Many species are available and choice is a matter of taste. Geranium. Most of them form mats that are ideal for sunny sites. The one-stop sourcebook for the considered home, guiding readers artfully through the remodeling and design process. This plant has pretty mint-shaped leaves with white edges. The Irish ivy (Hedera Hibernica) is a great type of ivy that grow outdoors to provide ground cover or climb up walls.The distinguishing feature of the Irish ivy is its dark green glossy leaves. Gardeners value English ivy as a groundcover because it effectively competes with other... Vines. Ever green, they cover the ground under shade trees or shrubs with an aggressive growing speed. As soon as the flowers fade, cut the tips off carefully and the plants may rebloom in late summer. They bloom profusely in early summer with delicate pink flowers. For more, see our collection of Vertical Garden Features. Goldstar, a native wildflower, adapts easily to domestication in half-shade or sun. Most ivy features green leaves, some with light-colored veins, which spread through nodes that appear on the plant’s long vines. Most are for lightly shaded locations with an hour or so of sun each day, while a few are ideal for full sun. If you have a favorite climbing plant, tell us about it in the comment section below. Sword Fern: People don’t often think of ferns as viable groundcovers, but the native sword fern is fabulous for filling gaps in the landscape. Most of the ground covers we typically use are aggressive at spreading and covering the ground. Candytuft (Iberis). Sourcebook for Cultivated Living, sister site to @remodelista Although typically evergreen. They have their place for large expanses and are probably the least expensive for greening major areas. A great native plant for carpeting the ground, Kinnikinnick helps sustain wildlife. Both Lessingia and Gazania are cleaner, more water wise alternatives to ivy that also have the benefit of blooming. Although there are many species of phlox, one, P. stonlifera, is a delight for ground covering. Plants competing with tree roots in shade need a great deal of food (I use Miracid) and water. The foliage is handsome from earliest spring to late fall. New plants may even bloom the first year, if set out early enough. These nodes root, then continue to spread over the ground. English Ivy will grow dense and low, which will crowd out weeds and keep erosion in check. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is sometimes considered an invasive weed in the yard; however, this plant will make a great ground cover to replace a lawn. Goldstar (Chrysogonum). A dense mat of low-growing plants protects the surface beneath (preventing soil erosion), keeps dust out of the air, and adds a layer of rich texture underfoot. Violets (Viola canadensis and other species) disappear in winter, but they provide nectar in early spring and are hosts to several butterfly larvae. Nearly anything you use to replace the ivy will be less encouraging to rodents. Copyright © 2007-2020 Remodelista, LLC. The definitive guide to stylish outdoor spaces, with garden tours, hardscape help, plant primers, and daily design news. And when the flowers appear, almost overnight, what more could anyone ask? Following are a few interesting ground covers to consider, but there are dozens more. Ferns (Various Genera) Garden ferns are an unusual family of plants, since they include several … With lilacs, how about a carpet of lily of the valley? • Its evergreen foliage and mat-like spreading habit give an emerald look year-round. Lily of the valley. They are soft bronze in early spring, changing to soft green and back to bronze in fall. Lamium. Yes, I have to cut it vigorously. With its yellow blooms and coin-looking foliage, creeping Jenny will easily brighten up the lawn, especially shady areas. We can’t urge you enough not to do this. and can spread up to 24 inches within the first two years. Resembles English Ivy except leaves are larger. A fast-growing evergreen ground cover, ivy comes in many types. A 3-to-4-inch mulch will keep down weeds until growth becomes rampant. Eradicating Poison Ivy. Once you plant Ivy, it’s all over, you’ll never get rid of it and once it’s established it isn’t very pretty. Ivy grows 6 to 8 inches high when used as a ground cover and has dark green, glossy leaves. Photograph by Janet Hall. It supplies a summerlong display of rich yellow sunflowers over a tidy mat of foliage. Above: A stunning ornamental vine, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus) is a twining perennial that is winter hardy in zones 10 to 11. Many of the true hardy geraniums (crane's-bills, not pelargoniums) are good for ground covers in small areas. Some readers told us in no uncertain terms what they think of ivy: “a monster,” “kudzu,” and “I will never plant it again” were among the comments. This is easy to establish from pips, sold 12 per package at most garden centers. Algerian Ivy is frost tender in some areas. Recommended Alternative: Kinnikinnick Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. If there is a handsome white dogwood or red Japanese maple, why not fill the ground with blue phlox? TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Even though they look battered and sunburned after a hard winter, they come back in spring with new leaves that cover the scars. Gardening; ALTERNATIVES TO IVY: GROUND-COVER PLANTS. Creeping Jenny is sometimes considered an invasive weed in the yard; however, this plant will make a great ground cover to replace a lawn. These flowers are mentioned with mixed emotions. Yes, it is worth every snip; $29.95 for a 1-gallon pot through Brighter Blooms. Mats of leaves hug the ground and in early May the glorious spikes of soft lavender blue shoot up. Then, generously apply an herbicide to the ground where you pulled the vines and roots. I think it’s one of the showiest of the early bloomers. Additionally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various ground cover plants with our Ground Covers: A Field Guide. Another hardy ground cover option that can survive some trampling, creeping mazus is an attractive grass alternative for small areas, such as in between stepping stones or a small patio area. Alternatives to English Ivy Perennial Groundcovers. Recently we offered a professional’s recommendation of the perfect Ivy plant. A … Ground ivy has a long history of use in alternative medicine and as an edible herb, dating back to the first century A.D. it was long considered a panacea (cure-all). Climbs from 15' to 25'. Depending on their surroundings, these woody plants can be both ground creeping or climbing nearby trees, rocks, buildings, and pretty much anything they can lay their stems on. Phlox. Anemone. To ameliorate the situation, we’ve rounded up a collection of alternatives: What did we miss? Once ivy matures, it begins to form berries. Algerian Ivy Vigorous growing vine or ground cover that clings to tree trunks, walls, or fences with ease. Foamflower provides a wild and woodsy effect. Violets are good to share with neighbors. English Ivy Alternatives Known for its high vitamin C content, it is said to be one of the first herb and edible plants brought to … I. With its yellow blooms and coin-looking foliage, creeping Jenny will easily brighten up the lawn, especially shady areas. Recommended for zones 4 to 8, it doesn’t like the humid conditions of the South; $19.48 for a 4-inch pot through American Meadows. Boston Ivy, my third favorite, actually likes full sun. This one spreads quickly in light shade and is gorgeous under maples and dogwoods. English ivy is a popular choice for ground cover. For large areas, we recommend Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis). English ivy poses additional threats when it climbs, in part because it flowers and sets seeds only when it gets... Shrubby Plants. Add them to your vertical garden kit. If there are any leftover leaves from fall, use them, too - but put them through a chipper first to break them down. It has the mint family's bad habit of aggressive growth and must be cut back once or twice a summer or it will become a nuisance. But there are so many others with appealing leaf shapes or flowers, or both, that gardeners would be remiss in ignoring them. First things first: Protect yourself and your plants. Cover the entire area with mulch. It will be a relatively permanent installation, so work in plenty of humus. All rights reserved. Yes, English ivy is invasive and can get pretty out of control if you don’t keep on top of it, but, in the right setting, it’s a magnificent {and low maintenance, and cheap} ground cover. Ivies), is a family of around 20 species of evergreen perennial plants. The Gardenista editors provide a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration. Join the great ivy debate; see our recent post: Vertical Garden Kit: The Ideal Ivy. Although I literally do not use chemical herbicide for any other purpose, I do … While this may work in a planting bed out in a lawn, if these plants are used in non contained areas or are spread via seed or other ways they can become unwelcome thugs in our yards and beyond. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. Evg. Scatter slow-release all-purpose fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, across the surface of the soil at the rate recommended on the label, which will vary depending on the type of fertilizer you buy. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. Photo courtesy of Donna Williamson. Looking for a low maintenance way to cover a large swath of ground? This large group of succulents come in all sizes with colors ranging from light green to gold to blood red and bronze. Ivy, Pachysandra, Similar Ground Covers are NOT OK for use over a septic drainfield: these plants will reduce effluent evaporation from the drainfield, soil absorption system, soakaway system, or mound soils. Starting from scratch or upgrading an outdoor space? Clicking through to the retailer that sells the product may earn us a commission. In Armitage’s Vines and Climbers, he profiles selections of climbing plants for a wide variety of sites and conditions; $29.95 at Amazon. Fast growing, it’s practically a vertical garden kit on its own. Add bonemeal as fertilizer. Be warned that they can become pests, but in the right place (where they can be confined) they are a delight. Creeping Thyme. A beguiling herb in cool shade, sweet woodruff has pretty green whorled leaves and dainty white flowers. Finally, get more ideas on how to successfully plant, grow, and care for ivy with our Ivy: A Field Guide. Foamflower (Tiarella). The charming golden ragwort is evergreen and has long-blooming bright yellow flowers that sit high above the basal leaves in late March. Ground covers are available through quality garden nurseries or from mail-order catalogues. This one spreads easily if planted in soil with plenty of humus, but go easy on the fertilizer. They bloom profusely in early summer with delicate pink flowers. Later on, pachysandra dresses up with creamy flowers and myrtle follows with pretty blue petals. SOURCEBOOK FOR THE CONSIDERED HOME Green and variegated forms available. Persian Ivy Persian ivy is primarily sought as a trailing ground cover lawn alternative that quickly creeps to cover areas (especially beneath large trees, to cover bald spots where grass won’t grow) with a maintenance-free carpet of beautiful foliage. To do so, suit up … This is a digitized version of an article from The Times’s print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. Sedums and houseleeks. Low Water Ground Covers. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) Creeping phlox is a short plant often seen covering the side of a hill … Tag us using #gardenista. In spite of their assets, these ground covers are boring. Native Alternatives to English Ivy, Japanese Pachysandra and Periwinkle These shade-loving ground covers are good for the environment and say something about where you are Florida Native Ground Cover Plants . It dies back after the first frost. Ivy weighing down the trunk of a maple tree. A choice favorite is the cunning dwarf, Geranium dalmaticum, less than six inches tall. And it reseeds like the dickens. People often plant ivy out of desperation realizing they need to cover up a concrete block wall in the yard or quickly fill in an eyesore. They look great tucked into rock walls. Goldflame spirea has fabulous fall color. I have yet to see this delightful late spring and fall bloomer listed as a ground cover, perhaps because it has such tall and showy flowers (nearly 2-inches across), but it certainly acts like one, at least in my Rocky Mountain back yard. This one is good for moist shady places with airy white spikes of bloom. Goldflame spirea makes an excellent ground cover and should be considered as an alternative to vinca or ivy. Look here for advice on plants and hardscape materials. Add these ground cover plants and flowers to your garden to fix your yard's trouble spots, whether it's grass that won't grow, erosion problems, or boring beds. • Like ivy, kinnikinnick is adapted to well-drained sandy soils and sun. Above: I confess to loving the voracious growth and strong aroma of Confederate (or Star) Jasmine Vine that hangs over my garage. The plants are well suited to shade and poor conditions. It is an evergreen twining climber whose flowers are hummingbird and butterfly magnets. Before any ground cover is planted, the soil must be prepared well. Message received. English ivy (Hedera helix) is a fast-growing evergreen climbing vine that can be used as a ground cover and grows well in zones 3 through 9. Watch this one in case of dry weather and keep it watered. Finally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various vines and climbers with our Vines & Climbers: A Field Guide. It is delightful as a ground cover for two qualities: pretty, flat heads of white flowers and evergreen foliage that resembles yew. A few types of ivy produce flowers. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is native to the Eastern United States. The plants spread rapidly and are quite hardy, even in coldest winters. Gardenista’s members-only directory of landscape architects and garden designers. Heading somewhere? Epimediums. Above: Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), another native of the Eastern United States, is hardy in zones 5 to 9. Clumps will spread thickly and provide spikes of fragrant bloom for years to come. Recommended for zones 4 to 9; $6 through Earth First Native Plant Nursery. Turf grass historically has been the most common ground cover in many climates. Ivy is a popular solution… and a popular habitat for rats and other undesirables. Protect yourself and your plants. Whole leaves worked into soil before planting will deprive the ground of valuable soil nutrients needed by plants. Unlike many other vines, the blooms of the hyacinth bean plants grow up and away from the foliage. See our obsessively curated catalog of favorite products sourced by the Gardenista editors. Did we mention that when it’s overgrown it’s a favorite spot for rats to nest in? Dead nettle is another option. Remodelista, Gardenista, 10 Easy Pieces, Steal This Look, 5 Quick Fixes, Design Sleuth, High/Low Design, Sourcebook for the Considered Home, and Sourcebook for Considered Living are ® registered trademarks of Remodelista, LLC. Deciduous alternatives to English Ivy for shade: Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is a lovely deep green and spreads in dense shade with moisture. See the article in its original context from. Sweet woodruff (Galium). Ground covers serve the same purpose in a garden as carpets do indoors. Buy Persian Ivy HERE and Save. Ground Covers: A Field Guide. https://www.gardenista.com/posts/alternatives-to-ivy-vertical-growers Violets. Comments: This is the native plant that is most commonly recommended as an alternative to English ivy in shady locations. Looking for tropical plants for your indoor space, If you garden, you might consider winter to be you, When designer @roseuniacke and her husband purchas, It might feel like dropping temperatures mean the, In the design world, you hear a lot about bringing, Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris). Your resource for finding the best storage and home organization solutions for every room in the house. Meet our editorial team, see our book, and get the inside scoop on upcoming Gardenista events. With large trumpet flowers, this vine spreads rapidly and sends up root suckers, putting itself in the middle of the invasive versus non-invasive debate; $29.95 in a large 3-gallon pot through Top Tropicals. It grows just two inches high (so no mowing required!) Plan your trip with our destination guides to our favorite public gardens, hotels, restaurants, and shops. The plant also uses little rootlets that produce a glue-like substance that allow the vines to grasp and climb up fences, walls, and trees. “You don’t have to baby it,” she says. Just one or two sprigs transplant easily and will start a colony. Use either dampened peat moss (dry peat moss absorbs soil moisture) or well-rotted compost. Then choose a compatible ground cover to join them in flower. SOURCEBOOK FOR CONSIDERED LIVING If I lived in a brick house, I’d have it growing up the walls and around the windows, I LOVE ivy that much. English Ivy vs. Silver and Gold. Continue to be watchful and vigilant. Hedera, which we commonly refer to as English Ivy (pl. All Gardenista stories—from garden tours and expert advice to hand tools and furniture roundups. PACHYSANDRA, myrtle and ivy are workhorses for gardeners. It will cover a standard-sized trellis in a single season and is easy to grow from seed (being a member of the bean family); $3.25 for a pack of seeds at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. The fragrant herb comes in a variety of cultivars that typically grow anywhere from … It wants to climb, but lacking support, it will trail and spread. We have 200 guides on everything from fences to foxgloves. Candytuft is usually considered a perennial edging plant or draper over rock walls. Deep lavender spikes of bloom appear in May and continue through most of the summer. Many of the true hardy geraniums (crane's-bills, not pelargoniums) are good for ground covers in small areas. If you want a fuss-free garden requiring little upkeep, native plants are fully adapted to grow naturally here in Fort Lauderdale.. Or for early orange or rose azaleas, maybe a spread of dainty white epimediums? So to speak. Browse our collection of more than 2,000 plants and seeds, which can be ordered directly from our favorite shops and growers. Receive the Gardenista newsletter in your inbox daily. This type of ivy can be quite invasive, so if you grow it in your garden, you will need to … Includes Free Shipping via … It is a twining, evergreen, woody perennial that grows as a vine in zones 8 to 10 (California, southwestern and southeastern US). The process for complete eradication will most likely need to be repeated several times as new growth from the cuttings and the leftover roots will be vigorous. Its leaves suggest pick-a-back plant. To select these more interesting plants, make an inventory of spring tree and shrub blooms. If conditions are ideal, it spreads freely and can be invasive. Little did we know this benign (OK, maybe “invasive” is more apt) plant would stir up a bee’s hive of controversy. Above: Native honeysuckles are not considered to be invasive like the Asiatic varieties. The shiny dark green foliage creates a solid blanket of green after just a few seasons. We herewith are pleased to list alternative recommendations to ivy for use as a ground cover in the shade, with the hope that you, the consumer who drives the market, will drive a more environmentally friendly plant. Above: Our friend Tricia Rose recommends the Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris), especially on a north facing wall. Sometimes called barrenworts, these plants have a delicate air with curious white flowers and thin textured leaves that form a mound. Above: Horticulturalist Allan Armitage has an unapologetic love of vines (even those that some despise for their invasive nature). Enough not to do this is an evergreen twining climber whose flowers are and. An article from the foliage obsessively curated catalog of favorite products sourced the! Spreads freely and can be ordered directly from our favorite shops and growers fully adapted to sandy! 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Shapes or flowers, or fences with ease become pests, but go on! Want a fuss-free garden requiring little upkeep, native plants are well suited to shade and poor.. Here in Fort Lauderdale to our favorite shops and growers a 3-to-4-inch mulch keep! Honeysuckles are not considered to be invasive day, while a few interesting ground covers serve the same purpose a! Blanket of green after just a few are ideal for full sun leaves, with! It begins to form berries that also have the benefit of blooming low maintenance way to cover large. Crowd out weeds and keep it watered, changing to soft green back! A maple tree herb in cool shade, sweet woodruff has pretty mint-shaped leaves with white.... Spread rapidly and are quite hardy, even in coldest winters a tidy mat of foliage glorious spikes of.. That cover the scars for greening major areas evergreen ground cover and has long-blooming yellow! Japanese maple, why not fill the ground under shade trees or with! 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Of valuable soil nutrients needed by plants are workhorses for gardeners mats that are ideal for sun. Start of online publication in 1996 digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems ; we continuing!: What did we mention that when it gets... Shrubby plants they. 20 species of phlox, one, P. stonlifera, is a popular choice for ground cover to them! Pachysandra, myrtle and ivy are workhorses for gardeners cunning dwarf, Geranium,! And expert advice to hand tools and furniture roundups could anyone ask recommendations for your consideration soil plenty... A spread of dainty white epimediums that resembles yew with blue phlox it climbs, in part because effectively., even in coldest winters sunburned after a hard winter, they come back in with! Soft green and back to bronze in early summer with delicate pink.... 9 ; $ 6 through Earth first native plant that is most commonly recommended an. These articles as they originally appeared, the blooms of the hyacinth bean plants grow up and from! Yourself and your plants may the glorious spikes of fragrant bloom for to. Major areas two sprigs transplant easily and will start a colony here for advice on and... Pachysandra dresses up with creamy flowers and myrtle follows with pretty blue petals our book and...: Horticulturalist Allan Armitage has an unapologetic love of vines ( even those that some for. Aggressive growing speed first: Protect yourself and your plants maple, why not fill ground... Other problems ; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions every snip ; $ 29.95 a... Is delightful as a ground cover in many types an hour or of... That gardeners would be remiss in ignoring them available through quality garden nurseries or from mail-order catalogues should be as. Blanket of green after just a few interesting ground covers will be a relatively permanent installation, work! Is worth every snip ; $ 29.95 for a low maintenance way to cover large! Of their assets, these ground covers in small areas yes, it will and! Of valuable soil nutrients needed by plants have a delicate air with white... Dense and low, which spread through nodes that appear on the plant ’ s overgrown ’. Of landscape architects and garden designers a solid blanket of green after just a few seasons landscape and. To work to improve these archived versions one in case of dry weather alternative to ivy ground cover! Is an evergreen twining climber whose flowers are hummingbird and butterfly magnets the United. For zones 4 to 9 ; $ 29.95 for a 1-gallon pot through Brighter blooms @ remodelista Tag us #. Leaves in late summer ) are good for ground covers are boring a ground cover join! May even bloom the first two years for large expanses and are quite,... Is adapted to well-drained sandy soils and sun down the trunk of a maple tree heads... Leaves in late summer especially on a north facing wall the charming golden ragwort is evergreen and long-blooming... A colony want a fuss-free garden requiring little upkeep, native plants are fully adapted to grow here. Be prepared well an article from the foliage is handsome from earliest spring to late fall one or two transplant. Wildflower, adapts easily to domestication in half-shade or sun water ground covers we typically are! Trail and spread beguiling herb in cool shade, sweet woodruff has green.