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Ground covers Chameleon Plant The Houttuynia ‘Chameleon Plant’, Houttuynia cordata, is one of the most popular ground covers around. Small white flowers appear from July to August, but sometimes hard to see because of its foliage. It is an extremely hardy ground cover and easy to grow but can become very invasive. Being similar in shape to English Ivy, it features boldly variegated leaves of red, pink, white, green, and yellow with a plant height of 15”. Houttuynia requires light shade and needs a consistently moist soil in a well-drained area. They have a fresh, somewhat citrus-like scent when crushed. Use Houttuynia ‘Chameleons’ as a ground cover, in rock gardens, with water plants or in scented gardens.
Bigleaf Periwinkle The leaves are dark green and bigger than that of vinca minor. The Greater Periwinkles are an evergreen, creeping plant with long trailing or arching stems. It thrives in shady and damp areas; it will melt in full sun in the southern portion of its range. It is usually sold as an annual in zones 3-5 otherwise perennial. Cut it back hard in the spring to rid plants of discolored foliage and to enjoy new growth.
Dwarf Mondo Grass Dwarf Mondo Grass, Ophiopogon japonicus, is an ornamental grass which grows to 4" in height and is closely related to the liriope. It is also known as Dwarf Lilyturf, Mondo Grass Dwarf and Monkey Grass. Tiny, pale lavender flowers on short stalks bloom in summer are often hidden by the leaves. This plant is widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders and groundcovers. It is intolerant of full sun.
Japanese Spurge The Japanese Spurge plant, Pachysandra terminalis, and also known as Pachysandra, is a shrubby, evergreen ground cover which grows 8-12" high and spreads by rhizomes to form a dense carpet of rich, dark green foliage. Oval leaves (2-4" long) appear primarily in whorls at the stem ends. Tiny white flowers in 1-2" long, terminal (hence the species name) spikes bloom in early spring. Pachysandra can be used as a lawn substitute in shaded non-traffic areas and ground cover for shade areas. Plant 6 inches apart.
Purple Wintercreeper Euonymus Purple Wintercreeper Euonymus, Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus', also known as Wintercreeper and Wintercreeper Eunonymus, is a dense, woody-stemmed, broadleaf evergreen plant which comes in a variety of forms. The flowers are at best sparse, but are usually not present. If allowed to climb a wall, tree or other structure, this plant assumes more vine-like characteristics and is more likely to produce flowers, though still sparse and inconspicuous. It is one of the most popular evergreen ground covers available in commerce today. This plant is a good ground cover for slopes. It is also used for container plantings, massing and erosion control.
Virginia Creeper The Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, is a fast-growing, high-climbing vine that attaches itself with tendrils which expand, disk-like, on their tips. The deciduous leaves that radiate outward from a leaf stem, like spokes on a wheel. The leaves turn fiery red in fall and are very showy. The berries are blue-black, less than a half-inch across and much relished by birds. Easy to grow, the Virginia Creeper can get out of hand if not managed. Virginia creeper will thrive in most soils, in sun or partial shade, with or without a structure to climb on.
Chameleon Plant Small white flowers appear from July to August, but sometimes hard to see because of its foliage. It is an extremely hardy ground cover and easy to grow but can become very invasive. Houttuynia requires light shade and needs a consistently moist soil in a well-drained area.
Lambs Ears Big Ears ‘Big Ears Lamb’s Ear’ is a little bit larger than the average Lamb’s Ear, with a plant height of 10” and a spread of 18-24” and blooms in mid-summer. ) It may not look extremely good in the summer time, but will recover in the fall.
Liriope Big Blue The Liriope 'Big Blue', Lirope muscari 'Big Blue', also known as Lirope,is a grass-like foliage set with tall spikes of lavender-blue, hyacinth-like blooms in late summer. Place in location that is well drained.
Liriope Spicata The Liriope, 'Spicata', also known as Lirope, is an almost indestructible plant for stubborn areas. This Lirope has 3/4" wide grass-like dark green leaves, up to 24" long.
Liriope Variegated When plantings space 12-15" apart.
Moneywort Golden The sun will help it maintain its golden color.
Moneywort Goldilocks An attention-getting groundcover that's also a superb addition to patio pots and hanging baskets.
Oriental Limelight An aggressive grower with variegated lemon yellow and green foliage.
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