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Ground covers
Phlox Emerald Blue The Phlox ‘Emerald Blue’, Phlox subulata, is an ideal ground cover with dark blue flowers and a thick mat of semi-evergreen foliage. Blooming from April to May, it has a plant height of 4-6” and a spread of 18-24”. It is a definite addition to any perennial garden. ‘Emerald Blue’ needs to be planted in a full sun area in well-drained soil. Use ‘Emerald Blue’ in rock gardens, as a spread over curbs and short retaining walls, or in difficult edges of dry streambeds.
Bigleaf Periwinkle The Bigleaf Periwinkle, Vinca major, is also known as Greater (rosy) Periwinkle, Big Perwinkle and Large Periwinkle. It has solitary violet flowers at the end of the stem. The flowers are carried in the short, ascending stems. It flowers from April through frost. It thrives in shady and damp areas; it will melt in full sun in the southern portion of its range. Cut it back hard in the spring to rid plants of discolored foliage and to enjoy new growth.
Dwarf Mondo Grass Dwarf Mondo Grass, Ophiopogon japonicus, is an ornamental grass which grows to 4" in height and is closely related to the liriope. It is also known as Dwarf Lilyturf, Mondo Grass Dwarf and Monkey Grass. Tiny, pale lavender flowers on short stalks bloom in summer are often hidden by the leaves. This perennial evergreen grows in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. This plant is widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders and groundcovers. It is intolerant of full sun.
Japanese Spurge The Japanese Spurge plant, Pachysandra terminalis, and also known as Pachysandra, is a shrubby, evergreen ground cover which grows 8-12" high and spreads by rhizomes to form a dense carpet of rich, dark green foliage. Oval leaves (2-4" long) appear primarily in whorls at the stem ends. Tiny white flowers in 1-2" long, terminal (hence the species name) spikes bloom in early spring. It is an excellent selection for shaded areas under shallow-rooted trees. Plant 6 inches apart. This perennial plant needs partial shade to full shade to prosper.
Purple Wintercreeper Euonymus Purple Wintercreeper Euonymus, Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus', also known as Wintercreeper and Wintercreeper Eunonymus, is a dense, woody-stemmed, broadleaf evergreen plant which comes in a variety of forms. Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' (commonly called purple wintercreeper euonymus, is primarily a trailing ground cover form which typically grows to 6-9" tall and spreads indefinitely by rooting stems as a sprawling, tangled, bushy mat. If allowed to climb a wall, tree or other structure, this plant assumes more vine-like characteristics and is more likely to produce flowers, though still sparse and inconspicuous. It is one of the most popular evergreen ground covers available in commerce today. It is also used for container plantings, massing and erosion control.
Virginia Creeper The deciduous leaves that radiate outward from a leaf stem, like spokes on a wheel. Each leaflet is about 3"-7" long and an inch or two wide. Easy to grow, the Virginia Creeper can get out of hand if not managed. Also known as Woodbine, it will send up sprouts and seed itself, and established plantings may smother shrubs and trees. Virginia creeper will thrive in most soils, in sun or partial shade, with or without a structure to climb on.
Chameleon Plant It is an extremely hardy ground cover and easy to grow but can become very invasive. They have a fresh, somewhat citrus-like scent when crushed. Use Houttuynia ‘Chameleons’ as a ground cover, in rock gardens, with water plants or in scented gardens.
Lambs Ears Big Ears The Stachys ‘Big Ears Lamb’s Ear’, Stachys byzantina 'Helen von Stein', is known for its soft, fuzzy, silvery green foliage. With spikes of purplish pink small flowers, it has a wonderful effect on any garden.
Liriope Big Blue The Lirope 'Big Blue' is slow spreading. It is a very versatile ornamental grass that can be used as a groundcover or garden accent or even in a container. Place in location that is well drained.
Liriope Spicata Large, pale lavender flower spikes bloom in late summer, rising above arching, evergreen tufts of grassy foliage. This Lirope has 3/4" wide grass-like dark green leaves, up to 24" long.
Liriope Variegated When plantings space 12-15" apart.
Moneywort Golden The sun will help it maintain its golden color.
Moneywort Goldilocks This Moneywort is versatile, tough, and extra cold-resistant.
Oriental Limelight It has beautifully marked foliage and is a hardy herbaceous plant, though it will stay evergreen in a mild, sheltered spot.
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