Creeping or Trailing Evergreen Perennials for Full Shade

Creeping Ground Covers

• European wild ginger (Asarum europaeum) is a low-growing ground cover that will grow in full shade. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 7, the plant features round, glossy green leaves and grows to a maximum average height and width of about 6 and 18 inches, respectively. Easy to grow and deer-resistant, it's a good choice for areas with wet soil.

  Common periwinkle (Vinca minor) is prized for its ability to thrive in almost any soil. Vinca minor "Illumination" is a great choice not only because it will grow in full shade but also because the golden leaves will brighten up the dark corners of the garden. "Illumination" is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9 and usually remains under 6 inches tall, with a spread of around 30 feet. In the spring, the plant blooms with small blue flowers.

Trailing Plants

• "Deadnettle" (Lamium maculatum) doesn't sound like a very attractive plant, but many cultivars of this trailing evergreen perennial are quite showy. "Pink Chablis" (Lamium maculatum "Pink chablis"), for example, features variegated leaves and bright-pink summer flowers that will brighten up almost any location -- even one in full shade. Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8, this variety grows to a maximum height and width of about 12 and 18 inches, respectively. It is not tolerant of foot traffic, but works well as a container or hanging basket plant.

  The Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) is prized for its long, evergreen fronds which, when grown in containers, trail attractively over the edges. Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, these ferns grow to maximum widths and heights of around 2 feet and are tolerant of poor soils, drought conditions, rabbits, deer and heavy shade.

Foliage Selections

• Many creeping or trailing evergreen perennials are desirable for their interesting foliage. Ivy is instantly recognizable, and English ivy (Hedera helix) is perhaps the most recognizable of all species. This hardy vine, which features three-lobed, triangular evergreen leaves, is often grown as a trailing ground cover and is prized for its tough nature and ability to thrive in full shade, but it can also grow over trees and other nearby, desirable plants. Because of this, it is considered an invasive plant in many areas. English ivy is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9 and can grow to an average height and width of 80 and 50 feet, respectively.

  Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis) is prized for its small, leathery, densely-packed evergreen leaves. Some cultivars have toothed leaves. Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, this plant grows in full shade and can reach a maximum height of about 12 inches but eventually forms a thick, 2-inch mat over time. In some areas, it may become invasive.

Flowering Choices

• A few creeping evergreen perennials have flowers that are as attractive as their foliage. Hellebore (Helleborus orientalis) is prized for its large, drooping purple flowers. This plant, which grows even in full shade and tolerates poor soil, forms large clumps -- 18 inches wide and tall -- in USDA zones 4 through 9.

  Allegheny spurge (Pachysandra procumbens) features showy white flowers that appear in the spring. As an added bonus, the flowers are fragrant, which makes this plant an excellent choice for shady areas near a window or outdoor gathering space. Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, the plant grows to an average height of about 12 inches and an average width of about 24 inches. The leaves may drop in USDA zones 5 and 6.