Groundcover

One of the easiest solutions to problem areas of landscapes - steep slopes, deep shade, and wet soils - is groundcovers. There are an abundant selection of groundcovers that once established can bring the most barren landscape to life with lush foliage, interesting textures and eye-catching blossoms. More and more gardeners are turning to groundcovers because they spread quickly to cover large areas, need little if any maintenance once established and are easy on the pocketbook.

There are a wide variety of groundcovers including perennial plants, shrubs, evergreen trees, ornamental grasses, ferns and herbs. Many groundcovers are drought tolerant and thrive in exposed, dry locations while others tolerate wet soils and deep shade. For locations where little else will grow or access is difficult, plant one or more groundcovers and the area will be transformed in very little time.

Another grass alternative to consider is clover. It is an economical alternative that can eliminate the need to mow and it stays green and beautiful blending in with landscapes in your community. Plus, clover attracts beneficial insects that will prey on pesky garden bugs. Clover's popularity is on the rise, and as such it is readily available at stores in seed form.

 As with all plants, amending the condition of the soil, removing any weeds beforehand and selecting the right groundcover for the location to be planted will help ensure success.

Groundcovers for a dry, shady location

Groundcovers for a hot, sunny location

Groundcovers for a moist, shady location

Legend: A - Aggressive | G - Grass | N - Native plant | S - Tolerates heavy shade | Sb - Shrub | spp. - species

Detailed Groundcovers Factsheet (PDF)

One of the easiest solutions to problem areas of landscapes steep slopes, deep shade, and wet soils - is groundcover.

There is an abundant selection of groundcovers that once established can bring the most barren landscape to life with lush foliage, interesting textures and eye-catching blossoms. More and more gardeners are turning to groundcovers because they spread quickly to cover large areas, need little if any maintenance once established and are easy on the pocketbook.

There are a wide variety of groundcovers including perennial plants, shrubs, evergreen trees, ornamental grasses, ferns and herbs. Many groundcovers are drought tolerant and thrive in exposed, dry locations while others tolerate wet soils and deep shade. For locations where little else will grow or access is difficult, plant one or more groundcovers and the area will be transformed in very little time.

As with all plants, amending the condition of the soil, removing any weeds beforehand and selecting the right groundcover for the location to be planted will help ensure success.

Amending Soil

If the soil is sandy or has high clay content, you will need to amend the soil by adding organic matter. By deeply mixing in compost prior to planting the groundcover you'll be providing the plants with the nutrients they'll need to thrive while improving the soils ability to hold moisture.

Selecting the Right Groundcover

Selecting the right groundcover is about matching the needs of the plant to the site and soil conditions of the location to be planted. Some groundcovers are drought tolerant and thrive in full sun and dry soil. Other groundcovers need loamy soil, in a naturally moist and shady location. Use the groundcovers listed below to guide your plant selection. Remember, selecting a groundcover suitable to the site conditions means no irrigation is required. Let Mother Nature do the watering.

Note: On the downloadable fact sheet is a list of groundcovers for hot, sunny locations, groundcover for dry, shady location and groundcovers for a moist, shady location as listed above.