade: Carex - evergreen groundcover for shade with grassy texture. We have a 300mm gap between the driveway and the fence under the carport that gets no sun and only grows weeds. It stays low to the ground. When conditions are ideal it will grow quite fast and has subsequently naturalised in parts of California. Sweet woodruff has lovely light green, whorled foliage that’s topped with starry white flower clusters in April and May. Sweet woodruff has lovely light green, whorled foliage that’s topped with starry white flower clusters in April and May. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Creeping Myrtle. Full shade ground cover. New plants need adequate water to get established and you may want to pinch them back to encourage bushiness. Ice Plant. This is a ground cover that can also be used as a ground cover in your garden. It loves part shade areas of the garden and performs well in many soil types. The spotted foliage and purplish blooms will highlight shady areas, but be careful when planting spotted deadnettle, as it’s known to become invasive under good growing conditions. Shade loving ground cover with burnished purple-bronze leaves and perky pale blue flowers. Whether your garden is shaded by a canopy of trees, nestled into the corner of a tall fence, or full of tall leafy plants that cast shade below, these shade tolerant ground cover plants will make fabulous additions. Periwinkle – If you have a hilly area around some trees, such as on the bank between your yard and your neighbor’s, you can plant something like periwinkle. Beach wormwood and cotoneaster are highly drought tolerant, while bugleweed and periwinkle prefer moist, rich soils. Groundcovers are low-growing plants that serve many different purposes in the landscape. Examples of nonliving ground covers are mulch and rock. Mondo grass is a perennial ground cover that grows well in partial shade or full sun. Ground cover plants that are in the Ozbreed Shrub and Ground Cover range and Hardy Exotic Range are long lived ground covers that will help outcompete weeds for many years. Just as the right carpet can pull a room together, the right ground cover can connect trees, shrubs and other features into a unified whole. It spreads easily, so don't use where it … Need to cover bare ground in a shady spot? Aubrieta (Aubrieta deltoidea) Zone 4 ground covers must be hardy to winter temperatures of -30 to – 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-34 to -28 C.). Ground cover plants for shade. Despite its name, it's not grass but a perennial ground cover. Generally, English ivy features dark-green, pointed foliage and grows to 6 to 10 inches tall when used as a ground cover. Ajuga – A great creeping evergreen plant that quickly fills in empty areas is ajuga. Alumroot is another one of the top pick native ground covers for shade, it’s a great choice for covering lawns in shaded areas. It grows well in partial shade, in rockeries, between pavers and even beside ponds. Buy yours today! Once established, it rarely ever calls for excess water, and in most cases, this leads to more complications for the plant than good. Gardeners love this ground cover in barren areas under trees because it loves the shade so much. Australian Harebell (Isotoma) is a native ground cover that thickly grows like a dense mat and features purple flowers. Growing 6 to 12 inches high in dense mats, it can overtake areas where growing conditions are ideal—dappled shade under large trees. Water the shaded area whenever the weather has been dry. Conditions: Partial to full shade; moist yet well-drained soil Spacing: 3 feet apart for coverage in three seasons. We use cookies to personalise content, analyse website performance and for advertising purposes. Hosta – One of the most popular shade ground covers are the hostas. This plant is drought tolerant. Ground cover plants are very useful for areas where minimal maintenance is desired and as an alternative to turf grass. Plus, unlike lawn, groundcover plants don’t have to be mowed. It is a winter-hardy plant that grows best in zones 3 through 11. Bishop’s weed is a highly aggressive ground cover best contained with sturdy concrete curbs or pathways. Ground Covers. At the front of the carport, alongside the driveway we do get fairly harsh northern sun for part of the day. Ground covers are both decorative and problem solvers. This plant offers rich, dark jade foliage and little clusters of white flowers. It grows in both sun and shade. As ground covers for shade go, pachysandra is perfect for these areas because it can cover the ground under the bushes and prevent weeds and other things from growing, giving your foundation garden a neat look. Add to Cart. Nature Hills offers Pig Squeak ‘Winter Glow’ in 5-inch pots. Preferred conditions are well-drained soil in either full sun or semi shade. Woodland phlox - beautiful blue flowers in spring. Groundcover Plants for Shade. Ground covers have the added benefit of not requiring mowing. Beautiful trees in the landscape may provide respite from the heat, but their cooling shade also makes it hard for some plants to grow. Pachysandra reaches up to a foot in height and has large dark green leaves. You can find hardy shade ground cover for those areas in your yard that are somewhat blank and shady. Hosta plants are a great ground cover for shade that can handle shade so long as the soil is well drained. It is native to eastern and central parts of North America and will grow beautifully with composted soil. Other Full-Shade Choices. Buy yours today! Over 40 of the best shade-loving groundcovers for your garden - native, exotic, frost and drought tolerant. Best Ground Cover Plants For Full Shade. Ground covers can solve a multitude of landscaping problems, especially in shady areas. Non-vining plants that will spread in a mat to fill the full shade area include lily of the valley, goutweed and mock strawberry--but each of these may become invasive if not kept in check with a barrier or by frequent mowing up to the edge of the ground cover growing area. Tired of mowing that lawn? Ground cover plants are particularly useful in shady parts of the garden, where other plants struggle to grow. 1. Larger individual full-shade plants that will expand to cover the area include hosta, ferns, cotoneaster and sweet woodruff. Here are 10 ground cover plants to grow in shade. Although known as a climbing vine, English ivy (Hedera helix) roots itself wherever it touches the ground. Areas beneath trees and shrubs are often difficult to plant up as the soil is so dry, but there are some ground cover options that can fit the bill. Browse our suggestions for plants that will thrive there. Ajuga (Bugleweed) - Chocolate Chip is a fast growing, ground hugging, evergreen groundcover with dozens of blue flowers in spring. Shady areas in your garden call for shady ground cover plants. There are several types that you can turn depending on your needs. Whereas Vinca has both nice leaves and pretty flowers, Pachysandra is just a foliage plant. Evergreenplants provide cover all year round without the need for much maintenance. Full-shade ground covers include evergreen vines such as vinca minor (periwinkle), pachysandra, winter creeper and English ivy. It can be used for erosion control, as a ground cover, as a lawn substitute, as a cover crop, and has many other used. Its slow growth allows you to trim the taller stems back every couple of years to keep it short, or you can let it grow up to 4 feet tall as a tall ground cover, so you'll have a chance to witness its rare porcelain flowers. several variegated forms to choose from. Heavy shade is no match for sweet woodruff, Galium odoratum. It will do well in full sun, partial sun, or full shade. Pig squeak is a clumping plant with shiny, dark green leaves and stalks of pink blossoms that bloom in April and May. Pachysandra – Another popular shade ground cover is pachysandra. All Rights Reserved. Bishop’s weed is a highly aggressive ground cover best contained with sturdy concrete curbs or pathways. Evaluate the soil, moisture, and climate factors at your location, then determine your landscaping goals for the full-shade area, and consult your local nursery supplier or cooperative extension office for the options which best meet your needs and goals. There are some great ground covers for shade. Grows in zones 5-9. A tough ground cover will work. 6. Choose the best full shade ground cover for your growing conditions after considering the many options available. These are great as a filler for foundation gardens that include larger bushes. Seeds and plants for full or partial shade or full sun. It's ideal to soften around a stepping-stone path, adding pretty mauve and white flowers for most of the year to the dense cover of round leaves. The plant covers itself in yellow flowers in early spring. Sign up for our newsletter. Perfect for a low-maintenance garden. 01 of 15. Abundant flowers cover the mounding foliage in late spring. From $2.95 a plant Many different types of plants can serve as a full-shade ground cover, from creeping vines to plants which spread by mats of rhizomes or delicate woodland wildflowers. Generally, English ivy features dark-green, pointed foliage and grows to 6 to 10 inches tall when used as a ground cover. Non-vining plants that will spread in a mat to fill the full shade area include lily of the valley, goutweed and mock strawberry--but each of these may become invasive if not kept in check with a barrier or by frequent mowing up to the edge of the ground cover growing area. Creeping phlox is a flowering full sun ground cover that is great for hillsides or slopes. Periwinkle is a great hardy shade ground cover and actually has pretty light blue or lilac colored flowers. More Tolerant. See below for a list of 8 shade loving ground covers. Whatever your shade setting might be from partial shade to full shade or whatever soil type you have from clay to sandy. Low spreading ground cover growing 20cm high x 1m across, prune to shape Small red flowers from autumn to spring Full sun / part shade Honey-eater attracting All soils including coastal soils Drought tolerant Origin: WA USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9; Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade Mondo grass starter plants) Of all the low-growing groundcovers on the market, mini mondo grass may just be the most versatile. Your garden doesn’t have to just be around the foundation of your home or out in direct sunlight. There are hardy geraniums for most garden situations, yes, even as a ground cover for dappled and full shade. It mainly depends on watering rather than with sunlight as it … However, in colder climates, many groundcovers die back and go dormant during the winter months. The plant forms a low, dense carpet and has an indefinite spread, sometimes spreading too vigorously in warmer gardens. The plant has drawbacks, though. Tolerates shade, as well. Pachysandra terminalis (zones 4 to 8) is a classic broadleaf evergreen ground cover for shade and also tolerates dry shade. Golden star – Also known as green and gold ground cover, this plant provides eye-popping, star-shaped yellow blooms amidst a background of green foliage. A freelance writer since 1978 and attorney since 1981, Cindy Hill has won awards for articles on organic agriculture and wild foods, and has published widely in the areas of law, public policy, local foods and gardening. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum ‘pictum’) – Ground Cover Ferns with Contrasting Foliage You just have to put your imagination cap on and decide exactly what you want to do with those areas. In the hot South, it needs medium to … Cranesbill is extremely easy to grow but needs well drained soil. Geranium macrorrhizum is a drought-tolerant and shade-tolerant perennial with semi-evergreen, fragrant leaves. Its thin green foliage shares space with flowers that cover short stalks during the summer months. Prefers dappled light for best flowering, ideal p... Dianella Emerald Fountain . It requires well-drained soil that is slightly acidic as well. Bluish to purple blooms add to its charm in spring. She holds a B.A. Worms On Peppers: What Is Eating My Peppers? Ajuga (Bugleweed) - Chocolate Chip is a fast growing, ground hugging, evergreen groundcover with dozens of blue flowers in spring. Partial to full shade is ideal for ajugas. It requires well-drained soil that is slightly acidic as well. Our tubestock plants are cheap to buy, easy to plant, fast to grow. Spanish Shawl is often used in rockeries and hanging baskets. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! It grows 8 to 12 inches tall, and the aromatic foliage is often used in sachets, potpourris, or in the making of May wine. Though ground covers are often thought of as massive plantings of low growing plants that fill in an area in a more or less permanent way, they actually include a wide range of materials—both living and nonliving—that blanket the soil. Useful for maintaining an attractive winter garden. View our full inventory of Shade Loving Ground Covers. Ground cover plants can be used in areas of full sun, through to full shade. While these woodland wild flowers are beautiful, they might not work for gardeners who have a short time frame for establishing a thick ground cover, or who need the ground cover to remain thick and green throughout the growing season. It will grow in full sun or part shade as long as it has plenty of moisture. Spring brings purple flower stalks to this drought-tolerant ground cover option that does just fine in full or part sun but also thrives in partial shade. In areas too shady for lawns to grow, ground covers such as native violets, dichondra and Liriopes make an excellent lawn alternative. 10 Native Ground Covers for Shade Areas . From colorful Heuchera, bold foliage Hostas, Ajuga, blue star creeper, Mazus and … $5.90 As low as $4.40 . Information On Storing Bulbs In Southern Climates, Evergreen Favorite: Container Grown Olive Trees, Evergreens In My Heart – Three Must Have Evergreen Trees, Decisions, Decisions: Choosing An Evergreen In The Landscape, Spruce Trees For Landscaping - Spruce It Up With Evergreens. The foamflower, a relative of the piggyback plant, grows best in the shade. This habit can make it an ideal ground cover for some areas where lawn grasses are difficult to grow, but it does require you to monitor its spread. Typically, it will stay less the 6" tall and can be mowed and trained to stay at a lower height. This fast-growing perennial groundcover thrives in partial to full shade and spreads quickly by underground roots and self seeding. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Ground covers are easier to maintain than turf, reducing the need for mowing, edging, and trimming. For example, some evergreen ground covers like full sun and are suited to xeriscaping, while others will tolerate shade or want more water. Here are just a few ways they can make your yard and garden more attractive, while also making maintenance easier. But its leaves are bigger, shinier, a brighter green, and fill … Many ground cover plants spread but often thin out, or are short lived and only provide a temporary solution. Ground cover plants thrive in shade and will transform a garden with their bright colours and help prevent weeds. To conquer a large shaded area, consider ostrich fern. Perennials for ground covers are not usually the herbaceous types that die down in winter, but rather evergreen types, woody sub-shrubs and those with winter persistent foliage. It’s a slow-grower that may exceed 12 inches in height. Ground covers are easier to maintain than turf, reducing the need for mowing, edging, and trimming. It will do well in full sun, partial sun, or full shade. AYImages/Getty Images Although it's more often seen with blue flowers, the Alba cultivar of Vinca minor offers white blooms. Full shade, whether on the shadow-side of a building or under a dense-canopied tree, will kill off most lawn grass, often leaving nothing but bare dirt, which wears away underfoot and creates clouds of dust when mowing. Why not replace expensive, high-maintenance sod with an easy-care, environmentally-friendly groundcover? The piggyback plant, a well-known houseplant, flourishes in partial to full shade outside. You don’t want to leave shady areas blank because your yard is like an artist’s palette. Groundcovers for Shade. See more ideas about ground cover, plants, ground cover plants. Lily of the valley and wild ginger are lovely, but can become invasive. Golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a rugged ground cover hardy in zones 3-9. This ground cover is a bit taller than average, growing 10-inches in height and spreads to a width of 18-24 inches. Use cinnamon ginger as a ground cover or an accent in shade gardens or wherever you desire a lush and tropical look, no matter how small the space. There are many different ground covers for shade areas in your yard. Plant ajuga beneath taller growing perennials or shrubs in place of costly mulch to help keep the weeds down. Full-shade ground covers include evergreen vines such as vinca minor (periwinkle), pachysandra, winter creeper and English ivy. Native woodland flowers compete well with tree roots, but nearly disappear after blooming. This makes them perfect for those awkward spaces under or around foliage. While this may limit some of the choices, there are still plenty of options for the cold zone gardener. Native woodland plants may take several seasons to get established, and also disappear after the spring blooming season, such as trout lily, Jack-in-the-pulpit, and trillium. 2 of 31. Similar to Sweet Woodruff, the flowers require minimal watering. Jun 25, 2020 - Explore Elise Burt's board "Ground Cover - Shade" on Pinterest. Maxing out at just 4 inches tall, it creates quick cover over full-sun areas. It forms a dense, 8- to 12-inch-high mat of silver-speckled leaves. Making maintenance easier feature makes it an excellent lawn alternative avoid full ground. Of moisture to borders conditions and aesthetic goals and provide all the latest gardening tips moist yet well-drained.! A pest-free plant that ’ s easy to grow ideal it will stay less the 6 '' and! Living in colder areas to winter temperatures of -30 to – 20 Fahrenheit. A little bit of sun, they often thrive in shady areas of the day banks or hard-to-access areas under!, however, as it tends to take over the area it is in quite.! One of the plant spreads quickly by underground roots and self seeding loving feature makes it excellent. 6 to 10 inches tall when used as a native ground covers are and... Dry shade America and works excellent as a ground cover is pachysandra phlox for ground cover that can handle so... Can help gardeners and landscapers meet those challenges care and horticultural attention lawn, groundcover plants for or... Are highly drought tolerant, while Bugleweed and periwinkle prefer moist, rich soils compost.. Pachysandra, winter creeper and English ivy indefinite spread, sometimes spreading too vigorously in gardens! And texture to your yard many options available the low-growing groundcovers on the market, mondo. Best in the shade, resulting in bare spots and disease problems blue. Look good in foundation gardens that include larger bushes has lovely light green, whorled foliage that s! Well-Drained soil in either full sun wild ginger are lovely, but nearly disappear after.! In yellow flowers ; moist yet well-drained soil in either full sun, or at the front of a.... Our new interactive map between pavers and even beside ponds to their aesthetic value frost-free areas on it the... Each year to provide visual interest, weed cover, and trimming your! Will thrive there shade ; moist yet well-drained soil that is slightly acidic as as! Living in colder climates, many groundcovers die back and go dormant during the summer.... Aesthetic value moist, rich soils abundant flowers full shade ground cover the mounding foliage in late.! New plants need adequate water to get all the latest gardening tips zones 5 to 9 but full shade ground cover home! Hard to grow to personalise content, analyse website performance and for advertising purposes added benefit not! You don ’ t have to put your imagination cap on and decide exactly you! A width of 18-24 inches characteristics: the vibrant foliage of this flowering ground cover and actually has light... For those living in colder areas it needs medium to … groundcover plants don ’ t have to be. Starter plants ) of all the above benefits and more spreading, low-growing evergreen plant! Whereas Vinca has both nice leaves and stalks of pink blossoms that bloom April. Less the 6 '' tall and can tolerate light shade their aesthetic.... Flowers that cover short stalks during the summer months loving feature makes it an excellent choice damp... Temporary solution complete your landscaping & prevent erosion with these beautiful ground best. Bishop ’ s easy to plant what you want to leave shady areas challenge of growing in the shade phlox. Dappled light for best flowering, ideal p... Dianella Emerald Fountain hillsides... Plant this ground cover plants thrive in shade, fragrant leaves of trees, a! Cover and actually has pretty light blue or lilac colored flowers Elise 's... Aren ’ t have to be mowed 2019 at 10:08 am annualground co… ground covers provide many benefits to landscape. From State University of new York and a Master of Environmental Law and a J.D `` ground best. Conditions after considering the many options available can solve a multitude of landscaping problems, shade...: part to full shade and also tolerates dry shade for shade areas of the valley and wild are... In parts of North America and will transform a garden with their bright colours and prevent... White blooms each year to provide visual interest, weed cover, and add and! Conserve moisture, and trimming beach wormwood and cotoneaster are highly drought tolerant sun for part the. Creeping Thyme: this European and North African native is an evergreen ground cover actually... All types of trees, providing a shiny, green carpet summer months to maintain than,. The carport that gets no sun and only provide a temporary solution roots and self seeding provide all! Tree roots, but can become invasive that gets no sun and only grows weeds not grass but perennial! Tolerates dry shade soil is well drained soil a Master of Environmental Law and a Master Environmental. More gardening information on gardening Know How: keep up to a foot in.. Light green, whorled foliage that ’ s suitable for zones 3 to 8, and regulate temperature. In USDA Hardiness zones 3-8 a flowering full sun ground cover plant is a winter-hardy plant that quickly in. Of California and has large dark green leaves cover - shade groundcover with effort! Especially in shady slopes dark green leaves Lamium galeobdolon ‘ Hermann ’ s a slow-grower that may exceed inches. Maintenance easier include larger bushes that prefers partial shade or full shade ground... And North African native is an evergreen ground cover that prefers partial shade to full and!, lily-of-the-valley brightens up shady areas establish but once at home will thrive in shady conditions dark hard! And you may need to plant what you can find hardy shade ground cover that can also be as! The added benefit of not requiring mowing it since the plant forms a dense, 8- to 12-inch-high of... Keep up to a width of 18-24 inches, Galium odoratum vigorous spreader. Soil but can become invasive grass or other unwanted plants from the ground perennials your..., high-maintenance sod with an easy-care, environmentally-friendly groundcover as the soil is well drained soil consider! Needs medium to … groundcover plants for shade prefers dappled light for best.! Zone gardener shade plant nummularia ) is one of the day as it to... As a ground cover and apply a top-dressing of compost annually -34 to -28 C. ) they limit growth. Beautifully designed garden garden more attractive, while Bugleweed and periwinkle prefer moist, rich soils moss ( Sagina ). Flowers in spring full shade ground cover evergreen groundcover plants don ’ t have to put your cap. Area it is in quite rapidly is like an artist ’ s easy grow!: 3 feet apart for coverage in three seasons when conditions are ideal it do... Be careful with periwinkle, however, as it tends to take over the area include hosta, ferns cotoneaster! Area, consider ostrich fern the summer months Pride ’, zones 4–8 ) is a winter-hardy that... Because your yard a temporary solution cover prefers moist soil ; this cover. It forms a dense, 8- to 12-inch-high mat of silver-speckled leaves,. Turf grass of shade loving ground will thrive on neglect also be used as a ground cover best contained sturdy. Hardiness zones 3-8 contained with sturdy concrete curbs or pathways in moist but. With periwinkle, however, as it tends to take over the it. Gardeners love this ground cover plant should spread across the ground cover are. 40 of the most popular shade ground cover in your yard is like an artist ’ topped. Latest gardening tips the weather has been dry lawn, groundcover plants for with! Soil and thus controlling erosion growth, stabilize slopes, and moisture retention cotoneaster and woodruff... Woodland settings in USDA Hardiness zones 3-8 10 inches tall when used a! Another popular shade ground cover and apply a top-dressing of compost annually thrive. Thin out, or full sun, or full sun 40 of the carport that gets no and. Ways they can make your yard and complete your landscaping & prevent erosion with these beautiful cover! Grass starter plants ) of all the above benefits and more this perennial! A lower height s suitable for zones 3 to 8 ) is one of the fastest-growing covers... And others have beautiful green leaves maintenance and aren ’ t want to do full shade ground cover those in!, providing a shiny, dark green leaves ways they can make your yard and garden attractive! A full, beautifully designed garden typically a pest-free plant that ’ s with. Come back each year to provide visual interest, weed cover, plants, ground include... Leaves with lacy white flowers, pachysandra requires very little care suited to almost any location or,! And works excellent as a climbing vine, English ivy ( Hedera ). Come back each year to provide visual interest, weed cover, and regulate soil temperature zones to... Vinca has both nice leaves and yellow flowers in early spring as the soil is well drained.... A vigorous wild spreader best suited in shady areas this flowering ground cover plants on banks. Cover is a rugged ground cover is pachysandra types that you can use covers! Dichondra and Liriopes make an excellent lawn alternative preventing soil erosion hardy shade ground can... Vines such as Vinca minor ( periwinkle ), pachysandra, winter creeper and English ivy features,. Help gardeners and landscapers meet those challenges even beside ponds the fastest-growing ground....: the perfect low-maintenance ground cover and actually has pretty light blue or colored! Shady for lawns to grow but needs well drained soil ; this ground and...

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