primer cover are often a go - to solution for filling in bare smudge in the garden , but some of the most popular choices can promptly become a headache . Certain kind circularize sharply , overtaking other plant and do more trouble than they ’re worth . If you ’ve ever found yourself pull out creeping vines or combat with plants that just wo n’t stay put , you ’re not alone . The correct earth cover should enhance your garden without turning into a full - time job .
Luckily , there are plenty of attractive alternative that provide similar reportage without the chaos . In this guide , we ’ll highlight seven common ground covers that tend to overstay their welcome and declare oneself seven better options that stay in place . These alternatives will give you the looker and functionality you ’re look for , with much less alimony .
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy , with its captivating showy leaves , often volute out of dominance , overtake trees and structures . Its perseverance can lead to a hard - to - ascendence bed cover in gardens .
However , its aesthetic appeal often hides its incursive tendencies .
In shady areas , it can speedily outcompete native species , creating a monoculture . move out Hedera helix can be labor - intensive , ask consistent press clipping and monitoring .
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
crawl Jenny ’s vibrant yellow leave create a dramatic ground cover version , but beware — it ’s a riotous spreader . This plant can quick colonise garden blank space , smothering other plants under its bright foliage .
If left uncurbed , Creeping Jenny becomes a dominant military force , outcompeting more delicate plants . Its roots can be hard to eradicate , requiring solitaire and regular maintenance .
Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Periwinkle ’s charming purplish - blue peak are deceptively aggressive . Once engraft , this background cover spreads fleetly , often escaping garden mete .
Its heavy outgrowth can choke out aboriginal plants and disrupt local ecosystem .
Managing periwinkle involves frequent pruning and alertness to prevent its inexorable spread . Despite its beauty , it ’s a challenging plant to insure .
© Peekskill Nurseries
Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga ’s striking thick violet leaves and blue flowers create an centre - catching display . However , its rapid spread can become a gardener ’s nightmare .
This terra firma cover quick overtakes spaces , crowding out plants .
ascendency require disciplined trimming and awareness , as Ajuga ’s hugger-mugger runner make it recollective and hard to withdraw once lay down .
Bishops Weed (Aegopodium podagraria)
Bishop ’s Weed , with its attractive variegated leave of absence , seems innocuous but spreads aggressively . Once lay down , it can dominate garden beds , leaving little elbow room for other plants .
Eliminating Bishop ’s Weed demands industry , as it tends to turn back if not completely removed . Its resiliency can be daunting , making it a challenging basis cover to bring off .
Bugleweed (Ajuga genevensis)
Bugleweed is often apprise for its vibrant empurpled blooms and rose window leafage . Yet , its magic spell belies an fast-growing nature .
It grows rapidly , often overpowering smaller plants .
ascendancy requires veritable cutting back and monitoring , as Bugleweed ’s robust maturation can be difficult to curb , making it unsuitable for less heedful nurseryman .
© Home Nursery
Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria)
Goutweed ’s decorative leave of absence and rapid growth make it a popular choice , but its invasiveness is often lowball . It can quickly cover garden bed , outcompeting native flora .
carry off goutweed requires consistent effort , as it can reappear if roots are left behind . Its persistent nature build it a unnerving garden opponent .
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
Wild Ginger offers a delightful alternative , with its heart - shaped leaves creating a charming ground covert . Unlike its invasive counterparts , it stays where planted .
It integrates well into garden design without submerge other plants , providing a lush , unripe backdrop . Wild Ginger ’s reticent increment makes it an splendid selection for gardeners seeking stability .
Barrenwort (Epimedium spp.)
bishop’s hat give a elegant solution with its indulgent blossom and nub - mold leave-taking . This ground cover is non - invasive , offering reliable coverage without sweep over your garden .
Its subtle beauty and guarded outgrowth make Barrenwort a trusty alternative to more belligerent plants , fitting seamlessly into various garden styles .
Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)
Foamflower ’s lovely white blooms and gentle demeanor make it a perfect choice for a stable garden . It provides an elegant ground cover that respects its boundaries .
This plant life offers visual interest without the worry of fast-growing airing , idealistic for gardeners desiring a touch of whimsy without the hassle .
Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)
Siberian Bugloss delights with its heart - shaped leaves and delicate blue flowers . Unlike invasive species , it provides consistent coverage without overwhelm its surroundings .
Its steady nature makes it a reliable choice for gardener who desire stunner and parliamentary procedure . Brunnera ’s charm lie in its restraint and steadfastness , making it a lovely garden companion .
Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)
Lungwort volunteer an likable option with spotted leaves and dainty flowers . Its ontogeny is predictable and non - invasive , making it a democratic option for controlled garden domain .
nurseryman appreciate Lungwort ’s power to complement other plants without take over . Its unique leaf bestow interest , while its contained nature ensures concordance in garden designs .
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet Woodruff enchants with its tiny white blooms and fragrant leaves . This ground cover remains well - mannered , make it stark for umbrageous garden field .
Its restrained emergence pattern allow it to coexist peacefully with other plants , offering a touch of elegance without the chaos of trespassing species .
Heuchera (Heuchera spp.)
Heuchera stands out with its vivacious foliage , available in a spectrum of reds and purpleness . This ornamental reason cover stay within its boundary , offer color without the chaos .
Heuchera ’s bold leaves add visual machination , and its disciplined nature form it a darling among gardener seeking both looker and control .
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© Go Botany – Native Plant Trust
© Maryland Biodiversity Project
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© Go Botany – Native Plant Trust
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© High Country Gardens
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