Americans plant more turf grass than any other groundcover; however, grass does not do well everywhere. Other groundcovers can be used for areas where growing grass is not practical. This includes steep slopes, narrow or hard to reach locations, areas around shallow-rooted trees, and very shady spots.

Good site preparation is essential for giving your plants a good start. Work with a small area to start off, and expand it over time. Turn the soil using a tiller or a spade, and amend the soil with ample quantities of organic matter. Most groundcovers are highly adaptable and will grow well in a wide range of pH (see chart below).

Spring is the ideal time to plant, although you can plant in summer provided you supply adequate water. Plant early in the fall, giving the roots time to get established before winter sets in. Choose your plants according to the light and wind exposure. Proper spacing will ensure good coverage and erosion control for steep areas. Watering is essential to get your newly planted area established. Pull weeds as soon as they pop up and before they go to seed. You can fill in with colorful annuals the first year. Once established, the maintenance for groundcovers decreases.

Our groundcover flats are sold in counts of 50 peat pots or 100 bare rooted plants.

Ajuga Bronze

A beautiful low-growing ground cover that forms a dense mat of glossy, mahogany colored foliage that really catches the eye; attractive spikes of bright blue flowers add interest in spring, makes a good filler for moist shady areas of the garden.

Ajuga Burgundy Glow

Burgundy Glow’s attractive small crinkled round leaves emerge dark brown in spring, turning emerald green in color with showy creamy white variegation and tinges of purple the rest of the year. It features subtle spikes of sky blue flowers rising above the foliage from mid to late spring.

English Ivy

The consummate vine, this is an evergreen climber or dense groundcover with beautiful deep green foliage, benefits from some protection from sun and wind in cold winters; very adaptable and vigorous, will cover walls, trees and fences in short order.

Pachysandra

A highly regarded evergreen groundcover, exceptional performance in deep shade, actually dislikes hot sun, one of the few that does well beneath mature shade trees; prefers highly organic, acidic soils, will benefit from snow cover in colder regions.

Periwinkle

One of the finest low-growing groundcovers for tough shade, featuring rich lavender flowers held over lustrous dark green evergreen foliage; does well in sun or deep shade, quickly forms a dense mat, even grows well under mature trees.

Sedum Angelina

Angelina Stonecrop is smothered in stunning yellow star-shaped flowers at the ends of the stems from early to mid summer. Its attractive succulent needle-like leaves remain gold in color throughout the season. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.

Sedum Blue Spruce

Blue Spruce Stonecrop is smothered in stunning gold star-shaped flowers at the ends of the stems from early to mid summer. Its attractive succulent needle-like leaves remain silvery blue in color throughout the season. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.

Sedum Dragon’s Blood

A vigorous perennial groundcover with small succulent foliage which emerges colorful shades of red, eventually fading to dark green; flowers a sea of deep cherry red in summer, spreads rapidly to form a dense low mat; needs a dry and sunny location.