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Groundcover Suggestion

blackdirt_cowboy

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I have an area in my yard that is nearly full shade. It may get a couple hours of sun a day at most. Therefore my Bermuda grass won't grow there. To make matters worse, it's on a slope and erosion is a problem during hard rains. I've attached a couple of pics to give you an idea what I'm dealing with. I'm looking for a groundcover that will look and grow good under shade, as well as hold the dirt. Our other beds are a mix of native texas species and cactus type plants, so we would like something to go along with that. If there is anything that would work that would bloom and add color would be a bonus. Does anyone have any ideas for me? Thanks.

Edit: A groundcover isn't a necessity. If any one has any ideas for a full shade garden that would add interest to the yard would be great as well.

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Comments (4)

User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
We can't suggest anything because we have no idea where you are and what temperature and average precipitation is like for your area. HERE (in NJ/Zone 7/50+inches of annual rain), I use the following as ground covers in full shade.

Vinca minor

FERNS (most any species hardy to my zone), I like these because they are easy to propagate, so CHEAP!

Pachysandra

Lily of the Valley

English Ivy and/or Algerian Ivy (depending on your zone)

Ajuga

Sure there are others, but drawing a blank now.
blackdirt_cowboy
Original Author
8 years ago
I guess that would've helped. I'm near waco, tx. Avg rainfall is 36"
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Deadnettle, Lamium maculatum. Quite shallowly rooted, so appropriate for use with rhodies. And most have variegated foliage that brightens up shady locations. Flowers in whites, pinks and pinky-purple. Not very aggressive, although like any good groundcover, it will spread. Make sure you do not get Lamiastrum, a related plant that IS extremely aggressive (a noxious weed), gets quite a bit taller and has yellow flowers.
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Dig out a spot in the center, place a fire ring with some nice large rocks encircling it. Place a few benches (or make rugged, natural wood looking ones) and fill remaining "dead area" with a nice pea gravel and/or small river rock and Voila... a personal outdoor fireplace, or campfire pit, or w/e you wanna call it. Put a friendly sign there to accompany it if you want to, LOL! Heck, even plant a couple showy specimen plants arranged behind the benches (like yuccas?). I know it's not "plants" to fill the space, but when thinking of your situation... that's what I'd do, hehe. A little overhead to begin with, but no upkeep for years to come. Good luck!
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Co-mingling groundcovers is not usually a very successful practice :-) One always tends to be more aggressive than another and will claim most of the territory, if not overwhelming its partner completely. While I tend to agree with Mike about the sweet woodruff - a nasty piece of work in my book - if you are happy with it, I'd just encourage it to spread more (I can't believe I said that!!!). Otherwise, I'd pick something else altogether. Vinca minor is a reasonable choice but may need some containment in certain areas. My favored shade groundcover is Adiantum venustum, Himalayan maidenhair fern. Evergreen, attractive and spreads moderately. Also a Great Plants Pick.
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I am zone 6 Pa but I think if you want a yellow groundcover for a moist site Creeping Jenny can be green or Yellow, depending on variety. Maybe the west coast is dry? If you have some steady moisture. Creeping Jenny is great. Ajuga Reptans is worth researching for drier areas. I have Barren Raspberry or something similar under an American Beech. It may not survive ultra drought conditions, but some irrigation after a long drought will make it look good.
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laceyvail 6A, WV
8 years ago
Check out my response to your identical post in the landscape forum.
Deb
8 years ago
One of my clients planted burgundy glow ajuga in a very shady area earlier this year. It seems to be doing very well. The leaves are nicely variegated, so the plant looks good even when it's not in bloom.

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