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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. This ornamental plant is fast growing. The leaves are shiny, bright-green and broad with a blunt base with hairy margins. It is usually sold as an annual in zones 3-5 otherwise perennial. It can be used on banks or in other rough locations provided soil is suitable.
Bigleaf 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. The Greater Periwinkles are an evergreen, creeping plant with long trailing or arching stems. It flowers from April through frost. The leaves are shiny, bright-green and broad with a blunt base with hairy margins. 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. Tiny, pale lavender flowers on short stalks bloom in summer are often hidden by the leaves. 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. This plant is widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders and groundcovers.
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. 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. This perennial plant needs partial shade to full shade to prosper.
Purple Wintercreeper Euonymus 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 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. If allowed to climb a wall, tree or other structure, this plant assumes more vine-like characteristics and is more likely to produce flowers, though still sparse and inconspicuous. 'Coloratus' is sometimes sold as Euonymus fortunei var. It is also used for container plantings, massing and erosion control.
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. The leaves turn fiery red in fall and are very showy. Also known as Woodbine, it will send up sprouts and seed itself, and established plantings may smother shrubs and trees. Virginia creeper will thrive in most soils, in sun or partial shade, with or without a structure to climb on.
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. They have a fresh, somewhat citrus-like scent when crushed.
Lambs Ears Big Ears ) It may not look extremely good in the summer time, but will recover in the fall. It will add texture and color in rock gardens and looks wonderful with Veronica ‘Goodness Grows’, Tradescantia ‘Concord Grape’ or other purple blooming perennials.
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. It is a very versatile ornamental grass that can be used as a groundcover or garden accent or even in a container.
Liriope Spicata 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.
Liriope Variegated When plantings space 12-15" apart.
Moneywort Golden It does need moist soil in a well-drained area, not allowing it to dry out between waterings.
Moneywort Goldilocks An attention-getting groundcover that's also a superb addition to patio pots and hanging baskets.
Oriental Limelight An aggressive grower with variegated lemon yellow and green foliage.
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