The choice of plants for a garden can be a delicate task, especially if you are looking for species that will bring variety, beauty, and relief to your outdoor space. Among the many options available on the market, ground cover plants stand out for their ability to quickly spread and cover the ground with their leaves and colorful flowers. In this article, we will examine four of the best ground cover plants that you can introduce into your garden right now.
Heuchera: A colorful and resilient ground cover
This perennial plant is an excellent choice for those who are looking for an easy-to-maintain ground-covering plant that is suitable for both sunny and shaded areas of their garden. Heucheras are known for their superb evergreen foliage, which varies in color from deep purple to chartreuse green, with appearances of silver and bronze. In addition to their attractive appearance, they also have the advantage of being very hardy, thus withstanding low temperatures without any problem.
How to plant and maintain Heuchera?
To achieve a harmonious ground cover effect, plant the heucheras every 30-40 centimeters or so. They appreciate a well-drained soil and a semi-shade to shady exposure. However, some varieties can tolerate more sun than others. To ensure good development, water regularly during the first few weeks following planting and provide balanced fertilizer once a year at the start of spring.
Lamium maculatum: a bright touch for shaded areas
The lamium maculatum is a perennial ground cover plant ideal for filling the lightly shaded areas of your garden. Its silvery leaves marked with green bring exceptional brightness to the shade, while its tubular flowers pale pink or white bloom between spring and summer. With fast growth, the lamium maculatum spreads by stolons and quickly forms a thick carpet that suffocates weeds.
How to plant and maintain the lamium maculatum?
Choose a humus-rich soil, that is cool and well-drained to plant this ground cover plant. The ideal exposure is partial shade, but the lamium maculatum can also grow under a tree or at the foot of hedges. Space the plants about 30 centimeters apart and ensure to keep the soil cool, especially in summer. Slightly prune after flowering if necessary to encourage the spread of the plant.
The geranium macrorrhizum: a fragrant and evergreen ground cover
Appreciated for its semi-evergreen aromatic foliage and its bright pink or immaculate white flowers, the geranium macrorrhizum stands out as one of the best ground cover plants for gardens. Its leaves take on an orange-red hue in the fall, thus adding color throughout the year. It is also highly valued for its resistance to diseases and pests.
How to plant and maintain the geranium macrorrhizum?
The geranium macrorrhizum thrives in light, well-drained soils, even limestone. Favor a sunny or semi-shaded exposure and plant seedlings about 40 centimeters apart. To stimulate its growth, water regularly during the first year, then gradually space out the waterings. Lightly prune after flowering to promote spreading.
Periwinkle: A Blue Star in Your Garden
The periwinkle (vinca minor) is a perennial plant ideal for covering the shaded areas of your garden. Its main asset lies in its delightful blue star-shaped flowers, which elegantly contrast with its dark green evergreen foliage. It makes an excellent ground cover thanks to its creeping stems that easily take root and form a dense carpet.
How to plant and maintain periwinkle?
Adapting as well to dry soils as to those that are more fresh, periwinkle, however, prefers a soil rich in humus and a shady or semi-shady exposure. Space the plants about 20 centimeters apart in order to obtain a covered effect quickly. As for maintenance, lightly prune after blooming and add some compost at the base of the plants to enrich the soil.
To bring your garden to life with these wonderful ground cover plants, don’t wait any longer! Each of them will bring its own color and texture, thus creating a dynamic, colorful and attractive space. Now it’s up to you to make your outdoors shine thanks to these four stars of the plant world!