Other plants, though, require some consideration.
Your localuniversity extension officeis usually the best place for information.
Here are 12 common ground cover plants you should know about.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
Hosta (Hosta spp.)
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When you hear mention of ground covers for shade, Hostaimmediately comes to mind.
Remember, though, that some types of hosta need a bit more sun to achieve their best color.
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Hostas are generally well-behaved plants that grow and spread slowly.
it’s possible for you to use them without fear of rampant spreading.
There are fern species to meet the needs of shady locations in just about every climate zone.
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Ferns are generally great choices for shady areas.
The absence of flowers may be a deal-breaker for some gardeners, but others adore good foliage plants.
It turns golden in autumn, but, otherwise, offers only a green color.
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Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum var.
Its gray-green fronds are painted with a silvery overcoat, studded with maroon veining.
For this reason, the painted fern is more popular in landscaping.
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Barrenroot (Epimedium spp.)
These are excellent ground cover plants for dry shade.
It grows 6 to 9 inches tall, forming dense mats of foliage.
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The plant resembles spotted deadnettle, but is slightly larger (1 to 2 feet) with larger leaves.
But don’t be deceived by its good looks.
Thisinvasive planttends to get out of control in the yard.
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It grows to 9 to 18 inches and quickly spreads by forming grass-like clumps.
Pachysandra (Pachysandra spp.)
Pachysandrais an evergreen perennial or subshrub comprised of five species, of whichP.
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terminalis(Japanese pachysandra) is the most commonly used landscape variety.
This is not a plant you’re able to plant and forget.
Many experts caution against growing it.
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On the positive side, it does form such a dense mat that weeds are generally choked out.
It is a notable problem in many parts of the U.S., especially the Pacific coastal states.
Use Caution with Spreading Plants.Purdue University Consumer Horticulture.
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