Ivy grows 6 to 8 inches high when used as a ground cover and has dark green, glossy leaves. Recommended for zones 4 to 9; $6 through Earth First Native Plant Nursery. Recently we offered a professional’s recommendation of the perfect Ivy plant. The shiny dark green foliage creates a solid blanket of green after just a few seasons. Continue to be watchful and vigilant. Dead nettle is another option. Browse our collection of more than 2,000 plants and seeds, which can be ordered directly from our favorite shops and growers. Additionally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various ground cover plants with our Ground Covers: A Field Guide. First things first: Protect yourself and your plants. Gardening; ALTERNATIVES TO IVY: GROUND-COVER PLANTS. Many of the true hardy geraniums (crane's-bills, not pelargoniums) are good for ground covers in small areas. The foliage is handsome from earliest spring to late fall. Anemone. These nodes root, then continue to spread over the ground. Above: Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), another native of the Eastern United States, is hardy in zones 5 to 9. Although typically evergreen. With its yellow blooms and coin-looking foliage, creeping Jenny will easily brighten up the lawn, especially shady areas. Looking for tropical plants for your indoor space, If you garden, you might consider winter to be you, When designer @roseuniacke and her husband purchas, It might feel like dropping temperatures mean the, In the design world, you hear a lot about bringing, Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris). Algerian Ivy Vigorous growing vine or ground cover that clings to tree trunks, walls, or fences with ease. If there is a handsome white dogwood or red Japanese maple, why not fill the ground with blue phlox? Persian Ivy Persian ivy is primarily sought as a trailing ground cover lawn alternative that quickly creeps to cover areas (especially beneath large trees, to cover bald spots where grass won’t grow) with a maintenance-free carpet of beautiful foliage. Recommended for zones 4 to 8, it doesn’t like the humid conditions of the South; $19.48 for a 4-inch pot through American Meadows. To ameliorate the situation, we’ve rounded up a collection of alternatives: What did we miss? https://www.gardenista.com/posts/alternatives-to-ivy-vertical-growers Many species are available and choice is a matter of taste. The fragrant herb comes in a variety of cultivars that typically grow anywhere from … Above: A stunning ornamental vine, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus) is a twining perennial that is winter hardy in zones 10 to 11. Before any ground cover is planted, the soil must be prepared well. Violets are good to share with neighbors. Little did we know this benign (OK, maybe “invasive” is more apt) plant would stir up a bee’s hive of controversy. Finally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various vines and climbers with our Vines & Climbers: A Field Guide. A choice favorite is the cunning dwarf, Geranium dalmaticum, less than six inches tall. New plants may even bloom the first year, if set out early enough. The plants spread rapidly and are quite hardy, even in coldest winters. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) Creeping phlox is a short plant often seen covering the side of a hill … Following are a few interesting ground covers to consider, but there are dozens more. With lilacs, how about a carpet of lily of the valley? Finally, get more ideas on how to successfully plant, grow, and care for ivy with our Ivy: A Field Guide. It will be a relatively permanent installation, so work in plenty of humus. It dies back after the first frost. Phlox. Most of the ground covers we typically use are aggressive at spreading and covering the ground. I think it’s one of the showiest of the early bloomers. Recommended Alternative: Kinnikinnick Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. It is a twining, evergreen, woody perennial that grows as a vine in zones 8 to 10 (California, southwestern and southeastern US). For large areas, we recommend Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis). Cover the entire area with mulch. Green and variegated forms available. Looking for a low maintenance way to cover a large swath of ground? Deciduous alternatives to English Ivy for shade: Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is a lovely deep green and spreads in dense shade with moisture. Although I literally do not use chemical herbicide for any other purpose, I do … Mats of leaves hug the ground and in early May the glorious spikes of soft lavender blue shoot up. Evg. Violets (Viola canadensis and other species) disappear in winter, but they provide nectar in early spring and are hosts to several butterfly larvae. They bloom profusely in early summer with delicate pink flowers. Ivies), is a family of around 20 species of evergreen perennial plants. As soon as the flowers fade, cut the tips off carefully and the plants may rebloom in late summer. And it reseeds like the dickens. English Ivy vs. Silver and Gold. Turf grass historically has been the most common ground cover in many climates. Join the great ivy debate; see our recent post: Vertical Garden Kit: The Ideal Ivy. It wants to climb, but lacking support, it will trail and spread. This is easy to establish from pips, sold 12 per package at most garden centers. Comments: This is the native plant that is most commonly recommended as an alternative to English ivy in shady locations. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. We can’t urge you enough not to do this. I have yet to see this delightful late spring and fall bloomer listed as a ground cover, perhaps because it has such tall and showy flowers (nearly 2-inches across), but it certainly acts like one, at least in my Rocky Mountain back yard. If conditions are ideal, it spreads freely and can be invasive. The process for complete eradication will most likely need to be repeated several times as new growth from the cuttings and the leftover roots will be vigorous. The plant also uses little rootlets that produce a glue-like substance that allow the vines to grasp and climb up fences, walls, and trees. It grows just two inches high (so no mowing required!) It supplies a summerlong display of rich yellow sunflowers over a tidy mat of foliage. It is delightful as a ground cover for two qualities: pretty, flat heads of white flowers and evergreen foliage that resembles yew. Creeping Thyme. Hedera, which we commonly refer to as English Ivy (pl. The one-stop sourcebook for the considered home, guiding readers artfully through the remodeling and design process. Geranium. With large trumpet flowers, this vine spreads rapidly and sends up root suckers, putting itself in the middle of the invasive versus non-invasive debate; $29.95 in a large 3-gallon pot through Top Tropicals. Protect yourself and your plants. A 3-to-4-inch mulch will keep down weeds until growth becomes rampant. SOURCEBOOK FOR CONSIDERED LIVING Remodelista, Gardenista, 10 Easy Pieces, Steal This Look, 5 Quick Fixes, Design Sleuth, High/Low Design, Sourcebook for the Considered Home, and Sourcebook for Considered Living are ® registered trademarks of Remodelista, LLC. A dense mat of low-growing plants protects the surface beneath (preventing soil erosion), keeps dust out of the air, and adds a layer of rich texture underfoot. Sword Fern: People don’t often think of ferns as viable groundcovers, but the native sword fern is fabulous for filling gaps in the landscape. Above: Horticulturalist Allan Armitage has an unapologetic love of vines (even those that some despise for their invasive nature). Ivy is a popular solution… and a popular habitat for rats and other undesirables. Tag us using #gardenista. Ferns (Various Genera) Garden ferns are an unusual family of plants, since they include several … English ivy is a popular choice for ground cover. Later on, pachysandra dresses up with creamy flowers and myrtle follows with pretty blue petals. See the article in its original context from. I. Ground covers are available through quality garden nurseries or from mail-order catalogues. The Gardenista editors provide a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration. Heading somewhere? Plan your trip with our destination guides to our favorite public gardens, hotels, restaurants, and shops. The Irish ivy (Hedera Hibernica) is a great type of ivy that grow outdoors to provide ground cover or climb up walls.The distinguishing feature of the Irish ivy is its dark green glossy leaves. Violets. Use either dampened peat moss (dry peat moss absorbs soil moisture) or well-rotted compost. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is native to the Eastern United States. If you have a favorite climbing plant, tell us about it in the comment section below. • Like ivy, kinnikinnick is adapted to well-drained sandy soils and sun. It is an evergreen twining climber whose flowers are hummingbird and butterfly magnets. If there are any leftover leaves from fall, use them, too - but put them through a chipper first to break them down. Gardenista’s members-only directory of landscape architects and garden designers. Known for its high vitamin C content, it is said to be one of the first herb and edible plants brought to … Ivy, Pachysandra, Similar Ground Covers are NOT OK for use over a septic drainfield: these plants will reduce effluent evaporation from the drainfield, soil absorption system, soakaway system, or mound soils. It will cover a standard-sized trellis in a single season and is easy to grow from seed (being a member of the bean family); $3.25 for a pack of seeds at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. Florida Native Ground Cover Plants . To do so, suit up … PACHYSANDRA, myrtle and ivy are workhorses for gardeners. Starting from scratch or upgrading an outdoor space? Creeping Jenny is sometimes considered an invasive weed in the yard; however, this plant will make a great ground cover to replace a lawn. This one spreads easily if planted in soil with plenty of humus, but go easy on the fertilizer. Once you plant Ivy, it’s all over, you’ll never get rid of it and once it’s established it isn’t very pretty. Algerian Ivy is frost tender in some areas. Ever green, they cover the ground under shade trees or shrubs with an aggressive growing speed. Ivy weighing down the trunk of a maple tree. Add these ground cover plants and flowers to your garden to fix your yard's trouble spots, whether it's grass that won't grow, erosion problems, or boring beds. Both Lessingia and Gazania are cleaner, more water wise alternatives to ivy that also have the benefit of blooming. Clicking through to the retailer that sells the product may earn us a commission. They look great tucked into rock walls. This plant has pretty mint-shaped leaves with white edges. Add bonemeal as fertilizer. Look here for advice on plants and hardscape materials. With its yellow blooms and coin-looking foliage, creeping Jenny will easily brighten up the lawn, especially shady areas. So to speak. A few types of ivy produce flowers. Just one or two sprigs transplant easily and will start a colony. This large group of succulents come in all sizes with colors ranging from light green to gold to blood red and bronze. The plants are well suited to shade and poor conditions. A … Deep lavender spikes of bloom appear in May and continue through most of the summer. Ground covers serve the same purpose in a garden as carpets do indoors. Above: Our friend Tricia Rose recommends the Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris), especially on a north facing wall. Add them to your vertical garden kit. Foamflower provides a wild and woodsy effect. English ivy (Hedera helix) is a fast-growing evergreen climbing vine that can be used as a ground cover and grows well in zones 3 through 9. See our obsessively curated catalog of favorite products sourced by the Gardenista editors. Another hardy ground cover option that can survive some trampling, creeping mazus is an attractive grass alternative for small areas, such as in between stepping stones or a small patio area. Gardeners value English ivy as a groundcover because it effectively competes with other... Vines. Depending on their surroundings, these woody plants can be both ground creeping or climbing nearby trees, rocks, buildings, and pretty much anything they can lay their stems on. To select these more interesting plants, make an inventory of spring tree and shrub blooms. Above: I confess to loving the voracious growth and strong aroma of Confederate (or Star) Jasmine Vine that hangs over my garage. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. Receive the Gardenista newsletter in your inbox daily. Some readers told us in no uncertain terms what they think of ivy: “a monster,” “kudzu,” and “I will never plant it again” were among the comments. This one spreads quickly in light shade and is gorgeous under maples and dogwoods. Sweet woodruff (Galium). Yes, I have to cut it vigorously. Goldstar, a native wildflower, adapts easily to domestication in half-shade or sun. While this may work in a planting bed out in a lawn, if these plants are used in non contained areas or are spread via seed or other ways they can become unwelcome thugs in our yards and beyond. Meet our editorial team, see our book, and get the inside scoop on upcoming Gardenista events. Goldflame spirea has fabulous fall color. Photograph by Janet Hall. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. They are soft bronze in early spring, changing to soft green and back to bronze in fall. For more, see our collection of Vertical Garden Features. All rights reserved. Low Water Ground Covers. Sourcebook for Cultivated Living, sister site to @remodelista Whole leaves worked into soil before planting will deprive the ground of valuable soil nutrients needed by plants. English Ivy will grow dense and low, which will crowd out weeds and keep erosion in check. Candytuft is usually considered a perennial edging plant or draper over rock walls. Ground ivy has a long history of use in alternative medicine and as an edible herb, dating back to the first century A.D. it was long considered a panacea (cure-all). “You don’t have to baby it,” she says. Fast growing, it’s practically a vertical garden kit on its own. Yes, it is worth every snip; $29.95 for a 1-gallon pot through Brighter Blooms. Buy Persian Ivy HERE and Save. A great native plant for carpeting the ground, Kinnikinnick helps sustain wildlife. Be warned that they can become pests, but in the right place (where they can be confined) they are a delight. This one is good for moist shady places with airy white spikes of bloom. Scatter slow-release all-purpose fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, across the surface of the soil at the rate recommended on the label, which will vary depending on the type of fertilizer you buy. Lamium. Did we mention that when it’s overgrown it’s a favorite spot for rats to nest in? Nearly anything you use to replace the ivy will be less encouraging to rodents. Ground Covers: A Field Guide. Message received. Lily of the valley. Native Alternatives to English Ivy, Japanese Pachysandra and Periwinkle These shade-loving ground covers are good for the environment and say something about where you are SOURCEBOOK FOR THE CONSIDERED HOME Most are for lightly shaded locations with an hour or so of sun each day, while a few are ideal for full sun. Unlike many other vines, the blooms of the hyacinth bean plants grow up and away from the foliage. If I lived in a brick house, I’d have it growing up the walls and around the windows, I LOVE ivy that much. Goldflame spirea makes an excellent ground cover and should be considered as an alternative to vinca or ivy. Your resource for finding the best storage and home organization solutions for every room in the house. Most ivy features green leaves, some with light-colored veins, which spread through nodes that appear on the plant’s long vines. Many of the true hardy geraniums (crane's-bills, not pelargoniums) are good for ground covers in small areas. Above: Native honeysuckles are not considered to be invasive like the Asiatic varieties. These flowers are mentioned with mixed emotions. Most of them form mats that are ideal for sunny sites. Once ivy matures, it begins to form berries. But there are so many others with appealing leaf shapes or flowers, or both, that gardeners would be remiss in ignoring them. Sedums and houseleeks. Eradicating Poison Ivy. Yes, English ivy is invasive and can get pretty out of control if you don’t keep on top of it, but, in the right setting, it’s a magnificent {and low maintenance, and cheap} ground cover. They have their place for large expanses and are probably the least expensive for greening major areas. Then, generously apply an herbicide to the ground where you pulled the vines and roots. Alternatives to English Ivy Perennial Groundcovers. We herewith are pleased to list alternative recommendations to ivy for use as a ground cover in the shade, with the hope that you, the consumer who drives the market, will drive a more environmentally friendly plant. Although there are many species of phlox, one, P. stonlifera, is a delight for ground covering. The definitive guide to stylish outdoor spaces, with garden tours, hardscape help, plant primers, and daily design news. Plants competing with tree roots in shade need a great deal of food (I use Miracid) and water. And when the flowers appear, almost overnight, what more could anyone ask? A fast-growing evergreen ground cover, ivy comes in many types. In spite of their assets, these ground covers are boring. • Its evergreen foliage and mat-like spreading habit give an emerald look year-round. Goldstar (Chrysogonum). Foamflower (Tiarella). In Armitage’s Vines and Climbers, he profiles selections of climbing plants for a wide variety of sites and conditions; $29.95 at Amazon. Sometimes called barrenworts, these plants have a delicate air with curious white flowers and thin textured leaves that form a mound. Even though they look battered and sunburned after a hard winter, they come back in spring with new leaves that cover the scars. Clumps will spread thickly and provide spikes of fragrant bloom for years to come. Epimediums. The charming golden ragwort is evergreen and has long-blooming bright yellow flowers that sit high above the basal leaves in late March. Includes Free Shipping via … Candytuft (Iberis). Resembles English Ivy except leaves are larger. Copyright © 2007-2020 Remodelista, LLC. If you want a fuss-free garden requiring little upkeep, native plants are fully adapted to grow naturally here in Fort Lauderdale.. Watch this one in case of dry weather and keep it watered. People often plant ivy out of desperation realizing they need to cover up a concrete block wall in the yard or quickly fill in an eyesore. English Ivy Alternatives Boston Ivy, my third favorite, actually likes full sun. A beguiling herb in cool shade, sweet woodruff has pretty green whorled leaves and dainty white flowers. We have 200 guides on everything from fences to foxgloves. English ivy poses additional threats when it climbs, in part because it flowers and sets seeds only when it gets... Shrubby Plants. and can spread up to 24 inches within the first two years. It has the mint family's bad habit of aggressive growth and must be cut back once or twice a summer or it will become a nuisance. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is sometimes considered an invasive weed in the yard; however, this plant will make a great ground cover to replace a lawn. Its leaves suggest pick-a-back plant. This type of ivy can be quite invasive, so if you grow it in your garden, you will need to … Or for early orange or rose azaleas, maybe a spread of dainty white epimediums? Then choose a compatible ground cover to join them in flower. All Gardenista stories—from garden tours and expert advice to hand tools and furniture roundups. Climbs from 15' to 25'. This is a digitized version of an article from The Times’s print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. They bloom profusely in early summer with delicate pink flowers. Photo courtesy of Donna Williamson. Maintenance way to cover a large swath of ground transplant easily and will a. 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