The problem with grass is that there are always some parts of the garden where it won’t grow well. That is why ground covers are a perfect choice as far as the ground under trees and bushes is concerned. They include climbers, perennials and shrublets, all spreading evenly, very quickly and pretty resistant to damage.
#1 The Japanese pachysandra
The plant forms impressive Green carpets,. In May it blooms with small white flowers. It is quite demanding in terms of cultivation. It needs moist and humus soil. It is very sensitive to overdrying.
#2 The lamb’s-ear
The plant comes with grey and silver leaves, covered with trichomes. Thanks to them the plant is less sensitive to overdrying and can store water. The lamb’s-ear spreads all over intensively and prefers sunny spots.
There are well over 300 varieties belonging to this family. The plant spreads very quickly and forms impressive carpets. It likes sunny spots and is also resistant to droughts. The varieties recommended for gardens include the sand, common, lemon and white moss thymus
Stonecrop is the king of rock gardens. There are about 500 varieties of this plant, known for its juicy leaves, storing the plant’s supply of water. Thanks to this resources the plant can easily survive even pretty long periods of drought. The best ground cover stonecrops include goldmoss stonecrop, Russian stonecrop or reflexed stonecrop.
#5 Lesser periwinkle
It grows up to 8 inches tall and looks great beneath shrubs. It can grow in the shade (it won’t bloom there though). Interestingly, it does not need to be watered and it is evergreen. In the spring you can enjoy its blue flowers.
#6 Spotted dead-nettle
You will find it on meadows, in bushes and ditches by the road. It’s got violet and pink flowers. Its leaves, depending on the variety, can have white, yellow or silverfish pattern. It blooms from May till the fall. It prefers partial shade or sunny spots.
In moderate climate the plant can be found on lowlands and in lower parts of mountainous areas. It forms long shoots decorated with yellow flowers (from June to August). It loves clayish and moist soil, preferably in partial shade.
#8 Lily of the valley
This fragrant plant looks great under trees. It is hardly ever attacked by pests and its rhizomes spread quickly, unharmed by frost. Its tiny bell-like flowers are just marvelous. The plant is very easy to cultivate – it feels best underneath big plants.
#9 Mock strawberry
This perennial looks just like wild strawberry. Its fruit is neither edible nor toxic. It loves the sun and its wonderful, yet tasteless, fruit is pointed upwards.
#10 The common ivy
This climber can crawl on the ground just as well. Its dark green leaves completely cover the space under trees and shrubs. Ivy loves shade and partial shade. However, you need to remember that it will climb anything it comes across.
#11 Barren strawberry
The leaves of the plant are evergreen. It blooms in April and May – its flowers are bright yellow. The plant is frost-resistant and it prefers moist soil.
This decorative plant blooms with a myriad of tiny blue and violet flowers. It spreads very fast and the shade of its leaves can be green or maroon.
#13 European wild ginger
The leaves of European wild ginger look a bit like horse hooves.
The plant forms carpets that are green even in the winter. It grows well in shade and prefers moist soil.
This plant can grow up to 8 inches. In the spring it will blossom white all over. It tolerates burning sun, overdrying and successfully grows among rocks, stones and in wall cracks. Its long shoots will mask anything you want to hide.
#15 Yellow archangel
The plant looks a bit like nettle. Its green and white leaves together with fragrant yellow flowers look gorgeous. It can grow up to 25 inches and when the bloom is over it forms thick cover. It grows well even in shade.
Have you got any ground covering plants in your garden?