Choose groundcovers for tough growing conditions
By By Steve Strong / MSU extension service area horticulture
October 6, 2004
Nearly every lawn or landscape has at least one challenging site or problem area that makes growing plants difficult. Quite often the site is an established landscape with mature trees that have shaded out the lawn turf over time, or maybe a steep bank where mowing is impossible and soil erosion has occurred.
Fortunately, there are all kinds of different groundcovers that can help address landscaping problem areas, and the solution is a matter of choosing the right plants for a specific location. Keep in mind when deciding what type of groundcover to choose that the soil condition on problem sites is the most likely reason that plants are not already thriving there, so be prepared to amend the soil if necessary.
Defining what makes a groundcover is sort of sketchy, because even sizable shrubs like azalea and loropetalum function as effective groundcovers when planted closely. In general, though, groundcovers tend to be fairly low-growing clump-forming plants that may spread above ground as running vines or by lateral rhizomes in the soil layer.
Two of the main considerations for choosing particular groundcover plants are form and function. Focus first on function, because it is a waste of time and money to plug in plants that will not perform the job for which they were intended no matter how pretty they start out.
Some of the more popular groundcover vines for shady locations are perennial vinca, jasmine (Confederate and Asiatic), and English ivy. Advantages include ease of growth and ability to train into topiary or onto trellises, but be aware that many of the vines are very vigorous growers, and may try to take over existing shrubs and trees if left untended.
Jasmine and others can also perform equally well in full sunshine, and may be planted in combination with other groundcovers such as junipers and ornamental grasses. Pacific shore and blue rug are excellent low-growing juniper varieties (1-foot height) for baking hot sidewalk conditions, while Parson's juniper (4- to 6-feet high) is tough enough for the Department of Transportation to use along highway interchanges.
Grasses like miscanthus, pennisetum, pampas and panicums are other sun-loving alternatives and are offered in a number of variegated colors and sizes. Ornamental grasses can provide spiky, wispy, and sometimes even tropical textures to the overall landscape, and look great together when combined with a backdrop of coarser evergreen shrubs or amidst a flowering perennial border.
Liriope and ophiopogon are known better as big blue monkey grass and dwarf mondo grass, and are good choices for a grassy look in the shade. Try them in combination with other perennials like hostas, ferns, or lenten rose (helleborus). Beware of planting the invasive running species of monkey grass, as it often overruns the border wherever it is planted.
Some of the favorite tough plants for tough sites include cast iron plant, nandina, mahonia and the many varieties of perennial phlox that can provide blooms from spring until frost.
For planting recommendations, soil testing, and additional information contact the area horticulturist at 482-9764.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service has several publications available to help make wise groundcover decisions.
In particular, P0666 on Selecting Landscape Plants for Mississippi provides plant lists and other info, and is found online via the Internet at www.msucares.com.
