Below is a list of plants that we suggest using as “Groundcover”, and what we mean by groundcover are plants that are often used in areas beneath large trees or to cover up large areas of ground that would usually be inhabited by weeds and other undesirable plants!
The first section will be for areas that have access to lots of sun throughout the day, while the second section will be for the plants that prefer shaded sites such as areas covered by large trees etc.
All the plants listed will have links to where they can be found on our website.
Groundcover plants for the sun:
Geranium– a staple in most gardens, it looks best when planted as either a groundcover plant or shown off in hanging baskets as their trailing stems will droop over the sides of the basket. While these plants prefer full sun they can also be incorporated into partially shaded areas as well.
Geraniums are a simple plant to grow as is the case with most plants on this list, once planted just make sure the plant has enough water.
Campanula - As with most plants the Campanula has many different variations that will change the colouring of the flower and shape, but the one thing that will remain constant is that this plant is amazing for groundcover in sunny spots. If you are looking for a mixed border, then this plant mixes well with most other groundcover variants if you are wanting to get a good variety of flowers popping up in your garden
Hebe – coming in a variety of colours the humble Hebe stakes its claim in many borders simply because of the many different varieties that are available depending on the colours that the plant leaves have as well as the many different flower colours that come from the plant. If left alone the plant could reach a height of 120cm so it would be a good idea to keep this trimmed down if you wish to keep it as either a low growing hedge or just as groundcover.
Cotoneaster – Most varieties of Cotoneaster have dark green glossy leaves depending on the variety and can be grown into different shapes, one of the more popular ways to grow this plant is to trim it into a half standard tree and due to the foliage, it will act like a weeping willow tree and droop down creating an extremely interesting plant especially when it is producing berries!
Groundcover plants for shaded areas: Heuchera – One of the most well-known plants for groundcover mostly because it has leaves that can show of the plant in many different colours with different varieties, for example just on our site at the time of writing we have two varieties, one called Lime Marmalade, and another called Georgia Plum, one as you can see below is a bright green colour and the other has beautiful rose-purple coloured leaves!
These plants can come in all sorts of colours from bright reds to green/yellow and all sorts of colours in between so they are one to look for while planning for a shaded garden if you want to add a splash of colour to your border!
Bergenia – Otherwise known as pigsqueak or elephants ear are very nice and leafy plants that are clump forming. Usually with Bergenia’s the flowers stand up looking almost like candles. They are not a fussy plant, growing in most types of soil so long as it has plenty of nutrients and water. Its alternative names are given to it because when the leaves of the plant are rubbed together they squeak and the name elephants ear was given to it due to the size of the leaves. These plants do not grow very tall making them the perfect plant for the front of your border to show off its flowers and cover that section with its large leaves
Vinca – Ideal for groundcover as the Vinca only reaches around a maximum of 10cm in height and spread out from itself covering the ground surrounding it with bright green leaves and many pretty coloured flowers, this can be planted in a mixed border for maximum effect as it will cover the soil if you are going for larger woody stemmed plants that won’t cover the soil enough to supress weeds!
Ivy (Hedera) – Commonly known to be a climbing plant the Ivy also works amazingly well in a mixed border; the plant will soon grow over the ground stopping any weeds from coming up as well as adding a splash of green to your garden! Coming in many different shades and being variegated this plant is sure to be one of the best-looking plants to add into your border!
I hope these suggestions and a little look into each of these plants will prove helpful in your search for the perfect border plant, if you have any questions or would like a suggestion for your area then please do send myself an email and I will be more than happy to help!
Thank you
Zach Henshaw
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