Groundcovers Plants: A Guide to Planting and Care

Groundcovers are a great way to add some greenery to your outdoor space without breaking the bank. They're also relatively low-maintenance, which is perfect for busy gardeners.

Most groundcovers can thrive in partial shade to full sun, but some varieties, like creeping thyme and vinca minor, prefer well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.

Groundcovers can be a great alternative to traditional lawns, as they require less water and mowing. In fact, some groundcovers, like sedum, can even tolerate drought and require no mowing at all.

To plant groundcovers, start by preparing the soil with a mix of compost and fertilizer. Then, simply dig a shallow trench and plant the groundcover, spacing the plants about 6-12 inches apart.

Groundcovers are a great way to add interest to your landscape. They come in a variety of textures and colors, making them a great addition to any outdoor space.

They can also help reduce soil erosion, which is especially important for areas with steep slopes. These areas can be impractical for lawns or even a mowing hazard.

Groundcovers can spread on their own, making them a low-maintenance option. They can produce rhizomes, stolons, or offsets, and some even tip layering.

Some groundcovers grow so fast they can become invasive, so be sure to choose a species that's suitable for your area.

They can also enhance the beauty of shrub borders and break up the monotony of mulched areas. This is especially true for areas with hot, dry conditions or deep shade.

Here are some examples of challenging landscape areas where groundcovers can thrive:

Choosing the right groundcover for your space can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. A good groundcover should be low-growing and spreading, making it perfect for under trees, large areas where lawn grass is not wanted, or on banks.

Consider the level of shade your area receives, as some groundcovers thrive in full shade while others prefer partial shade. For example, Northern Maidenhair Fern and Sensitive Fern are both excellent options for shady areas, with slow rhizome spread and low deer browse risk.

When evaluating soil conditions, look for groundcovers that are tolerant of wet soil, such as Jewelweed and Lizard's Tail. These plants can thrive in areas with poor drainage and will help prevent erosion.

Here are some groundcovers to consider based on their deer browse risk:

Remember to also consider factors like soil drainage and moisture, as well as browsing risk from deer or rabbits. By taking these factors into account, you can choose a groundcover that will thrive in your space and provide the benefits you're looking for.

Good soil preparation is key to successful ground cover establishment. Incorporate 3 to 5 cubic yards of compost or other organic soil amendment into 1000 square feet of area to improve soil aeration and drainage.

Pay attention to exposure, as it greatly affects the performance of ground covers. Tables 1 and 2 indicate ground cover plants for sun or shade, bloom characteristics, and useful comments.

Some ground covers spread by offshoots or runners and are more apt to fill in quickly in areas with good aeration and drainage. This is especially true for plants like Wild Strawberry, which has runners and may go summer-dormant during high heat.

A soil test provides the best guidance for fertilizer usage. In the absence of a soil test, incorporate a complete fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.

The depth of soil preparation is also important, as it allows plants to establish good root systems. Work the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches to ensure proper growth.

Here are some key considerations for soil preparation:

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a thriving ground cover garden.

To get the area filled in, use a plant spacing that will have it covered by the end of the first year. This means correctly sited and cared for plants will thrive.

A general guide is to divide the desired square footage by 2.5 to get a plant count based on 18" spacing.

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Planting groundcovers is a relatively straightforward process, but timing is everything. Most groundcovers can be planted at any time of the year, but fall planting is ideal due to lower temperatures and natural rainfall, which reduces watering needs and helps plants establish a stronger root system before summer.

To ensure proper spacing, plant individual plants according to their size, the desired effect, and their rate of growth and habit. A staggered row-planting pattern usually results in the quickest cover of the planting bed, and it's best to space plants so that the groundcover area will be completely covered by the end of the third growing season.

Weed control is crucial until the groundcover is fully established, so apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to help suppress weeds. On slopes, coarse netting can also be used to hold the slope until the groundcover is established, which may take up to two years. During this period, fertilizing and watering will likely be necessary, with the first fertilizer application 4 to 6 weeks after planting.

Planting is a crucial step in establishing a healthy and thriving groundcover. Most groundcovers can be planted at any time of the year, but fall planting takes advantage of lower temperatures and natural rainfall, allowing plants to establish a stronger root system before summer.

Watering is reduced during fall planting, which can be a big advantage. However, summer planting requires adequate and frequent watering for survival and establishment.

Space the plants according to their size, the immediate effect desired, and their rate of growth and habit. If the individual plants are spaced too far apart, weeding can be a problem and the time required for complete coverage can be quite long.

A good rule of thumb is to space the plants so the groundcover areas will, for the most part, be completely covered by the end of the third growing season. A staggered row-planting pattern usually results in the quickest cover of the planting bed.

Here are some general guidelines for spacing groundcovers:

When choosing a groundcover, consider the size of the plants you'll be purchasing. Opt for young sizes of groundcover plants where possible, especially if you're planting beneath established trees or shrubs.

Plugs are a great option for smaller planting holes. They're older than seedlings but younger than most nursery-sized potted plants, and they're relatively inexpensive per plant in bulk.

You can also sow seed into containers to give the seedlings a head start. This makes it easier to spot weeds and avoid confusing them with your seedlings.

Some species might not be readily available as seed, so be sure to check availability before making a purchase.

Here are some options to consider for starting your groundcover plants:

Establishing a groundcover area can take up to two years, so be patient and prepared to fertilize and water regularly. Fertilizing will probably be required during this period, and it's essential to apply fertilizer based on how fast you want full coverage to occur.

Start fertilizing 4 to 6 weeks after planting, then make one application in the spring, another during summer, and a third in September. If rapid coverage is desired, make a fourth application during the summer months. A complete fertilizer such as 12-4-8 or 16-4-8 is adequate.

To determine how much fertilizer to apply, measure the area of the bed in square feet (length x width), then use the equation: Area of bed divided by 1,000 square feet, divided by the percent of nitrogen in the bag. For example, if the bed measures 200 square feet, you can determine that 200/1,000 divided by 12 % (or .12) = 1.6 pounds of 12-4-8 will need to be applied.

Adequate and timely watering is also crucial. Water requirements vary with different plants, so make sure to check the soil moisture regularly. Groundcover plants should not be allowed to wilt.

Some groundcovers benefit from occasional shearing. Wintercreeper can be clipped at a 4- to 6-inch height, while others like dwarf mondograss can be clipped with hedge shears or mown when they appear shabby.

Avoid severe pruning in late summer or fall, as it can force tender growth that won't have time to harden off properly before winter.

Groundcovers are low-growing plants that spread out to form a dense mat of foliage. They're perfect for filling in gaps between pavers or stones.

Some groundcovers are evergreen, keeping their leaves year-round, while others are deciduous, losing their leaves in the fall.

Creeping thyme is a low-maintenance option that can handle foot traffic and requires minimal watering. It's also a great choice for areas with poor soil.

Creeping juniper is a fast-growing groundcover that can tolerate drought and extreme temperatures. It's a good option for areas with full sun.

Creeping phlox is a fragrant groundcover that attracts pollinators and can thrive in shady conditions. It's a good choice for areas with poor soil.

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Low-growing, spreading plants are perfect for areas where lawn grass is not wanted, or on banks. They can be used as a 'blanket of green' under trees.

Many perennials can be planted in large numbers to mimic a groundcover. This makes them a great option for filling in large areas.

Some plants are naturally more suitable for groundcover than others, and can be used to create a lush, green space with minimal maintenance.

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Planting multiple species of groundcover is a great way to avoid drifts of one plant type that are more susceptible to problems.

Using a species mix can support more wildlife and add seasonal aesthetic interest to your garden.

A mixed planting can also support the resiliency of the planting as a whole, since different species have different vulnerabilities and tolerances.

This means that if a pest or disease outbreak occurs, not every species in the planting will be equally affected.

In fact, using a species mix can help prevent the spread of disease and pests, making your garden a healthier and more sustainable space.

Groundcovers can spread naturally or with a gardener's intervention through stolons, rhizomes, or seeds. Stolons, also called runners, grow on top of the soil surface and can root at the nodes, allowing you to cut and move pieces to fill in gaps.

To limit the spread of aggressive groundcovers, you can dig or divide the plants to move clumps into other areas. Using garden edging to line a planting bed adjacent to lawn can also help keep rhizomatous groundcovers from invading the turf.

Plant spacing is crucial when choosing groundcovers. Fast-growing specimens need more space to accommodate their mature size, and aggressive spread can be kept in balance by mixing them with another vigorous spreader.

If you plant groundcovers too close together, you risk poor air circulation and increased risk of plant diseases. However, close spacing can also lead to faster coverage of open ground, reducing the opportunity for erosion or weed colonization.

Self-seeding is a natural process where pollinated flowers produce seeds that are carried away by weather or wildlife to areas of open soil, where they can germinate and mature, helping a groundcover fill in. This can be a great way to propagate certain groundcovers.

Removing spent flowers will suppress self-seeding, so if you want to encourage this process, be sure to leave the flowers on the plant.

Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is a great example of a groundcover that self-seeds. Some other groundcovers that self-seed include Marsh Blue Violet and Marsh Marigold.

Self-seeding can be a bit unpredictable, but it's a great way to get a head start on filling in gaps in your groundcover. Just be sure to check the specific needs of the plant you're using.

Related reading: Plant Flowers

Bulblets are a fascinating way for some plants to spread and propagate. They're essentially small bulbs that form along stems or next to the original bulb, which eventually separate to grow into independent plants.

Hardy begonia (Begonia grandis) is a great example of this process. This plant produces small bulbs that can grow into new plants.

Bulblets often form in areas where the plant is under stress, such as from disease or pests. This can actually be beneficial for the plant, as it allows it to spread and establish new colonies.

In the case of hardy begonia, the small bulbs can be harvested and used to propagate new plants. This is a great way to share plants with friends or to establish new gardens.

If you're looking for groundcovers that can thrive in sunny to shaded conditions, you've got a few great options.

Canada Anemone is a great choice for partly-shaded to shady areas with well-drained soil. It's also drought-tolerant and has a low deer browse risk.

Astilbe is another option that can handle a range of light conditions, from sunny to shaded. There are several species and hybrids to choose from.

If you're looking for something with a bit more drama, consider Fairy Bells. They can thrive in partly-shaded to shaded areas, but be aware that they may have a potentially aggressive rhizome spread.

Here are some other options to consider:

These are just a few examples of the many groundcovers that can thrive in sunny to shaded conditions. Be sure to choose one that fits your specific needs and climate.

To select a groundcover that will thrive, consider the existing site conditions, rather than trying to change them to suit a particular plant.

Most groundcovers are chosen for their sprawling, spreading, or creeping growth habit and relatively short mature height.

Choosing plants that fit the current site conditions increases the likelihood of success.

An area that tends to stay damp can be planted with species tolerant of wet soils, rather than trying to improve drainage.

Groundcover plantings are a low-maintenance option, even compared to lawn upkeep once established.

They tend to be easy to care for because they're well-suited to the site conditions.

Existing weeds are best removed manually to avoid harming the desirable plants.

Mulch can help suppress weeds in new plantings, but it's best to avoid using it once groundcovers establish so they can spread and out-compete weeds on their own.

Weed management is a crucial aspect of maintaining groundcover plantings. Eliminate weeds before planting to give your groundcovers a head start.

Removing weeds after groundcover installation can be challenging, and weed competition can hamper their establishment. If you're planting groundcovers to replace areas of lawn, it's simplest to remove the sod before planting, rather than adding plants to existing lawn.

To remove existing weeds, it's best to do it manually, as herbicides can be tricky to use without affecting the desirable plants. Mulch can help suppress and prevent weeds, but avoid using it once groundcovers establish, as it can prevent them from spreading and out-competing weeds.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when removing weeds:

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to maintaining a weed-free groundcover planting that thrives for years to come.

Exposed soil is vulnerable to water or wind erosion, especially on a slope, until groundcovers establish and mature.

Temporary mulch or biodegradable soil covering can be used to discourage significant erosion between plants. This can be made from paper-based weed barrier material or untreated burlap.

Mulch-free gaps can be left around new plants so they have good air circulation, allowing them to establish and grow properly.

Fallen leaves or wood chip, bark, or pine needle mulch can be used if the site is fairly level, providing a natural and effective erosion barrier.

If you have a groundcover that's spreading aggressively, you can dig or divide the plants to move clumps into other areas. This will help control their spread and prevent them from taking over other parts of your garden.

To keep rhizomatous groundcovers from invading your lawn, use garden edging to line a planting bed adjacent to the turf. This will create a physical barrier that will help keep the groundcovers in check.

Some groundcovers, like fast-growing specimens, will need more space to accommodate their mature size. If you have a mix of vigorous spreaders, you can balance their aggressive growth by planting them together.

If you're trying to prevent weeds from growing, mulch can be a good option. However, once your groundcovers establish, it's best to avoid using mulch so they can spread and out-compete weeds on their own.

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