Green Landscaping and Gardening - What Groundcover to plant?
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jmat1980
06-25-08, 08:37 PM
Hi,
I have an area behind my house that I would like to plant a ground cover on. The area is in a fairly steep slope and it is also fairly rocky.
Something that flowers would be nice, but its not a must.
Behind the sloped areas there are also alot of trees, so I need to keep in mind the falling leaves in the Fall. I live in NJ so the temperatures drop alot in the winter...I would like something that is not too high, I guess under 6 inches...
Any ideas???
Thanks!!
I have an area behind my house that I would like to plant a ground cover on. The area is in a fairly steep slope and it is also fairly rocky.
Something that flowers would be nice, but its not a must.
Behind the sloped areas there are also alot of trees, so I need to keep in mind the falling leaves in the Fall. I live in NJ so the temperatures drop alot in the winter...I would like something that is not too high, I guess under 6 inches...
Any ideas???
Thanks!!
simmran1
07-13-08, 08:27 PM
Moss Pink Phlox subulata
Moss pink or creeping phlox is commonly used as a rock garden plant, but it also forms an effective ground cover on poor, bare soils where there is little competition. It forms a dense mat of moss-like foliage, which is covered in spring with masses of flowers in pink, purple, or white. In rocky areas, it will persist in the existing soil and drape itself over the stones. It is a plant for full sun and relatively dry soils. As plants age, they tend to develop dead spots. Periodic division to fill spots may be necessary. In mild climates, the plants are evergreen, but where winters are cold and plants are exposed, browning may occur, but green will return in the spring.
Common Periwinkle, Myrtle, or Vinca Vinca minor
Periwinkle or myrtle is an excellent, evergreen ground cover with dark-green foliage and purple, blue, or white flowers, depending on the variety. It blooms in April and sometimes again in the fall. The plant grows to about 6 inches tall, spreading in all directions by sending out long, trailing and rooting shoots that make new plants. It is best in shade, but will grow satisfactorily in full sun. The foliage color is richer in partial shade, but more flowers are produced in the sun.
This ground cover is most commonly used for under planting trees and shrubs, on shaded slopes, or on the north side of buildings. Rooted cuttings or established plants are normally spaced from 12 to 18 inches apart. At a 6-inch spacing, a complete cover will be produced in one year. Plant in the spring in areas with severe winters.
Moss pink or creeping phlox is commonly used as a rock garden plant, but it also forms an effective ground cover on poor, bare soils where there is little competition. It forms a dense mat of moss-like foliage, which is covered in spring with masses of flowers in pink, purple, or white. In rocky areas, it will persist in the existing soil and drape itself over the stones. It is a plant for full sun and relatively dry soils. As plants age, they tend to develop dead spots. Periodic division to fill spots may be necessary. In mild climates, the plants are evergreen, but where winters are cold and plants are exposed, browning may occur, but green will return in the spring.
Common Periwinkle, Myrtle, or Vinca Vinca minor
Periwinkle or myrtle is an excellent, evergreen ground cover with dark-green foliage and purple, blue, or white flowers, depending on the variety. It blooms in April and sometimes again in the fall. The plant grows to about 6 inches tall, spreading in all directions by sending out long, trailing and rooting shoots that make new plants. It is best in shade, but will grow satisfactorily in full sun. The foliage color is richer in partial shade, but more flowers are produced in the sun.
This ground cover is most commonly used for under planting trees and shrubs, on shaded slopes, or on the north side of buildings. Rooted cuttings or established plants are normally spaced from 12 to 18 inches apart. At a 6-inch spacing, a complete cover will be produced in one year. Plant in the spring in areas with severe winters.