annuals as groundcover

16 years ago

This year I want to try to use some annuals as groundcover amongst my perrenials. The wave petunias will be too large and vigorous. I am going to use alyssum but looking for suggestions for others. I would like something that I can direct sow either by broadcasting or by mixing seed into compost that I spread in the early spring. I am also considering the small white Zinnia (angustafolia?) and a low annual clover.

Any suggestions?

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Comments (10)

porkchop_z5b_MI
16 years ago
Is the area sunny? What is the moisture content of the soil (moist vs. drier)?

A great full-sun annual for normal to drier conditions is Vinca catharanthus - annual Vinca. Foliage is outstanding all season, flowers are lovely and never out of bloom, don't need dead-heading or trimming back (as petunias do) - really a low-maintenance workhorse annual. They will not tolerate moister soil well, though (issues with stems rotting). There are some cultivars that get around 8-12", seems like that would fit the bill nicely. :0)
marthacr
Original Author
16 years ago
I don't believe I have ever seen catharanthus rosea growing here. I did look at it, but unless there is a variety that is shorter than 8" it will be too tall.
Sorry, I should have mentioned that most of the beds are full sun and well drained. And as far as height, about four inches of foliage. Something like Dianthus deltoides (zing rose) would work except that of course is perennial.
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tugbrethil
16 years ago
Maybe Golden Fleece (Thymophylla tenuiloba), some of the shorter kinds of Rose Moss (Portulaca grandiflora), Signet Marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia), Trailing Lobelia (Lobelia erinus), 'Prince John' or 'King Henry' Viola (Viola tricolor), or Dwarf Candytuft (Iberis umbellata)?

Kevin : )
calliope
16 years ago
Portulaca, purslane, sanvitalia, mesembrianthemum,
zen_man
16 years ago
Martha,

In addition to the Portulacas (Moss Rose) that have already been suggested, I would suggest Phlox drummondii. There are several good cultivars, but I have a personal preference for Twinkle. I have never grown Tapestry Mix, but it looks good in the pictures. I have grown Phlox of Sheep (cute name) and they do have a range of soft pastels. Watercolor Memories has some nice colors, too.

ZM
sarahbarah27
16 years ago
I love alyssum! I usually grow the 'Easter Bonnet Mix'.
oilpainter
16 years ago
Calendula and forget-me-nots---They are not ground covers but they can be planted as soon as you can work the soil outside. Both will take mild frosts and like to germinate in cool weather and soil

So does portulaca which can be a ground cover. The bonus is that all these will drop seeds and come again the next year
flora_uk
16 years ago
Limnanthes douglasii? aka Poached Egg Flower. Loves sun and attracts beneficials.

Here is a link that might be useful: Limnanthes douglasii
lavender_lass
16 years ago
I use all colors of alyssum in my vegetable beds as ground cover to keep the weeds down and attract beneficial insects :)

The low growing phlox and lobelia would be pretty too!
franeli
16 years ago
How about some nasturtiums?
Some are mounding,some trailing...all kinds of colors,too.