A ground cover plant is any low-growing plant used to cover an area of soil, creating a continuous layer of vegetation. These plants are chosen for their ability to spread horizontally and form a dense mat of foliage, serving multiple practical purposes in landscaping. They are often used to create a living carpet that unifies different garden spaces, moving beyond the conventional lawn. This article explains the defining characteristics of ground covers and their specific uses in yard management.
Defining Ground Cover Plants
Ground covers are characterized by a structure engineered for lateral expansion rather than vertical height. They typically remain below one foot, though some varieties can reach up to four feet while maintaining a spreading habit that blankets the soil surface. This spreading is achieved through specialized growth mechanisms, such as stolons (above-ground runners) or rhizomes (underground stems), which allow the plant to colonize an area efficiently.
The dense foliage mat is coupled with an equally dense, fibrous root system beneath the surface. This extensive network anchors the plant mass and holds soil particles together. Many ground covers are perennial, meaning they live for more than two years, which ensures long-term coverage and stability once established.
Ground covers are generally classified as either herbaceous or woody, based on stem composition. Herbaceous ground covers, like creeping thyme or hostas, possess soft, flexible stems that often die back in colder seasons. Woody ground covers, such as juniper or vinca minor, develop hard, permanent stems that persist above ground year-round, offering evergreen coverage. The specific growth habit determines the texture, density, and year-round appearance of the final coverage.
Specific Functional Uses in Yard Management
One practical application of dense ground cover is effective weed suppression. Once the plants form a thick canopy, their foliage limits the amount of sunlight that reaches the soil surface. This lack of light prevents the germination and growth of weed seeds, acting as a natural barrier that significantly reduces the need for manual weeding.
Ground covers are widely used for erosion control and slope stabilization, particularly in areas with steep grades or banks prone to water runoff. The fibrous root systems create a strong, stabilizing net that binds the soil, preventing it from being washed away during heavy rainfall. Species with aggressive rooting characteristics, like creeping phlox, are often selected for their ability to keep the soil steady.
Ground covers serve as an effective replacement for traditional turfgrass in challenging areas where lawns struggle to thrive. Deeply shaded spots beneath mature trees or dry, difficult-to-mow slopes are ideal locations. Ground covers provide a sustainable, low-maintenance alternative, reducing the need for frequent watering, mowing, and fertilizing required by a traditional lawn.
Beyond large-scale coverage, ground covers function as aesthetic filler in structured landscapes. Low-growing, hardy varieties like creeping thyme or sedum are suitable for planting between stepping stones, pavers, or flagstones in a patio or walkway. When walked upon, some varieties release a pleasant fragrance, adding a sensory element while softening the appearance of hard materials.
Choosing and Matching Plants to Site Conditions
Successful ground cover selection depends on matching the plant’s needs to the specific environmental conditions of the site. Light requirements are a major factor, dividing plants into categories for full sun, partial shade, and deep shade. For example, plants like Sedum or Hens and Chicks thrive in bright, direct sunlight, while Pachysandra and Hostas are shade-tolerant, making them suitable for planting under dense tree canopies.
Soil and moisture needs must also be considered to ensure plant health and establishment. Most ground covers prefer well-drained soil. However, some varieties are adapted to handle poor or dry conditions, such as the drought-tolerant juniper. Conversely, certain sedges and Yellow Creeping Jenny can tolerate consistently moist or wet soil, making them appropriate for rain gardens or areas with poor drainage.
The plant’s ability to survive the local climate is determined by its USDA hardiness zone rating. Selecting a species that is cold-hardy for the region ensures the ground cover will persist over winter and return reliably each spring. This prevents the need for annual replanting and maintains continuous soil coverage.
Finally, the intended use of the area dictates the required foot traffic tolerance of the plant. Varieties with high resilience, such as woolly thyme or mondo grass, can withstand light to moderate walking, making them excellent choices for pathways or between pavers. Other delicate species are better suited for areas where they will not be disturbed, such as under shrubs or on steep, inaccessible slopes.