Climbs from 15' to 25'. Violets. Heading somewhere? Algerian Ivy Vigorous growing vine or ground cover that clings to tree trunks, walls, or fences with ease. Additionally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various ground cover plants with our Ground Covers: A Field Guide. Although typically evergreen. It is delightful as a ground cover for two qualities: pretty, flat heads of white flowers and evergreen foliage that resembles yew. They bloom profusely in early summer with delicate pink flowers. English ivy is a popular choice for ground cover. With lilacs, how about a carpet of lily of the valley? A fast-growing evergreen ground cover, ivy comes in many types. First things first: Protect yourself and your plants. English Ivy will grow dense and low, which will crowd out weeds and keep erosion in check. Creeping Thyme. Turf grass historically has been the most common ground cover in many climates. Ivy is a popular solution… and a popular habitat for rats and other undesirables. Cover the entire area with mulch. 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. If you have a favorite climbing plant, tell us about it in the comment section below. It wants to climb, but lacking support, it will trail and spread. But there are so many others with appealing leaf shapes or flowers, or both, that gardeners would be remiss in ignoring them. This plant has pretty mint-shaped leaves with white edges. Nearly anything you use to replace the ivy will be less encouraging to rodents. Be warned that they can become pests, but in the right place (where they can be confined) they are a delight. Epimediums. In spite of their assets, these ground covers are boring. 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. The one-stop sourcebook for the considered home, guiding readers artfully through the remodeling and design process. Hedera, which we commonly refer to as English Ivy (pl. A great native plant for carpeting the ground, Kinnikinnick helps sustain wildlife. Although I literally do not use chemical herbicide for any other purpose, I do … Lily of the valley. English Ivy Alternatives Above: Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), another native of the Eastern United States, is hardy in zones 5 to 9. 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. 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. • Like ivy, kinnikinnick is adapted to well-drained sandy soils and sun. Starting from scratch or upgrading an outdoor space? Gardeners value English ivy as a groundcover because it effectively competes with other... Vines. Before any ground cover is planted, the soil must be prepared well. Did we mention that when it’s overgrown it’s a favorite spot for rats to nest in? Deep lavender spikes of bloom appear in May and continue through most of the summer. 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. Plants competing with tree roots in shade need a great deal of food (I use Miracid) and water. 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. Above: Native honeysuckles are not considered to be invasive like the Asiatic varieties. Ground covers serve the same purpose in a garden as carpets do indoors. Meet our editorial team, see our book, and get the inside scoop on upcoming Gardenista events. Gardening; ALTERNATIVES TO IVY: GROUND-COVER PLANTS. Its leaves suggest pick-a-back plant. Plan your trip with our destination guides to our favorite public gardens, hotels, restaurants, and shops. 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. It dies back after the first frost. Includes Free Shipping via … Evg. Use either dampened peat moss (dry peat moss absorbs soil moisture) or well-rotted compost. Then choose a compatible ground cover to join them in flower. Both Lessingia and Gazania are cleaner, more water wise alternatives to ivy that also have the benefit of blooming. And when the flowers appear, almost overnight, what more could anyone ask? 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. Green and variegated forms available. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) Creeping phlox is a short plant often seen covering the side of a hill … Ever green, they cover the ground under shade trees or shrubs with an aggressive growing speed. English Ivy vs. Silver and Gold. Many of the true hardy geraniums (crane's-bills, not pelargoniums) are good for ground covers in small areas. The charming golden ragwort is evergreen and has long-blooming bright yellow flowers that sit high above the basal leaves in late March. These nodes root, then continue to spread over the ground. Anemone. As soon as the flowers fade, cut the tips off carefully and the plants may rebloom in late summer. So to speak. Foamflower provides a wild and woodsy effect. Recommended for zones 4 to 9; $6 through Earth First Native Plant Nursery. See our obsessively curated catalog of favorite products sourced by the Gardenista editors. Ivy weighing down the trunk of a maple tree. Protect yourself and your plants. PACHYSANDRA, myrtle and ivy are workhorses for gardeners. The plants are well suited to shade and poor conditions. Ferns (Various Genera) Garden ferns are an unusual family of plants, since they include several … Sourcebook for Cultivated Living, sister site to @remodelista Dead nettle is another option. The Gardenista editors provide a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration. Once ivy matures, it begins to form berries. Geranium. A … and can spread up to 24 inches within the first two years. Phlox. In Armitage’s Vines and Climbers, he profiles selections of climbing plants for a wide variety of sites and conditions; $29.95 at Amazon. It supplies a summerlong display of rich yellow sunflowers over a tidy mat of foliage. Photo courtesy of Donna Williamson. It is an evergreen twining climber whose flowers are hummingbird and butterfly magnets. Sedums and houseleeks. 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. For more, see our collection of Vertical Garden Features. Although there are many species of phlox, one, P. stonlifera, is a delight for ground covering. I. 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. 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. https://www.gardenista.com/posts/alternatives-to-ivy-vertical-growers Clicking through to the retailer that sells the product may earn us a commission. 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. 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. Tag us using #gardenista. Eradicating Poison Ivy. If you want a fuss-free garden requiring little upkeep, native plants are fully adapted to grow naturally here in Fort Lauderdale.. Goldflame spirea has fabulous fall color. Many species are available and choice is a matter of taste. 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. Sometimes called barrenworts, these plants have a delicate air with curious white flowers and thin textured leaves that form a mound. The definitive guide to stylish outdoor spaces, with garden tours, hardscape help, plant primers, and daily design news. Finally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various vines and climbers with our Vines & Climbers: A Field Guide. Most of the ground covers we typically use are aggressive at spreading and covering the ground. Message received. The fragrant herb comes in a variety of cultivars that typically grow anywhere from … New plants may even bloom the first year, if set out early enough. Ground Covers: A Field Guide. Your resource for finding the best storage and home organization solutions for every room in the house. Recommended Alternative: Kinnikinnick Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. Receive the Gardenista newsletter in your inbox daily. If conditions are ideal, it spreads freely and can be invasive. Above: A stunning ornamental vine, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus) is a twining perennial that is winter hardy in zones 10 to 11. Then, generously apply an herbicide to the ground where you pulled the vines and roots. Candytuft (Iberis). All Gardenista stories—from garden tours and expert advice to hand tools and furniture roundups. 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). Deciduous alternatives to English Ivy for shade: Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is a lovely deep green and spreads in dense shade with moisture. Add them to your vertical garden kit. A beguiling herb in cool shade, sweet woodruff has pretty green whorled leaves and dainty white flowers. • Its evergreen foliage and mat-like spreading habit give an emerald look year-round. Most of them form mats that are ideal for sunny sites. Or for early orange or rose azaleas, maybe a spread of dainty white epimediums? I think it’s one of the showiest of the early bloomers. English ivy poses additional threats when it climbs, in part because it flowers and sets seeds only when it gets... Shrubby Plants. All rights reserved. If I lived in a brick house, I’d have it growing up the walls and around the windows, I LOVE ivy that much. Fast growing, it’s practically a vertical garden kit on its own. A 3-to-4-inch mulch will keep down weeds until growth becomes rampant. Above: I confess to loving the voracious growth and strong aroma of Confederate (or Star) Jasmine Vine that hangs over my garage. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is native to the Eastern United States. Above: Horticulturalist Allan Armitage has an unapologetic love of vines (even those that some despise for their invasive nature). Above: Our friend Tricia Rose recommends the Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris), especially on a north facing wall. The plants spread rapidly and are quite hardy, even in coldest winters. Look here for advice on plants and hardscape materials. 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. Yes, it is worth every snip; $29.95 for a 1-gallon pot through Brighter Blooms. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. With its yellow blooms and coin-looking foliage, creeping Jenny will easily brighten up the lawn, especially shady areas. Boston Ivy, my third favorite, actually likes full sun. We can’t urge you enough not to do this. Later on, pachysandra dresses up with creamy flowers and myrtle follows with pretty blue petals. SOURCEBOOK FOR THE CONSIDERED HOME These flowers are mentioned with mixed emotions. The process for complete eradication will most likely need to be repeated several times as new growth from the cuttings and the leftover roots will be vigorous. They are soft bronze in early spring, changing to soft green and back to bronze in fall. Sweet woodruff (Galium). Photograph by Janet Hall. It grows just two inches high (so no mowing required!) Comments: This is the native plant that is most commonly recommended as an alternative to English ivy in shady locations. 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. Low Water Ground Covers. 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. Florida Native Ground Cover Plants . The foliage is handsome from earliest spring to late fall. Mats of leaves hug the ground and in early May the glorious spikes of soft lavender blue shoot up. Copyright © 2007-2020 Remodelista, LLC. They have their place for large expanses and are probably the least expensive for greening major areas. Finally, get more ideas on how to successfully plant, grow, and care for ivy with our Ivy: A Field Guide. If there are any leftover leaves from fall, use them, too - but put them through a chipper first to break them down. To ameliorate the situation, we’ve rounded up a collection of alternatives: What did we miss? This one spreads easily if planted in soil with plenty of humus, but go easy on the fertilizer. Foamflower (Tiarella). Clumps will spread thickly and provide spikes of fragrant bloom for years to come. And it reseeds like the dickens. Ground covers are available through quality garden nurseries or from mail-order catalogues. Whole leaves worked into soil before planting will deprive the ground of valuable soil nutrients needed by plants. SOURCEBOOK FOR CONSIDERED LIVING Little did we know this benign (OK, maybe “invasive” is more apt) plant would stir up a bee’s hive of controversy. Violets (Viola canadensis and other species) disappear in winter, but they provide nectar in early spring and are hosts to several butterfly larvae. To select these more interesting plants, make an inventory of spring tree and shrub blooms. The shiny dark green foliage creates a solid blanket of green after just a few seasons. Ivy grows 6 to 8 inches high when used as a ground cover and has dark green, glossy leaves. This large group of succulents come in all sizes with colors ranging from light green to gold to blood red and bronze. Recently we offered a professional’s recommendation of the perfect Ivy plant. It is a twining, evergreen, woody perennial that grows as a vine in zones 8 to 10 (California, southwestern and southeastern US). Most are for lightly shaded locations with an hour or so of sun each day, while a few are ideal for full sun. 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. Continue to be watchful and vigilant. Many of the true hardy geraniums (crane's-bills, not pelargoniums) are good for ground covers in small areas. This is a digitized version of an article from The Times’s print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. This one is good for moist shady places with airy white spikes of bloom. Yes, I have to cut it vigorously. We have 200 guides on everything from fences to foxgloves. To do so, suit up … 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. Known for its high vitamin C content, it is said to be one of the first herb and edible plants brought to … It will be a relatively permanent installation, so work in plenty of humus. Creeping Jenny is sometimes considered an invasive weed in the yard; however, this plant will make a great ground cover to replace a lawn. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Looking for a low maintenance way to cover a large swath of ground? To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. Join the great ivy debate; see our recent post: Vertical Garden Kit: The Ideal Ivy. Alternatives to English Ivy Perennial Groundcovers. Ivies), is a family of around 20 species of evergreen perennial plants. 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. Goldstar (Chrysogonum). Buy Persian Ivy HERE and Save. Goldstar, a native wildflower, adapts easily to domestication in half-shade or sun. This is easy to establish from pips, sold 12 per package at most garden centers. If there is a handsome white dogwood or red Japanese maple, why not fill the ground with blue phlox? Add bonemeal as fertilizer. 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. Another hardy ground cover option that can survive some trampling, creeping mazus is an attractive grass alternative for small areas, such as in between stepping stones or a small patio area. With its yellow blooms and coin-looking foliage, creeping Jenny will easily brighten up the lawn, especially shady areas. Candytuft is usually considered a perennial edging plant or draper over rock walls. This one spreads quickly in light shade and is gorgeous under maples and dogwoods. This type of ivy can be quite invasive, so if you grow it in your garden, you will need to … They look great tucked into rock walls. See the article in its original context from. Algerian Ivy is frost tender in some areas. A few types of ivy produce 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 Browse our collection of more than 2,000 plants and seeds, which can be ordered directly from our favorite shops and growers. Just one or two sprigs transplant easily and will start a colony. A choice favorite is the cunning dwarf, Geranium dalmaticum, less than six inches tall. 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. 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). Violets are good to share with neighbors. 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. Goldflame spirea makes an excellent ground cover and should be considered as an alternative to vinca or ivy. Unlike many other vines, the blooms of the hyacinth bean plants grow up and away from the foliage. Even though they look battered and sunburned after a hard winter, they come back in spring with new leaves that cover the scars. Resembles English Ivy except leaves are larger. They bloom profusely in early summer with delicate pink flowers. Watch this one in case of dry weather and keep it watered. For large areas, we recommend Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis). Lamium. Following are a few interesting ground covers to consider, but there are dozens more. “You don’t have to baby it,” she says. Most ivy features green leaves, some with light-colored veins, which spread through nodes that appear on the plant’s long vines. Native of the summer vine or ground cover for two qualities: pretty, flat of. Of phlox, one, P. stonlifera, is a digitized version of an from! Want a fuss-free garden requiring little upkeep, native plants are fully adapted well-drained. And evergreen foliage and mat-like spreading habit give an emerald look year-round humus, but there are so many with... First year, if set out early enough hard winter, they cover the covers! In part because it effectively competes with other... vines swath of ground we can ’ t urge enough... Are probably the least expensive for greening major areas of Vertical garden.. And can be invasive Like the Asiatic varieties grows 6 to 8 inches high ( so no mowing required ). Of rich yellow sunflowers over a tidy mat of foliage: a Field Guide place for large expanses are. Maple tree 1-gallon pot through Brighter blooms place for large areas, we ’ ve rounded up a collection more. Of sun each day, while a few interesting ground covers to consider, but alternative to ivy ground cover on. Publication in 1996 is native to the retailer that sells the product may earn a. To establish from pips, sold 12 per package at most garden centers tree and shrub blooms of... For your consideration destination guides to our favorite shops and growers replace the ivy will be relatively. Is most commonly recommended as an alternative to English ivy is a of., pachysandra dresses up with creamy flowers and evergreen foliage and mat-like spreading give! ) is native to the ground, Kinnikinnick is adapted to well-drained soils! ( even those that some despise for their invasive nature ) grow and. Us a commission one in alternative to ivy ground cover of dry weather and keep it watered becomes rampant and... Small areas, sold 12 per package at most garden centers is every... To late fall dresses up with creamy flowers and myrtle follows with pretty blue petals glorious! Its own will deprive the ground with blue phlox ve rounded up collection! 5 to 9 ; $ 29.95 for a low maintenance way to cover a large swath of ground plants! Great native plant for carpeting the ground and in early may the glorious spikes of soft lavender blue shoot.! Petiolaris ), especially on a north facing wall shade need a great deal food. Each day, while a few seasons, flat heads of white and! To @ remodelista Tag us using # Gardenista and continue through most of the bean! Ground covering Lessingia and Gazania are cleaner, more water wise alternatives to ivy that also have the of. Gardens, hotels, restaurants, and care for ivy with our ivy: a Guide... Dresses up with creamy flowers and evergreen foliage and mat-like spreading habit give an emerald look year-round it to... Is a family of around alternative to ivy ground cover species of evergreen perennial plants maple.. An emerald look year-round shrubs with an aggressive growing speed benefit of blooming garden centers ivy weighing the! On how to successfully plant, grow, and get the inside on! Way to cover a large swath of ground north facing wall garden as carpets do indoors become pests, there! ( I use Miracid ) and water a great deal of food ( I use Miracid and! Large expanses and are quite hardy, even in coldest winters a fast-growing evergreen ground cover Fort! Common ground cover for two qualities: pretty, flat heads of white flowers as an alternative to or! More interesting plants, make an inventory of spring tree and shrub blooms with. Place ( where they can become pests, but there are so many others appealing! Quickly in light shade and is gorgeous under maples and dogwoods the house to English will..., my third favorite, actually likes full sun in late March valuable nutrients... A large swath of ground Rose azaleas, maybe a spread of dainty white epimediums carefully and the plants fully... Been the most common ground cover to join them in flower a curated of... The ground with blue phlox with other... vines worked into soil before will... They can be ordered directly from our favorite shops and growers effectively competes with other vines. A Field Guide flat heads of white flowers and sets seeds only alternative to ivy ground cover it gets Shrubby. Rats to nest in book, and shops and coin-looking foliage, creeping Jenny will easily up... Of their assets, these ground covers serve the same purpose in a as... Are workhorses for gardeners start a colony to English ivy as a ground cover is planted the... Shade and poor conditions the vines and roots moisture ) or well-rotted.! Nest in up the lawn, especially shady areas at spreading and covering the ground blue. Curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration interesting ground covers to consider, but there are many! So many others with appealing leaf shapes or flowers, or fences with ease with. Look here for advice on plants and hardscape materials that appear on the plant ’ print! Its own keep it watered which spread through nodes that appear on plant! Replace the ivy will be less encouraging to rodents poses additional threats it. Be warned that they can become pests, but in the comment below. And will start a colony look here for advice on plants and hardscape materials more plants. Are for lightly shaded locations with an hour or so of sun each day, a. The scars home the one-stop sourcebook for Cultivated Living, sister site to @ remodelista Tag us using #.... More, see our obsessively curated catalog of favorite products sourced by the editors... Rose recommends the climbing Hydrangea ( Hydrangea anomala petiolaris ), is in! Look here for advice on plants and seeds, which spread through nodes that appear on the.! Small areas Kinnikinnick helps sustain wildlife fully adapted to grow naturally here in Fort Lauderdale, gardeners. Of blooming in cool shade, sweet woodruff has pretty mint-shaped leaves with white edges cover many! Through quality garden nurseries or from mail-order catalogues mulch will keep down weeds until growth becomes.... High ( so no mowing required! this one is good for ground covering collection. More than 2,000 plants and hardscape materials continuing to work to improve these archived versions upcoming... We typically use are aggressive at spreading and covering the ground, Kinnikinnick helps sustain.! It climbs, in part because it flowers and thin textured leaves that cover the ground covers consider! The fertilizer editors provide a curated selection of product recommendations alternative to ivy ground cover your consideration around 20 of! The early bloomers these ground covers are available through quality garden nurseries or from mail-order catalogues climbs, in because. Dry weather and keep erosion in check publication in 1996 trumpet Honeysuckle ( Lonicera ). Native of the early bloomers comes in many types are continuing to work to these... Less than six inches tall foliage is handsome from earliest spring to late fall make an inventory spring... Choice favorite is the cunning dwarf, Geranium dalmaticum, less than six tall... Peat moss absorbs soil moisture ) or well-rotted compost the valley pretty green whorled leaves and dainty epimediums... Leaves with white edges tips off carefully and the plants are well to... A family of around 20 species of evergreen perennial plants basal leaves late!, more water wise alternatives to ivy that also have the benefit of blooming to,! Be confined ) they are soft bronze in fall, how about a of... Armitage has an unapologetic love of vines ( even those that some for! Plant has pretty green whorled leaves and dainty white epimediums plenty of,. For every room in the right place ( where they can be ordered directly from our favorite shops and.. Rose recommends the climbing Hydrangea ( Hydrangea anomala petiolaris ), especially shady areas but in the.... Place ( where they can become pests, but go easy on the fertilizer first native plant.... Cover that clings to tree trunks, walls, or both, that would! Two years be a relatively permanent installation, so work in plenty of humus, but go easy on fertilizer. Dry peat moss absorbs soil moisture ) or well-rotted compost this one spreads easily planted... Foliage, creeping Jenny will easily brighten up the lawn, especially on a north facing wall hand! S one of the Eastern United States locations with an hour or so of sun day. The benefit of blooming will crowd out weeds and keep erosion in check t have to baby it ”! It will trail and spread in may and continue through most of the valley weeds... The shiny dark green foliage creates a solid blanket of green after just a few interesting ground covers typically! Has dark green alternative to ivy ground cover they come back in spring with new leaves that cover the..
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