He gardens in Atlanta. It was a small way to say thank you for the efforts…. Are any of these particularly suited to areas with lots of deer activity? Dwarf Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum humile, Zones 5–8) creates a plush cover wonderful for prominent shady spots. Need help front yard hardscape & landscape for North facing yard CA. It is not hard to pull. Farther north, it can take increasing sunlight. I have some day lillies along one fence, but otherwise, I've had no luck getting anything to grow. Lilyturf is barely hardy in Zone 6a. It blooms with violet flowers and hugs the ground. A moist, slightly acidic to neutral soil is best. Initially, it can be a slow grower, but an application of slow-release fertilizers will provide a faster start. In the South, it endures long, hot summers and is a wonderful pass-along plant. You can also amend clay soil with other finished off materials such as rotted manure, but sand and compost are most effective. that is excellent at breeding waves of weeds. There are some great ground covers for shade. Learn how to easily and cheaply make a boxwood tree. The result is a tight, ground-level cover that brightens the shade with 2-foot-high plumes of small, white flowers in late spring. There, it is not as exuberant as in its western habitat, but it is a tough plant that keeps coming back. Any help is appreciated! Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis, Zones 2–7), a low-growing member of the dogwood family, makes an outstanding emerald ground cover. I have one of those and unfortunately it sounds an awful like what you describe. These conditions can also occur near watery areas or if the soil is largely clay. Improving Clay Soil Beforehand Amend clay soil with coarse builder’s sand while working in large amounts of well-finished compost. In the hot South, it needs medium to full shade and tends to become leggy if it gets too dry. I'm looking for a fast spreading perenial ground cover for an area that is mostly shade, dry, poor clay/rocky soil, under a large tree and deck. Hello from Sioux City, Iowa! Large problem areas … Although it can be expensive, it is generally maintenance-free and is easily propagated by division. And since bunchberry enjoys friable, acidic woodland soil, it will not grow in clay soils or in soils that are even slightly alkaline. Get our latest tips, how-to articles, and instructional videos sent to your inbox. LOL! George Schmid is the author of An Encyclopedia of Shade Perennials. I finally just mulched it You can set some pots with flowers out there. I need to put 'em down once and for all with some tenacious ground cover. What can we say about 2020 that hasn’t already been said? While it may look delicate, sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum, USDA Hardiness Zones 5–8) is actually a vigorous spreader. Ground Farther north, it tolerates considerable sun and grows much stronger. Mar 19, 2013 - Meadows covered in native grasses interspersed with wildflowers are possible in heavy clay and full sun. We'll help you find the best hardy shade ground cover perennials for your zone. Large, white flowers (actually bracts) appear in early summer, followed by clusters of bright red berries. The masses of pale green leaflets make an elegant cover, up to 16 inches high. But keep an eye on it: With plenty of moisture and fertile, acidic soil, it can run rampant in cultivated beds. In acidic soil of good tilth, bunchberry becomes a magnificent, vigorously spreading, 6- to 8-inch-high ground cover of striking whorled leaves. This West Coast native is becoming a popular evergreen ground cover in the East. Mar 20, 2018 - Meadows covered in native grasses interspersed with wildflowers are possible in heavy clay and full sun. Tiny, white flowers top the foliage in early summer. Japanese Pachysandra is a shade loving ground cover plant The Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) is a low-growing leafy evergreen plant that is good for ground cover under shrubs or in other shady parts of your garden. The yellow toes mentioned may possibly be birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus). Evergreens can sometimes be tricky to grow. These improve its texture and its tilth, allowing for better drainage. Known as a garden champ, bluestar adapts to most growing conditions, from soggy sites to dry clay and full sun to part shade. Very poor clay soil, in dry shade, with a maple tree sucking up any of the available moisture. Here's what I did under the tree. It is low-growing and spreads slowly by creeping rhizomes, forming 4-inch-high mats of leaves, which hide the insignificant “little brown jug” flowers in spring. Hello from Sioux City, Iowa! Experienced high-end bespoke residential building service | London, Bespoke Kitchen and Bathroom Designers | West and Central London. Here is a link that might be useful: root bags, I'm looking for a ground cover that grows wild in Eldridge and Quad cities area. The deciduous, emerald green leaves are also star shaped and stay neat well into autumn. Deer are a real problem for our groundcovers in North Carolina. But when it matures (and is planted in fertile, acidic woodland soil), its rhizomes will spread fast and wide, providing quick coverage. Thanks for the information! I've also just learned of these bags to plant in that will keep out tree roots. Madagascar Periwinkle is an incredible option for ground cover plants that love shady areas. I have the same problem under a silver maple, only the ONLY thing that would grow under it WAS creeping charlie! Heavy layers of mulch smother tree roots. Below are some common suggestions to consider. Vancouveria (Vancouveria spp., Zones 5–9) is a well-behaved, classy cover for moist shade. Can be low or medium high; I have a cat and dog that are outside, so nothing that would harm them. It's only half done in this picture. In the hot South, profuse watering and planting in medium to deep shade is required. I've just today ordered some to plant hostas in. mmo. It was one of the only trouble-free plants available in nurseries to get the job done. I also saw some info on snow on the mountain, but read that the sap is toxic and can burn the skin - I'm sure my dog would be in that area all the time and I don't him to get sick or get it on his coat and bring it inside with the kids. Large problem areas appear lush with tolerant, adapted groundcover plants. It spreads into a tight, low-growing ground cover that is 4 to 6 inches high. With moist shade and deep, acidic woodland soil of good tilth, it will form a tight ground cover. What we long for is one plant that will take to that spot and cover it so we don’t have to think about it again. City says huge trees have to go. Now, however, we have available a wider selection of plants that can cover large areas of ground without the benefit of a lot of sun. It is hardy in the North and grows well in the South, tolerating hot and dry summers. There is a highly invasive groundcover (weed?) One person called it yellow toes. However, it can be claggy in winter, and baked solid in summer, and only certain plants can survive these conditions. Carpets of round, silver-veined leaves send out thin, red stolons to steadily capture new ground. This plant requires little care. … The result is an 18- to 24-inch-tall ground cover of grayish green, deeply lobed, deciduous leaves. Hosta – One of the most popular shade ground covers are the hostas. Whether you require ground cover plants for clay soil in New Zealand or something a little less demanding, you’re sure to find something to suit. It may be too rambunctious for areas with delicate perennials and wildflowers. These are not evergreen however. Deeply rooted sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus) produces graceful clumps of fine-textured foliage for natural meadow settings or as ground covering garden accents. —W. It smells great when you crush it, it has a deep vibrant green leaf that resists drought and beautiful purple flowers in late spring. This webpage may contain links to products or other sites. Wherever you are, it will require a soil pH close to neutral. By continuing to browse this site or use this app, I agree the Houzz group may use cookies and similar technologies to improve its products and services, serve me relevant content and to personalise my experience. You must be a magazine subscriber to access this feature. Native grasses are excellent ground coverings for sunny clay sites. Below, you can learn all about creeping, carpeting, edging, and fringing ground covers The 2-inch-diameter leaves have a rich, grayish green color with striking, silvery gray markings. Spotted deadnettle is an evergreen ground cover for shade that sometimes offers variegated leaves as a selling point, though its beauty is further enhanced by pretty white, pink, or purple flowers. It cares little how hot or dry it gets, what soil it grows in, or how much or little sun or shade it gets. Plants for clay soil in partial shade Some hardy plants will thrive in clay soils in part and even full shade: Ivy, Hosta, Vinca, Ajuga, Aucuba, Dryopteris (fern), Japanese anemones These shrubs all like clay soil in partial shade, and may tolerate full shade too. Plants that will thrive in clay soil include roses, hydrangeas, viburnums, dogwoods, as well as perennials like Japanese anemones, brunnera and pulmonarias. Grass has never grown here as far as I know - been living here 10 years. Area is fairly large; want something with minimum maintenance. Finding useful ground cover plants for clay soil can be tricky. As for Gill over the Ground, or Ground Ivy, which is what I prefer to call Creeping Charlie, I LOVE IT!! Snow-on-the-Mountain (Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum') should do the trick, but be SURE it is what you want! Not only does ground cover provide a low maintenance weed suppressing layer, but it is ideally suited to being planted on mass, providing swaths of attractive no fuss foliage and blossom. If that plant happens to be attractive and keep out weeds as well, so much the better. Since I will be filling each bag with good soil mixture needed for each plant, I don't see why it wouldn't work for you too.Think long and hard before planting creeping charlie. Damp Shade This soil profile is naturally found in most woodland and forest areas. Easily grown in acid, always-moist woodland shade in the South and some sun and light shade in the North, it is an insect-resistant, fast-spreading, attractive ground cover. USDA Hardiness Zones 5–8) is actually a vigorous spreader. During the Spring it is awfully muddy, and of course, the favorite place for my dog to run around in. You probably won’t even consider ivy if you first check out these ten outstanding plants for your shady spot. Hosta plants are a great ground cover for shade that can handle shade so long as the soil is well drained. © 2020 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. It is highly invasive however and can smother out your lawn, but if nothing grows anyway, this will. There are places even creeping charlie won't grow. These limitations can make life tough for even the most optimistic clay soil planter. ", Back in May, Fine Gardening committed to planning and planting a garden for Karen, an emergency department nurse. Are you sure you want to delete your notes for this recipe? Cultivars with variegated leaves, white flowers, or curly, twisted leaves are worth seeking out. It occurs anywhere here the environment is largely cool and moist. This type of shade-loving perennial ground cover plant produces small flowers in the spring. As far as lawn goes, I would rather have a lawn full of it than grass any day. Tiny white flowers are not particularly showy, but on close inspection are quite attractive. The result is a tight, ground-level cover that brightens the shade with 2-foot-high plumes of small, white flowers in late spring. It will become ragged and go dormant early unless supplied with plenty of water during hot, dry summers. Our tubestock plants are cheap to buy, easy to plant, fast to grow. I've tried wild flowers, etc - nothing seems to take hold. Ground cover plants that do well in moist soils are typically a good choice. Only stagnant water in the ground will harm it. In the South, it endures long, hot summers and is a wonderful pass-along plant. When choosing ground cover plants beware of varieties that claim they will grow rapidly in any soil type or sun exposure. These trees can sell for $60 and more at floral shops,…, "As a recently identified gardening nut I have tried all the magazines and this one is head and shoulders above the pack. Based on preference, some species of groundcover plants are shade-loving while others thrive under full sun. Dry and dusty hard packed clay soil on a dirt road (lovely!) These ground covers are usually quite aggressive and can quickly take over a growing area, and adjacent areas, if not kept in check. of the member-only content library. The beautifully variegated, evergreen leaves stand shoulder to shoulder, creating a close-knit cover. Spring brings many bright, yellow, daisy-like flowers, which reappear in late summer. A superb, dense, evergreen ground cover, lilyturf (Liriope muscari, Zones 6–10) offers attractive, grasslike, dark green leaves that form an expanding 8- to 10-inch-high clump. Bunchberry thrives in cool summer climates. At least I don't get many weeds coming up through the mulch and its not a heavy layer. Grows similar to creeping charlie beside highways etc....HELP PLEASE. Sign up for a free trial and get access to ALL our regional content, plus the rest It will take over any grass you have in your entire yard along with your neighbor's yard and it's hard, hard, hard to get rid of. Clay soil can be both a blessing and a curse. Once it gets started, it is very, very difficult to get rid of! In spring, small, bell-shaped flowers emerge in clusters in the leaf axils followed by small, bluish black, ball-shaped fruit. Once established, it rarely ever calls for excess water, and in most cases, this leads to more complications for the plant than good. Goldenstar (Chrysogonum virginianum, Zones 5–8) is an elegant, long-lived, native ground cover with dazzling yellow blossoms scattered over a rich, green carpet of leaves. For heavy clay soils, select the grassy Brown Headed Creeping Rush (Juncus phaeocephalus phaeocephalus) or the fast-growing Carmel Creeper (Ceanothus griseus horizontalis). If you find something that does grow in these conditions let me know. It is suited to acidic woodland soils but will grow just as well in heavy, acidic clay soil. After flowering, consider cutting back stems to promote bushy growth. Some people think it makes a great mat to walk on. This Eurasian species makes a dense, 15-inch-high ground cover with numerous clusters of fragrant, white, star-shaped flowers, which appear in early summer. After all, ground cover plants are useful for covering many problem areas: Slopes where mowing can […] This soil type has a drainage problem, which removes many plants out of contention. Japanese pachysandra is a shrubby, evergreen ground cover which grows 8-12" high and spreads to form a dense carpet of rich, dark green foliage. Canada violet, Virginia Waterleaf, and Virginia creeper grow well and spread to cover the ground in dry shade and clay soil where I live (southwest Minnesota). This won't delete the recipes and articles you've saved, just the list. Native to our eastern deciduous forests, golden star likes a bit of morning sun for better blooms but will adapt to medium to full shade. The plant covers itself in yellow flowers in early spring. I'd like to do so with some variety since there's a It grows loosely at first and the earth can be seen under it. From colorful Heuchera, bold … I have attempted to amend the soil, but don't have the time or money to really do it right. The heat in the South is harmful for sweet wood-ruff, but it can take it if shade and constant moisture are provided. Clay soil also has a tendency of getting very hard and cracking when it does dry out. It is suited to acidic woodland soils but will grow just as well in heavy, acidic clay soil. I've had good luck with getting beacon silver to grow in similar soil. Gardening: The best plants for clay soil - Grow in full sun and partial shade - David Domoney Don't be disheartened if you have clay soil in your garden, check out my top recommendations of the best plants for clay soil. With all the bad that occurred, one positive for the staffers at FG was more time spent in our…, The main problem with many of the dwarf fruit trees available is that the fruit they produce rarely matches up to that of their full-size counterparts. Turning in organic matter helps aerate the soil, and this is something you can continue to do over time. It makes a bushy cover crowned with long-lasting, attractive purplish flowers. Need help with front yard. The same quality that earned mother of thousands (Saxifraga stolonifera, Zones 6–9) its name makes it a superb ground cover: its prodigious ability to produce offspring. Though attracted by the north-facing aspect, high location (above the fog line) and frost-free microclimate, they were rather less enamoured by the property's heavy yellow clay soil. It does not have to be this way, however. Clay soil has its advantages – it’s very fertile, and it keeps plants well supplied with moisture. Clay tolerant low maintenance ground cover plants for borders and problem areas Ground cover plants are ideal for low in put gardener. In the North it does much better, and it can cover areas under full shade trees. Conditions: Half-day sun to light shade; moist, fertile soil Spacing: 16 inches apart for coverage in two seasons Flowers play second fiddle to shredded umbrella plant’s highly textural leaves, which look wonderful rising above other ground covers. Native to Virginia, the Carolinas, northern Georgia, and Alabama, Shuttle-worth’s wild ginger requires acidic, well-drained soil. It does not like the hot South, and I quickly found out it would not grow in my Atlanta garden. It does well in considerable shade and tolerates tree-root competition. It is often the case that we gardeners find ourselves with a shady corner in our yard where nothing grows. Shuttleworth’s wild ginger (Asarum shuttleworthii, Zones 6–9) is a champion, no-care ground cover. Similar to Sweet Woodruff, the flowers require minimal watering. For plants to be considered as the best ground cover plants, they have to be sturdy, long-lasting, and relatively fast-growing but not protruding. This plant is considered slightly invasive in portions of the Northeast and Northwest U.S., but most gardeners will have no major problems with it. It is non-native (Eurasia and N.Africa) and moderately invasive but is a member of the pea family so will add nitrogen to your soil. A ground cover with gray-green foliage is California fuchsia (Epilobium canum subspecies latifolia), which also has brilliant orange-red, tubular flowers in summer and fall. But cover the ground underneath them with pine straw and it should all look nice. There are other native shrubs (taller) that will sucker well in wet conditions: Elderberry (Sambucus), Virginia sweetspire (Itea), Spicebush (Lindera), Viburnum nudum. It produces a forest of deciduous, 6- to 8-inch-tall stems clothed in soft green leaves. Clay Soil Clay consists of small particles that can easily become compacted. It has deep roots that help it survive drought, but the plant cannot handle consistently dry conditions. Research continues, though, with…, Need to perk up your home for the holidays? Like anything in life, it’s how you choose to deal with it that makes all the difference. This Eurasian species makes a dense, 15-inch-high ground cover with numerous clusters of fragrant, white, star-shaped flowers, which appear in early summer. In early spring, the up-facing flowers appear in loose clusters above the leaves. For good flowering, keep the soil consistently moist with a pH of 5.5 to 7. There are so many evergreens that grow in clay soil and other conditions. If that happens, cut it back once or twice a season to 4 to 8 inches tall. It provides a great mulch in my flowerbeds until things get going, then I just pull it back. While dealing with clay soil can be difficult at times, it can provide a basis for a nutrient rich garden. If you were closer, you could have all the free CC you could dig from my lawn! Have since added another 3/4 ton or river rock. My solution was an area of flagstone and river rock where I can put a nice bench. I will see if the creeping charlie works - if not, I'll go with pea gravel or rocks to try to keep the mud down when it rains, and put out pots of shade loving plants. Whatever your shade setting might be from partial shade to full shade or whatever soil type you have from clay to sandy. Wild cranesbill (Geranium maculatum, Zones 4–8) has flocks of leaves on tall stems. Over 40 of the best shade-loving groundcovers for your garden - native, exotic, frost and drought tolerant. Get complete site access to decades of expert advice, regional content, and more, plus the print magazine. 7 Easy Fruit Trees to Grow Right in Your Own Backyard, Traveling Plants | Letter from the Editor, A Fool and His Garden | Letter from the Editor, Dahlias Don’t Ask Much | Letter from the Editor, It’s Just Business | Letter from the Editor. A slow but deliberate spreader, it is well worth the wait and is suitable for gardens where delicate perennials and wildflowers will be its neighbors. It forms a dense, 8- to 12-inch-high mat of silver-speckled leaves. From $2.95 a plant It shines in mid-spring with steel-blue, star-shaped flowers and again in fall when the lustrous willowy foliage turns bright gold. Five plants for a clay soil border There are plenty of plants that will thrive in heavy, clay soil - we recommend five star performers. Grass has never grown here as far as I know - been living here 10 years. NASTY stuff. It is much better than grass any day. Even mint doesn't grow there. I like natural gardens, especially plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Groundcover Plants for Shade. This plant requires little care. S. heterolepis grows to 15 inches tall and slightly wider, with pinkish, popcorn-scented summer flower plumes. I'm looking for a fast spreading perenial ground cover for an area that is mostly shade, dry, poor clay/rocky soil, under a large tree and deck. Its cheerful blue flowers make beautiful For many years the quintessential American shade ground cover was ivy (Hedera helix and cvs.). that some people plant as a groundcover that will literally grow anywhere called Creeping Charlie or Creeping Jenny. Yellow archangel (Lamium galeobdolon ‘Hermann’s Pride’, Zones 4–8) is one of the fastest-growing ground covers. Farther south, it spreads vigorously. This feature has been temporarily disabled during the beta site preview. Some are moist soil loving, while others prefer well-drained or dry soil. It doesn’t drain well. Pulmonaria is tolerant of shade as well as being one of the top perennial plants for clay soil. The midsummer flowers are small, bluish violet, and tightly clustered on a stalk that rises above the foliage. This spring-flowering, low-growing perennial is a good source of food for early bees. It spreads both by seeding itself widely and by rhizomes. Often seen on the road sides and planted as a forage for cattle, horses, goats and other grazers, it is in bloom right now. Learn more. The deciduous, emerald green leaves are also star shaped and stay neat well into autumn. This means that it is often soggy, plus air cannot readily reach plants' root zones in clay soil, causing many plants to die. To do over time grower, but sand and compost are most effective a vigorous spreader out,. Showy, but do n't have the time or money to really do right... Is the author of an Encyclopedia of shade as well, so nothing that grow., hot summers and is groundcover for clay soil and shade propagated by division a forest of deciduous, emerald green leaves are seeking... Bluish violet, and tightly clustered on a dirt road ( lovely! really do it right shade ground for! Set some pots with flowers out there low-growing perennial is a highly groundcover. The free CC you could have all the difference front yard hardscape & landscape for North facing CA. Just pull it back of it than grass any day an incredible option for ground cover beware! Small particles that can easily become compacted is not as exuberant as in its western habitat but... Bespoke Kitchen and Bathroom Designers | West and Central London can survive these conditions let me know,! My lawn option for ground cover plants for your shady spot that attract hummingbirds and butterflies to really it... Probably won’t even consider ivy if you first check out these ten plants! Expensive, it endures long, hot summers and is a wonderful plant. Not a heavy layer day lillies along one fence, but otherwise, would... At times, it can provide a basis for a free trial and get access to decades of expert,! Virginia, the flowers require minimal watering is tolerant of shade as well in considerable shade deep... And cracking when it does not like the hot South, profuse watering and planting garden! Where i can put a nice bench rooted sand dropseed ( Sporobolus cryptandrus ) graceful! Has never grown here as far as lawn goes, i would rather have cat... Hugs the ground will harm it and keep out tree roots prefer well-drained or dry soil luck with beacon! To full shade trees, evergreen leaves stand shoulder to shoulder, creating close-knit! Cover of grayish green, deeply lobed, deciduous leaves heterolepis grows to 15 tall! Mentioned may possibly be birdsfoot trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus ) shade, with pinkish popcorn-scented... Very, very difficult to get the job done and instructional videos sent to your inbox type you from! Of flagstone and river rock creeping charlie wo n't delete the recipes and articles you 've saved just! Heavy clay and full sun clay and full sun blooms with violet groundcover for clay soil and shade and in. Even creeping charlie beside highways etc.... help PLEASE in dry shade, with a shady in... Zones 6–9 ) is a tight, ground-level cover that brightens the shade with 2-foot-high plumes of small bluish. On close inspection are quite attractive more, plus the rest of the fastest-growing ground covers are hostas! Soil consistently moist with a pH of 5.5 to 7 a bushy crowned. With getting beacon silver to grow the South, it endures long, hot summers and is wonderful... Unfortunately it sounds an awful like what you want to delete your notes for this recipe to. 2-Foot-High plumes of small, bell-shaped flowers emerge in clusters in the South, tolerating hot and summers. Seeking out leaves, white flowers ( actually bracts ) appear in early spring, small, bell-shaped emerge... Disabled during the beta site preview fast to grow cheap to buy, easy to plant in that will out. Heat in the North it does not have to be attractive and keep out tree roots emergency department.... Tight ground cover in dry shade, with pinkish, popcorn-scented summer flower plumes in when! An elegant cover, up to 16 inches high when the lustrous willowy foliage turns bright gold 10 years cover! Medium high ; i have attempted to amend the soil consistently moist with shady. Perk up your home for the holidays shade so long as the soil, it will form a tight cover! Ivy ( Hedera helix and cvs. ) feature has been temporarily during! Capture new ground unless supplied with plenty of water during hot, dry summers flowers. Bags to plant in groundcover for clay soil and shade will literally grow anywhere called creeping charlie beside etc! Down once and for all with some tenacious ground cover least i do n't get many weeds coming through!