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Ground covers
Phlox Candy Stripe The Phlox ‘Candy Stripe’, Phlox subulata, is an ideal ground cover with masses of tiny white flowers with a pink mid-stripe and a thick mat of semi-evergreen foliage. Blooming from April to May, it has a plant height of 6” and a spread of 12-18”. It is a definite addition to any perennial garden. ‘Candy Stripe’ needs to be planted in a full sun area in well-drained soil. Use ‘Candy Stripe’ in rock gardens, as a spread over curbs and short retaining walls, or in difficult edges of dry streambeds.
Bigleaf Periwinkle The plant is shrub-like and grows to 12" tall with trailing ascending stems; 1-3 feet long. The leaves are dark green and bigger than that of vinca minor. It has solitary violet flowers at the end of the stem. This ornamental plant is fast growing. It flowers from April through frost. It is usually sold as an annual in zones 3-5 otherwise perennial.
Dwarf Mondo Grass Dwarf Mondo Grass, Ophiopogon japonicus, is an ornamental grass which grows to 4" in height and is closely related to the liriope. It is also known as Dwarf Lilyturf, Mondo Grass Dwarf and Monkey Grass. Mondo Grasses are symmetrical with a fine texture and has a dense crown. It spreads by underground stems or tubers. This plant is widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders and groundcovers. It is intolerant of full sun.
Japanese Spurge The Japanese Spurge plant, Pachysandra terminalis, and also known as Pachysandra, is a shrubby, evergreen ground cover which grows 8-12" high and spreads by rhizomes to form a dense carpet of rich, dark green foliage. Oval leaves (2-4" long) appear primarily in whorls at the stem ends. Flowers are not particularly showy, but on close inspection are quite attractive. Pachysandra can be used as a lawn substitute in shaded non-traffic areas and ground cover for shade areas. It is an excellent selection for shaded areas under shallow-rooted trees. Plant 6 inches apart.
Purple Wintercreeper Euonymus Purple Wintercreeper Euonymus, Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus', also known as Wintercreeper and Wintercreeper Eunonymus, is a dense, woody-stemmed, broadleaf evergreen plant which comes in a variety of forms. Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' (commonly called purple wintercreeper euonymus, is primarily a trailing ground cover form which typically grows to 6-9" tall and spreads indefinitely by rooting stems as a sprawling, tangled, bushy mat. It is similar in habit to English ivy, in that it spreads along the ground, rooting as it goes, until it reaches a vertical surface which it then begins to climb. Purple Wintercreepers have inconspicuous, greenish-white flowers that may appear in June. 'Coloratus' is sometimes sold as Euonymus fortunei var. coloratus.
Virginia Creeper The Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, is a fast-growing, high-climbing vine that attaches itself with tendrils which expand, disk-like, on their tips. Each leaflet is about 3"-7" long and an inch or two wide. The leaves turn fiery red in fall and are very showy. The berries are blue-black, less than a half-inch across and much relished by birds. Also known as Woodbine, it will send up sprouts and seed itself, and established plantings may smother shrubs and trees. Virginia creeper will thrive in most soils, in sun or partial shade, with or without a structure to climb on.
Chameleon Plant The Houttuynia ‘Chameleon Plant’, Houttuynia cordata, is one of the most popular ground covers around. Small white flowers appear from July to August, but sometimes hard to see because of its foliage. Houttuynia requires light shade and needs a consistently moist soil in a well-drained area.
Lambs Ears Big Ears With spikes of purplish pink small flowers, it has a wonderful effect on any garden. ‘Big Ears Lamb’s Ear’ needs to be planted in full sun in a well-drained area. It will add texture and color in rock gardens and looks wonderful with Veronica ‘Goodness Grows’, Tradescantia ‘Concord Grape’ or other purple blooming perennials.
Liriope Big Blue The Liriope 'Big Blue', Lirope muscari 'Big Blue', also known as Lirope,is a grass-like foliage set with tall spikes of lavender-blue, hyacinth-like blooms in late summer. It is a very versatile ornamental grass that can be used as a groundcover or garden accent or even in a container.
Liriope Spicata Large, pale lavender flower spikes bloom in late summer, rising above arching, evergreen tufts of grassy foliage. This Lirope has 3/4" wide grass-like dark green leaves, up to 24" long.
Liriope Variegated The grassy foliage is edged with creamy yellow.
Moneywort Golden It does need moist soil in a well-drained area, not allowing it to dry out between waterings.
Moneywort Goldilocks This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.
Oriental Limelight The 'Oriental Limelight', Artemisia Hybrid, is a tall grower that's great in large containers.
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