Groundcover Guide

Groundcover plants provide an ideal alternative to turf grasses, and will thrive in tricky areas such as on slopes and under trees. Low-growing and spreading, these plants form attractive carpets of flowers and foliage. Though best known for weed and erosion control, Groundcover plants shower gardens with many gifts!

Why We Love Groundcover Plants

• Natural weed suppressers.
• Stabilize soil, reducing runoff and minimizing erosion.
• An attractive, easy care alternative to a traditional lawn.
• Many choices for sun and shade.
• Transform barren areas with extensive range of colors, fragrances, sizes, styles, and textures.
• Low maintenance once established, reducing need for dividing, fertilizing, pruning, and watering.
• Address goals and needs, such as attract pollinators, plants for containers, grow in rocky areas, seaside/salt tolerant, thrive under trees, and provide habitat for wildlife.
• Connect areas, create buffer zones, and provide transitions around the garden and woodland perimeters. 

Growing Tips for Groundcovers

Planting:

• Water the plants well the night before planting. Cut off the plastic wrap (if any) at the top of the pot. All our packaging can be recycled.
• You may find it helpful to set out your plants where you intend to plant them. Then, begin to dig holes (our version of the “measure twice—cut once” school of planting).
• Plant our biodegradable pot and plant together, a little below the soil line. The roots will quickly grow right through the porous pot and into the surrounding soil.
• Spacing varies by variety. Check the plant description.

Light: Choose areas where plants will get the sun or shade required. Needs vary by variety, so check the plant description.

Soil: Plants welcome moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil.

Fertilizer: Add some compost or other organic matter to enrich the soil and increase its ability to retain moisture.

Water: Water deep and infrequently until plants are established. Once settled, some varieties will be drought-tolerant.

Dividing and Pruning: Suggestions for dividing and trimming plants varies by variety. Some groundcover plants will not need either. For varieties that do best when divided periodically, these tips on dividing plants will help. 

Winterizing: Use a thin layer of mulch only in very cold areas for winter protection, and remove the mulch before spring thaw.

A Sampling of Groundcover Plants

Here is a small sampling of our many Groundcover plants, all of which infuse the landscape with radiance. 

Evergreen

Sedum Wildfire adds glowing color to the landscape, with smoking burgundy foliage outlined in pink. A solid mat blankets the garden late summer to early fall,  welcoming butterflies. Sedum Wildfire is not bothered by deer and rabbits.

Phlox Violet Pinwheels appear ready to take flight with vibrant upturned petals. Their acrobatics do include cascading over walls and crawling on slopes and banks. Fragrant purple flowers entice the butterflies when spring is in full swing.  

Light Foot Traffic Tolerant

Veronica Waterperry Blue sparkles in sunny areas, with low-growing lavender blooms. Long-lasting flowers are a delight to pollinators, but not to deer or rabbits. This springtime favorite sports green leaves with tones of burgundy and copper.

Sedum Little Miss Sunshine is a cheery plant, with glossy foliage that cradles bright yellow flowers. Mounds spread to form a compact, floral mat. Perfect for hot, dry summers, especially around rock gardens where soil may be scarce.

For Banks and Slopes

Deutzia Nikko mists the spring air with fragrant white flowers. Small spaces, including containers, are suitable for this charming dwarf shrub. Pollinators will visit the blooms, while deer and rabbits generally pass them by.

Thymus Elfin showcases fragrant, lavender flowers bloom and spread in many light conditions, including full sun, and half sun/half shade. Miniature in size, but grand in beauty, Elfin Thyme dresses the spring landscape in an eye-catching carpet of color. 

For Shade

Heucherella Pink Fizz's bell-shaped flowers bubble up from green foliage filled with decorative purple veins. A cross between Heuchera and Tiarella, this variety brings unique interest to shaded areas. Charming good looks are coupled with hardiness, including tolerance for summer heat and humidity.

Pulmonaria Raspberry Frost's red flowers are held aloft by green foliage lined in white and flecked with silver. This lovely spring groundcover looks stunning in containers and around trees and shrubs. Pollinators are drawn to the blooms, but deer and rabbits are not known to bother this Groundcover plant.

A Grand and Gorgeous Garden

Groundcover plants fill the landscape with unrivaled beauty. Their key strength, keeping the soil protected with a swath of flowers and foliage, is one of many benefits. There is a place in every garden for Groundcover plants. To view all the dazzling choices, visit our Groundcover Plants Page.