Here is a list of the best evergreen ground covers, both herbaceous perennials and low-growing shrubs.
Warning
Some species of fast-growing ground covers, especially non-native ones, can be invasive.
Because this flowering vine can take dry shade, it’s a problem solver.
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Japanese Spurge
Thisbroadleaf evergreen ground coverfor shade is a tough plant.
With its leathery, shiny leaves, it forms dense mats that inhibit weed growth.
Established colonies are difficult to remove.
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It is native to the southeastern United States.
Creeping Phlox
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This ground cover for full sun is native to North America.
Creeping phlox(Phlox stolonifera)prefers its soil to be kept evenly moist but tolerates dry soil.
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Creeping phlox will spread over time.
This semi-evergreen is native to Japan.
Its signature quality is its grass-like blades, whose dark color makes it one of the truly black plants.
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with moderate water needs.
This drought-tolerant thyme cultivar with golden foliage isa perennial for full sun.
Like most Mediterranean herbs, it thrives in dry, well-drained soil.
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The plant releases a lovely fragrance when its leaves are stepped on.
you might also tuck it betweengarden stepping stones.
The leaves can be either evergreen or semi-evergreen, depending on the site conditions.
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Various cultivars offer different features.
‘Aureum’ has white leaves with golden margins and pink flowers.
Angelina Stonecrop
Thenumerous plants in theSedumgenusalso include low-growing, trailing varieties.
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Angelina stonecrop(Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’)is one of the popular choices for evergreen ground covers.
Tiny yellow flowers appear in the summer.
In the fall, the foliage turns a striking orange or rust color.
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Though Angelina grows moderately fast, it may take a couple of years for the plant to flower.
Once established, it is drought-resistant.
Lenten Rose
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For an early-blooming ground cover, consider lenten rose.
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The formation of flower buds on this plant is a sure sign of spring.
An added benefit is that, unlike other spring-flowering plants, it isvole-resistant.
The plant is toxic to humans and pets.
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Candytuft
Candytuft(Iberis sempervirens)is another drought-tolerant Mediterranean subshrub that flowers best in full sun.
The plant is evergreen in southern locations semi-evergreen at the northern end of its zone range.
The different cultivars vary in height, spread, and bloom colors.
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‘Nana’ is a shorter cultivar that reaches a height of only 6 inches.
‘Purity’ is a good cultivar for moon gardens, as its flowers are brilliant white.
In the winter, it can take on a purplish tone.
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It is a drought-tolerant ground cover that craves full sun and excellent soil drainage.
It is a great practical solution for sunny slopes where water runs off quickly.
The growth rate is intermediate but the spread of the mature plant can reach several feet.
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Plant it en masse as a colorful ground cover.
The plant grows at a medium rate.
It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations but the color will be best in full sun.
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Unfortunately, wintercreeper is a plant frequently browsed by deer.
It can be an effective ground cover for mass plantings.
It is valued for its blue, awl-shaped, evergreen needles.
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The bush displays some resistance to drought once established and it is generally very low-maintenance.
Then gardeners began to catch on to the fact that this woody vine is invasive in many areas.
Also, keep in mind that English ivy produces flowers in the fall and spreads by seed.
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Ivy is toxic to humans and pets.
It grows fast and under trees where grass cannot get established, and deer don’t like it.
North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
