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Planting Know-how
Groundcovers Maintenance
Groundcovers Recommendations
Groundcovers for Slopes
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The best general groundcovers for North Coast California
Listed here are low-growing, neatly attractive but unassuming
groundcovers, which are used where grass is difficult to maintain, beneath
shrubs, on gentle slopes, etc. On the North Coast where climate varies
considerably by altitude and distance from the ocean, not all of the
recommendations will be hardy over the entire area. In arid regions, it is
assumed that water is available for the plants suggested.
 | Ajuga. This creeping semi-evergreen perennial has leaves four inches
long and narrow, arranged in flat rosettes. They may be green, bronze,
or mottled, depending upon variety. The flowers in spring are showy
6-inch high spikes of purplish-blue, ping or white. The plants like part
shade. Space them 6 to 12 inches apart and propagate by dividing clumps.
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| Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi). This native
trailing evergreen thrives here, growing 6 to 12 inches high. While it
prefers acid soil, it adapts to sandy beaches or rocky hillside
conditions sun or shade, coastal or inland climate. The leaves are small
and leathery; little white flowers are followed by bright red berries.
Potted plants transplant most easily. |
| Creeping Lily-Turf (Liriope species) Hardier than the below
variety, but similar habits. |
| Dwarf Lily-Turf (Ophiopogon species). These have grass like
evergreen leaves up to a foot high and are especially popular in the
warmer climates, where they are used mostly in the shade. Stepping on
them occasionally does no harm, but they are not good for steady
traffic. The flowers are lavender, held erect on a spike somewhat
resembling Grape Hyacinth. To plant them, separate the clumps and set
divisions three to six inches apart. |
| Thyme. These low, carpet-forming fragrant-leaved plants can stand
hot, dry, sunny places and poor soil. They tolerate quite a bit of
walking upon so are good to grow among stepping stones, patio pavers,
and sunny strips along curbs. These are the same plants you grow and use
as herbs. There are many kinds, some with green leaves and others with
gray or wooly foliage. The flower are tiny, in red, lavender or white.
To plant, tear the clumps into divisions and set them a foot apart.
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| Pachysandra terminalis, also known as Japanese Spurge. This
shade-loving plant is one of the most popular groundcovers. Eight to
twelve inches high, its leaves, evergreen and lustrous, spread rapidly
by underground or surface runners. The plant can be propagated by
rooting pieces of leaf-topped stems in water, moist sand, or wherever
you want it to grow--if you keep the soil moist. It prefers slightly
acid, moist ground, but tolerates dry conditions. There is a mottled
variety. |
| Roman Chamomile (Anthemus nobilis). This herb grows three to
six inches high with ferny, scented leaves and small yellow blooms. It
can be walked upon and mowed. Full sun or light shade are preferred. Set
the plants a foot or two apart. They can be grown from seed or
divisions. |
| Vinca minor or Common Myrtle's slender stems are covered with
small glossy evergreen leaves. The flowers, in spring, are typically
vivid blue, though there are varieties with white and purple flowers.
Roots form along the stems, and pieces cut off and planted in moist soil
quickly become plants. Space these, or divisions, a foot apart. |
| Wild Strawberry. Several types that have relatively small 3-parted
semi-evergreen leaves, white flowers and delicious fruits. They cover
ground rapidly by putting out runner plants and like sun or part shade.
Space them one or two feet apart. |
NEXT: Groundcovers Recommended for Hill-Holding
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