09.04.2018 Views

Horticulture Principles and Practices

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

TABLE 17–4<br />

Selected Ground Covers Adapted to Shade<br />

Plant Scientific Name Zone Comments<br />

Bishop’s weed Aegopodium podagraria 3–9 Fast spreading; 12 inches (30 centimeters) high<br />

Ajuga Ajuga reptans 3–8 Short (3 inches or 7.7 centimeters); forms solid carpet<br />

European ginger Asarum europaeum 4–8 5 to 7 inches (12.5 to 17.5 centimeters) high; leathery<br />

leaves<br />

Chinese astilbe Astilbe chinensis 5–8 Flowers in summer; 8 to 12 inches (20 to<br />

30 centimeters) high<br />

Winter creeper Euonymus fortunei 5–9 Evergreen; long climbing vines; 1 to 2 feet (30 to<br />

60 centimeters) high<br />

Sweet woodruff Galium odoratum 3–8 Fast spreading; 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters)<br />

high; sweet fragrance when dried<br />

English ivy Hedera helix 5–9 Excellent spreader; 6 inches (15 centimeters) high<br />

Hosta Hosta hybrids 3–8 Easy to grow; versatile; 6 to 24 inches (15 to<br />

60 centimeters) high<br />

Strawberry geranium Saxifraga stolonifera 6–9 Good houseplant; 6 inches (15 centimeters) high<br />

Common periwinkle Vinca minor 3–9 Quick spreading; 6 to 10 inches (15 to<br />

25 centimeters) high<br />

Japanese pachys<strong>and</strong>ra Pachys<strong>and</strong>ra terminalis 4–8 Popular; good spreader; 8 to 10 inches (20 to<br />

25 centimeters) high<br />

TABLE 17–5<br />

Selected Ground Covers Adapted to Steep Slopes <strong>and</strong> Rocky Areas<br />

Plant Scientific Name Zone Comments<br />

Wooly yarrow Achillea tomentosa 3–7 Short (2 inches or 5 centimeters); full sun<br />

Saint-John’s-wort Hypericum calycinum 6–8 Easy to grow; vigorous; 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) high<br />

Japanese pachys<strong>and</strong>ra Pachys<strong>and</strong>ra terminalis 4–8 Popular; good spreader; 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) high<br />

Creeping juniper Juniperus horizontalis 3–9 Erosion control; good for foundation planting; 6 to 18 inches<br />

(15 to 45 centimeters) high<br />

English ivy Hedera helix 5–9 Excellent spreader; 6 inches (15 centimeters) high<br />

Common periwinkle Vinca minor 3–9 Quick spreading; 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 centimeters) high<br />

Ajuga Ajuga reptans 3–8 Short (3 inches or 7.7 centimeters); forms solid carpet<br />

520 Chapter 17 Installation of the L<strong>and</strong>scape<br />

include shrubby cinquefoil, lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis), Bethlehem sage<br />

(Pulmonia saccharata), Japanese primrose (Primula japonica), <strong>and</strong> moss phlox<br />

(Phlox subulata). Other ground covers have fragrant flowers, such as lily of the<br />

valley (Convallaria majalis) <strong>and</strong> sweet violet (Viola ordorata). Thyme, a popular<br />

herb, can also be used as an effective ground cover. Ground covers can serve to<br />

tie together contrasting areas (e.g., turf <strong>and</strong> shrubs) in the l<strong>and</strong>scape.<br />

4. Installation <strong>and</strong> maintenance. Ground covers are utilized in areas of the<br />

l<strong>and</strong>scape that are difficult to reach or manage. The plants installed should<br />

require relatively little maintenance <strong>and</strong> be easy to install. They should be chosen<br />

for their high probability of success in an area.<br />

5. Size of space available. Since ground covers are by nature quick spreading, it is<br />

important that the species selected not overwhelm the area where they are installed.<br />

Additional maintenance is required to keep the ground cover in control. Plant selection<br />

is especially important when ground covers are planted in combination. A list of<br />

some aggressive spreaders is presented in Table 17–6.<br />

17.5.1 SOIL PREPARATION AND PLANTING<br />

Even though ground covers are perceived as plants used in marginal parts of the l<strong>and</strong>scape,<br />

they nonetheless require adequate soil preparation for good establishment.<br />

Further, if the purpose of using the ground cover is for something other than

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!