Ground covers
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. The individual flowers are tiny and inconspicuous, and arranged in elaborate long-stemmed clusters, with each flower at the tip of its own flower stem. The berries are blue-black, less than a half-inch across and much relished by birds. Also known as Woodbine, it will send up sprouts and seed itself, and established plantings may smother shrubs and trees. Virginia creeper is favored for its brilliant fall foliage and as a manitenance-free ground cover. When allowed to clamber over trees or other tall structures, it develops elongated leafy festoons that are especially showy.
Bigleaf Periwinkle The leaves are dark green and bigger than that of vinca minor. It has solitary violet flowers at the end of the stem. The Greater Periwinkles are an evergreen, creeping plant with long trailing or arching stems. The flowers are carried in the short, ascending stems. It thrives in shady and damp areas; it will melt in full sun in the southern portion of its range. It can be used on banks or in other rough locations provided soil is suitable.
Dwarf Mondo Grass This perennial evergreen grows in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Mondo Grasses are symmetrical with a fine texture and has a dense crown. It spreads by underground stems or tubers. This plant is widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders and groundcovers. It is intolerant of full sun.
Japanese Spurge Tiny white flowers in 1-2" long, terminal (hence the species name) spikes bloom in early spring. Flowers are not particularly showy, but on close inspection are quite attractive. Pachysandra can be used as a lawn substitute in shaded non-traffic areas and ground cover for shade areas. It is an excellent selection for shaded areas under shallow-rooted trees. This perennial plant needs partial shade to full shade to prosper.
Purple Wintercreeper Euonymus It is similar in habit to English ivy, in that it spreads along the ground, rooting as it goes, until it reaches a vertical surface which it then begins to climb. It features lustrous, ovate to elliptic, dark green leaves (1-2" long) which turn dark purple in fall and winter. 'Coloratus' is sometimes sold as Euonymus fortunei var. It is one of the most popular evergreen ground covers available in commerce today. This plant is a good ground cover for slopes.
Virginia Creeper The Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, is a fast-growing, high-climbing vine that attaches itself with tendrils which expand, disk-like, on their tips. The leaves turn fiery red in fall and are very showy. The berries are blue-black, less than a half-inch across and much relished by birds. Also known as Woodbine, it will send up sprouts and seed itself, and established plantings may smother shrubs and trees. When allowed to clamber over trees or other tall structures, it develops elongated leafy festoons that are especially showy. Where there is nothing to climb, it attaches to the ground with adventitious roots, and makes an excellent cover for slopes or other places where grass is not practical or desired.
Chameleon Plant The Houttuynia ‘Chameleon Plant’, Houttuynia cordata, is one of the most popular ground covers around. 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.
Lambs Ears Big Ears (Lamb’s Ear is not known for its flowering, but however its foliage. ‘Big Ears Lamb’s Ear’ needs to be planted in full sun in a well-drained area.
Liriope Big Blue The Liriope 'Big Blue', Lirope muscari 'Big Blue', also known as Lirope,is a grass-like foliage set with tall spikes of lavender-blue, hyacinth-like blooms in late summer. 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.
Liriope Spicata Liriope gracefully fills those spots where nothing else will grow. This Lirope has 3/4" wide grass-like dark green leaves, up to 24" long. An excellent groundcover and accent grass.
Liriope Variegated Excellent for edging and ground covers.
Moneywort Golden This easy growing Lysimachia is perfect for brightening any garden.
Moneywort Goldilocks This Moneywort is versatile, tough, and extra cold-resistant.
