What ground covers are good for clematis?
nanaclaire
9 years ago
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NHBabs z4b-5a NH
9 years agoopheliathornvt zone 5
9 years agoRelated Discussions
What is a good ground cover for full shade?
Comments (22)Thank you all so much for your detailed replies! Sorry it took me a bit to get back to everyone. gardengal48~I am indeed in CA--East Bay, with a desert-like micro climate but since we have in-ground sprinklers to keep the yard green, the spot I'm looking at stays pretty moist (since there's no sun to evaporate moisture). The spot is between the front yard and house, and is about 10-15ft wide by 4-6ft deep (I haven't measured yet, and don't think this would be considered "large"). I've looked up a few of the plants that have been suggested, and I like the idea of a low growing ground cover like the vinca minor, but want to avoid anything that is invasive and requires more than minor maintenance. I think what I'll do is make a list of what I like from the suggestions, and take it to a nursery to see what they offer for this area, and see if there is something I can plant in the next few months. I think it's good to have a list to go off of instead of walking in there and having to go with what they suggest (done that, didn't like the results)....See MoreWhat Ground Cover to Plant Near Clematis?
Comments (13)the soapwort I have, I purchased as a small plant in a nursery. It does indeed spread very quickly. though it does like the sun and will "reach" towards it if it's not getting enough. it is a profuse flowering ground cover. it is literally covered with gorgeous, small, candy pink flowers. and like I said, when blooms are done it stays green and lush. it is almost September and my sweet autumn is blooming out and the soapwort is thick and green. there may be other choices that bloom longer though. I have never tried to separate it, so I don't know how that would work. sorry...See Moreground cover in same pot with clematis?
Comments (12)I did put some groundcovers on the outer ridge of some tubs that had a clem in the inner pot. Seemed to work out ok. But I am concerned that the roots of a groundcover, even if shallow, might impede new shoots from coming up, unless it is separated from the clem roots. This is a problem for me, as most of the aboveground stems & foliage dies back to nubs when our Winters are harsh & windy. Especially on young plants, which most of mine are. I don't know if the vinca in the pot with Star of India did cause any problems, but altho it has a few roots that have not rotted, nothing has come to the surface, even tho I moved it out & repotted it. I think low annuals would be a better choice for me. Marie in ME...See Moreat a loss on good ground cover...
Comments (4)Couple of thoughts: For effective erosion control, you need an evergreen plant. Nearly every part of the country (except maybe the southwest) gets a reasonable amount of rain in winter and that's when most of the erosion happens. Or in early spring before things have leafed out. I can't think of ANY groundcover that has a particularly long bloom period - a month at best in most cases (except maybe iceplant, Delosperma, but doesn't sound like enough sun for that to be happy. And you want a groundcover that roots as it goes. That's where the erosion control comes into play also - you need a dense, spreading root system to hold the soil in place. Lithodora is not a bad suggestion. Not an exceptionally long bloom time - finished in my area by late spring/early summer. Screaming blue flowers. But it is evergreen and each plant can spread to about 3-4'. The only drawback is it can look pretty ratty after winter and generally needs a good grooming/cutting back, which could prove tricky on that slope. And not all that effective at keeping weeds at bay. It's rather loosely knit in its growth habit and weeds come up easily in between the stems/runners. My favorite ground cover for this situation is creeping raspberry, Rubus calycinoides. Has a very directional flow to its growth so will appear to flow down the slope. Evergreen, with a great foliage texture and bronze winter coloring. It layers upon itself making a thick mat so ideal for weed suppression. But flowering is sporadic, the occasional white strawberry-like flower followed by an edible gold berry. Not the slightest bit invasive, either....See Moregardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
9 years agonanaclaire
9 years agoDebra Vessels
9 years agonanaclaire
9 years agoHU-623736027
3 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
3 years agototoro z7b Md
3 years agoHU-623736027
3 years agobuyorsell888
3 years ago
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)