skip to main content

Seeking groundcover

18 years ago

We have a slope on our front yard where we've planted heathers and junipers. The slope gets full sun for most of the day. We're in a losing battle with weeds, so we'd like to plant a groundcover. We're looking for the following:

Low-maintenance

Tolerates a lot of sun

Good weed-choker

Medium to fast-growing, but not terribly invasive

Preferably evergreen

Plays well with shrubs

Preferably purplish or purplish/blue foliage and/or blooms

Any suggestions? The phlox at the top of my hill has done fairly well, but I'd like something that will grow faster.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

bullthistle
18 years ago
Ajuga, bugleweed. Slightly invasive but not as much as vinca.

Here is a link that might be useful: Propagating Perennials
cactuskiller
Original Author
18 years ago
Ajuga was the one I was eying last night. In particular, the "Chocolate Chip" variety looked appealing. My only hesitation was with the amount of sun this area will receive, as many of the descriptions said Ajuga prefers partial sun. Is there a particular type that you know of that performs well in full sun, or is it just one of those plants that prefers some sun, but will do fine in full sun?
Related Professionals
Raleigh Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Harrisonburg Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Lynchburg Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Anniston Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Plymouth Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Sarasota Landscape Contractors · Great Bend Landscape Contractors · Columbia Landscape Contractors · Knoxville Landscape Contractors · Springfield Landscape Contractors · Pittsburgh Landscape Contractors · Houma Stone, Pavers & Concrete · Petersburg Stone, Pavers & Concrete · Clarksburg Stone, Pavers & Concrete · Honolulu Stone, Pavers & Concrete
bullthistle
18 years ago
If you amend the soil so it is rich in humus it will withstand full sun.

Here is a link that might be useful: Propagating Perennials
cactuskiller
Original Author
18 years ago
Excellent. I think that's the route we will go, Thanks so much!

Related Stories

PLANTING IDEAS These Aren’t Your Grandparents’ Junipers

Dislike junipers? Maybe it’s time to discover new varieties and new uses for this garden workhorse

EARTH DAY 5 Ideas for a More Earth-Friendly Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Consider increasing the size of garden beds, filtering rainwater and using plants to reduce energy use

GARDENING GUIDES 7 New Plants to Grow for Beautiful Foliage

Add color, structure and interest to your garden with these recently introduced plants that sport exceptional foliage

FALL GARDENING 5 Ways to Put Fall Leaves to Work in Your Garden

By Therese Ciesinski

Improve your soil and yard the organic way with a valuable garden booster that grows on trees

GARDENING GUIDES We Bust 4 More Native Plant Myths

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Have you been taken in by these fallacies about gardening with native plants?

WINTER GARDENING Fire and Ice: 8 Plants That Blaze Once Frost Hits

By Paintbox Garden

Not everything in the garden sleeps in the cold — these plants rise and shine in fall and winter, bringing bright color to beat the blahs

LANDSCAPE DESIGN The Case for Functional Garden Design

Clear away the decoration to give every area of your garden a clear function

GARDENING GUIDES 5 Best-Behaved Trees to Grace a Patio

Big enough for shade but small enough for easy care, these amiable trees mind their manners in a modest outdoor space

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Your Yard: Are You Ready to Lose the Lawn?

By Erin Lang Norris

Save time and water with good-looking alternatives to turf grass

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Explore Your Garden Personality: The Extrovert

People who need people will be some of the happiest gardeners in the world with these design strategies

Sponsored

Custom Home Works

10 Reviews

Franklin County's Award-Winning Design, Build and Remodeling Expert