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Georgia Gardener

Virginia Creeper?

16 years ago

I have a sloped area at the beginning of my driveway that I wanted to have filled in with ground cover. I first thought about English Ivy since I know it has done very well in my neighbors yard. Though its invasiveness leaves me skeptical. I was wanted something evergreen that would easily fill in the bare ground.

After some reading I also thought some Virginia Creeper would be an interesting color addition in fall.

My question is whether it is safe to purchase seeds instead of plants. I know not all will take hold but is this practical or even economically effective. I can get these at about 25 seeds per $5.

Any other recommendations would be helpful for a nice evergreen ground cover.

-tre

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Comments (3)

vroomp
16 years ago
It's not a very good ground cover actually nor evergreen, plus, it may get a bit out of control on you. Many types of sedum are evergreen and hardy and can give a great show of yellow flowers in spring as does Creeping Jenny, Lysemachia Aurea is a good one.

I would consider just what kind of fallen leaves or needles I would have to be cleaning out of beds before chossing a ground cover. Some hold leaves while others are easier to clean out.
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trigger_tre
Original Author
16 years ago
Control issues are not really a problem.

Leaves are an issue thoguh. I have 3 acres and numerous Red Oaks, White Oaks, Poplars, Dogwoods, etc. My driveway acts like a wind tunnel when the fall winds pick up.

Perhaps I'll scratch the Virginia Creeper idea.

The Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia Aurea) is just about perfect. I love the bright color. Any recommendation where I can get this for the best price?

thanks,

-tre
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Wowza, you guys rock. Thanks for the zippy replies. I've just finished reading up on the Leafcutter Bee--what a curious insect. I've never heard of a bee living like this. But yes, you're right--we definitely need to support the pollinators! So I will leave be the bees and they can have all of my creeper leaves that they want :) I am going to keep an eye out, too--I'd like to see these guys in action. Thanks again, Sherrin
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I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. Scroll down to Pests and Potential Problems for a list of possible ailments. Whatever is affecting your Virginia creeper might make it look less attractive for a while, but only a freakish outlier would cause permanent damage. I grow the vine all over the place. Caterpillars have a field day munching on it. Birds rip out entire sections for nesting material. It always bounces back like a trooper. In fact, the only way I can inflict permanent damage is to whip out the loppers and pick axe.
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quirkyquercus
16 years ago
You still get leaf drop on evergreen plants only you don't have a dormancy period.

I think va creeper is a neat vine. I don't know that I would order seeds since you can find plenty of it to dig up around on fences and stuff. Wear gloves though. Even though it's not like poison ivy some people can get itchy if you come in contact with it.
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