Ground Covers 101

Frequently unnoticed and rarely the charismatic site of landscape, ground covers do provide a scenic background of consistent surface that can allow the background surface, exotic plants and trees to look great. The most common ground cover is grass and it definitely has a place in gardening and landscaping.

However, there is a limitation how much grass one can grow. Either the area is too large or the soil is not suitable. Sometimes homeowners live in areas where sunshine is limited and growing grass in these areas is difficult. While grass does grow in shady areas, the growth is never dense. For this reason, groundcovers are ideal since they do thrive even in shady areas.

There are many types of ground covers for shady areas. Some of the more common ground coverings plants used in North America include the following Periwinkle (Vinca major or minor) has leaves that are of two different sizes. Both these periwinkle species cover ample ground and bloom pretty purple or white flowers. Experts recommend that vinca minor is a better ground cover as it is more durable and it roots the length of the stem where it touches the soil.

Ajuga (bugleweed) is a low growing ground covering plants and only reaches 3-9 cm in height. It also produces a variety of flowers depending on the species. One can select the type of Ajuga depending on what type of flower you prefer in your yard.

Helleborus (Lenten Rose) is one of the taller grounds covering plant, growing to a height of 20-30 cm. It has palm shed leaves that are soft to touch. Helleborus blooms in late winter when most other plants are resting.
For most gardeners, ivy is the preferred ground covering plant. Even though it grows well in shady areas, it in fact should not be the first choice. Ivy generally tends to grow slowly and takes a long time to establish it’s self. Further Ivy also is quite prone to various diseases, which causes areas of the ground to thin and die out. When ivy dies, patches start to develop in the landscape.

For those gardeners who have little time to look after the landscape, liriope (monkey grass) is perhaps the ground covering plant of choice. It is an easy plant to look after, requires low maintenance, and can thrive in almost any type of soil. Thee are several varieties of liriope, most of which grow to about 4-6 cm. Some liriope species do tend to proliferate very fast and can become difficult to control. Experts recommend that Liriope Spicata should be avoided, whereas liriope muscari is ideal.

In years past, moss was seen to be a nuisance. However, now it is appreciated that moss makes a very appealing ground cover. Moss brings out a beautiful velvety bright green color that can make any landscape look elegant. Moss is best suited for shady areas, especially around tree bases. Moss does not grow well in sunny areas and tends to stimulate weed growth.

There are many more choices for ground covers. One does not need to select ground covers that are shallow or those that grow in the shade only. All landscapes look nice with ground covers. The important thing is to pick a ground cover that will make your landscape look nicer looking all year around.