Ground Cover
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Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum' An attractive groundcover for the shade, 'Variegatum' is a light green and white variegated version of Bishop's Weed. Though it produces 14 inch tall umbels of tiny, creamy-white flowers in early summer, it is usually grown for its pretty foliage. If you are looking to rapidly fill in a space beneath a tree, on a slope, or any place that nothing else will grow, this is the perfect plant for you. It can be invasive, but if it's planted in the right spot, it is beautiful. Try growing it near a shady path in a large tub where its growth can be contained. Height: 6-10 Inches
Spread: 18-24 Inches
Foliage Color: Variegated Sun or Shade?: Full sun to full shade
*Photo and info courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc. #1 $4.99 |
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Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow' Bugleweed Fantastic tricolored foliage in shades of creamy-white, rose-burgundy, and dark green make this ajuga different than all the others. In the fall, the mature leaves turn a deep bronze while the newer growth takes on a rose tone.
From mid to late spring, short spikes of blue flowers stand upright above the low, spreading foliage. The effect is stunning when planted en masse. 'Burgundy Glow' tends to spread more slowly than many other varieties in this species, making it suitable for use as an edging. It also fits nicely into rock gardens and mixed container plantings. A. reptans is an evergreen groundcover that can grow in the shade of large trees where grass is hard to establish. Unlike many perennials that are grown only for their flowers, ajuga is prized for its attractive, colorful foliage that looks nice all year. Height: 6 Inches
Spread: 8-10 Inches
Flower Color: Blue Shades
Foliage Color: Multi shades Sun or Shade?: Full sun to Full shade
Need critter resistant plants?: Deer resistant
*Photo and info courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
#1-$4.99 |
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Convallaria majalis 'Bordeaux' Lily of the Valley An improved version of an old-fashioned favorite. 'Bordeaux' produces pure white, larger bell-shaped flowers on stems that are held above the foliage as opposed to between the leaves. Each stem bears an average of 8-12 bells compared to 6-8 bells on C. majalis. The tulip-like foliage is also reported to be darker green and more rounded. The flowers of 'Bordeaux' appear in spring and last for several weeks. These blossoms are very fragrant; they are even used in making perfume! Tiny orange berries follow the flowers. Despite the dainty appearance of the blossoms, Convallaria is actually a tough, vigorous groundcover. Use it to cover slopes and riverbanks or in shady woodland sites, even under trees. Height: 6-8 Inches
Spread: 8-15 Inches
Flower Color: White Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades Sun or Shade?: Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun) to Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Need critter resistant plants?: Deer resistant
*Photo and info courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
#1 $4.99 |
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Euonymous coloratus Wintercreeper Sun to shade. Hardy groundcover with dense spreading habits. The green foliage turns purplish in the late fall.
3" Pot-$1.99 #1-$4.99 |
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Hedera helix English Ivy Partial shade to shade
3" Pot-$1.99 #1-$4.99 |
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Liriope spicata Lily Turf
A grass-like plant that blooms! Lirope is a unique evergreen groundcover with dark green, quarter inch wide, upright foliage. Delightful, pale lavender flowers resembling grape hyacinths peak above the foliage in midsummer. This selection spreads by underground stolons, quickly forming a thick carpet which is useful for erosion control and as a groundcover. It is also an active competitor against tree roots in the shade, making it a good choice for shady borders. Height: 12 Inches
Spread: 24 Inches
Flower Color: Purple Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades Sun or Shade?: Full sun to Full shade
Need critter resistant plants?: Deer and Rabbit resistant
*Photo and info courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
#1-$4.99 |
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Pachysandra Terminalis Japanese Spurge Pachysandra has long been a favorite groundcover for the shade. It is prized for its clean, evergreen foliage and speed of colonization once established. Pachysandra can be grown on slopes or level ground, which makes it an ideal candidate for shady river banks or under trees. In early to mid spring, bottle brush-like, white flowers are produced above the new growth. 3" Pot-$1.99 #1-$4.99 |
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Tricuspidata robusta Boston Ivy Best for clinging to walls turns red in fall.
$4.99 |
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Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Stonecrop One of the most popular perennials on the market today. This hardy, upright selection sports light green leaves and deep rose flowers which age to a beautiful bronze. Tall, upright sedums form substantial clumps of foliage which can be substituted for shrubs in the landscape. Their stout, sturdy stems support the massive flower heads which develop in summer and burst into bloom in fall. If left standing, they provide winter interest and food for birds. Height: 24 Inches
Spread: 18-24 Inches
Flower Color: Pink Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades Sun or Shade?: Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Need critter resistant plants?: Rabbit resistant
*Photo and info courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
#1 $4.99 |
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Sedum sieboldii Stonecrop Often described as having the most beautiful foliage and form of all sedums, this adorable little plant looks great all summer long and then really comes into its own in fall. Sedum sieboldii is a low, spreading species that forms a rounded mound, sending out horizontal branches from the central crown. The 3/4 inch round, blue-green leaves are borne in 3s around the stems and each leaf is narrowly outlined in deep pink. During the hot summer months, this pink edge intensifies. In early fall, bright pink, star-shaped flowers are borne in small clusters at the ends of the stems. One of the most beautiful features of this perennial is its fall color. When sited properly, the foliage turns beautiful shades of pink, red, yellow, and orange. Often, the plant is still flowering when its fall coloring begins to appear. This plant has a wide variety of uses in the home landscape. It can be used as a small-scale groundcover, as an edging, in rock gardens, or tucked into cracks in a rock wall. It also pairs well with other fall flowering perennials in containers. This plant is hardy in most parts of the US, from zones 3-9, so there truly is a place for it in everyone's garden Height: 6-10 Inches
Spread: 12-18 Inches
Flower Color: Pink Shades
Foliage Color: Variegated Sun or Shade?: Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Need critter resistant plants?: Rabbit resistant
*Photo and info courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
#1 $4.99 |
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Sedum cauticola Stonecrop An attractive, very low-growing groundcover with rounded, blue-grey leaves. In late summer, pink flowers are produced which age to carmine-red. This is the perfect sedum to tuck into a rockery or other small spaces in the garden.
Low, spreading sedums form a solid mat of foliage which is excellent for covering slopes or can be planted as a groundcover in sunny, dry areas. They are extremely drought tolerant and many are evergreen. These are terrific low-maintenance plants that always look their best. Height: 2 Inches
Spread: 12 Inches
Flower Color: Pink Shades
Foliage Color: Blue shades Sun or Shade?: Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Need critter resistant plants?: Rabbit resistant
*Photo and info courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
$4.99 |
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Assorted Rosettes Hen and Chicks Easy to grow. Spreads easily, but slowly.
4" pot-$1.99 #1-$4.99 |
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Vinca minor Myrtle/Perwinkle Loves shade. Waxy green leaves and purple flowers.
3" Pot-$1.99 #1-$4.99 |
