Ground Cover Guide

What is Groundcover?

• Groundcover plants come from several plant families, including grasses, creepers and some types of ivy and fig. They are a diverse group that can create a polished English garden look or can give a natural forest feel. These plants offer aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits, as they can help reduce soil erosion in some areas. They often grow in shady areas, making them convenient for planting under large trees and may work in dry, damp or wet soils depending on the breed. Color and flower possibilities vary greatly, as do the height of each plant and the hardiness zones in which they thrive, making it a good addition to most gardens.

Asian Jasmine

• Asian jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) is among the most hardy available groundcover plants. It is common in warmer climates and is highly resistant to drought. It has a grass-like appearance, but is actually a multistemmed, timbered plant that forms a dark, dense mat along the ground. It does not produce flowers but maintains an almost year-round green color. It has a hardy nature and persists even in freezing weather. Asian jasmine usually requires little care, is not picky about fertilizer and only needs to be mowed once per year. It is highly resistant to pests, disease and most other problems.

Creeping Fig

• Creeping fig (Ficus cariaca) is an aggressive grower with delicate stems that produce an abundance of heart-shaped leaves. It originated in Eastern Asia and the southern islands of Japan. The mat developed by creeping fig is dense and low lying and does well in most soil types, although its growth slows in dry soil. It does well in partial shade to full sun, and once established, requires little water even in dry summers. It does well in hardiness U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 8 through 11 and withstands short periods of cold or freezing weather.

Moss Pink

• Moss pink (Phlox subulata) is identified by its horizontal growth and five-petaled flowers in pink, purple or white. The type is commonly used in rock gardens or in areas with partial shade or moderate sun. The blooms appear in early spring, and the mat formed by the foliage is thick and resembles moss. One planting can spread as wide as 24 inches, requires nutrient-rich soil with good drainage and does well in most zones, although some leaf browning may occur in freezing conditions.