Ground covers
Bigleaf Periwinkle The Bigleaf Periwinkle, Vinca major, is also known as Greater (rosy) Periwinkle, Big Perwinkle and Large Periwinkle. The plant is shrub-like and grows to 12" tall with trailing ascending stems; 1-3 feet long. 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 leaves are shiny, bright-green and broad with a blunt base with hairy margins. It thrives in shady and damp areas; it will melt in full sun in the southern portion of its range. It is usually sold as an annual in zones 3-5 otherwise perennial.
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. It flowers from April through frost. The leaves are shiny, bright-green and broad with a blunt base with hairy margins. It can be used on banks or in other rough locations provided soil is suitable. Cut it back hard in the spring to rid plants of discolored foliage and to enjoy new growth.
Dwarf Mondo Grass Dwarf Mondo Grass, Ophiopogon japonicus, is an ornamental grass which grows to 4" in height and is closely related to the liriope. It is also known as Dwarf Lilyturf, Mondo Grass Dwarf and Monkey Grass. Mondo Grasses are symmetrical with a fine texture and has a dense crown. This plant is widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders and groundcovers. It is intolerant of full sun.
Japanese Spurge The Japanese Spurge plant, Pachysandra terminalis, and also known as Pachysandra, is a shrubby, evergreen ground cover which grows 8-12" high and spreads by rhizomes to form a dense carpet of rich, dark green foliage. Oval leaves (2-4" long) appear primarily in whorls at the stem ends. Flowers are not particularly showy, but on close inspection are quite attractive. It is an excellent selection for shaded areas under shallow-rooted trees. Plant 6 inches apart. This perennial plant needs partial shade to full shade to prosper.
Purple Wintercreeper Euonymus It features lustrous, ovate to elliptic, dark green leaves (1-2" long) which turn dark purple in fall and winter. The flowers are at best sparse, but are usually not present. '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 Each leaflet is about 3"-7" long and an inch or two wide. The leaves turn fiery red in fall and are very showy. Easy to grow, the Virginia Creeper can get out of hand if not managed. 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.
Chameleon Plant Houttuynia requires light shade and needs a consistently moist soil in a well-drained area. Use Houttuynia ‘Chameleons’ as a ground cover, in rock gardens, with water plants or in scented gardens.
Lambs Ears Big Ears The Stachys ‘Big Ears Lamb’s Ear’, Stachys byzantina 'Helen von Stein', is known for its soft, fuzzy, silvery green foliage. With spikes of purplish pink small flowers, it has a wonderful effect on any garden. (Lamb’s Ear is not known for its flowering, but however its foliage.
Liriope Big Blue 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. Place in location that is well drained.
Liriope Spicata The Liriope, 'Spicata', also known as Lirope, is an almost indestructible plant for stubborn areas. An excellent groundcover and accent grass.
Liriope Variegated It has purple-blue blooms, similar to grape hyacinths, that appear on top the tidy 9 to 12" plants in early fall.
Moneywort Golden This easy growing Lysimachia is perfect for brightening any garden.
Moneywort Goldilocks An attention-getting groundcover that's also a superb addition to patio pots and hanging baskets.
Oriental Limelight It has beautifully marked foliage and is a hardy herbaceous plant, though it will stay evergreen in a mild, sheltered spot.
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