spreading groundcover for full sun
still_lynnski
11 years ago
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ishareflowers {Lisa}
11 years agoishareflowers {Lisa}
11 years agoRelated Discussions
low, soft, fast-filling groundcover for full sun area?
Comments (2)Yes, too much sun for a true moss. Sagina subulata (Scotch or Irish moss, depending on coloring) likes full sun but it also prefers an organically rich soil with constant moisture and good drainage. Die out usually indicates either it's not getting enough moisture or too much (i.e. poor drainage). Other possible choices include Cotula squalida (syn. Leptinella), which is about the cushiest GC I can think of for bare feet :-) or Scleranthus biflorus, Herniaria glabra or wooly thyme. Wooly thyme flowers easily and thyme flowers attract bees in abundance, so be cautious when treading with bare feet during flowering season. With any of the very mat-like spreading groundcovers - like all mentioned above - you increase the distribution and therefore a more rapid spread if you cut the pots into chunks......usually 4 parts for a 3.5" pot. It will take time to get full coverage. Like any other type of plant, goundcovers need time to establish before they start covering up a lot of real estate, generally a couple of seasons. And some varieties tend to spread better/faster than others. IMO, cotula is one of the better choices for this type of situation. You will find differing cultural info on this plant, but in my zone 8+ PNW garden, it tolerates full sun well, is quite tolerant when established, not too fussy about soils but will establish faster in a richer rather leaner soil and like good drainage. And it is fully evergreen (or everblack, depending on selection :-))...See MoreLow-growing, drought-resistant groundcover for full sun, zone 7B
Comments (4)Lacey's point is well made :-)) There really isn't any other type of groundcover more suited to this large expanse of real estate than turf grass nor would be as well-suited to play and traffic from kids and pets. Turf grasses - lawns - are really the ultimate in low maintenance and inexpensive GC's to cover large, mostly flat, open areas. I'd suggest you contact your local extension office as to what sort of grasses would work best for you - they could differ considerably depending on location and I am not familiar enough with your area and its climate to make specific suggestions. Most areas that tolerate or recommend cool season grasses recommend blends or mixes of various types of grasses that offer different characteristics at different times of the year. Cool season grasses - if appropriate to your area - offer the benefit of going dormant in summer so mowing frequency is reduced during that period. They also require less water during this period of dormancy as well, as long as a somewhat dried, browinsh look is tolerated. They green up again promptly with cooler temps and more rainfall in fall. But also start growing again as well :-) Sorry, but you cannot escape the need for frequent mowing unless you select some sort of meadow grass....See Morevarieties of geranium or groundcover that will tolerate full sun?
Comments (6)I will second the Biokovo Geranium, though in my garden it grows slower in full sun than with a bit of shade. Similar results with Geranium Karmina. A few other groundcovers I have in full sun: Groundcover Dianthus aka pinks such as D. gratianopolitanus/cheddar pinks, ‘Firewitch, and ‘Greystone’. Not all pinks are Groundcover plants, but the first two I listed are fairly commonly available in nurseries. Sedums such as Angelina are worth checking out if your soil is reasonably well drained. Bearberry/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is low, spreading shrub that didn’t exceed 8” or so in my garden. Check out some of the types of low cotoneaster which are evergreen such as C. microphyllusand C. dammeri. Even the ones that aren't evergreen may have persistent berries. Groundcovers both for sun and shade are a common topic on the New England forum here on Houzz&GardenWeb. So I did a search on that forum for Groundcover as one word and as two and you will have a wealth of possibilities. Pay attention to comments about ones like Vinca or wintercreeper Euonymus that can be both garden thugs which will try to take over the lawn and are invasive, spreading into wild areas and displacing natives. New England groundcovers New England ground covers...See MoreSuggestions for full sun groundcover
Comments (1)Perfect for evening primrose. https://shop.stoverseed.com/products/showy-evening-primrose?variant=34583150755991&gclid=CjwKCAjwv-GUBhAzEiwASUMm4od1aM9_DbqohrSo0QX_RBWC3jrPjemltvOqzfSrZOl6lWXV2UKn8xoCeFYQAvD_BwE...See Morediggerdee zone 6 CT
11 years agopixie_lou
11 years agohunt4carl
11 years agoFroofyCat
11 years agomad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)
11 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
11 years agoFroofyCat
11 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
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