Low-Growing Ground Cover Shrubs

Spring Heath

• A member of the Heath family, spring heath (Erica carnea) forms mats of vegetation with flowering spikes protruding upward. Spring heath grows to 12 inches, but a single shrub expands to 24 inches, allowing the use of a number of these individuals to form an effective ground cover. Spring heath has green, needle-like foliage less than ½-inch. The pinkish flowers bloom as winter ends or spring begins, developing on a stalk and blooming for months. Spring heath grows only in locations where the soil is damp and acidic. The shrub comes in cultivars such as King George, Winter Beauty and Vivelii. All are less than 1 foot tall when mature. This ground cover originates from parts of Europe.

Camby Paxistima

• The green flowers of camby paxistima (Paxistima canbyi) are not very ornamental, but its broadleaf, evergreen leaves give this low-growing shrub appeal. Camby paxistima is a North American species, growing to 1 foot high mainly in the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia. Cold hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 4, camby paxistima prefers well-draining sites in full sun. The shrub handles damp soil and has the ability to take root at points where its branches touch the ground. Camby paxistima spreads out to widths of 4 to 5 feet. Once established, this shrub requires little maintenance.

Russian Arbor-Vitae

• Russian arbor-vitae (Microbiota decussate) grows from U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 7 north through zone 3, preferring areas where the summers are relatively cool. Native to Siberia's southeastern sections, Russian arbor-vitae grows to 18 inches, spreading out as much as 12 feet. Use this ground cover species to blanket slopes and banks around the home, or plant it as ground cover in rock gardens or along foundations. The species can withstand some shade but does best in full sunshine. Russian arbor-vitae are evergreens and do not produce flowers. The leaves are bright green shades in spring and summer but change to a purplish color in autumn and winter before reverting to green.