Shady areas can be challenging to grow in, but filling low-light areas with shade ground cover plants is a great low-maintenance option for gardeners. Thankfully there are a surprising number of options when it comes to shade-loving ground covers. In this article, I’ll introduce you to my favorites, along with sharing some quick tidbits of info on establishing these ground-hugging plants.
The benefits of planting ground covers in the shade
There are many benefits of covering soil in shady areas with low growing ground covers. First, these are often the same areas that are difficult to grow typical lawn grasses in. If you have a low light area where the grass is patchy and struggles to grow, consider replacing it with shade ground cover plants. By replacing your lawn with ground covers, you also have the perk of not having to mow.
Low maintenance groundcovers also prevent erosion and reduce weeds. With time, they form a dense carpet over the soil, protecting it from wind and heavy rainfall, and further shading the soil beneath, which prevents weed seeds from germinating and reduces watering needs once the plants are established.
Quick definition of shade/part shade
Before we dive into what makes a great shade ground cover, we need to define what is meant by “shade”. Full shade receives less than 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. Partial shade receives between 4 and 6 hours of full sun per day. Dappled shade, say beneath a small canopy tree like a mature dogwood, is still considered to be partial shade, even if it is spotty.
Whether your shady spot is considered full shade or partial shade, the ground covers I detail later in this article will do quite nicely. The only light conditions to avoid for these plants is full
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Since I have Lyme Disease and multiple tick-borne illnesses I want to protect myself and my family from coming into contact with ticks as much as I possibly can. Since we spend so much time in our backyard it is one of the most important places to try to eliminate the tick threat. I have a super easy (and cheap) DIY to help protect your yard against ticks.
Ground covers fill up the spaces with intriguing foliage and blooms. But, have you ever wonder if you could also plant some of those in the home as houseplants? Check out our list of Ground Covers that Become Excellent Houseplants!
A ‘thriller’ plant adds a strong statement with its form and colors while the fillers fill up space neatly. The spillers dangle at the edge of the pot, and all three create a mesmerizing green look! Here are the Best Spiller Filler Thriller Plants for you!
Transform your garden into a breathtaking oasis with these Ground Covers with White Flowers! Pick your favourite one out and watch it creating a serene atmosphere in the garden.
Of all the herbs, mint is super easy to grow. You don’t need to be an expert on this. It can be grown both in containers and grounds. If you want to grow Mint as a fragrant ground cover, follow our guide on Planting Mint Bed for Ground Cover.
Clematis are showy, versatile vines that are well-known and beloved for their beautiful flowers.They’re outstanding for adding vertical accents with bright,
A sprawling, green lawn might be a suburban landscaping classic, but there are other ways to landscape your yard. Phase out a grass lawn by adopting ground cover plants instead, and you can conserve water, spend less time behind a mower, and attract vital pollinators to your backyard. Plus, many of these hardy low-lying plants are edible, native species that will spruce up not just your backyard but your kitchen as well.
If you have an open portion im your garden, you may be wondering which ground cover to choose from that would really be the best for your space. Have you thought about growing Vines That Make Good Ground Cover? Check our list out!
Americans are rethinking their relationship to lawns. While traditional turfgrasses do serve many purposes in the landscape, such as erosion control and mitigating solar heat, they are not always the best solution. They require vast amounts of time and resources to maintain while supporting little ecological diversity. In the face of increasing drought and water restrictions, the time has come to consider grass alternatives. Whether you are wanting to attract more pollinators to your landscape or are looking to replace struggling turfgrass in the shade, there is a grass alternative to meet your needs. Consider the function you want your lawn area to serve when selecting plants. Lawns are traditionally used to stabilize soil and provide a surface for playing, walking, or gathering. In landscape design, lawns create cohesion, providing an open framework around which gardens are laid. From flowering perennials to native turf species, there are grass alternatives to meet each of these needs. Often, the best solution is a mosaic of several low-growing plants.
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to determining the right plan for your yard. It will be dependent on your location and climate, to be sure, but could also hinge on your budget, skill level, and how much time you have on your hands. That being said, those who live in drought-prone areas might think their landscaping decisions hinge less on what plants to use and more on whether or not to just hardscape and call it a day. But there are an array of drought-tolerant plants that can help create a lush landscape, even if rainfall and irrigation both come at a premium. One option is the dry garden.