In spring, the leaves are often tinted red. Plants commonly grow 8 to 12 inches tall and have green, heart-shaped leaves. Though it spreads slowly, barrenwort ( Epimedium spp.) is an excellent groundcover for partial to heavy shade. Allegany spurge does not spread as aggressively as Japanese spurge, but it is more winter hardy and has fewer insect and disease issues. Plants are slightly taller at 12 to 15 inches tall and the semi-evergreen leaves are a dull green to bluish-green color. While the glossy foliage of Japanese spurge is highly ornamental, Allegany spurge ( Pachysandra procumbens) is a great native alternative. Japanese Spurge requires protection from winter winds and sun. The whitish flowers, though not showy, appear at the ends of the stems in spring.
SHADE GROUND COVER FULL
The plant reaches 6 to 12 inches tall and prefers partial to full shade. Japanese Spurge ( Pachysandra terminalis) is an evergreen groundcover with lustrous green foliage. Additionally, plants can creep up the trunk of the tree shading out lower branches with time. This groundcover is not reliably hardy in northern Iowa and may require protection from the wind and sun in winter. The plant reaches 6 -10 inches in height and prefers partial shade to full shade. English IvyĮnglish Ivy ( Hedera helix) is a semi-evergreen groundcover noted for its lustrous, dark green leaves. It can also be used to flavor wines and other drinks. The fragrant plant material is often used in potpourri and sachets. As the scientific name suggests, sweet woodruff produces an attractive fragrance (similar to newly cut hay) when dried or crushed. In spring, plants produce clusters of small, white flowers. Growing 6 to 8 inches tall, sweet woodruff ( Galium odoratum) has leaves arranged in whorls around the stem. White or lilac-blue flowers appear in spring and continue intermittently throughout the summer. A few varieties have green and white variegated foliage. The species and most varieties possess glossy dark green leaves. Periwinkle ( Vinca minor) is an excellent groundcover for partial to full shade. Sites in partial to heavy shade are best. Both gingers grow 4 to 8 inches tall and prefer moist, well-drained soils that contain large amounts of organic matter.
The common name, wild ginger, refers to the ginger-like aroma produced when the leaves or rhizomes are crushed.Įuropean wild ginger ( Asarum europaeum) is another excellent groundcover with glossy, dark green foliage.
The flower, usually hidden beneath the foliage, is bell-shaped and maroon to brown in color. A single flower is produced in April or May. Each plant usually consists of two heart-shaped leaves. It often forms large colonies in moist woodland areas. Wild GingerĬanadian wild ginger ( Asarum canadense) is a native woodland wildflower. Bugleweeds perform best in well-drained soils in partial shade. Flowers are usually violet-blue, but may be pink or white. The leaves of these colorful cultivars may be combinations of bronze, purple, gray, burgundy, and white. However, cultivars with colorful foliage are most often grown in home landscapes. Bugleweedīugleweed ( Ajuga spp.) is a low-growing, spreading plant that develops into a dense groundcover 2 to 8 inches tall. Plants are listed in order from shortest to tallest. Some groundcovers such as bugleweed and vinca perform equally as well in both shady and sunny sites. More information about groundcovers for Iowa can be found in this publication: GroundcoversĪ partial list of groundcovers is provided below. There are also several species of groundcovers for sunny sites ( Groundcovers for Sun). Groundcovers are great alternatives to turfgrass in the shade. Groundcovers will require more time to establish initially but are worth the effort in the long run. A shade-tolerant groundcover is an excellent alternative to turfgrass in shady areas. Once they are established, groundcovers require less maintenance than turf, they can out-compete most weeds, and some have attractive flowers as well. Because of unfavorable growing conditions, grass doesn’t grow well in shady areas and the area is often little more than bare soil and a few weeds. Attempting to grow grass under large shade trees or shady areas created by buildings, fences, and walls is difficult and frustrating.
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