Few ground covers work well in shade
By By Amelia O’Brian / horticulture columnist
April 13, 2003
Dear Gardener: I have a large elm tree in my backyard that is shaped like a large umbrella. It provides wonderful, cooling shade in the summer. My problem is that no grass I have tried (including Oregon-dense-shade grass) will survive all that shade for the whole summer.
I am wondering if you might suggest something (any ground cover) that doesn't need a lot of water and will grow well in total shade. I could provide stepping stone pathways for a cover that does not lend itself to mowing. Thank you. Bill
Dear Bill: There are a few ground covers that work well in the shade. English ivy is, of course, the first plant that one thinks of in this category. In my opinion, though, it should be at the very bottom of the list. A vine that is closer to the top of the list is vinca, green or variegated. It spreads well and has purple flowers in the early summer.
Ajuga is another fairly common, but equally as good, groundcover. It spreads like crazy, but is easily pulled up where it is not wanted. Depending on the variety, it blooms pink, blue or white in the early summer.
Hosta is a popular shade plant that makes an excellent groundcover. Ranging in size from dwarfs to giants, there is a hosta to suit any size garden. Individual plants spread to form large clumps. Many have variegated foliage with interesting markings and patterns. Leaf colors include green, chartreuse and blue-gray, with many variations. Hosta blooms from early summer to autumn with tall spikes of bell-shaped lavender, purple or white flowers.
Epimedium is a slowly spreading ground cover with small, heart-shaped leaves. Small flowers on wiry stems appear above the foliage in late spring. Flowers may be pink, red, yellow or white.
Lamium is one of my favorite ground covers for shade. The small heart-shaped leaves have a nice variegation. It spreads quickly and produces small pink, rose, lavender or white flowers in early summer.
Pachysandra and sweet woodruff are not seen often, but are great low-growing perennial ground covers for shade. They are both fairly slow-growing. Sweet woodruff blooms in spring with small, fragrant, white flowers.
You can always look at the option of planting the area in shade loving perennials also. Hostas, astilbes, heucheras, and tiarellas would all do well in your situation.
