10 Best Ground Cover For Shade (2024 Update)

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When it comes to landscaping, ground cover is a great way to complement your garden and give it a polished look. However, finding the right ground cover for shaded areas can be a challenge. The good news is that there are many options available for those looking to add some greenery to their shaded spaces. Here are five key points to consider when looking for ground cover for shade:

1. Shade tolerance: Not all plants can thrive in the shade. When selecting ground cover, look for plants that are specifically labeled as shade-tolerant.

2. Moisture requirements: Some ground covers require more water than others, so it’s important to take into account the amount of moisture your shaded area receives.

3. Soil type: Different ground covers thrive in different types of soil. Be sure to choose a ground cover that is well-suited to the soil type in your shaded area.

4. Growth rate: If you’re looking for a ground cover that will quickly fill in your shaded space, be sure to choose a fast-growing option.

5. Maintenance: Consider how much maintenance your ground cover will require. Some options may require more pruning and upkeep than others.

Overall, selecting the right ground cover for shade is all about finding a plant that is well-suited to your specific environment and maintenance preferences. With a bit of research and planning, you can find the perfect ground cover to add some greenery to your shaded spaces.

10 Best Ground Cover For Shade

1. Large Quantity Of Alyssum Royal Carpet Seeds (60,000+) With Fragrance, Attracts Honey Bees And Butterflies, And Suitable For Ground Cover In Zones 3+. Sold By Myseeds.co.

The BIG PACK – Alyssum Royal Carpet Seeds is a high-quality product that boasts over 60,000 seeds of the fragrant Lobularia maritima plant. This seed pack is guaranteed to have no fillers, only 100% pure seeds that promise a high germination rate. It is suitable for all regions of North America, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who want to add an attractive and versatile ground cover to their landscape.

The Alyssum Royal Carpet Flower Seeds are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also attract honey bees, birds, and butterflies. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to create a pollinator-friendly environment. The plant produces a profusion of tiny, fragrant white flowers that bloom in clusters, making it a great addition to any garden or landscape.

To ensure that the Alyssum Royal Carpet flower blooms more profusely, it is recommended to trim the blooms regularly. This practice not only encourages more blooms but also helps to maintain the plant's shape and prevent it from becoming too woody.

When used as a ground cover, the Alyssum Royal Carpet plant can quickly spread and form a dense mat that effectively suppresses weed growth. This makes it an excellent choice for filling in empty spaces in the garden or as a border around other plants. It is also drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for areas with low rainfall or water restrictions.

The BIG PACK – Alyssum Royal Carpet Seeds is an excellent investment for gardeners who want to add a beautiful and low-maintenance ground cover to their landscape. It is easy to grow, attractive, and attracts pollinators, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to create a thriving and sustainable garden. With its high germination rate and suitability for all regions of North America, this seed pack is a must-have for any serious gardener.

2. Extra-Large Outdoor Pergola With Retractable Sun Shade Canopy And Steel Frame.

The Best Choice Products 10x10ft Extra-Large Outdoor Pergola is the perfect addition to any outdoor space that requires a dedicated sun shade. With a large, 100 square foot shaded space, this pergola is ideal for comfortable outdoor entertaining year-round in light or heavy sun.

Designed for open air ambience, you can draw back the sun shade and enjoy al fresco dining, conversation, or relaxation. The retractable canopy allows you to control the perfect balance of shade and sun with a retractable pulley system to move the canopy exactly where you need it!

Crafted with quality materials, you can enjoy years of UV-diffusion thanks to low-fade polyester and a powder-coated steel frame to prevent corrosion and wear. This pergola is built to last and withstand the elements.

The Best Choice Products Pergola is also versatile in its mounting options. Use the 16 included ground stakes to mount this pergola in your yard, concrete patio, wooden deck, and more. Additional surface hardware is not included, but the included stakes provide enough stability for most surfaces.

Measuring at 119"(L) x 119"(W) x 88.75"(H), this pergola is extra-large and can accommodate a variety of outdoor furniture and decor. It is also easy to assemble, so you can spend more time enjoying your outdoor space.

In conclusion, the Best Choice Products 10x10ft Extra-Large Outdoor Pergola is a high-quality and versatile option for anyone looking to add a dedicated sun shade to their outdoor space. With its retractable canopy, quality materials, and versatile mounting options, this pergola is built to last and provide comfort and relaxation for years to come.

3. 24x24ft Brown Sun Shade Sail Canopy With 98% Uv Block And Hardware Kit For Outdoor Patio Garden.

The Quictent 185G HDPE Square 24x24FT Sun Shade Sail Canopy is the perfect solution for outdoor spaces that require protection from the sun and harmful UV rays. With a 98% UV block top, this shade sail provides a great source of shade, while allowing for pleasant natural lighting to shine through.

The shade sail is made from 100% new HDPE (Non-recycled) material that is anti-aging, portable, and washable. This ensures that the shade sail will last for up to 5 years under normal use and weather conditions. The heavy-duty 100% virgin (Non-recycled) polyethylene shade cloth also prevents the sail from drying out, tearing, or fading, which significantly extends its lifespan.

The Quictent sun shade sail is designed with heavy-duty double-layered edges that prevent frayed edges and out of shape. Each corner is equipped with a 316 stainless steel D-ring for easy hanging, and extra heavy stitching is used to help the D-rings strongly attach to the shade sail.

The hardware kit that comes with the Quictent sun shade sail is made of high-quality 316 marine grade stainless steel. This kit helps to build and install the shade sail awning to porch, tree, pole, roof, stucco wall, brick wall, and other structures. The hardware kit ensures that the shade sail is sturdy enough to hold up to wind and rain, making it perfect for use in any weather condition.

The Quictent sun shade sail is available in brown and is perfect for use in outdoor spaces such as patios and gardens. It provides a stylish and functional solution for any outdoor space that requires protection from the sun and harmful UV rays. With its high-quality materials, heavy-duty design, and easy installation, the Quictent sun shade sail is an excellent investment for any homeowner looking to enhance their outdoor space.

4. English Ivy 48 Plants – Hardy Groundcover – Sun Or Shade -1 3/4" Pots

English Ivy is a hardy groundcover plant that can be grown in a variety of conditions. With its scientific name being Hedera helix, this plant is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in zones 5-8. It is also deer-resistant, making it a great choice for gardens that may attract wildlife.

One of the most notable features of English Ivy is its adaptability when it comes to sunlight. This plant can grow in both sun or shade, making it a versatile choice for any landscape. It is also an easy plant to grow, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

This English Ivy product comes with 48 plants, each in a 1 3/4" pot. The plants are shipped immediately in 48 cell flats, ensuring that they arrive at the customer's door as quickly as possible. It is important to note that plants ordered during the winter months will be shipped dormant.

In addition to its easy care and adaptability, English Ivy also has a number of other benefits. As a groundcover, it can help to prevent soil erosion and provide a natural barrier against weeds. It can also help to improve air quality, making it a great choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Overall, English Ivy is a great choice for anyone looking for a hardy, adaptable, and easy-to-grow plant. With 48 plants included in this product, customers can create a beautiful and functional landscape that will thrive for years to come.

5. Dwarf Mondo Grass – 54 Live Plants – Shade Loving Evergreen Ground Cover

Dwarf Mondo Grass is a popular and versatile ornamental grass that is prized for its dense and lush ground cover. This particular variety of Mondo Grass is only half the size of others, making it an excellent choice for creating a beautiful and low-maintenance landscape. It produces dark green grass-like clumps that are perfect for edging, rock gardens, borders, and ground covers.

This evergreen grass has a slow and clumping growth habit, reaching only 4-6 inches in height and width. Its compact size and dense foliage make it an ideal choice for planting in areas where space is limited or where a low-maintenance ground cover is desired. It is also an excellent choice for use in seashore plantings, where it can help stabilize sandy soils and prevent erosion.

Dwarf Mondo Grass is a shade-loving plant that can thrive in partial shade to full sun. It is hardy in zones 7-10 and is an evergreen perennial, meaning that it will retain its foliage throughout the year. This makes it an excellent choice for use in areas where winter interest is desired.

One of the main benefits of Dwarf Mondo Grass is its low-maintenance nature. Once established, it requires very little care, making it an excellent choice for busy homeowners or those who prefer a low-maintenance landscape. It is also drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for use in areas with low rainfall.

It is important to note that Dwarf Mondo Grass cannot be shipped to California or Hawaii due to state regulations. However, it is widely available in other parts of the country and is a popular choice among homeowners, landscapers, and gardeners.

In conclusion, Dwarf Mondo Grass is an excellent choice for creating a beautiful and low-maintenance landscape. Its compact size, dense foliage, and evergreen nature make it an ideal choice for use in a range of settings, from rock gardens to seashore plantings. With proper care, this versatile and hardy plant can provide years of beauty and enjoyment in any landscape.

6. 50 Bare Root Vinca Minor And Dwarf Periwinkle Ground Cover Plants From Greenwood Nursery

The Greenwood Nursery offers a great solution for those looking for fast-growing ground cover plants with the Vinca Minor and Lesser/Dwarf Periwinkle. This product comes in a quantity of 50 bare roots, with options for more quantities to save up to 60% on purchases.

The Vinca Minor, also known as Creeping Periwinkle, is a trailing ground cover vine that grows low to the ground with a good matting habit that is evergreen. It produces soft periwinkle blue flowers sporadically over early spring to summer, making it a great option for covering large areas. This shade-loving plant is also drought-resistant once established, making it a low-maintenance addition to any landscape.

Adaptable to most any soil, Vinca Minor prefers fairly good soil and is easier to control than many other creeping ground cover plants. It can also be referred to as Trailing Periwinkle, Creeping Myrtle, or Creeping Periwinkle evergreen. As with many fast-growing plants, Vinca can be invasive if not monitored. However, with a little attention and care, it can be grown safely in most landscape settings. Plant spacing for bare root Vinca Minor is 12 inches apart, with 100 plants covering 100 square feet.

This ground cover plant is classified as a perennial and an evergreen perennial, with mature heights ranging from 0-1ft. It has a fast-growing growth rate and blooms in the spring with blue and purple flowers. It can be planted in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 and requires full sun, partial, or full shade. Soil conditions should be well-drained and moist.

Greenwood Nursery takes the utmost care to ensure that customers receive healthy, vibrant, and alive plants. Bare roots are covered with hydrating gel that hydrates them while out of soil, wrapped in moist paper, and placed into airtight plastic wrap that traps moisture. Potted plants are shrink-wrapped and taped to prevent soil from spilling out. Both the bare root and potted plants are secured in a box with shipping peanuts. Most orders ship the next business day.

The Greenwood Nursery is committed to customer satisfaction and correcting any issues with orders immediately. Customers should purchase from the Greenwood Nursery store to avoid any issues, which can be identified by the logo around the plant and on the box.

Overall, the Vinca Minor and Lesser/Dwarf Periwinkle from Greenwood Nursery are a great option for those looking for fast-growing ground cover plants that are low-maintenance and adaptable.

Best Ground Cover For Shade FAQs

Can ground covers help improve soil quality in shady areas?

Yes, ground covers can help improve soil quality in shady areas. Shade-loving ground covers such as ferns, hostas, and vinca minor can add organic matter to the soil through their decaying leaves and roots, which can improve soil structure and fertility. Ground covers also help to prevent erosion and retain moisture in the soil, which can promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms and improve soil health. Additionally, ground covers can help to suppress the growth of weeds, reducing competition for nutrients and allowing other plants to thrive. However, it is important to choose the right ground cover for the specific conditions of the site, as some species may not be well-suited to shady areas or may have invasive tendencies. Proper installation and maintenance of ground covers is also crucial to ensure that they contribute to soil improvement rather than causing harm.

How can I ensure that my ground cover thrives in a shaded environment?

To ensure that your ground cover thrives in a shaded environment, you can follow these tips:

1. Choose the right plant: Select ground covers that are adapted to living in low-light conditions. Some good options include ferns, hostas, vinca, and liriope.

2. Prepare the soil: Make sure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Add compost or other organic matter to improve soil quality.

3. Water regularly: Even though the soil may be moist, it's important to water your ground cover regularly to ensure that it gets enough water to thrive.

4. Control weeds: Keep the area around your ground cover free from weeds to reduce competition for water and nutrients.

5. Monitor for pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for signs of pests or diseases, and take action quickly to prevent damage.

By following these tips, you can help your ground cover thrive in a shaded environment and create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape.

How do I choose the right ground cover for my shaded garden or landscape?

Choosing the right ground cover for a shaded garden or landscape depends on several factors. First, consider the amount of sunlight the area receives. Some ground covers, like Hosta and Heuchera, can tolerate partial shade, while others, like Ajuga and Lamium, prefer full shade. Next, think about the soil type and moisture level of the area. Some ground covers, such as Ferns and Astilbes, thrive in moist soil, while others, like Periwinkle and English Ivy, can tolerate drier conditions. Additionally, consider the purpose of the ground cover. Are you looking for something to suppress weeds, add color, or provide a lush carpet of greenery? Some popular options include Pachysandra, Vinca, and Foamflower. Lastly, make sure the ground cover you choose is suitable for your climate and will not become invasive in your area.

What are some low-maintenance ground cover options for shade?

As a plant expert, I recommend several low-maintenance ground cover options for shade. One option is Pachysandra terminalis, also known as Japanese spurge, which is a hardy evergreen ground cover that grows well in shade and requires little maintenance. Another option is Vinca minor, also known as periwinkle, which is a low-growing, evergreen ground cover that forms a dense mat and produces small purple flowers in the spring. Additionally, Ajuga reptans, also known as bugleweed, is a fast-growing ground cover that grows well in partial to full shade and produces spikes of blue flowers in the spring. Finally, Lamium maculatum, also known as deadnettle, is a low-growing ground cover that produces variegated foliage and pink or white flowers in the spring. These ground cover options are all easy to maintain and will add beauty and texture to any shady area.

What are the best ground cover options for shady areas?

When it comes to ground cover options for shady areas, there are several plants that thrive in such conditions. One of the best options is the Hosta plant, which is known for its lush foliage and variety of colors. Another excellent ground cover option is the Pachysandra, which is a low-maintenance plant that can grow in any type of soil.

Other options include the Vinca Minor, which is a fast-growing plant that can tolerate both shade and drought, and the Lamium, which is a versatile plant that can grow in both sun and shade. Additionally, the Tiarella is a great option for shady areas, as it is a hardy plant that produces lovely flowers in the spring.

Overall, choosing the right ground cover for a shady area depends on various factors, such as the type of soil, moisture levels, and the desired aesthetic. Consulting with a landscaping professional can help ensure that the best options are selected for the specific area.

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