In this guide , we ’ve round out up eight ground covers that have a serious tendency to take over — and not always in a bad way — plus eight that are faithfully well - behaved . depend on what form of distance you ’re play with , you might be look for either . Sometimes you necessitate a plant that covers land fast and fills in gaps ; other time , you desire something respectable and contained . Here ’s what to know before you let them on the loose in your K .
English Ivy
English Ivy , a classic choice for those want profuse , verdant greenery , can be a routine of a wild youngster in the garden . Its unyielding tendrils can mount and cover almost anything in its way .
Once established , it diffuse chop-chop , create a carpeting of dumb foliage . While it offers splendid ground reporting , it ’s crucial to keep it in check .
If leave alone neglected , English Ivy can brim over other plant and even damage structures . Regular pruning is essential if you need to contain its ambitious growth . Despite its reputation , it persist a popular choice for its evergreen spell .
Creeping Jenny
creep Jenny is known for its radiant golden - light-green leaves that light up any garden . It has a bent for spreading quickly , often taking over areas if not cautiously controlled .
This plant flourish in moist environments , making it utter for water garden or damp spotlight . Its low - grow use allows it to blanket the ground beautifully .
However , its zip can be overwhelming for other plants . Strategic location and unconstipated sustentation can help deal its excessive nature . Loved for its vibrant color , Creeping Jenny is a darling among gardeners try ground top with personality .
© Greenwood Nursery
Pachysandra
Pachysandra , with its glistening leaf and ability to thrive in tad , is a go - to for many gardeners . It ’s an fast-growing broadcaster , often filling woodland base or shaded surface area with ease .
Its dense development pattern can bottle up weeds , bring in it a practical option for less gay spots . However , its vigorous nature can outcompete other plants if not controlled .
Regular trimming can keep Pachysandra in tab , check it does n’t crowd out the garden ’s diverseness . Despite its spreading , it remains favored for its lush , evergreen appeal , particularly in shaded locations .
Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Vinca Minor , also know as Periwinkle , becharm with its finespun purple flush and evergreen foliage . It ’s a vigorous ground screening that overspread quickly , even in challenge terrains .
This plant ’s trailing stems antecedent at nodes , create a dense mat that can crush unwanted growing . While attractive , its invasive nature can overshadow more ticklish planting .
Gardeners often use it for eating away control on incline , but must be cautious of its spreading leaning . With its charming flowers and hardy leafage , Vinca Minor stay a pop choice , albeit with aware direction .
© abovethedirt
Bamboo
Bamboo , with its towering sweetheart and quick growth , is a enchanting accession to any garden . However , it is infamous for its fast-growing spreading habits .
Once install , bamboo can quick take over , spreading underground via rhizomes . This rapid expanding upon can interrupt other industrial plant and structures if not cope .
hold in bamboo involve deliberate planning , such as installing barriers or regular cutting back . Despite its invasiveness , bamboo offer a alone visual appeal and is valued for its versatility , from creating privacy screens to offer materials for craft .
Mint
Mint is well - have sex for its invigorating scent and culinary uses , but it ’s a garden rebel with its spreading root . Once planted , mint can quickly colonize an area , overshadowing neighboring plants .
Its hush-hush rhizomes are the key to its relentless cattle farm , make it substantive to found great deal in containers or isolated spots .
While its invasive nature is a challenge , mint ’s refreshing perfume and uses in preparation and teas make it a valuable add-on to the garden . Just ensure it has its own space , and it will reward you with redolent delights .
© The Spruce
Ajuga
Ajuga , often called Bugleweed , enchants with its lovely blue heyday spike and productive foliage . It ’s a dissipated spreader , pass over ground with a dense mat of folio .
Particularly effective in shady region , Ajuga can outgrow everything in its path if left uncurbed . Its lush foliage repress weeds , but may also strangle less competitive plants .
Gardeners hold dear Ajuga for its charming blooms and power to boom in baffling conditions . Regular maintenance will keep its growth in balance , allow it to add beauty without admit over entirely .
Liriope
genus Liriope , jazz for its grass - like leaves and dainty purple flowers , is a various ground cover version . While generally well - behaved , it can distribute robustly in favourable conditions .
Its clopping nature help it stay in piazza , but it can thrive aggressively if not monitor . Liriope is excellent for borders or fill up large area .
Its attractive appearance and resilience make it a favorite in many garden . With casual trimming , it remains a controlled and beautiful element in landscape gardening , offering a touch of elegance without overwhelming the garden .
© Great Garden Plants
Thyme
Thyme , a delightful herbaceous plant , captivates with its aromatic leafage and bantam , wizardly flowers . Unlike other ground covers , Thyme is contented to delay where it ’s planted .
Its low - develop habit makes it ideal for boundary line or rock gardens , where it adds a contact of rustic charm . Thyme ’s fragrance is a bonus , making it a sensory delight .
This plant expand in well - drained soil and gay spots , requiring minimal maintenance . Its restrained growth and culinary uses make it a nurseryman ’s favorite , offer both beauty and practicality without the risk of taking over .
Mondo Grass
Mondo Grass proffer a processed tactual sensation to garden landscapes with its slender , obscure gullible blades . It ’s perfect for creating neat delimitation or total grain to bed .
This plant grows tardily and stays put , make it a broken - maintenance option for those seek a tidy garden . Mondo Grass does well in both Lord’s Day and shadowiness , making it various .
Its compact form and evergreen plant nature ply year - round interest without the chaos of aggressive spreader . gardener appreciate its insidious elegance , offer social structure without shadow other works .
© procosmet
Sedum
Sedum , or Stonecrop , is a magic succulent that remains neatly in its designated spot . Its thick , sarcoid parting and starry flowers make it a standout in stone gardens .
Sedum boom in well - drained grime and sunny locations , involve piddling care once show . Its drouth tolerance adds to its ingathering , making it a practical pick for dry areas .
Gardeners hump Sedum for its power to add color and texture without overtaking other plants . Its restrained growth and captivating coming into court make it an ideal choice for those who require beauty and Holy Order in their garden .
Lamb’s Ear
Lamb ’s Ear , with its flaccid , silvery leafage , is a treasured plant for sensorial garden . Its hazy leave of absence create a soothing tactile and optical experience .
This plant fan out slowly , prepare it a doable choice for garden borders or pathways . Lamb ’s Ear prefers sunny touch and well - drained grease .
Its singular grain and patrician growth pattern make it a dear choice for adding subtle charm without overwhelming nearby plants . gardener appreciate its tranquil mien and the cushy touch it contribute to outdoor space .
© harvesttohome
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet Woodruff , known for its soft white efflorescence and fragrant leaf , adds a tactile sensation of elegance to shaded areas . It ’s a well - mannered ground cover that stays contained .
This plant choose moist , shaded spot , where it take form a balmy carpet of foliage . Its subtle fragrance and dainty appearance make it a favorite for forest gardens .
gardener appreciate Sweet Woodruff for its operate growth and ability to complement more vibrant plantings . It offers a serene touch without the hazard of encroaching on other plants , ca-ca it a delightful accession to any garden .
Hens and Chicks
hen and Chicks , with their charming rosette contour , are a delightful plus to gardens . These succulents remain neatly in place , providing ocular interest without broadcast wildly .
Ideal for stone gardens or container , they flourish in sunny spots with well - enfeeble soil . Their modest - maintenance nature and drouth permissiveness make them a practical choice .
Gardeners love biddy and Chicks for their unique appearing and power to add social organisation without overwhelm other planting . Their quirky forms and guarded growth offer a playful yet orderly touch to outdoor spaces .
© Perennial Wholesale Nursery
Corsican Mint
Corsican Mint , with its tiny leave and delightful fragrancy , offer a sorcerous ground cover option for little sphere . It take form a compact carpet , staying where you plant it .
This works expand in moist , shaded environments , making it perfect for creeping between stepping Stone or lining garden paths . Its subtle perfume adds a sensorial delight to any garden .
gardener apprise Corsican Mint for its ability to fill gaps without overtake blank . Its neat growth and redolent presence make it a dear choice for adding a touch of notion and order to out-of-door area .
Barrenwort
Barrenwort , also known as Epimedium , enchants with its finespun flowers and nitty-gritty - influence leave-taking . It ’s a ground cover that arrest put , adding a fairy - tale touch to shaded gardens .
This plant life prefers moist , well - drained dirt and is perfect for timber areas . Its slow growth and charming appearing make it a treasured addition .
nurseryman love Barrenwort for its ability to complement other planting without overpowering them . Its unique smasher and restrained growth make it an ideal alternative for those seeking elegance and order in their garden .
© ShrubHub
© De Bolster Organic Seeds
© Gardener’s Path
© US PERENNIALS
© Sylvan Gardens Landscape Contractors
© George Weigel
© Kellogg Garden Products
© theseedsmaster
© Babikow Wholesale Nursery
