Just one or two sprigs transplant easily and will start a colony. 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. They bloom profusely in early summer with delicate pink flowers. The charming golden ragwort is evergreen and has long-blooming bright yellow flowers that sit high above the basal leaves in late March. Above: Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), another native of the Eastern United States, is hardy in zones 5 to 9. Receive the Gardenista newsletter in your inbox daily. It grows just two inches high (so no mowing required!) 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. Nearly anything you use to replace the ivy will be less encouraging to rodents. Epimediums. 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). SOURCEBOOK FOR CONSIDERED LIVING 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. 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. Most of them form mats that are ideal for sunny sites. A beguiling herb in cool shade, sweet woodruff has pretty green whorled leaves and dainty white flowers. In Armitage’s Vines and Climbers, he profiles selections of climbing plants for a wide variety of sites and conditions; $29.95 at Amazon. Watch this one in case of dry weather and keep it watered. With its yellow blooms and coin-looking foliage, creeping Jenny will easily brighten up the lawn, especially shady areas. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. These nodes root, then continue to spread over the ground. Both Lessingia and Gazania are cleaner, more water wise alternatives to ivy that also have the benefit of blooming. Deep lavender spikes of bloom appear in May and continue through most of the summer. They are soft bronze in early spring, changing to soft green and back to bronze in fall. A great native plant for carpeting the ground, Kinnikinnick helps sustain wildlife. 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. Green and variegated forms available. Photo courtesy of Donna Williamson. With its yellow blooms and coin-looking foliage, creeping Jenny will easily brighten up the lawn, especially shady areas. Or for early orange or rose azaleas, maybe a spread of dainty white epimediums? Mats of leaves hug the ground and in early May the glorious spikes of soft lavender blue shoot up. If there are any leftover leaves from fall, use them, too - but put them through a chipper first to break them down. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Ground covers serve the same purpose in a garden as carpets do indoors. 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). This plant has pretty mint-shaped leaves with white edges. The plants spread rapidly and are quite hardy, even in coldest winters. 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. Tag us using #gardenista. Finally, get more ideas on how to successfully plant, grow, and care for ivy with our Ivy: A Field Guide. Before any ground cover is planted, the soil must be prepared well. Gardenista’s members-only directory of landscape architects and garden designers. Hedera, which we commonly refer to as English Ivy (pl. For large areas, we recommend Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis). Unlike many other vines, the blooms of the hyacinth bean plants grow up and away from the foliage. Algerian Ivy is frost tender in some areas. 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. This one spreads quickly in light shade and is gorgeous under maples and dogwoods. Above: A stunning ornamental vine, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus) is a twining perennial that is winter hardy in zones 10 to 11. Once ivy matures, it begins to form berries. Goldstar, a native wildflower, adapts easily to domestication in half-shade or sun. Alternatives to English Ivy Perennial Groundcovers. Yes, I have to cut it vigorously. Lily of the valley. It is a twining, evergreen, woody perennial that grows as a vine in zones 8 to 10 (California, southwestern and southeastern US). They bloom profusely in early summer with delicate pink flowers. The plants are well suited to shade and poor conditions. Continue to be watchful and vigilant. Violets (Viola canadensis and other species) disappear in winter, but they provide nectar in early spring and are hosts to several butterfly larvae. It wants to climb, but lacking support, it will trail and spread. Ivy grows 6 to 8 inches high when used as a ground cover and has dark green, glossy leaves. Plan your trip with our destination guides to our favorite public gardens, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Ivies), is a family of around 20 species of evergreen perennial plants. The Gardenista editors provide a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration. A … Starting from scratch or upgrading an outdoor space? And it reseeds like the dickens. Little did we know this benign (OK, maybe “invasive” is more apt) plant would stir up a bee’s hive of controversy. 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. Foamflower (Tiarella). Phlox. Although typically evergreen. This one spreads easily if planted in soil with plenty of humus, but go easy on the fertilizer. Many of the true hardy geraniums (crane's-bills, not pelargoniums) are good for ground covers in small areas. So to speak. The one-stop sourcebook for the considered home, guiding readers artfully through the remodeling and design process. The fragrant herb comes in a variety of cultivars that typically grow anywhere from … It supplies a summerlong display of rich yellow sunflowers over a tidy mat of foliage. Eradicating Poison Ivy. Low Water Ground Covers. Above: I confess to loving the voracious growth and strong aroma of Confederate (or Star) Jasmine Vine that hangs over my garage. Ground Covers: A Field Guide. It is an evergreen twining climber whose flowers are hummingbird and butterfly magnets. Above: Native honeysuckles are not considered to be invasive like the Asiatic varieties. Anemone. Resembles English Ivy except leaves are larger. English ivy is a popular choice for ground cover. 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. Candytuft (Iberis). Includes Free Shipping via … As soon as the flowers fade, cut the tips off carefully and the plants may rebloom in late summer. 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. Many of the true hardy geraniums (crane's-bills, not pelargoniums) are good for ground covers in small areas. Most are for lightly shaded locations with an hour or so of sun each day, while a few are ideal for full sun. Ground covers are available through quality garden nurseries or from mail-order catalogues. This is easy to establish from pips, sold 12 per package at most garden centers. This one is good for moist shady places with airy white spikes of bloom. If you have a favorite climbing plant, tell us about it in the comment section below. Recommended for zones 4 to 9; $6 through Earth First Native Plant Nursery. It dies back after the first frost. Violets are good to share with neighbors. Above: Horticulturalist Allan Armitage has an unapologetic love of vines (even those that some despise for their invasive nature). Known for its high vitamin C content, it is said to be one of the first herb and edible plants brought to … 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. A few types of ivy produce flowers. Sourcebook for Cultivated Living, sister site to @remodelista 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. and can spread up to 24 inches within the first two years. Dead nettle is another option. Florida Native Ground Cover Plants . Copyright © 2007-2020 Remodelista, LLC. SOURCEBOOK FOR THE CONSIDERED HOME • Its evergreen foliage and mat-like spreading habit give an emerald look year-round. Ivy is a popular solution… and a popular habitat for rats and other undesirables. And when the flowers appear, almost overnight, what more could anyone ask? With lilacs, how about a carpet of lily of the valley? Gardening; ALTERNATIVES TO IVY: GROUND-COVER PLANTS. It is delightful as a ground cover for two qualities: pretty, flat heads of white flowers and evergreen foliage that resembles yew. Ever green, they cover the ground under shade trees or shrubs with an aggressive growing speed. Cover the entire area with mulch. They have their place for large expanses and are probably the least expensive for greening major areas. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is native to the Eastern United States. Deciduous alternatives to English Ivy for shade: Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is a lovely deep green and spreads in dense shade with moisture. Meet our editorial team, see our book, and get the inside scoop on upcoming Gardenista events. Your resource for finding the best storage and home organization solutions for every room in the house. Above: Our friend Tricia Rose recommends the Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris), especially on a north facing wall. If I lived in a brick house, I’d have it growing up the walls and around the windows, I LOVE ivy that much. See our obsessively curated catalog of favorite products sourced by the Gardenista editors. Following are a few interesting ground covers to consider, but there are dozens more. https://www.gardenista.com/posts/alternatives-to-ivy-vertical-growers Creeping Jenny is sometimes considered an invasive weed in the yard; however, this plant will make a great ground cover to replace a lawn. “You don’t have to baby it,” she says. English Ivy vs. Silver and Gold. Sometimes called barrenworts, these plants have a delicate air with curious white flowers and thin textured leaves that form a mound. This large group of succulents come in all sizes with colors ranging from light green to gold to blood red and bronze. Photograph by Janet Hall. Its leaves suggest pick-a-back plant. Look here for advice on plants and hardscape materials. Yes, it is worth every snip; $29.95 for a 1-gallon pot through Brighter Blooms. Message received. We can’t urge you enough not to do this. Additionally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various ground cover plants with our Ground Covers: A Field Guide. They look great tucked into rock walls. A choice favorite is the cunning dwarf, Geranium dalmaticum, less than six inches tall. The shiny dark green foliage creates a solid blanket of green after just a few seasons. This is a digitized version of an article from The Times’s print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. All Gardenista stories—from garden tours and expert advice to hand tools and furniture roundups. Protect yourself and your plants. Although I literally do not use chemical herbicide for any other purpose, I do … Add bonemeal as fertilizer. These flowers are mentioned with mixed emotions. Heading somewhere? Climbs from 15' to 25'. I. Clicking through to the retailer that sells the product may earn us a commission. 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. English Ivy will grow dense and low, which will crowd out weeds and keep erosion in check. English ivy poses additional threats when it climbs, in part because it flowers and sets seeds only when it gets... Shrubby Plants. Turf grass historically has been the most common ground cover in many climates. 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. Most of the ground covers we typically use are aggressive at spreading and covering the ground. Sedums and houseleeks. Creeping Thyme. Later on, pachysandra dresses up with creamy flowers and myrtle follows with pretty blue petals. 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. Recently we offered a professional’s recommendation of the perfect Ivy plant. Sweet woodruff (Galium). I think it’s one of the showiest of the early bloomers. English Ivy Alternatives Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) Creeping phlox is a short plant often seen covering the side of a hill … First things first: Protect yourself and your plants. The foliage is handsome from earliest spring to late fall. Comments: This is the native plant that is most commonly recommended as an alternative to English ivy in shady locations. Buy Persian Ivy HERE and Save. Violets. Ivy weighing down the trunk of a maple tree. 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. A 3-to-4-inch mulch will keep down weeds until growth becomes rampant. Did we mention that when it’s overgrown it’s a favorite spot for rats to nest in? Then, generously apply an herbicide to the ground where you pulled the vines and roots. 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. 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 Many species are available and choice is a matter of taste. Candytuft is usually considered a perennial edging plant or draper over rock walls. Goldflame spirea makes an excellent ground cover and should be considered as an alternative to vinca or ivy. Recommended Alternative: Kinnikinnick Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. Foamflower provides a wild and woodsy effect. A fast-growing evergreen ground cover, ivy comes in many types. 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. All rights reserved. This type of ivy can be quite invasive, so if you grow it in your garden, you will need to … To select these more interesting plants, make an inventory of spring tree and shrub blooms. It will be a relatively permanent installation, so work in plenty of humus. Although there are many species of phlox, one, P. stonlifera, is a delight for ground covering. Whole leaves worked into soil before planting will deprive the ground of valuable soil nutrients needed by plants. 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. 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. Browse our collection of more than 2,000 plants and seeds, which can be ordered directly from our favorite shops and growers. Add them to your vertical garden kit. Lamium. Be warned that they can become pests, but in the right place (where they can be confined) they are a delight. PACHYSANDRA, myrtle and ivy are workhorses for gardeners. Goldstar (Chrysogonum). For more, see our collection of Vertical Garden Features. In spite of their assets, these ground covers are boring. Finally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various vines and climbers with our Vines & Climbers: A Field Guide. Gardeners value English ivy as a groundcover because it effectively competes with other... Vines. Ferns (Various Genera) Garden ferns are an unusual family of plants, since they include several … Clumps will spread thickly and provide spikes of fragrant bloom for years to come. But there are so many others with appealing leaf shapes or flowers, or both, that gardeners would be remiss in ignoring them. If there is a handsome white dogwood or red Japanese maple, why not fill the ground with blue phlox? Even though they look battered and sunburned after a hard winter, they come back in spring with new leaves that cover the scars. Plants competing with tree roots in shade need a great deal of food (I use Miracid) and water. Most ivy features green leaves, some with light-colored veins, which spread through nodes that appear on the plant’s long vines. New plants may even bloom the first year, if set out early enough. 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Ivy: a Field Guide mention that when it ’ s long vines lacking support, it begins form! Looking for a low maintenance way to cover a large swath of ground of the true hardy (. 5 to 9 garden as carpets do indoors selection of product recommendations for your consideration one-stop sourcebook for Cultivated,... Handsome from earliest spring to late fall in early summer with delicate pink flowers most features., cut the tips off carefully and the plants spread rapidly and are quite,.