Ground Covers

Ground Covers

The Barren Strawberry', also known as Waldsteinia ternata, is a wonderful ground cover that grows in full sun to part shade and prefers normal to sandy soils. It has dark, dense, evergreen, strawberry-like foliage that forms into nice mounds with a height of 4-6". 'Barren Strawberry' bears yellow flowers in spring and then shows warm, yellow colors in Autumn. 'Barren Strawberry' looks great with Veronica 'Royal Candles', Saliva 'Marcus' and grasses.

Beacon Silver Lamium

The Lamium ‘Beacon Silver’, Lamium maculatum, has beautiful oval, gray-green to silvery-white leaves with greenish margins. The short spiked clear, pale pink flowers make it a wonderful ground cover. With a plant height of 6” and a spread of 12-24”, Lamium ‘Beacon Silver’ blooms from May to July. Use Lamium in hanging baskets, in mixed containers, trailing over walls or as an edger, but spread must be controlled. ‘Beacon Silver’ looks great among Hostas, Ferns, Lungworts (Pulmonaria), bulbs and wildflowers.

Big Blue Liriope

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. Place in location that is well drained.

Big Ears Lambs 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. ‘Big Ears Lamb’s Ear’ is a little bit larger than the average Lamb’s Ear, with a plant height of 10” and a spread of 18-24” and blooms in mid-summer. It will add texture and color in rock gardens and looks wonderful with Veronica ‘Goodness Grows’, Tradescantia ‘Concord Grape’ or other purple blooming perennials.

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. The leaves are dark green and bigger than that of vinca minor. It has solitary violet flowers at the end of the stem. This ornamental plant is fast growing. Cut it back hard in the spring to rid plants of discolored foliage and to enjoy new growth.

Buttered Popcorn Ranunculus

The Buttered Popcorn', Ranunculus repens, is a great ground cover that vigorously spreads to 4'. Its broad finley cut leaves are silvery-green with a variegated chartreuse edge. It has delicate yellow flowers in late spring but is mostly grown for its striking foliage color. 'Buttered Popcorn' needs to be planted in a full sun location with well-drained soil.

Candy Stripe Phlox

The Phlox ‘Candy Stripe’, Phlox subulata, is an ideal ground cover with masses of tiny white flowers with a pink mid-stripe and a thick mat of semi-evergreen foliage. Blooming from April to May, it has a plant height of 6” and a spread of 12-18”. It is a definite addition to any perennial garden.‘Candy Stripe’ needs to be planted in a full sun area in well-drained soil. Use ‘Candy Stripe’ in rock gardens, as a spread over curbs and short retaining walls, or in difficult edges of dry streambeds.

Chameleon Plant

The Houttuynia ‘Chameleon Plant’, Houttuynia cordata, is one of the most popular ground covers around. Small white flowers appear from July to August, but sometimes hard to see because of its foliage. 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. Use Houttuynia ‘Chameleons’ as a ground cover, in rock gardens, with water plants or in scented gardens.

Creeping Wirevine

The Creeping Wire vine, Muehlenbeckia, is a vine with strongly rooting and densely intertwining stems. The roughly circular leaves are 1cm across and the white, strongly scented flowers are borne in small clusters, followed by shining black fruits.vine, Muehlenbeckia, is different, odd, down right strange.This New Zealand gem has dark, wiry stems that contort, curl, and bend like nothing you've seen. Small, attractive emerald green leaflets. A choice and very hardy addition to combos.

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.This perennial evergreen grows in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. 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.

Emerald Blue Phlox

The Phlox ‘Emerald Blue’, Phlox subulata, is an ideal ground cover with dark blue flowers and a thick mat of semi-evergreen foliage. Blooming from April to May, it has a plant height of 4-6” and a spread of 18-24”. It is a definite addition to any perennial garden.‘Emerald Blue’ needs to be planted in a full sun area in well-drained soil. Use ‘Emerald Blue’ in rock gardens, as a spread over curbs and short retaining walls, or in difficult edges of dry streambeds.

Golden Anniversary Lamium

The Lamiun, 'Golden Anniversary', Lamium maculatum, is a handsome variety without becoming invasive. The pretty pink flowers are almost eclipsed by the brilliance of the golden variegated foliage. In all but the most severe winters its foliage persists, making it good for winter containers especially hanging baskets, teamed with winter flowering pansies, primroses or polyanthus. Underplant with dwarf bulbs, and chop back whenever stems become invasive.

Golden Moneywort

The Lysimachia ‘Golden Moneywort’, Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea', also known as Creeping Jenny, has dime sized, wonderful evergreen and yellow veined foliage with bright yellow blooms. This easy growing Lysimachia is perfect for brightening any garden. Lysimachia should be planted in full sun, but can tolerate some afternoon shade. ‘Golden Moneywort’ is a great ground cover and looks wonderful planted in perennial gardens or around water gardens.

Goldilocks Moneywort

The Moneywort 'Goldilocks', Lysimachia nummularia, also known as Creeping Jenny, displays trailing discs of greenish gold that turn-bright yellow in sun. An attention-getting groundcover that's also a superb addition to patio pots and hanging baskets.This Moneywort is versatile, tough, and extra cold-resistant. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.

Green Carpet Japanese Spurge

Japanese Spurge 'Green Carpet', Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Carpet', is an old-time ground cover plant that grows to 6-8" high with versatile uses. This evergreen is self-sustaining and always looks well. It is ideal for partly shaded or full shade areas. Once established, a Pachysandra planting will eliminate grass cutting and weeding. It is also very effective as a border plant along paths or driveway edgings. It can be used as a lawn substitute in shaded non-traffic areas. Plant 6 inches apart to obtain quick cover.

Halliana Japanese Honeysuckle

Japanese Honeysuckle 'Halliana', Lonicera japonica 'Halliana', is the most commonly seen Honeysuckle and is also known as Hall's Honeysuckle. It has whitish-yellow flowers with a delightful fragrance. Hall's Honeysuckles are a very fast growing plant to 15 to 30 feet. When used as a ground cover, they are about 2 feet tall. Capable of covering huge amounts of space in a short time, this vine makes a great ground cover on banks and slopes for erosion control. Be aware that it can be quite invasive.

Illmuniation Periwinkle

The Vinca Minor 'Illumination', produces near continuous foliage changes. Spring growth emerges chartreuse then brightens to golden yellow. Each yellow leaf is edged with a grass green margin. Later in the year plants turn to cream on attractive pink stems. Direct sun will prematurely bleach foliage. Blooms in late spring and continues sporadically through the summer Beautiful cascading down slopes, banks, walls and curbs. Pest and disease free. Herbaceous perennial.

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. Pachysandra can be used as a lawn substitute in shaded non-traffic areas and ground cover for shade areas. Plant 6 inches apart. This perennial plant needs partial shade to full shade to prosper.

Liriope

Liriope, Liriope muscari, is also commonly called border grass and is not actually a grass but a member of the lily family, a fact that inspires another of its common names, Lilyturf, Blue Lillyturf and Bigblue Liriope.. The dark green, ribbon-like foliage grows in length from 12 to 18 in and then recurves toward the ground to form rounded clumps. This plant is a true survivor and will grow almost anywhere. This perennial evergreen should be sheared back in the early spring to enjoy a flush of new growth.

Orchid Frost Lamium

The Lamium 'Orchid Frost', Lamium maculatum, has beautiful oval, silvery edges and bluish green foliage. The short spiked clear, pale pink flowers make it a wonderful ground cover. With a plant height of 6" and a spread of 18-24", Lamium 'Orchid Frost' blooms from May to July. Use Lamium in hanging baskets, in mixed containers, trailing over walls or as an edger, but spread must be controlled. 'Orchid Frost' looks great among Hostas, Ferns, Lungworts (Pulmonaria), bulbs and wildflowers.

Oriental Limelight

The 'Oriental Limelight', Artemisia Hybrid, is a tall grower that's great in large containers. The mounding self-branching habit makes 'Oriental Limelight' an ideal companion for many flowering plants. An aggressive grower with variegated lemon yellow and green foliage.It has beautifully marked foliage and is a hardy herbaceous plant, though it will stay evergreen in a mild, sheltered spot.

Periwinkle

The Periwinkle, Vinca minor, is also known as Trailing Myrtle, Dwarf Periwinkle and Creeping Myrtle. This species of Periwinkle is one of the most popular and widely used ground covers. Trailing stems with smooth, evergreen leaves (to 1.5" long) root at the nodes as they go along the ground and quickly spread to form an attractive ground cover. Effective on slopes or banks to stabilize soils and prevent erosion. This evergreen perennial is similar in all ways to Vinca Major except the flower is a little smaller.

Pink Pewter Lamium

The Lamium ‘Pink Pewter’, Lamium maculatum, has a beautiful display of dark green, silvery leaves with white centers. The short spiked salmon pink flowers make it a wonderful ground cover. With a plant height of 6” and a spread of 12-24”, Lamium ‘Pink Pewter’ blooms from May to July. Use Lamium in hanging baskets, in mixed containers, trailing over walls or as an edger, but spread must be controlled. ‘Pink Pewter’ looks great among Hosta’s, Ferns, Lungworts (Pulmonaria), bulbs and wildflowers.

Purple Wintercreeper Euonymus

The Purple Wintercreeper Euonymus, Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus', also known as Wintercreeper and Wintercreeper Eunonymus, is a dense, woody-stemmed, broadleaf evergreen plant which comes in a variety of forms. Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' (commonly called purple wintercreeper euonymus, is primarily a trailing ground cover form which typically grows to 6-9" tall and spreads indefinitely by rooting stems as a sprawling, tangled, bushy mat. It is also used for container plantings, massing and erosion control.

Silver Brocade

The Artemisia ‘Silver Brocade’, Artemisia stelleriana, is a compact, silver-white, wooly perennial with a plant spread of 24-30” and a height of 15”. ‘Silver Brocade’ produces yellow flowers in early summer, (not being showy). ‘Silver Brocade’ likes sandy soil but needs a well-drained area and should be planted in full sun with a small amount of afternoon shade. Try ‘Silver Mound’ with Echinacea ‘Purple Coneflower’ or Rudbeckia ‘Black Eyed Susan’ to add interest in your garden or to accent fresh or dried flower arrangements.

Silver Mound

The Artemisia ‘Silver Mound’, Artemisia schmidtiana, is a wonderful soft, silky, silver-gray accent that is useful in many gardens. ‘Silver Mound’ is a non-spreader and produces small yellow flowers. The foliage has wonderful fragrance. Its excellent foliage goes great in front of borders to set your garden apart from the rest. Try ‘Silver Mound’ with Echinacea ‘Purple Coneflower’ or Rudbeckia ‘Black Eyed Susan’ to add interest in your garden or to accent fresh or dried flower arrangements.

Silveredge Japanese Spurge

The Japanese Spurge 'Silveredge', Pachysandra terminalis 'Silver Edge', has thin silver-white margins, hence the name 'Silveredge.' This plant is a slower growing variegated form of Japanese Spurge which is an old-time ground cover plant with versatile modern day use. Japanese Spurges are evergreen the year round,and are self-sustaining and always looks well. It is also very effective as a border plant along paths or driveway edgings. Plant 6 inches apart. This plant can be used as a lawn subsitute in shaded non-traffic areas.

Spicata Liriope

The Liriope, 'Spicata', also known as Lirope, is an almost indestructible plant for stubborn areas. Liriope gracefully fills those spots where nothing else will grow. Large, pale lavender flower spikes bloom in late summer, rising above arching, evergreen tufts of grassy foliage.This Lirope has 3/4" wide grass-like dark green leaves, up to 24" long. An excellent groundcover and accent grass.

Variegated Liriope

The Liriope 'Variegated', Lirope muscari 'Variegata', also known as Lirope variegated lily-turf, is as it's name implies, a variegated border grass. The grassy foliage is edged with creamy yellow.It has purple-blue blooms, similar to grape hyacinths, that appear on top the tidy 9 to 12" plants in early fall. Excellent for edging and ground covers. When plantings space 12-15" apart.

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 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. 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.

White Nancy Lamium

The Lamium 'White Nancy', Lamium maculatum, has beautiful oval, variegated silvery-white leaves with greenish margins. The short spiked white flowers make it a wonderful ground cover. Plant in a well-drained soil and do not allow it to dry out. Use Lamium in hanging baskets, in mixed containers, trailing over walls or as an edger, but spread must be controlled. 'White Nancy' looks great among Hostas, Ferns, Lungworts (Pulmonaria), bulbs and wildflowers.

Wojos Gem Periwinkle

The Periwinkle 'Wojo's Gem', Vinca Major 'Wojo's Gem', is a new selection of trailing vinca with creamy yellow centers edged and flecked with dark green. It is idstinct from Vinca 'Illumination' with larger leaves is hardy in protected spots in zone 6.Use in as a spreading groundcover to brighten shade gardens. Beautiful cascading down slopes, banks, walls and curbs. Pest and disease free. Herbaceous perennial.

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ACORN HILL

Acorn Hill is the name we’ve given to our home. Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, it is so named for the thousands of acorns produced by the red oaks growing here. We spent years looking for just the right spot. Some of the most important criteria were plenty of room to garden and space for our menagerie of dogs and cats to safely run and play. And we found it here.

We have undertaken several big outdoor projects and have many more planned. I have been taking pictures and making notes, which in essence constitute a journal of these projects. I thought it might be interesting and perhaps helpful to share our progress. So in addition to my Garden Journal where I routinely note what’s happening around the garden, we’ve added Acorn Hill Garden Projects to our site and intend to update it as we complete specific projects. The Acorn Hill Garden Projects detail specific projects from start to finish with notes on what we learned in the process.

When we first came to Acorn Hill, one of the first things I realized was that I had more great ideas than I had time, energy, or money. I had so many things that I hoped to accomplish the first year, but luckily we didn’t get very much done. I say luckily because when starting a garden in a new place it is critical to observe, for at least one full cycle of the seasons, how the seasons change the existing landscape, how the views from your house differ in summer and winter, and how you and your family use your outdoor space. So lesson number one was be patient. Something I’ve been known to have trouble with.

The projects listed below are things we’ve done so far, and things we intend to complete in the near future. As I write the story of each, I’ll include my thoughts on what we’ve done right and what we’ve learned from the things that haven’t gone as planned. I hope you find these stories useful and, if nothing else, amusing. We try to have fun at whatever we do, otherwise, why do it!

So look for these stories coming soon to Acorn Hill Garden Projects:

A year of observation, four seasons at Acorn Hill
A path through the wilderness, making the upper and lower trails
The long and short of it, creating a view from the porch
Keeping the hounds at bay, do-it-yourself garden fencing
High on a hill, creating the hilltop garden

We hope that you've enjoyed our collection of Ground Covers. If you're looking for something other than Ground Covers, we hope that you'll find it here. We also hope that you'll come back often.