Ground cover plants are low-growing species that spread horizontally to create a dense, living layer over bare soil. They serve an important ecological function, particularly where turfgrass struggles to thrive. By quickly covering the earth, these plants help prevent soil erosion, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature and moisture. This dense foliage provides a uniform aesthetic, transforming challenging, shaded areas into lush, low-maintenance parts of the garden.
Assessing Your Site’s Shade Environment
Successful ground cover selection begins with accurately diagnosing the light conditions of your planting site. Shade is not a single condition but a spectrum, and plants are adapted to specific light levels. Understanding the difference between shade types is the most important factor in plant survival.
Deep Shade describes an area that receives less than two hours of direct sunlight per day, often occurring under dense tree canopies or near tall, north-facing structures. Plant choices are significantly limited in this environment because of the minimal light available for photosynthesis.
Partial Shade generally refers to areas receiving between two and four hours of direct sun daily, while Dappled Shade is characterized by light filtered through an open tree canopy throughout the day. Dappled shade, common under deciduous trees, provides an ever-moving pattern of sun and shadow, which is ideal for a wider range of shade-loving species.
A secondary factor is the soil’s moisture level, especially beneath mature trees. Tree roots are highly competitive, often absorbing available water, resulting in a condition known as Dry Shade. The combination of deep shade and dry soil presents the most difficult environment for plant establishment, requiring resilient ground covers.
Resilient Ground Covers for Deep and Dry Shade
The most challenging garden conditions, such as deep shade coupled with dry soil, require tough plants capable of persisting despite root competition and limited light. These species often spread aggressively to compensate for the poor growing environment, forming a dense, uniform mat.
Pachysandra terminalis, or Japanese Spurge, is an evergreen option widely used for its ability to thrive in dry shade, particularly beneath mature trees. Spreading via underground stems called rhizomes, it forms a dense carpet that effectively chokes out weeds. This plant is valued for its low-maintenance nature, often tolerating poor soil once established.
Liriope, commonly known as Lily Turf, is another highly adaptable, grass-like evergreen perennial. The species Liriope spicata spreads rapidly for filling large areas, while Liriope muscari forms more contained clumps suitable for borders. Liriope is drought-tolerant and maintains its structure in full to deep shade, though growth may slow with minimal light exposure.
Hedera helix, or English Ivy, is a resilient ground cover capable of enduring almost any shade condition. Its aggressive spreading and dense evergreen foliage make it highly effective for covering large, difficult areas quickly. However, its tendency to climb and potential to become invasive require careful monitoring and control.
Aesthetic Options for Partial and Dappled Shade
Areas with partial or dappled shade, which receive more filtered light and often retain more moisture, allow for ground covers with greater aesthetic appeal, including flowering and variegated varieties. These conditions support plants that are visually interesting but less aggressive than those needed for deep, dry shade.
Hardy Geraniums, or Cranesbills (Geranium species), are excellent choices for their lobed, attractive foliage and long flowering period, producing blooms in shades of pink, purple, or white. Varieties like Geranium maculatum thrive in part shade and offer a delicate, naturalized appearance with the added benefit of being deer and rabbit resistant.
Hosta varieties, often used as specimen plants, function as effective ground cover when small, spreading cultivars are planted en masse. Green and blue-leaved varieties are best suited for deeper shade, while variegated or gold-toned cultivars require the brighter conditions of dappled light to maintain their coloration.
Brunnera macrophylla, known as Siberian Bugloss, is another appealing option for dappled shade, particularly in moist soil. This plant is prized for its large, heart-shaped leaves, which often feature stunning silver or variegated patterns, and its sprays of tiny, forget-me-not blue flowers in the spring.
Successful Planting and Ongoing Care
Proper installation and initial care ensure that ground covers establish quickly, especially when planted under mature trees. Before planting, the soil should be amended with organic material to improve drainage and moisture retention, particularly in dry shade areas. Ground covers are typically planted from small containers or bare-root divisions.
To achieve a dense carpet effect rapidly, plants must be spaced much closer than typical perennials, usually between six and twelve inches apart, depending on the species’ mature spread. This close spacing allows the plants to quickly grow together, forming a continuous cover that suppresses weed germination.
Consistent watering is necessary during the first year to help the root systems establish, even for drought-tolerant species. After establishment, maintenance is minimal, but aggressive varieties like English Ivy or certain Liriope species may require annual pruning to prevent spreading beyond their intended boundaries. Ground covers rarely require significant fertilization, as they are adapted to nutrient-poor woodland conditions.