Groundcovers: A Versatile Alternative

Technically a groundcover is anything that covers the ground and can include mulch, flowers, or even fifteen foot ornamental trees planted on four foot centers. All of these work as groundcovers to retain soil and provide an attractive alternate to the sight of exposed soil. However, there are definitely some more traditional and practical choices when it comes to choosing a groundcover.

Groundcovers, as normally defined, are a group of plants that range from about two to eighteen inches high and spread quickly enough to provide solid covering for bare spots. Lawns are the most widely used groundcover, but there are at least forty more plants that will do the job as well. All are perennials, some with permanent and woody tops and others that simply go dormant (dying to the ground) during the winter rather than dying completely. Only the permanent topped types should be used when retaining soil is one of the tasks they are asked to perform.

As with any other planting, it is important to consider the site conditions before choosing a specific plant. Groundcovers designed for shade will bake and may die in the full sun just as those genetically predisposed for a sunny spot will falter in a shady spot. So, look for a groundcover that suits your site; there are plenty of both types to choose from.

In my opinion, one of the most versatile groundcovers is ivy which will thrive in sunny spots while also handling a significant amount of shade. It grows to about 8 to 12 inches tall and spreads quickly. Euonymus is another popular group of plants that flourish in the sun, but can also tolerate shade. Both of these come in a variety of sizes and are evergreen with trailing and climbing abilities. For a groundcover with a great winter appearance and suited to the sun, try purple winter creeper euonymus. This plant is green during the summer and changes to a deep wine color after the first freeze. It’s tough as nails and grows to about 12 to 20 inches tall and spreads quickly. For more awkward spots, try Plumbago which grows in light shade through full sun and yields an attractive blue flower in the early fall. However, it does lose its leaves in the winter. Plumbago is particularly convenient for use around tree roots when the branches are fairly high and allow a good bit of sun to shine through.

Myrtle is a popular choice for shadier sites. While it provides a pretty blue flower in the spring myrtle’s biggest asset is its glossy green leaves. In the right conditions, this plant will thrive and is even slightly invasive. Pachsydranda is another commonly used groundcover. Its leaves are a glowing light green and its blooms are a delicate creamy white. Be aware that one variety of pachysandra dies down in the winter and should not be used if soil retainment is required. Another groundcover which dies down in the winter and is suited to light sun or shade is Ajuga. It comes in at least three leaf colors including green, burgundy or a mixture and has a very pretty flower spike in the spring. This is a great plant if you need a fairly short height; it only grows to about four inches tall.

When planting groundcovers, check with the experts to see how close together they should be placed. It is possible to strike a balance between quick coverage and economy, but be sure you plant enough to do the job. It goes without saying that proper soil preparation is crucial for a healthy start. It is usually best to prepare the soil and add 2 inches of mulch. Then plant the ground covers down through the mulch and into the prepared soil. Follow up by thorough watering which will also settle the mulch.

After your groundcovers have taken hold, they are fairly low maintenance. You’ll need to cut them back if they grow beyond their boundaries, and it’s necessary to remove excess tree leaves in the fall. It’s okay to leave some, but make sure that the plants won’t be suffocated. Then, just let them do the job. After all, that’s what groundcovers do best.