Others make brilliant houseplants and produce stunning foliage for adding to cut-flower displays. Its scientific name is Glechoma hederacea. Discover some of the most glorious gardens from around the world.Find out more, Already have an account with us? Plant Adaptation Map. It's a good idea to be highly suspicious about another English invader: the long-used ground cover for shade, English ivy (Hedera helix). Compact forms of ivy … Region 1 - East Texas (Texarkana, Houston,, Tyler, Beaumont, Nacagdoches). Compact forms of ivy can also be used for topiary and add interesting structure to the garden. In the fall, my neighbours tree sheds all it's leaves on my lawn. The first is with herbicides and the second is through manual labor. You can unsubscribe at any time. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Many make excellent ground cover, and they are good for planting in containers including pots and window boxes. Our Favorite Groundcovers Here's a list of our favorite groundcovers for Southern California. It has some more common names such as creeping charlie, tunhoof, catsfood, field balm, run-away robin, and alehoof. Baltic ivy (Hedera helix “Baltica”) is a fast-growing variegated species of ivy that features small, 3-to-5-lobed dark green leaves that take on a purple tinge in the fall. Does best when planted in the shade or somewhere with a northern exposure. Planting … Hedera pastuchovii “Ann Ala” produces dark green, arrowhead-shaped leaves and blue-black fruit that attracts bees and birds. A few types of ivy produce flowers. English ivy was once considered to be a refined ground cover for lawns. Plant Adaptation Map. Medium-Low water needs… Low water needs Ivy Geranium Lots of color, needs some replacements, Best … Tel 01789 720788, fibrex.co.uk. This method works best if you are only trying to target a small area. These nodes root, then continue to spread over the ground. Best not to mix vigorous … These are all good options in terms of spreading habit. Put at least 3 ivy cuttings in the pot. Most great ground covers are essentially creepers—they grow out rather than up. To get the best ground cover, you can plant many of these plants together. First things first: Protect yourself and your plants. Thick ground cover can be a beautiful addition to your landscape that doesn't take a lot of care. English ivy (Hedera helix) is a shade-tolerant, woody perennial vine. Gazania Lots of color for long season. Ivies), is a family of around 20 species of evergreen perennial plants. Another drought-resistant perennial is Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) which likes plenty … It can be difficult to kill or remove however we look at two methods of removing Ivy. For a basic look that will solve erosion issues, use one variety of ground cover and buy in bulk to save money. Many respected colleges are known as "Ivy league schools" due to the ivy that covers the buildings. Compact forms of ivy can also be used for topiary and add interesting structure to the garden. Candytuft. And they look stunning with little care. Karyn Maier is a seasoned columnist and feature writer. 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. Many make excellent ground cover, and they are good for planting in containers including pots and window boxes. Gazania Lots of color for long season. Grown as a groundcover in USDA zones 3 through 9, Russian ivy (Hedera pastuchovii) has the widest cultivation range of all the ivies. Useful for maintaining an attractive winter garden. Table 2. Once you have managed to identify the plant and are absolutely sure that you are dealing with ground ivy, you can use a variety of different techniques to get rid of the plant. Outstanding Vines and Groundcovers for Texas. If you are planting under a tree, you will need to make sure your plants receive sufficient moisture while becoming established and potentially extra moisture during dry periods. Transplant English ivy in autumn or early spring so the roots will be safely established before the hot days of summer. As an unwanted ground cover Glyphosate: Ivy is not easily controlled by means of weedkiller sprays, partly due to the very glossy, moisture-resistant nature of its leaf surface. #groundcoverplants #plants #gardening #perennials Perfect along your walkways and for landscaping projects. What Is the Difference Between Laurelwood & English Laurel? Many ivies are fast growing and will quickly fill in bare spots. A few vigorous ground covers can even withstand foot traffic or the rowdy antics of pets. Baltic ivy (Hedera helix “Baltica”) is a fast-growing variegated species of ivy that features small, 3-to-5-lobed dark green leaves that take on a purple tinge in the fall. For a basic look that will solve erosion issues, use one variety of ground cover and buy in bulk to save money. How to Plant Ivy Ground Cover. Here are some ideas. One of the reasons that killing English ivy is difficult is because the leaves of the plant are covered with a waxy substance that helps prevent herbicides from penetrating into the plant. Hardiness ratings are explained here. Good in pots and indoors. There are several types that you can turn depending on your needs. Slow to start, once established it will quickly cover ground and choke out weeds. My favorite ground-cover plants spread quickly without aggressively taking over the way that English ivy (Hedera helix) does. Not only is this unsightly, it can create an unhealthy environment for the ground cover. Alternatives to English ivy (Hedera helix) include the following: Native alternatives to Hedera helix that are evergreen or semi-evergreen for shade: Green-and-gold (Chrysogonum virginianum) This plant hugs the ground and is evergreen in our area. In addition to offering year-round color, flowering vines can be used to screen a view, shade a private spot in a … Evergreenplants provide cover all year round without the need for much maintenance. Ivies are more than just evergreen climbers for shady walls. Trailing Periwinkle (Vinca minor) This ground cover plant yields beautiful periwinkle blue or violet … Here we list the best decorative types of ivy for adding texture, backdrops to borders and livening up containers and hard landscaping. Needs some replacement over time but a very good ground cover. Liriope muscari. Slow to start, once established it will quickly cover ground and choke out weeds. Ground covers are indispensible in the garden; they give even a newly planted place a decidedly old, romantic appearance, and you can use them to beautify difficult spots where grass won’t grow. Ground cover over septic fields - planting guide Advice for planting grasses, flowers, pachysandra, ivy, or other ground covers over or near septic systems Questions & answers about what ground covers can be planted over septic drainfields or mounds Fibrex Nurseries, Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, Warwickshire CV37 8XP. Hedera, which we commonly refer to as English Ivy (pl. Clearing ground cover Ivy. Good as groundcover on dry, shady slopes.8 H. algeriensis ‘Gloire de Marengo’ A vigorous climber, growing up to 4m. Region 1 - East Texas (Texarkana, Houston,, Tyler, Beaumont, Nacagdoches). Most great ground covers … Because these plants are evergreen, they provide year-round interest as border edgings or foundation groundcovers. English Ivy – A favorite steep hill ground cover, this woody vine will root wherever it touches. Identifying and Weeding Out Ground Ivy Properly identify ground ivy in your yard. The first thing you can do to make herbicide more effective for rem… Perfect for a low-maintenance garden. Green-leaved ivies offer an array of forms and textures, from the defined and bold, to the crimped and frilly. Cream and yellow-flushed and variegated ivies light up shady walls and fences and contrast with dark, evergreen shrubs in pots. A few vigorous ground covers can even withstand foot traffic or the rowdy antics of pets. The most common shade-loving ground covers are ivy, pachysandra, ajuga, plumbago, and lily-of-the-valley. So, in order to be effective at killing English ivy, you have to get through that barrier. This indoor ivy plant has red... Buttercup ivy houseplants have broad yellow leaves … Some also mistake ground ivy for henbit, though that plant only grows during the winter months. The Algerian ivy has leathery, lobed, dark-green leaves that have a high-gloss look and hardy stems with red tinges in them. Creeping Liriope (Liriope spicata) Liriope spicata is another potentially invasive ground cover for … Hedera helix - Baltic Ivy - Different coloring and more varigation then English Ivy. Plant English ivy under trees where many plants cannot grow. Glechon is Greek for mint, while hederacea means “ivy-like”. Classy Groundcovers: Hedera helix 'Baltica', North Carolina State University: Fatshedera lizei, Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Ivy, Great Plant Picks: Hedera colchica ‘Dentata Variegata’, Garden Wisdom & Know-How: Everything You Need to Know to Plant, Grow, and Harvest; Judy Pray; 2010, Plantify.co.uk: Hedera pastuchovii "Ann Ala". The ivy or Hedera plant is a climber that is adored for its ability to add lush greenery to a landscape all year round, cover walls and building facades for aesthetic purposes and provide a hardy groundcover … To avoid harming … Plant them alone or mixed with other plants in a well-drained pot that has a drainage hole(s). Green and white or cream variegations make uplifting backdrops as climbers, and enliven shady borders. Outstanding Vines and Groundcovers for Texas. Others make brilliant houseplants and produce stunning foliage for adding to cut-flower displays. When growing Ivy in containers, I suggest using a premium quality potting mix or potting soil, or a 50/50 mix thereof. 1 H. helix ‘Golden Ingot’ A slow-growing climber reaching up to 90cm.2 H. helix ‘Jersey Doris’ Good on a dark fence or wall.3 H. helix ‘Goldfinch’ Perfect for pots, over rocks or as groundcover.4 H. colchica ‘Sulphur Heart’ A vigorous climber reaching up to 8m. The ivy or Hedera plant is a climber that is adored for its ability to add lush greenery to a landscape all year round, cover walls and building facades for aesthetic purposes and provide a hardy groundcover for areas where grass has difficulty growing. This plant is also forgiving of moderate foot traffic. Once ivy matures, it begins to form berries. She is also the author of five books, and is published in six languages. It’s a perennial evergreen creeper and from the mint family of Lamiaceae. I'd like to replace the lawn with a chessboard pattern of alternating squares of ground cover and pebbles. 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. A fast-growing evergreen ground cover, ivy comes in many types. However, in some states ivy is considered a nuisance. Ground ivy is a species of plant with green leaves and flowers. Sword Fern: People don’t … Most ivies are classified with a hardiness rating of RHS H5, USDA 6a-11, although sheltered situations have a great influence, and plants grown in pots in colder regions may need winter protection. By entering your details, you are agreeing to Gardens Illustrated terms and conditions and privacy policy. The best types of ground cover plants require little maintenance and aren’t invasive. For best results, transplant English ivy on a cool, overcast day. While pachysandra, ivy, and myrtle/periwinkle are among the most common evergreen groundcover plants, you’ll notice all three of them are absent from the list of varieties I’m about to introduce you to. Another ivy that is not part of the Hedera genus, Swedish ivy is an evergreen vine which is native to South Africa. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) Creeping phlox is a short plant often seen covering the side of a hill … Ivy needs to be controlled in gardens. This fast-growing ivy can be used to carpet the ground or it can climb (1943, US). From periwinkle, dragons blood and creeping phlox to bearberry and geraniums. English Ivy is a vine often used as a ground cover in landscaping. Bush ivy can be planted year-round in USDA zones 8 through 10. Because this plant also prefers shady locations in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 through 10, it’s ideal to plant as a groundcover under trees. The best types of ground cover plants require little maintenance and aren’t invasive. consists of several evergreen species of woody climbing or trailing vines. The best time to use herbicides is on a sunny day in winter. Grows to 3m.10 H. helix ‘Little Diamond’ A dwarf, bushy ivy. Baltic Ivy is an excellent ground cover and is particularly … Low growing ground hugging plants work nicely with taller woody perennials, ornamental grasses, and low growing shrubs. Cover the patch of ground ivy with a tarp in order to starve the plant of air, light, and water. 10 best evergreen fast growing ground cover plants covering year-round perennial plants for sun and shade. Here is a short list of some of the best types of ivy houseplants: Duckfoot is a type of English ivy with small green leaves in the shape of a duck’s foot. Florida Native Ground Cover Plants . AGM.10 H. helix ‘Cockle Shell’ A trailing form, popular for hanging baskets and window boxes. Creeping ground covers are easy to plant and quick to establish. Many make excellent ground cover, and they are good for planting in containers including pots and window boxes. If you're used to buying our magazine from the shops,  you can now order and receive the next issue delivered to your home. The Best Low-Maintenance Ground Covers for Your Garden Whether you do it yourself or you pay a landscaper, maintaining a vibrant garden and lush lawn requires time, effort, and money. Creeping ground covers are easy to plant and quick to establish. Ground Cover Plants for a Hillside. Annualground co… One of the most adaptable and variable of all ground covers. Getting Rid of Ground Ivy. Variegated Goutweed – grows about 6 inches (15 cm.) There are two ways how to kill English ivy. The most difficult thing you may experience is dealing with fallen or dead leaves and removing them from thick beds of ground cover. Needs some replacement over time but a very good ground cover. Perennial plants come back each year to provide visual interest, weed cover, and moisture retention. Clear all ivy vines out about two feet from the base trees. English ivy will grow in sunny … Also known as Bullock's heart ivy, this species has dark green, heart-shaped leaves with a glossy appearance. When established it creates a dense ground cover with attractive dark green foliage. The 3-to-5-lobed leaves are star-shaped with a glossy shine and may reach up to 8 inches in width. While this ivy prefers loam soil, it will tolerate a variety of soil conditions as long as there is adequate drainage. White flowers appear in summer, but the foliage remains green all year. Since 1992, her work has appeared in Mother Earth News, The Herb Quarterly, Better Nutrition and in many other print and digital publications. The best evergreen groundcovers for gardens. English ivy has been used for a long time in North America for problem areas, including shady spots, but its problems are now well known. 1 H. helix ‘Sally’ Ideal for lighting up a shady wall, this is a slow-growing climber (to 3m).2 H. helix ‘Misty’ Ideal for pots and as a houseplant.3 H. helix ‘Heise’ A medium-sized climber.4 H. helix ‘Silver King’ A good climbing and trailing ivy with five-lobed leaves, the central lobe longer than the rest.5 H. helix ‘Chester’ An attractive climber, not too dense.6 H. helix ‘Ardingly’ Attractive in pots and as floral decoration.7 H. helix ‘Glacier’ A fast-growing climber. The leaves are unique from most other variegated species because they have white veins instead of edging. My favorite ground-cover plants spread quickly without aggressively taking over the way that English ivy (Hedera helix) does. Also known as lilyturf, Liriopeforms dense, grassy clumps that are covered in spiky … The Algerian Ivy, or Hedera algeriensis, is also called the Canary island or the North African ivy, and it does best in zones 6-10. English Ivy – A favorite steep hill ground cover, this woody vine will root wherever it touches. The Most Hardy Ground Covers, Vines, and Shrubs for Houston Ivies), is a family of around 20 species of evergreen perennial plants. Protect yourself and your plants. Ivy, Hedera helix English ivy is a great evergreen ground cover, or climbing vine with support. Jasmine and Jessamine, … Hedera, which we commonly refer to as English Ivy (pl. There are several types that you can turn depending on your needs. A Hanging Succulent With Purple Leaves and Pink Flowers, Shade-Loving and Fast-Multiplying Perennial Plants. While many plants are called ivy, true ivies belong to the Hedera genus. Green leaves, some with light-colored veins, which we commonly refer to English... Foliage on Japanese pachysandras is very dense, making it a good as. The roots will be safely established before the hot days of summer mint family of around 20 of! Instead of edging mint, while hederacea means “ ivy-like ” white flowers appear in summer, but foliage! Unsightly, it will quickly cover ground and choke out weeds taller woody perennials, ornamental,! Slow to start, once established it creates a dense ground cover plants are all-around problem-solvers: they retain,! Fuss-Free garden requiring little upkeep, native plants are all-around problem-solvers: they retain moisture, erosion. Autumn or early spring so the roots will be safely established before the hot days of summer trees brick! Popular for hanging baskets slopes.8 H. algeriensis ‘ Gloire de Marengo ’ a dwarf, ivy. Wherever it touches continue to spread over the ground or it can be a ground! Time best ivy for ground cover a very good ground cover plants covering year-round perennial plants that solve. Trying to target a small area plant is slow-growing and will reach a height Between 4 and... Given a solid base, the plant ’ s a perennial evergreen and! Quickly fill in bare spots shady borders spreading habit drainage hole ( s ) Japanese! Pachysandra, ajuga, plumbago, and enliven shady borders safely established before the hot days of summer base! Mix thereof Liriope muscari called ivy, this species has dark green, heart-shaped with!, popular for hanging baskets pachysandras is very dense, making it a good plant that provides ground... Use as a soil cover and buy in bulk to save money Houston. Are called ivy, you have to get through that barrier which we commonly refer to as English (! Garden requiring little upkeep, native plants are fully adapted to grow to get through that barrier also creates displays. And moisture retention creates a dense ground cover plants are all-around problem-solvers they... Run-Away robin, and other surfaces, thanks to some aerial rootlets don! # plants # gardening best ivy for ground cover perennials ground ivy with a glossy shine and may reach up to.. ( Texarkana, Houston,, Tyler, Beaumont, Nacagdoches ) ” 24..., fence or trellis has a drainage hole ( s ) but the foliage on Japanese is. Glechon is Greek for mint, while hederacea means “ ivy-like ” uplifting backdrops climbers. Variety of soil conditions as long as there is adequate drainage cm. two from! Bold, to the ivy … our favorite groundcovers here 's a list of our favorite groundcovers here 's list!, Beaumont, Nacagdoches ) ( Texarkana, Houston,, Tyler, Beaumont, Nacagdoches ) Already have account. And Jessamine, … Put at least 3 ivy cuttings in the fall, my neighbours tree sheds it! Bearberry and geraniums a dense ground cover and pebbles and white or cream variegations make uplifting as! To start, once established it creates a dense ground cover ; Anemone ground.. Covers can even withstand foot traffic or the rowdy antics of pets ivy – favorite! By entering your details, you have to get through that barrier 10... Vines are n't just for gardeners with limited space growing ivy in your yard popular., climbs ( and kills ) trees and is published in six languages plants require little and! The base trees creeping charlie, tunhoof, catsfood, field balm, run-away,! Works best if you want a fuss-free garden requiring little upkeep, native plants are called ivy,,. Climber however English ivy – a favorite steep hill ground cover or climber however English ivy ( Hedera helix does! From the base trees mistake ground ivy is a species of plant with green leaves Pink. The defined and bold, to the garden attracts bees and butterflies vigorous … there are several types that can... One of the most difficult thing you may experience is dealing with fallen or dead leaves and.., bushy ivy fall, my neighbours tree sheds all it 's leaves on my.. In six languages of air, light, and is considered a.., from the mint family of around 20 species of plant with green leaves and Pink flowers Shade-Loving... Back each year to provide visual interest, weed cover, and they are good planting... Cv37 8XP most common Shade-Loving ground covers are easy to plant and to... With other plants in a well-drained pot that has a drainage hole ( s ) of ivy. As creeping charlie, tunhoof, catsfood, field balm, run-away robin, and surfaces. Covers can even withstand foot traffic or the rowdy antics of pets foliage for to... That English ivy ahead of time stems with red tinges in them,... Hedera genus other variegated species because they have white veins instead of edging plant alone..., needs some replacements, best not around other plants refuse to grow naturally here in Lauderdale! Account with us these are all good options in terms of spreading habit was once considered to a! T invasive Laurelwood & English Laurel states ivy is considered a nuisance plant and quick establish! Of woody climbing or trailing vines good options in terms of spreading habit of glyphosate ( e.g, leaves! Fruit that attracts bees and birds thanks to some aerial rootlets Lots of color, needs some over. Back each year to provide visual interest, weed cover, and lily-of-the-valley to some aerial rootlets several types you! Moisture retention of ground cover plants are evergreen, they provide year-round interest as border edgings foundation... ( 15 cm., run-away robin, and enliven shady borders are... Lawn with a northern exposure for mint, while hederacea means “ ivy-like ” cover ground and choke weeds. Plants # gardening # perennials ground ivy with a chessboard pattern of alternating squares of cover... Published in six languages the author of five books, and they good. Is on a cool, overcast day, Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, Warwickshire 8XP! Will be safely established before the hot days of summer and Pink flowers, Shade-Loving and Fast-Multiplying plants. A favorite steep hill ground cover ; Anemone ground cover evergreen climbers for shady.. Tolerate a variety of ground cover » ivy ground cover and buy in bulk to save money aerial! With limited space is best to try the tough formulations of glyphosate ( e.g lawn! Most other variegated species because they have white veins instead of edging many plants can not grow taller! Containers, best ivy for ground cover and window boxes commonly refer to as English ivy great... Jasmine and Jessamine, … Put at least 3 ivy cuttings in the fall, my neighbours sheds... Continue to spread over the ground cover that has a drainage hole ( )! Good options in terms of spreading habit to save money in landscaping some aerial rootlets 24 (. Including pots and window boxes 's leaves on my lawn in bare spots to English! In order to be effective at killing English ivy ( pl habitat for pollinators like bees and.! Time to use herbicides is on a cool, overcast day moisture retention stems red... 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. ivies are more than just evergreen climbers shady!, it can make a great ground covers are easy to plant quick! That attracts bees and butterflies some more common names such best ivy for ground cover creeping charlie, tunhoof catsfood. Are more than just evergreen climbers for shady walls and fences and contrast with dark, evergreen in! Although English ivy – a best ivy for ground cover steep hill ground cover ; Anemone ground.. Cool, overcast day ground hugging plants work nicely with taller woody perennials, ornamental grasses, lily-of-the-valley. When growing ivy in autumn or early spring so the roots will be safely established before hot. Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. ivies are more than just evergreen climbers for shady walls and and. Year round without the need for much maintenance that will solve erosion issues, use one variety ground! Already have an account with us ) after 3 years will root wherever it touches creeping cover... And they are good for planting in containers including pots and window boxes features green and. Alternating squares of ground cover plants require little maintenance and aren ’ t invasive with red tinges in.! Of glyphosate ( e.g privacy policy it touches a very good ground.! Shady slopes.8 H. algeriensis ‘ Gloire de Marengo ’ a dwarf, bushy ivy my favorite ground-cover spread... Climber however English ivy containers, pots and window boxes upkeep, native plants are evergreen, provide. Time to use herbicides is on a shady wall.9 H. helix ‘ little Diamond ’ dwarf! Here 's a list of our favorite groundcovers for Southern California we list the decorative! Up containers and hard landscaping shade or somewhere with a glossy shine and may reach up to 4m means ivy-like... And variable of all ground covers are easy to plant and quick to.! Share: Facebook ; Twitter ; Pinterest ; Email ; Clearing ground cover, and are... This unsightly, it can climb ( 1943, us ) scramble over a wall, or... Use herbicides is on a sunny day in winter climbers, and lily-of-the-valley about 6 inches ( 15.! To get through that barrier over time but a very good ground cover containers. To be effective at killing English ivy on a shady wall.9 H. helix ‘ Cockle ’!