7 of the Best Ground Covers for Full Shade
Gardening in full shade can be a bit tricky, but choosing the right ground covers can make a big difference. Ground covers are plants that spread across the soil, providing a beautiful and practical solution for areas where grass and other plants struggle. They help keep weeds down, prevent soil erosion, and add texture and color to your garden. In this article, we'll explore the best ground covers for full shade, including their growth habits, maintenance needs, hardiness zones, and landscape uses.
1. Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)
Growth Habits:
Pachysandra is a fast-growing evergreen ground cover that spreads by underground stems called rhizomes.
It forms a dense mat of glossy, dark green leaves that remain attractive year-round.
Maintenance Needs:
Requires minimal care once established.
Prefers moist, well-draining soil and benefits from occasional watering during dry spells.
Prune to control spread and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
Watch for signs of leaf blight and treat promptly.
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Landscape Uses:
Ideal for under trees and shrubs where grass won't grow.
Excellent for erosion control on slopes.
Provides year-round greenery in shady areas and can be used as a low-maintenance alternative to turf.
2. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Growth Habits:
Sweet Woodruff is a low-growing perennial that spreads quickly by creeping stems, forming a carpet of bright green, whorled leaves.
In spring, it produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.
Maintenance Needs:
Thrives in moist, well-draining soil and prefers consistently moist conditions.
Needs regular watering during dry periods.
Can be cut back after flowering to maintain neatness and encourage dense growth.
Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding.
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Landscape Uses:
Perfect for shady borders and woodland gardens.
Ideal for planting under trees and along shaded pathways.
Its sweet scent and attractive foliage make it a pleasant ground cover near paths and sitting areas.
3. Vinca Minor (Vinca minor)
Growth Habits:
Also known as periwinkle, this evergreen ground cover produces purple or blue flowers in spring.
Spreads by rooting stems, forming a dense cover that can suppress weeds effectively.
Maintenance Needs:
Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions but prefers well-draining soil.
Needs little maintenance once established; occasional trimming helps control its spread.
Prune in early spring to remove any winter-damaged stems and to encourage new growth.
Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Landscape Uses:
Excellent for erosion control on slopes and banks.
Adds color and greenery under trees and in shaded garden beds.
Can be used to fill in gaps between larger plants or as a ground cover in difficult-to-plant areas.
4. Lamium (Lamium maculatum)
Growth Habits:
Lamium is a fast-growing ground cover with variegated leaves and pink, purple, or white flowers.
It spreads by creeping stems, creating a thick mat that can brighten up dark areas.
Maintenance Needs:
Prefers moist, well-draining soil but is quite drought-tolerant once established.
Prune to keep it within bounds and to promote bushier growth.
Remove spent flowers and any dead or damaged foliage regularly.
Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Landscape Uses:
Great for brightening up dark corners with its colorful foliage.
Works well in shaded rock gardens and as an underplanting for taller shrubs.
Can be used as a ground cover in shaded perennial borders and along shaded pathways.
5. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Growth Habits:
Also known as bugleweed, Ajuga has dark green to bronze leaves and spikes of blue flowers that bloom in spring.
Spreads by runners, quickly forming a dense cover that can outcompete many weeds.
Maintenance Needs:
Thrives in moist, well-draining soil and prefers consistently moist conditions.
Requires occasional watering during dry spells.
Can be invasive, so it may need regular pruning to control spread.
Remove spent flower spikes to maintain a tidy appearance.
Hardiness Zones: 3-10
Landscape Uses:
Ideal for ground cover in shaded areas, including under trees and along pathways.
Adds color and texture with its vibrant foliage and flowers.
Effective for erosion control on slopes and as a low-maintenance option for large shaded areas.
6. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Sheen')
Growth Habits:
A variety of Pachysandra with glossy, dark green leaves that reflect light and add a lush appearance to shaded areas.
Spreads slowly by rhizomes, forming a low, dense mat.
Maintenance Needs:
Low-maintenance once established; thrives in moist, well-draining soil.
Occasional watering and pruning of dead leaves keep it healthy.
Watch for signs of leaf blight and treat promptly to prevent spread.
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Landscape Uses:
Perfect for formal gardens and shaded borders.
Provides a lush, green carpet that looks good year-round.
Excellent for covering bare soil under trees and shrubs where other plants struggle to grow.
7. Lilyturf (Liriope spicata)
Growth Habits:
Lilyturf has grass-like leaves and produces spikes of purple flowers followed by black berries in the fall.
Spreads by underground stems to form a dense, clump-forming ground cover that remains attractive year-round.
Maintenance Needs:
Prefers well-draining soil and is fairly drought-tolerant once established.
Trim back old foliage in early spring to make way for new growth.
Remove spent flower spikes to maintain a neat appearance.
Hardiness Zones: 5-10
Landscape Uses:
Great for edging shady borders and filling in under trees.
Adds a grassy texture and seasonal color with its flowers and berries.
Can be used in mass plantings for a low-maintenance, weed-suppressing ground cover.
Conclusion
Choosing the right ground covers can transform your full shade garden into a lush, beautiful space. Pachysandra, Sweet Woodruff, Vinca Minor, Lamium, Ajuga, Japanese Spurge, and Lilyturf are all excellent choices that thrive in low-light conditions. Each of these ground covers offers unique benefits, from colorful flowers to attractive foliage, and they all help reduce maintenance and enhance the beauty of your garden. Try incorporating some of these ground covers into your shaded areas and enjoy the transformation.