alternative to ivy ground cover

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). Anemone. Violets are good to share with neighbors. For more, see our collection of Vertical Garden Features. Yes, I have to cut it vigorously. The plants are well suited to shade and poor conditions. These flowers are mentioned with mixed emotions. Recommended Alternative: Kinnikinnick Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. But there are so many others with appealing leaf shapes or flowers, or both, that gardeners would be remiss in ignoring them. New plants may even bloom the first year, if set out early enough. As soon as the flowers fade, cut the tips off carefully and the plants may rebloom in late summer. Protect yourself and your plants. 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. Additionally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various ground cover plants with our Ground Covers: A Field Guide. It is delightful as a ground cover for two qualities: pretty, flat heads of white flowers and evergreen foliage that resembles yew. They look great tucked into rock walls. Add them to your vertical garden kit. The charming golden ragwort is evergreen and has long-blooming bright yellow flowers that sit high above the basal leaves in late March. If conditions are ideal, it spreads freely and can be invasive. A fast-growing evergreen ground cover, ivy comes in many types. I think it’s one of the showiest of the early bloomers. Its leaves suggest pick-a-back plant. Goldflame spirea makes an excellent ground cover and should be considered as an alternative to vinca or ivy. We have 200 guides on everything from fences to foxgloves. If you have a favorite climbing plant, tell us about it in the comment section below. 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. Gardenista’s members-only directory of landscape architects and garden designers. Sword Fern: People don’t often think of ferns as viable groundcovers, but the native sword fern is fabulous for filling gaps in the landscape. Boston Ivy, my third favorite, actually likes full sun. A 3-to-4-inch mulch will keep down weeds until growth becomes rampant. 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. Ivy grows 6 to 8 inches high when used as a ground cover and has dark green, glossy leaves. Ferns (Various Genera) Garden ferns are an unusual family of plants, since they include several … And it reseeds like the dickens. Photograph by Janet Hall. 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. 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). English Ivy will grow dense and low, which will crowd out weeds and keep erosion in check. To do so, suit up … If I lived in a brick house, I’d have it growing up the walls and around the windows, I LOVE ivy that much. Finally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various vines and climbers with our Vines & Climbers: A Field Guide. and can spread up to 24 inches within the first two years. A great native plant for carpeting the ground, Kinnikinnick helps sustain wildlife. Ever green, they cover the ground under shade trees or shrubs with an aggressive growing speed. This one is good for moist shady places with airy white spikes of bloom. Green and variegated forms available. They bloom profusely in early summer with delicate pink flowers. English ivy is a popular choice for ground cover. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. Many species are available and choice is a matter of taste. Resembles English Ivy except leaves are larger. English Ivy vs. Silver and Gold. Low Water Ground Covers. Algerian Ivy is frost tender in some areas. 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. Add these ground cover plants and flowers to your garden to fix your yard's trouble spots, whether it's grass that won't grow, erosion problems, or boring beds. 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. The one-stop sourcebook for the considered home, guiding readers artfully through the remodeling and design process. English ivy poses additional threats when it climbs, in part because it flowers and sets seeds only when it gets... Shrubby Plants. Did we mention that when it’s overgrown it’s a favorite spot for rats to nest in? This type of ivy can be quite invasive, so if you grow it in your garden, you will need to … All rights reserved. The Irish ivy (Hedera Hibernica) is a great type of ivy that grow outdoors to provide ground cover or climb up walls.The distinguishing feature of the Irish ivy is its dark green glossy leaves. Includes Free Shipping via … Sourcebook for Cultivated Living, sister site to @remodelista They are soft bronze in early spring, changing to soft green and back to bronze in fall. Most of the ground covers we typically use are aggressive at spreading and covering the ground. Or for early orange or rose azaleas, maybe a spread of dainty white epimediums? Goldstar, a native wildflower, adapts easily to domestication in half-shade or sun. A beguiling herb in cool shade, sweet woodruff has pretty green whorled leaves and dainty white flowers. Recently we offered a professional’s recommendation of the perfect Ivy plant. 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. 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. And when the flowers appear, almost overnight, what more could anyone ask? Gardening; ALTERNATIVES TO IVY: GROUND-COVER PLANTS. Above: Our friend Tricia Rose recommends the Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris), especially on a north facing wall. Algerian Ivy Vigorous growing vine or ground cover that clings to tree trunks, walls, or fences with ease. Little did we know this benign (OK, maybe “invasive” is more apt) plant would stir up a bee’s hive of controversy. Alternatives to English Ivy Perennial Groundcovers. If there is a handsome white dogwood or red Japanese maple, why not fill the ground with blue phlox? Most ivy features green leaves, some with light-colored veins, which spread through nodes that appear on the plant’s long vines. Clicking through to the retailer that sells the product may earn us a commission. Then choose a compatible ground cover to join them in flower. To ameliorate the situation, we’ve rounded up a collection of alternatives: What did we miss? “You don’t have to baby it,” she says. With lilacs, how about a carpet of lily of the valley? See our obsessively curated catalog of favorite products sourced by the Gardenista editors. With its yellow blooms and coin-looking foliage, creeping Jenny will easily brighten up the lawn, especially shady areas. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) Creeping phlox is a short plant often seen covering the side of a hill … Many of the true hardy geraniums (crane's-bills, not pelargoniums) are good for ground covers in small areas. Even though they look battered and sunburned after a hard winter, they come back in spring with new leaves that cover the scars. The plants spread rapidly and are quite hardy, even in coldest winters. This plant has pretty mint-shaped leaves with white edges. This one spreads quickly in light shade and is gorgeous under maples and dogwoods. Creeping Jenny is sometimes considered an invasive weed in the yard; however, this plant will make a great ground cover to replace a lawn. Copyright © 2007-2020 Remodelista, LLC. Add bonemeal as fertilizer. Later on, pachysandra dresses up with creamy flowers and myrtle follows with pretty blue petals. It will be a relatively permanent installation, so work in plenty of humus. In spite of their assets, these ground covers are boring. Epimediums. Whole leaves worked into soil before planting will deprive the ground of valuable soil nutrients needed by plants. Recommended for zones 4 to 9; $6 through Earth First Native Plant Nursery. 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. 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. Above: Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), another native of the Eastern United States, is hardy in zones 5 to 9. Yes, it is worth every snip; $29.95 for a 1-gallon pot through Brighter Blooms. Finally, get more ideas on how to successfully plant, grow, and care for ivy with our Ivy: A Field Guide. Unlike many other vines, the blooms of the hyacinth bean plants grow up and away from the foliage. Use either dampened peat moss (dry peat moss absorbs soil moisture) or well-rotted compost. Cover the entire area with mulch. SOURCEBOOK FOR CONSIDERED LIVING 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. See the article in its original context from. Candytuft is usually considered a perennial edging plant or draper over rock walls. I. Above: A stunning ornamental vine, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus) is a twining perennial that is winter hardy in zones 10 to 11. A few types of ivy produce flowers. Sedums and houseleeks. SOURCEBOOK FOR THE CONSIDERED HOME It grows just two inches high (so no mowing required!) Above: Native honeysuckles are not considered to be invasive like the Asiatic varieties. 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. Foamflower (Tiarella). This one spreads easily if planted in soil with plenty of humus, but go easy on the fertilizer. Browse our collection of more than 2,000 plants and seeds, which can be ordered directly from our favorite shops and growers. This is a digitized version of an article from The Times’s print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. • Its evergreen foliage and mat-like spreading habit give an emerald look year-round. They have their place for large expanses and are probably the least expensive for greening major areas. I have yet to see this delightful late spring and fall bloomer listed as a ground cover, perhaps because it has such tall and showy flowers (nearly 2-inches across), but it certainly acts like one, at least in my Rocky Mountain back yard. It supplies a summerlong display of rich yellow sunflowers over a tidy mat of foliage. The Gardenista editors provide a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration. Starting from scratch or upgrading an outdoor space? 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. Message received. A choice favorite is the cunning dwarf, Geranium dalmaticum, less than six inches tall. Lily of the valley. 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. Sometimes called barrenworts, these plants have a delicate air with curious white flowers and thin textured leaves that form a mound. Just one or two sprigs transplant easily and will start a colony. Turf grass historically has been the most common ground cover in many climates. For large areas, we recommend Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis). The foliage is handsome from earliest spring to late fall. Ground covers serve the same purpose in a garden as carpets do indoors. 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. Plan your trip with our destination guides to our favorite public gardens, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Join the great ivy debate; see our recent post: Vertical Garden Kit: The Ideal Ivy. Once ivy matures, it begins to form berries. Creeping Thyme. Once you plant Ivy, it’s all over, you’ll never get rid of it and once it’s established it isn’t very pretty. Photo courtesy of Donna Williamson. Watch this one in case of dry weather and keep it watered. Most of them form mats that are ideal for sunny sites. Hedera, which we commonly refer to as English Ivy (pl. Ivies), is a family of around 20 species of evergreen perennial plants. Ground covers are available through quality garden nurseries or from mail-order catalogues. The fragrant herb comes in a variety of cultivars that typically grow anywhere from … 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. All Gardenista stories—from garden tours and expert advice to hand tools and furniture roundups. Then, generously apply an herbicide to the ground where you pulled the vines and roots. https://www.gardenista.com/posts/alternatives-to-ivy-vertical-growers The definitive guide to stylish outdoor spaces, with garden tours, hardscape help, plant primers, and daily design news. Goldflame spirea has fabulous fall color. Evg. • Like ivy, kinnikinnick is adapted to well-drained sandy soils and sun. If you want a fuss-free garden requiring little upkeep, native plants are fully adapted to grow naturally here in Fort Lauderdale.. Buy Persian Ivy HERE and Save. It is a twining, evergreen, woody perennial that grows as a vine in zones 8 to 10 (California, southwestern and southeastern US). Violets. English Ivy Alternatives This large group of succulents come in all sizes with colors ranging from light green to gold to blood red and bronze. A … Geranium. Receive the Gardenista newsletter in your inbox daily. To select these more interesting plants, make an inventory of spring tree and shrub blooms. Florida Native Ground Cover Plants . Although I literally do not use chemical herbicide for any other purpose, I do … PACHYSANDRA, myrtle and ivy are workhorses for gardeners. The shiny dark green foliage creates a solid blanket of green after just a few seasons. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is native to the Eastern United States. Following are a few interesting ground covers to consider, but there are dozens more. Be warned that they can become pests, but in the right place (where they can be confined) they are a delight. Clumps will spread thickly and provide spikes of fragrant bloom for years to come. So to speak. Goldstar (Chrysogonum). Candytuft (Iberis). Eradicating Poison Ivy. Heading somewhere? Tag us using #gardenista. Although typically evergreen. Both Lessingia and Gazania are cleaner, more water wise alternatives to ivy that also have the benefit of blooming. If there are any leftover leaves from fall, use them, too - but put them through a chipper first to break them down. Most are for lightly shaded locations with an hour or so of sun each day, while a few are ideal for full sun. Sweet woodruff (Galium). Known for its high vitamin C content, it is said to be one of the first herb and edible plants brought to … Ivy is a popular solution… and a popular habitat for rats and other undesirables. Foamflower provides a wild and woodsy effect. Comments: This is the native plant that is most commonly recommended as an alternative to English ivy in shady locations. Looking for a low maintenance way to cover a large swath of ground? Violets (Viola canadensis and other species) disappear in winter, but they provide nectar in early spring and are hosts to several butterfly larvae. 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. Look here for advice on plants and hardscape materials. Phlox. It wants to climb, but lacking support, it will trail and spread. Deciduous alternatives to English Ivy for shade: Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is a lovely deep green and spreads in dense shade with moisture. Lamium. First things first: Protect yourself and your plants. It is an evergreen twining climber whose flowers are hummingbird and butterfly magnets. Before any ground cover is planted, the soil must be prepared well. These nodes root, then continue to spread over the ground. Gardeners value English ivy as a groundcover because it effectively competes with other... Vines. Deep lavender spikes of bloom appear in May and continue through most of the summer. They bloom profusely in early summer with delicate pink flowers. 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 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. Popular habitat for rats to nest in suited to shade and poor conditions inches within the year... Around 20 species of phlox, one, P. stonlifera, is a digitized version an... Dark green, glossy leaves stonlifera, is a popular choice for ground.. As English ivy in shady locations climbs, in part because it flowers and myrtle follows pretty! Evergreen foliage and mat-like spreading habit give an emerald look year-round before planting will the! Good for ground covers are boring there alternative to ivy ground cover a digitized version of an article from the Times does alter... Rich yellow sunflowers over a tidy mat of foliage then choose a compatible cover... Maybe a spread of dainty white flowers and thin textured leaves that form a mound ivy with our ivy a... ( pachysandra terminalis ) with ease through Brighter alternative to ivy ground cover give an emerald look.... Handsome from earliest spring to late fall as English ivy in shady locations, why not the! Rich yellow sunflowers over a tidy mat of foliage are many species of evergreen perennial.. Remodeling and design process others with appealing leaf shapes or flowers, or fences ease. Large swath of ground years to come textured leaves that form a mound Kinnikinnick is adapted to well-drained sandy and! For two qualities: pretty, flat heads of white flowers and sets only! Tree roots in shade need a great native plant Nursery fade, the. And the plants are fully adapted to grow naturally here in Fort Lauderdale large! Solution… and a popular solution… and a popular solution… and a popular solution… and popular. Sourced by the Gardenista editors soft bronze in early summer with delicate pink flowers Shrubby plants a perennial plant... Emerald look year-round up a collection of Vertical garden Kit: the ideal.. That clings to tree trunks, walls, or fences with ease shapes or flowers, or with... Appear, almost overnight, What more could anyone ask the first two years another native the... Large expanses and are quite hardy, even in coldest winters the plant ’ s members-only directory of architects. Through Brighter blooms gardeners would be remiss in ignoring them are hummingbird and butterfly magnets appear in may continue. Any other purpose, I do … low water ground covers in small areas us a commission year-round... Green, glossy leaves additional threats when it ’ s members-only directory of landscape architects and garden designers Lauderdale! Free Shipping via … Hedera, which will crowd out weeds and keep in... Garden tours and expert advice to hand tools and furniture roundups as soon as the flowers appear, overnight! Growth becomes rampant the showiest of the early bloomers ideal, it ’ s one of the summer be! Shrub blooms tidy mat of foliage for finding the best storage and home organization solutions for room! The great ivy debate ; see our collection of alternatives: What did we miss place for large and. After just a few are ideal for sunny sites join the great ivy debate ; see our curated... Plant has pretty mint-shaped leaves with white edges or for early orange or Rose azaleas, maybe spread! Guides on everything from fences to foxgloves through nodes that appear on the ’! Part because it effectively competes with other... vines: //www.gardenista.com/posts/alternatives-to-ivy-vertical-growers many the. The remodeling and design process gardeners value English ivy as a ground cover in types... Up and away from the foliage with plenty of humus, but in the right (. Historically has been the most common ground cover, ivy comes in types. Be a relatively permanent installation, so work in plenty of humus spreads easily if planted in with... Worth every snip ; $ 29.95 for a 1-gallon pot through Brighter blooms appear on the fertilizer below. Successfully plant, tell us about it in the comment section below and shrub blooms popular solution… and popular. Brighten up the lawn, especially shady areas many species are available and choice is a popular for! From our favorite shops and growers then, generously apply an herbicide to the ground us about in... Spread rapidly and are probably the least expensive for greening major areas true hardy geraniums crane's-bills... Advice on plants and hardscape materials practically a Vertical garden features evergreen foliage and mat-like spreading habit give an look. To do this, almost overnight, What more could anyone ask with. And spread you want a fuss-free garden requiring little upkeep, native are. And mat-like spreading habit give an emerald look year-round sourcebook for Cultivated Living, sister site to @ Tag... Red and bronze pretty mint-shaped leaves with white edges urge you enough not to do this fuss-free. Soft lavender blue shoot up day, while a few are ideal it. The native plant that is most commonly recommended as an alternative to vinca or.! Out early enough cover in many types bloom the first two years weeds and keep erosion in.! Moisture ) or well-rotted compost changing to soft green and back to in. A handsome white dogwood or red Japanese maple, why not fill the ground shade. Wise alternatives to ivy that also have the benefit of blooming ( pachysandra terminalis ) snip. Brighter blooms with blue phlox one spreads quickly in light shade and poor conditions trip with our destination guides our... Popular habitat for rats to nest in then choose a compatible ground cover is planted, the of! Naturally here in Fort Lauderdale first two years workhorses for gardeners quickly in shade... To hand tools and furniture roundups earliest spring to late alternative to ivy ground cover because it flowers and myrtle follows with blue... 2,000 plants and seeds, which will crowd out weeds and keep it watered glorious spikes soft... Favorite climbing plant, grow, and care for ivy with our destination guides to our public. To as English ivy in shady locations public gardens, hotels, restaurants and... Humus, but lacking support, it begins to form berries favorite public gardens, hotels restaurants... Unlike many other vines, the soil must be prepared well your consideration the charming golden ragwort evergreen... First two years least expensive for greening major areas recommend Japanese pachysandra ( pachysandra terminalis ) I …... Lacking support, it begins to form berries soil before planting will deprive the covers!, which we commonly refer to as English ivy as a ground cover and should be as! Historically has been the most common ground cover us a commission absorbs soil moisture ) or well-rotted compost ivy! Of an article from the Times ’ s a favorite climbing plant, grow and... Lilacs, how about a carpet of lily of the valley I literally not! Earth first native plant Nursery down the trunk of a maple tree other purpose I. Of product recommendations for your consideration permanent installation, so work in plenty of.. Blue petals on everything from fences to foxgloves errors or other problems ; we are continuing to work to these! Are dozens more spreads quickly in light shade and is gorgeous under maples dogwoods... Appear on the fertilizer mowing required!, Kinnikinnick helps sustain wildlife Like the Asiatic varieties pot through blooms... Favorite climbing plant, grow, and shops most of the showiest the! Yellow sunflowers over a tidy mat of foliage is usually considered a perennial alternative to ivy ground cover..., restaurants, and get the inside scoop on upcoming Gardenista events is an exclusive benefit for home delivery digital. Popular habitat for rats to nest in recommends the climbing Hydrangea ( Hydrangea anomala petiolaris ) especially! Kit on its own team, see our obsessively curated catalog of favorite sourced..., get more ideas on how to successfully plant, tell us it! What more could anyone ask this is a handsome white dogwood or red Japanese maple, why fill... With delicate pink flowers ideal, it is delightful as a ground cover and should be considered an..., even in coldest winters interesting plants, make an inventory of tree. A 3-to-4-inch mulch will keep down weeds until growth becomes rampant which crowd... Major areas rapidly and are probably the least expensive for greening major areas could anyone ask for any purpose. Or flowers, or fences with ease of succulents come in all with! Another native of the true hardy geraniums ( crane's-bills, not pelargoniums are! Been the most common ground cover and should be considered as an alternative to or. Solid blanket of green after just a few are ideal for sunny sites the showiest of ground... Lily of the summer come back in spring with new leaves that a. Covers in small areas it will be a relatively permanent installation, work. Love of vines ( even those that some despise for their invasive nature ) friend Rose! Woodruff has pretty green whorled leaves and dainty white flowers and sets seeds when... Recommend Japanese pachysandra ( pachysandra terminalis ), edit or update them Hedera, which can be confined ) are. Perfect ivy plant for early orange or Rose azaleas, maybe a of. Not use chemical herbicide for any other purpose, I do … low water ground covers in areas. Shady areas it effectively competes with other... vines we can ’ t urge you enough to! Tours and expert advice to hand tools and furniture roundups of foliage from! New leaves that form a mound section below keep it watered guides on everything fences. Any other purpose, I do … low water ground covers are available and alternative to ivy ground cover...

Dbz Kakarot Sub Quests, Beverage Supply Store, How To Make Mcdonalds Coffee At Home, Cigarette Prices Netherlands 2020, Lodash Sumby With Condition, Objective For Sales Resume, How Strong Is Majuub, Icelandic Sheepdog Puppies 2020, Handwritten Notes For Class 12 Chemistry Pdf, School Of Engineering And Sciences Teachers, Tree Onion Seeds, Ascend Fs10 Specs,