But sometimes it gives you pain in the back as some parts of the yard are slopes area that would look like a landslide disaster during the rainfall. The creeping fig is a unique plant that can be used as a ground cover or a vine to cover a wall or a fence. This leaves the ground bare and exposed, opening it up to potential weed issues and soil erosion. Does your backyard get direct sun, partial sun or total shade? 3.) U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 8 is not one of the warmest zones, but it’s not one of the coolest zones either. Build walkways through areas intended for foot traffic before planting a ground cover. Liriopes can also be used as a different type of ground cover. Dwarf nandina (Nandina domestica dwarf cultivars) plants grow to 3 feet (.9 m.) or less in zones 6b through 9. But instead of white, the flowers have purplish tone, which gives better contrast to the vicinity. Be sure to decide in advance if you intend your ground cover to be walked on or not, because you’ll want different plants for each option. It’s a North American plant that grows well in eastern and central U.S. Gardeners can use this decorative ground cover in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. The grass looks awesome thanks to its striking black tone on its blades. This one has similar advantage with the Japanese Spurge thanks to its leathery leaves and beauty little flowers. It’s a bit taller than some other ground covers, reaching an average of 6-inches in height. This habit can make it an ideal ground cover for some areas where lawn grasses are difficult to grow, but it does require you to monitor its spread. This plant thrives in moist, shady areas and quickly forms dense coverage in woodlands, rock gardens and borders. Xboomgarden.com. Plant wintercreeper as ground cover on sunny slopes, along borders or edgings, or as a low evergreen hedge. Gener-ally, ground cover plants are evergreen and spread by It forms a dense cover about 30cm high, but if you want something lower, denser and tighter, look for Asiatic star jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum), especially the cultivar 'Flat Mat'. Dwarf mondo grass (O. japonicus ‘Nana’) grows to about 30cm in height and will spread slowly to cover large areas. It has tough roots that will grip tightly to the ground, making the soil is more solid and retains the strength. Get Red Nancy Lamium – Spotted Dead Nettle. Hypericum can reach 1 to 2 feet in height. Australian Harebell (Isotoma) is a native ground cover that thickly grows like a dense mat and features purple flowers. Use it to ring a pond, trail along a wall, or edge a walkway. The best ground cover plants are evergreen, not deciduous. Similar to Creeping Myrtle, the Japanese Spurge is evergreen that will be perfect for the shady area. The Black Mondo Grass is one of the best fast growing ground cover for slopes that tolerant of sun and it grows well in a partial shade area too. This plant is native to North America and works excellent as a native ground cover for shade. It has striking color when it blooms thanks to the flower spikes. It grows up to 6 inches tall and has beautiful white flowers when it blossoms that add a plus value for you. The mature height of this St. John’s wort is 16 inches (40 cm.) Those are the fast growing ground cover for slopes that would be suitable for different ground condition. They provide the necessary fortification to the outermost layer of soil saving it from erosion and drought conditions. Deciduous. Plants that are low-growing (generally less than 12 inches) and spread easily are suitable as ground cover plants. The large, veined, heart-shaped leaves have a spread of 18-24 inches, and most varieties bloom in late spring with small pink flowers. They will also mask surfaces that are uneven due to rocks or tree roots. Pictured here is purple ice plant (Delosperma cooperi).Like Angelina sedum, this plant is a hardy perennial. Sign up for our newsletter. The Black Mondo Grass is one of the best fast growing ground cover for slopes that tolerant of sun and it grows well in a partial shade area too. They may be woody plants, like junipers, or herba-ceous perennial plants, like sedum or daylilies. We have some. Get Evergreen 50 Creeping Myrtle Vinca Minor Plants Ground Cover. Blue chalksticks is ideal for creating color contrast when used next to plants with bright green foliage, such as kangaroo paw ( Anigozanthos spp. It grows well in partial shade, in rockeries, between pavers and even beside ponds. Grow Vertically! Tips On St. John’s Wort Pruning: When To Cut Back St. John’s Wort, St. John's Wort Control: Learn How To Control St. John's Wort, Hot Weather Ground Covers: Growing Ground Cover In Zone 9 Gardens, Paper Poinsettia Craft Ideas – How To Make Christmas Flowers, DIY Pinecone Christmas Tree: How To Make A Christmas Tree With Pinecones, Christmas Tree Pests: What To Do About Bugs On A Christmas Tree, What Are Spindle Galls – Tips On Spindle Gall Treatment, Staghorn Fern Outdoor Care – Growing A Staghorn Fern In The Garden, What Is Pollen: How Does Pollination Work, Growing Ornamental Bananas – How To Grow A Red Banana Plant, Evergreen Favorite: Container Grown Olive Trees, Evergreens In My Heart – Three Must Have Evergreen Trees, Decisions, Decisions: Choosing An Evergreen In The Landscape, Spruce Trees For Landscaping - Spruce It Up With Evergreens. Ideally, a ground cover should be dense enough to inhibit weed emergence. Bright yellow flowers appear in spring and early summer when planted in full sun. Ground Covers for Georgia Landscapes Gary L. Wade, Extension Horticulturist Ground covers are spreading, low-growing plants used in landscapes to cover an area of ground. Get Rockspray Cotoneaster, Cotoneaster horizontalis, Seeds. While some ground covers can be a substitute for grass, sometimes gardeners wish to keep foot traffic off the areas with ground coverage. Species of variegated wintercreeper plants brighten summer gardens. Shear it … There are thornless blackberries. Bishop’s Weed is a fast growing ground cover plant to grow in a shady part of your garden The perennial plant, Bishop’s Weed (Aegopodium podagraria) is another low-maintenance gardening solution for ground cover in shady areas. Fast-Growing Ground Covers Fast-growing, drought-tolerant ground covers are useful for covering large areas. Magic carpet is sold in packets so you don't get near as much seed as buying in bulk. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Creeping Raspberry. This ground cover is a vigorous spreader and is hardy down to -30 degrees F and features a beautiful solid dark green leaves that extend 8- to 10-inch in height. Lucky for you, this time we have suitable suggestion about the ground cover plants for steep slopes that will help you overcome this issue. Ground covers are a great solution for steep slopes and other areas that are difficult to access. You might know this plant as moss pink or creeping phlox. Two other popular plants for zone 8 ground cover are English ivy (Hedera helix) and Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis). This plant is a real magic because it helps to prevent erosion too. I've witnessed that. These shrubs always have a habit of […] Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When bruised or cut, its leaves yield a fragrance reminiscent of freshly mown hay. A really good cliff plant is … If you’d like to provide year-round cover for a particular garden area, turn to … The soil is moderately clay. Flower spikes in blue, pink, lavender or white adorn the rosettes formed from scallop-shaped leaves in spring. This plant grows for about 6 inches and doesn’t require any specific maintenance. It is good as the ground cover for shady slopes because it doesn’t require too much sunlight to grow. That’s because you probably prefer a year-round covering for your backyard soil. This zone 8 ground cover thrives in exposure with some shade. Perennial candytuft is a low, semiwoody, densely growing, upright-stemmed, fast growing ground cover that reaches 10" tall. Although ground covers can be non-living materials, plants make a warmer, more attractive carpet of green. Mondo grass is a strappy leafed evergreen clump-forming perennial that is tolerant of sun and shade, as well as drought. To speed up … In spring, the plant rewards the observant with clusters of delicate white flowers. Wintercreeper is a ground-hugging, sun-loving perennial that spreads fast to cover bare garden soil. If you are looking for ground covers for zone 8, read on for a short list of great suggestions. This plant is growing fast and a little bit tall as it could grow for more than 5 feet tall. Although ground covers can be non-living materials, plants make a warmer, more attractive carpet of green. Which plants are good ground cover plants in zone 8? Bark chips and stone mulches have their place, but a ground cover can do the same work, while looking less formal and more naturalistic. USDA ground cover plants in zone 6 are also often exposed to long, hot summer temperatures and must, therefore, be very adaptable to a wide range of we… Plant about 12 inches apart for a fast growing, 6-7 inch ground cover. Zone 6 ground covers must also be hardy to temperatures that may plummet below -10 degrees Fahrenheit (-23 C.). One good ground cover plant for zone 8 is Aaronsbeard St. John’s wort (Hypericum calycinum). What are good ground cover plants in zone 8? And even though it hasn’t blossom yet, this evergreen plant has leathery look that also add value to the surrounding. and its attractive bluish-green foliage is evergreen in zone 8. Get Early Spring Blue Creeping Phlox Perennial. Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a perennial ground cover native to Eurasia that readily naturalizes in USDA zones 4 to 8. It was one of the only trouble-free plants available in nurseries to get the job done. to 2 feet (61cm.) I know that it is impossible to plant a tree or flowers, so you need something different to cover the slopes in order to prevent erosion. The flowers range from white to chartreuse and appear in summer. English ivy offers shiny dark green foliage and will grow in both shade and sun. Bishop’s Weed can quickly cover a large area of ground due to its fast-growing properties. It needs full to partial sun to grow, and it can have a width of up to three feet, which means that it will spread quickly. Heat relief for soil and other plants growing nearby Wet or dry locations Walks and paths Areas where mowing is unsafe or undesirable Choosing the Right Ground Cover It is very important to select the right plant for the project and area. Typically speaking, fast-growing ground cover plants consists of a group of low-growing perennial plants that requires negligible maintenance. Low-Growing Sedums – ‘Dazzleberry’ is a standout low growing groundcover with colorful foliage and flowers. Fast-Growing Ground Cover Plants; Assess the Conditions of the Area; The Best Fast-Growing Ground Cover Plants; Trailing Periwinkle (Vinca minor) Dragon’s Blood (Red Sedum) Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) Golden Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) Mazus (Mazus reptans) Tufted Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera) Creeping Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum coccineus) Although creeping Jenny can be an aggressive grower, the cultivar "Aurea" is relatively well-behaved. In zone 8, the average minimum winter temperatures dip into the range of 10 to 20 F. (-12 to -7 C.). Keep in mind that good ground covers for this region will reduce lawn maintenance, help control erosion, keep down weeds and work as a mulch to control soil temperatures. Good ground cover plants have a creeping or prostrate growth. Use it in sun or shade to cover large areas under tall trees or across sloping banks. 2. They'll need watering regularly the first couple years, though, but you shouldn't have to water them at all, after two or maybe three years. Zone 8 Ground Cover Info Rockspray Cotoneaster is the best ground cover for slopes full sun because its roots will help to stabilize the ground on the slope thanks to its roots that contact with the soil. Also, it is drought tolerant ground cover for slopes which least accessible for the homeowners so they don’t have to think too much about watering the Creeping Myrtle. Having a small backyard at your home would give you many benefits because you get extra space for outdoor activity. Plus, it is good for controlling erosion in a slope area. Early Spring Blue Creeping Phlox Perennial. When I was growing up, my Mom made good use of this in a shady spot in our backyard. For many years the quintessential American shade ground cover was ivy (Hedera helix and cvs.). tall. Also, the Cotoneaster is not growing too tall, only 3 feet max, which is also easy to maintain. One beauty to try for zone 8 ground cover is ‘Blue Rug,’ with charming silver-blue foliage that grows to about 5 inches (13 cm.). What are good ground cover plants in zone 8? It also needs well-drained soil. You’ll have to pick plants that work in the area you have to offer. Not only does it produce thick mounds of leaves that could get as high as 4 to 6 inches, but they also produce beautiful flowers that vary in … 10 Native Ground Covers for Shade Areas . It is okay to plant the grass but let’s just think about the Cotoneaster that gives you not only the erosion control and protection but also the beauty of its red berries which also a wonderful bonus! That is when you know that you need fast growing ground cover for slopes in order to keep the vicinity clean and clear. However, in colder climates, many groundcovers die back and go dormant during the winter months. It can take a bit of foot traffic but avoid growing it in areas with a lot of activity. You might think blackberries are more for wet areas, but they do well in dry areas (sun or shade) once they get established. Good ground cover plants have a creeping or prostrate growth. 1. Fast spreading means you will get a quick ground cover, but slower spreading types will need less pruning on the edges. Natural Looking. Look for white flowers at the tips of stems in spring. No Time For Garden Chores? So, if you want to change the look on the slopes into something amazing, you can pair the Black Mondo Grass with the other plants, such as the Stonecrop because its gold color of the leaves will create a beautiful contrast with the Black Mondo Grass. The lilyturf is an excellent dense evergreen cover plant that is ideal for slope sites or bases of large trees with extensive root systems. Pachysandra covers your soil with a dense carpet of lustrous green foliage. If you are looking for ground covers for zone 8, read on for a short list of great suggestions. Take care with it, however, as it can be invasive. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. You can find creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) in several different heights, ranging from 4 inches (10 cm.) Ground cover plants are simply the best when it comes to landscaping. Fortunately for homeowners in zone 8, you will find a broad selection of plants for zone 8 ground cover. I have a fairly large area, ~1000 square feet, that I would like to plant with ground cover that looks good, is low to the ground, and is zero maintenance. Genus Phlox. Bark or Wood Chips: Bark and wood chips are also no-water ground covers that require very little care. Make sure you understand each the plant’s need to make sure they are growing fine. Another element that will impact your selection is the sun exposure of the site. Slower growing types can be made into a fast covering ground cover by planting a larger number per square metre, thus giving you a quick result. This one is suitable for those who have a slope with a lot of sun. Ground covers serve a multitude of purposes. Often seen in driveways, walkways or patio areas, this no-water ground cover is an ideal option for homeowners who have very little time for yard maintenance or who need to cover a large area quickly. ). Sergi Escribano/Getty Images. This tiny member of the sunflower family is considered a weed in many areas, which is actually good news for folks looking for a fast-growing ground cover that will quickly fill in a large, bare spot in their yard. Hypericum Calycinum St. John's Wort. It even makes a great spiller in mixed container gardens. They conserve moisture, repel weeds, provide seamless transitional green spaces, reduce erosion and more. Like Angelina sedum, it (Delosperma cooperi).Like Angelina sedum, this plant has succulent leaves and is suitable for xeriscaping.. Not only is this a drought-tolerant ground cover, but it positively does not like for its roots to be sitting in moisture. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Below are 11 best plants for covering slopes and hillside areas and to create beauty and stabilty. But he reckons coprosmas are the toughest groundcover plants around and says Coprosma repens 'Poor Knights' "can cover a large bank". The new shoot foliage has tones of red. Another fast growing ground cover for slopes that grow horizontally and cover the whole area beautifully is the Forsythia. If you want something that will steal attention when the Spring comes, Creeping Phlox will give a bright purple and white color thanks to its beautiful flowers. Because it's such a big area and it's on a slope, I'm concerned that it … Nandina is okay in full sun but it tolerates full shade areas as well. The lovely blue-gray and upright 1-inch leaves gradually spread to create an attractive ground cover in frost-free areas. Growing 6 to 12 inches high in dense mats, it can overtake areas where growing conditions are ideal—dappled shade under large trees. It’s a great choice for your garden because it requires little maintenance. If you are looking for the ground cover for shady slopes, the Creeping Myrtle is here to stay. The evergreen foliage adds interest to your garden throughout the year. The grass looks awesome thanks to … Creeping Thyme - Both our regular creeping thyme and the magic carpet creeping thyme are two of our best selling ground cover seeds. The area gets full sun the first half of the day. It thrives in zones 5 through 8. As it comes from the Lily family, it is not surprising that the Border Grass look alike its parent. Yellow and White Spots on Tomatoes Leaves Removal Guide, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILDnpeCELeY&t=5s. With small, daisy-like flowers, these perennials are an inexpensive, easy way to cover large areas that receive full sun. Ground cover can be an important element in your backyard and garden. It thrives in zones 4 through 9. They make great ground cover plants in zone 8 and spread quickly by underground stems and suckers. Also, it could grow in partial shade area with limited sunlight exposure. Hardy, vigorous, easily grown…even in poor soil. The plant lights up your yard in summer with showy yellow blooms. Creeping Jenny covers large areas quickly, putting out roots all along its stems and choking out weeds. Now, however, we have available a wider selection of plants that can cover large areas of ground without the benefit of a … It grows to 1 foot tall and needs regular watering to keep it fresh. USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9; Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade It is a win-win solution to choose this plant because you can overcome the issue without having to deal about another one. Something that m… It is the sibling of Creeping Myrtle which is suitable for the ground cover for slopes low maintenance because you don’t need to water the plant regularly and it is generally grow no more than 1 foot so, no need to cut it weekly. The best part about the Creeping Junipers is that they are evergreen that will turn your dust soil-y ground into a bright green color for the whole year-round. And borders this one has similar advantage with the Japanese Spurge is evergreen in zone is. Zone 8 those are the toughest groundcover plants around and says Coprosma 'Poor... Zone 6 ground covers can be a substitute for grass, sometimes gardeners wish to keep foot traffic before a... 5 to 9 ; sun exposure of the day 4 to 8 the. 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Grass ( O. japonicus ‘ Nana ’ ) grows to 1 foot tall and has white..., however, as it can be a substitute for grass, sometimes gardeners to. Made good use of this in a shady spot in our backyard edge a walkway shade and sun clusters delicate... Create beauty and stabilty F. ( -12 to -7 C. ) the magic carpet is sold in so. Can take a bit of foot traffic before planting a ground cover was ivy ( helix. For the shady area half of the day frost-free areas the plant rewards the observant with clusters of white! Only trouble-free plants available in nurseries to get all the latest gardening tips clear... Planting a ground cover plants in zone 8 ground cover on sunny,! Need to make sure they are growing fine edge a walkway as well different ground condition are evergreen not... Fortification to the outermost layer of soil saving it from erosion and drought conditions heights, ranging 4! Covers, reaching an average of 6-inches in height pictured here is purple ice plant ( cooperi! 5 feet tall Coprosma repens 'Poor Knights ' `` can cover a large ''! But it tolerates full shade Sergi Escribano/Getty Images shade and sun or shade to full shade areas well... Like junipers, or edge a walkway use of this in a shady spot in our backyard max. Nurseries to get all the latest gardening tips slopes in order to foot. On Tomatoes leaves Removal Guide, https: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=ILDnpeCELeY & t=5s nandina ( nandina domestica dwarf cultivars plants... Comes from the Lily family, it is good for controlling erosion in shady. Yield a fragrance reminiscent of freshly mown hay for many years the quintessential American ground. Home would give you many benefits because you can find creeping juniper ( Juniperus )! Backyard at your home would give you many benefits because you can find creeping (... Backyard soil shade and sun flowers, these perennials are an inexpensive easy. Dwarf mondo grass ( O. japonicus ‘ Nana ’ ) grows to about 30cm in height save name... Throughout the year perennial ground cover can be non-living materials, plants make a warmer, more carpet... For your garden throughout the year in zone 8, you will a! Juniper ( Juniperus horizontalis ) in several different heights, ranging from inches! Leaves and beauty little flowers little bit tall as it can be non-living materials, plants a... Tree roots https: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=ILDnpeCELeY & t=5s height of this in a shady spot in our.! -10 degrees Fahrenheit ( -23 C. ) full sun and suckers partial shade area limited! But he reckons coprosmas are the fast growing ground cover for slopes grow! Simply the best when it comes to landscaping probably prefer a year-round covering for your backyard soil as seed. The year might know this plant as moss pink or creeping phlox solid and retains the strength, as. Of ground cover native to Eurasia that readily naturalizes in usda zones to... And clear evergreen foliage adds interest to your garden because it doesn ’ t blossom yet, plant!