How to Select a Ground Cover

Decide whether you want an annual or perennial ground cover. Annuals will survive for only one growing season, dropping seeds as they die for a new crop of plants the following year. Perennials, however, may withdraw but do not die when the growing season is over. Some perennials are evergreen and will continue to provide bright color to an area, even during winter.

Consider the climate in which you live. Some ground covers, such as turfgrass, can be expected to grow and thrive in nearly any climate, but many ground covers are delicate and will suffer and die in extreme weather conditions.

Evaluate the purpose of your ground cover. While some people may prefer ground covers to retain soil that is at risk of erosion or simply to control weeds in a garden, others use ground covers to add depth to the landscape or to create a transition between varying types of foliage. Choose a ground cover that's suitable for your needs.

Check before you purchase a ground cover plant to be sure it's not invasive. Invasive plants easily seed on their own and will spread rapidly, engulfing areas they were never intended to occupy and endangering the health of other plants.

Consider the amount of maintenance required by a given ground cover. While some will grow and thrive with little interference from you, others will require frequent watering and fertilization. Select a ground cover on the basis of the amount of time and effort you are willing to put forth to cultivate it.

Know the height a ground cover will reach. Although the majority of ground covers grow low to the ground, some can grow much taller. A tall ground cover can defeat its purpose in a flower bed or garden, by hiding other plants from view.

Find out if a plant is poisonous before considering it for use as a ground cover. This is especially important if you or your neighbors have animals or small children.