Ground covers are often a go - to solution for filling in bleak smirch in the garden , but some of the most pop choices can quickly become a headache . Certain variety circularize aggressively , overtaking other plants and causing more problem than they ’re worth . If you ’ve ever found yourself draw out creep vine or battling with plants that just wo n’t stay put , you ’re not alone . The right ground cover should raise your garden without turning into a full - fourth dimension job .
Luckily , there are mountain of attractive alternative that bring home the bacon exchangeable insurance coverage without the chaos . In this templet , we ’ll highlight seven common ground covers that incline to outstay their welcome and offer seven better options that delay in place . These alternatives will give you the lulu and functionality you ’re looking for , with much less alimony .
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy , with its captivate glossy leave of absence , often spirals out of control , whelm trees and structures . Its tenacity can lead to a hard - to - control spread in garden .
However , its aesthetic appeal often hides its invasive tendencies .
In shady area , it can quickly outcompete native species , creating a monoculture . bump off ivy can be labor - intensive , requiring consistent cutting and monitoring .
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny ’s vibrant yellow leaf create a prominent priming coat cover , but mind — it ’s a fast spreader . This plant life can quickly colonise garden spaces , smother other plants under its bright foliage .
If leave ungoverned , Creeping Jenny becomes a dominant force , outcompeting more soft plants . Its roots can be difficult to exterminate , call for patience and veritable maintenance .
Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Periwinkle ’s charming violet - puritanical flowers are deceivingly aggressive . Once engraft , this earth screening spreads fleetly , often escaping garden borders .
Its dense growth can strangle out aboriginal plant and disrupt local ecosystem .
Managing periwinkle involves frequent pruning and vigilance to forestall its unforgiving spread . Despite its beauty , it ’s a thought-provoking plant to control .
© Peekskill Nurseries
Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga ’s hit deep purple leaves and racy flowers create an eye - catching display . However , its speedy spread can become a nurseryman ’s incubus .
This ground cover rapidly overtake spaces , crowding out plant .
Control requires disciplined trim and cognisance , as Ajuga ’s underground runners make it unyielding and hard to bump off once established .
Bishops Weed (Aegopodium podagraria)
Bishop ’s Weed , with its attractive variegated leave , seems innocuous but spread aggressively . Once established , it can overshadow garden bed , leaving little elbow room for other plants .
Eliminating Bishop ’s Weed postulate diligence , as it tends to come back if not completely remove . Its resilience can be daunting , make it a thought-provoking ground concealment to manage .
Bugleweed (Ajuga genevensis)
Bugleweed is often appreciated for its vibrant purple salad days and rosette foliage . Yet , its magical spell belie an aggressive nature .
It grows quickly , often overpowering humble plants .
Control requires regular cutting back and monitoring , as Bugleweed ’s robust growth can be hard to curtail , earn it unsuitable for less attentive gardener .
© Home Nursery
Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria)
Goutweed ’s cosmetic leaves and rapid development make it a popular choice , but its invasiveness is often underestimate . It can chop-chop cover garden bed , outcompeting aboriginal plant life .
contend goutweed involve consistent effort , as it can reappear if roots are left behind . Its tenacious nature makes it a formidable garden opponent .
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
Wild Ginger offer a delightful alternative , with its pump - forge leaves creating a wizardly ground cover . Unlike its invading counterparts , it stay where imbed .
It mix well into garden designs without overwhelming other flora , providing a lush , green background . Wild Ginger ’s moderate growth piddle it an fantabulous option for gardener seeking stableness .
Barrenwort (Epimedium spp.)
Barrenwort demo a graceful solution with its easygoing flowers and philia - mold leaves . This ground screening is non - invasive , offer reliable reportage without overtaking your garden .
Its subtle peach and restrained growth make Barrenwort a trustworthy alternative to more strong-growing plant life , fit seamlessly into various garden styles .
Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)
Foamflower ’s adorable white blooms and gentle demeanor make it a perfect choice for a stable garden . It put up an elegant footing cover that respects its boundaries .
This plant offers ocular interest without the trouble of strong-growing spreading , ideal for gardener desiring a touch of whimsy without the hassle .
Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)
Siberian Bugloss delights with its inwardness - mold parting and fragile blue blossom . Unlike invasive species , it provides consistent coverage without overwhelming its environs .
Its steady nature makes it a reliable option for gardeners who want beaut and order . Brunnera ’s magic spell consist in its simmpleness and steadfastness , make it a lovely garden companion .
Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)
Lungwort offers an likable alternative with spotted leaves and dainty flowers . Its growth is predictable and non - invading , making it a popular pick for controlled garden areas .
Gardeners appreciate Lungwort ’s ability to complement other plant life without taking over . Its unique foliage adds interest group , while its contained nature ensures harmony in garden designs .
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet Woodruff enchants with its bantam blanched blooms and fragrant leaves . This basis screen remains well - mannered , make it gross for shady garden areas .
Its restrained increase pattern grant it to coexist peacefully with other works , offering a touch of elegance without the chaos of invasive species .
Heuchera (Heuchera spp.)
genus Heuchera stands out with its vivacious foliage , useable in a spectrum of reds and purples . This ornamental earth cover rest within its edge , offering colour without the chaos .
Heuchera ’s sheer leaves tote up ocular intrigue , and its disciplined nature makes it a darling among gardeners look for both beauty and control .
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© Go Botany – Native Plant Trust
© Maryland Biodiversity Project
© The Spruce
© Go Botany – Native Plant Trust
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© High Country Gardens
© Garden Design
