Groundcovers for Dry, Moist and Full Sun Conditions -- By Cindy Bellinger

Sometimes the trickiest part of gardening is choosing groundcovers. We can get the larger, more textural plants in place. But what do we put around them, under them, between them? This element of a garden usually poses a few questions because the conditions under taller plants, in the open and under trees are different.

Take a look around your garden. Determine the spots you'd like to fill in with low-growing plants. Typically these areas are either in moist or dry shade. Then some areas are open to full sun all the time.

Dry Shade
Usually these areas are under trees or shrubs where overhanging branches keep rain and snow from getting to the ground. This makes a very dry culture for plants. Then there is a common assumption that there is something wrong with the soil under pine because it's usually barren.

"Pine needles don't 'poison' the soil," said David Salman, president of High Country Gardens and Santa Fe Greenhouses. "Actually, the needles help acidify alkaline soils in the West. The main problem under pines and other conifers is lack of moisture and root competition from the trees."

Soil under pines and conifer is usually malnourished as well. Loosen it down to at least a foot and amend it generously with compost. This reduces root competition, improves moisture retention and gives new plants a much needed head start to get established. Water frequently to establish their roots.

Some good dry shade plants include--
Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum' is Variegated Bishop's Weed and a vigorous grower in dry shady areas. It's indifferent to soil type. The variegated green and white foliage helps lighten shady corners of your yard. It's best used by itself to under-plant larger woody trees and shrubs. A marvelous plant in the Intermountain West and other arid climates but invasive in the moist East coast and Mid-Atlantic states. Zones 3-9.
Vinca major 'Big Leaf Periwinkle' is best for most inhospitable spots. It's a large leafed and evergreen, and grows equally well in full sun or deep shade. It overruns other flowers, however, so plant alone. Excellent for covering slopes. Deer resistant. (Excellent for cold, challenging climates, but not recommended for coastal CA where it is invasive.) Zones 4-9.
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides Hardy Plumbago slowly weaves itself into the garden fabric, creating large drifts of blue flowers in early fall. As the flowering finishes, the leaves begin a month-long change to a vivid mahogany red color. Plumbago is extremely adaptable, growing equally well in sun or shade, and thriving in a wide range of soil types as long as there is good drainage. Hardy Plumbago is slow to leaf out in the spring; be patient. Not recommended for fall planting in zones 5-6.
Moist Shade
Plants that like moist shade generally like well amended, compost enriched soil as well. Don't use mulches in moist shade as mulch will encourage foliage eating pests like slugs.

Several good shade groundcovers are --
Bellium minutum Miniature Mat Daisy is a dainty grower, covering itself with a multitude of 1/2" white daisies from late spring through the summer. The tiny, light green spoon-shaped leaves form a dense mat of foliage. It's not too picky about the soil, but needs regular watering. Plant by itself as this small plant is easily overgrown by larger more robust groundcovers. Ideal for planting between flagstone or pavers in spots too shady for Creeping Thyme. Zones 5-9.
Symphytum grandiflora 'Hidcote Blue' Blue Flowered Ornamental Comfrey has numerous clear blue nodding flowers that are especially lovely when blooming with yellow Daffodils. Spread by underground stolons, form a dense, weed resistant carpet of deep green foliage. Not picky about soils, it is some what xeric once established. Grown in 5" pots Zones 4-9.
Cotula sp. 'Tiffindell Gold' Creeping Gold Buttons is a vigorous, deep rooted South African native groundcover that grows in both dry and moist conditions. In moist partial or dappled shade, 'Tiffindell Gold' creates a delightful moss-like carpet of bright green foliage that blooms in late spring with playful golden button-like flowers. Grows in a wide range of soil types except wet clay. Tolerates light foot traffic too! Zones 5-10.
New Groundcovers for Full Sun
Got heat and sun, then try these vigorous and colorful new cold-hardy iceplants. Delosperma sp. 'Lesotho Pink', Delosperma ashtonii 'Blut' and Delosperma x 'Mesa Verde' are three breakthrough varieties for outstanding growth habit, flower color and garden performance.