Want to infuse your garden with an enduring touch of verdant allure? Whether you have a shady spot or full sun exposure, evergreen ground cover for shade & full sun is the perfect solution. These versatile plants not only provide lush green foliage but also act as ground covers, creating a beautiful carpet effect.Â
Whether you’re in Zone 5, zone 7, 8 or any other region, you’ll find options for evergreen ground cover that thrives in your specific climate. Get ready to transform your outdoor space with these stunning and reliable plants!
You're reading: 28 of the Best Evergreen Ground Cover for Shade and Full Sun: Year-Round Beauty
What is Green Ground Cover
Green ground cover refers to a delightful group of plants that serve as a living carpet, cloaking the earth with their lush green foliage.
These ground covering green plants offer a remarkable solution for those seeking year-round vibrancy in their outdoor spaces. With their persistent greenery, these plants stay green all year long, infusing your garden with a soothing and refreshing ambiance.
Types of Ground Covering Evergreen Plants
When it comes to choosing the perfect green ground cover for your garden, the options are wonderfully diverse. From evergreen plants that provide year-spherical coverage to low-growing varieties that creep along the garden, there may be something for each lawn area.
Whether you want a low evergreen ground cover for shade or full sun , or you are on the lookout for a fast-developing choice for your precise area, along with 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 zones, you’ll discover a delightful array of alternatives so as to add splendor, texture, and shade in your outdoor oasis.
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Evergreen Ground Cover for Shade
Hosta (Hosta spp.):
Hostas are renowned for their exceptional beauty and versatility in shade gardens. With their wide range of foliage colors, textures, and sizes, these plants are a true feast for the eyes.
With their preference for shade to partial shade and their adaptability to different soil conditions, Hostas are a go-to choice for creating stunning and diverse ground cover displays.
Japanese Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis):
Japanese Pachysandra is a native ground cover that deserves high praise for its exceptional performance in shady areas. Its glossy, dark green leaves create a luxurious carpet-like cover that is simply breathtaking. Its ability to thrive in shade and well-drained soil makes it a perfect choice for those seeking a low-maintenance, evergreen ground cover solution.
Lamium (Lamium maculatum):
Lamium, also known as dead nettle, is a fantastic ground cover that brings both beauty and versatility to shade gardens. Its variegated foliage and clusters of pink, crimson, or white flowers create a vibrant and charming display.
This hardy plant can thrive in full-partial shade, and its choice for wet, properly-drained soil makes it a brilliant preference for numerous garden settings. With Lamium, you could effortlessly add a touch of color and texture to even the shadiest corners of your garden.
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum):
Sweet Woodruff is an absolute gem when it comes to shade-loving ground covers. Its delightful fragrance, whorls of narrow leaves, and delicate white flowers make it a truly enchanting addition to any garden.
This resilient plant thrives in shade to partial shade and is particularly well-suited for use under trees. Its ability to form lush, green carpets in moist, well-drained soil is truly impressive.
Periwinkle (Vinca minor, or Creeping Myrtle):
Vinca, also known as periwinkle, is a ground cover that effortlessly combines beauty and functionality.
Its glossy green leaves and charming blue or purple flowers create a captivating scene that can transform any shaded area. Vinca’s adaptability to partial to full shade and well-drained soil makes it an excellent choice for a variety of garden settings.
Foamflower (Tiarella spp.):
Foamflower is a true delight for shade gardens, thanks to its exquisite foliage and delicate spikes of white or pink flowers.
Its attractive leaves add a soft and airy texture to woodland settings, creating a tranquil and enchanting atmosphere. Thriving in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil, Foamflower is a reliable choice for adding a touch of grace and elegance to your garden.
Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.):
Coral Bells deserve endless praise for their captivating foliage and striking bell-shaped flowers. With a wide variety of colors, from vibrant greens to deep purples, these plants are a true showstopper.
Their marbled or variegated patterns add an extra layer of visual interest to any shaded area. Thriving in partial shade and well-drained soil, Coral Bells bring a touch of sophistication and beauty to your garden. With their varying hardiness across different Heuchera varieties, you can find the perfect options to enhance your landscape, regardless of your USDA hardiness zone.
Ajuga (Ajuga reptans):
Ajuga is a truly remarkable evergreen ground cover that forms dense mats of foliage. Its striking spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers in spring are a sight to behold!
This hardy plant can thrive in partial to full shade and has an incredible ability to adapt to different growing conditions. With its attractive foliage and impressive resilience, Ajuga is a must-have addition to any shade garden.
These evergreen ground covers for shade not only provide year-round interest but also offer numerous benefits, including erosion control, weed suppression, and a vibrant tapestry of colors. Embrace the beauty and enjoy the wonders they bring to your shaded landscape!
Evergreen Ground Cover for Full Sun
Here are six wonderful evergreen ground covers that thrive in full sun, each with its own unique features:
Woolly Thyme (Thymus lanuginosus):
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Woolly Thyme is a unique and eye-catching ground cover that features soft, fuzzy leaves in shades of silver-gray or green. Its textured foliage adds an interesting dimension to your garden, creating a visual and tactile experience.
This low-growing evergreen thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s particularly well-suited for rock gardens, slopes, or areas where its cascading habit can be appreciated. Woolly Thyme is not only visually appealing but also emits a pleasant fragrance when walked upon, making it an inviting choice for pathways or seating areas.
Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis):
Creeping Juniper is a resilient and hardy evergreen ground cover that forms a dense, spreading mat of foliage.
With its fine-textured, needle-like leaves and unique blue-green or silver-blue coloration, it adds an element of interest to your sunny landscape.
This low-maintenance plant thrives in full sun and is highly drought-tolerant once established. Its ability to withstand harsh conditions, including poor soil and strong winds, makes it an excellent choice for erosion control on slopes.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum):
Creeping Thyme is a delightful ground cover that offers not only evergreen foliage but also a burst of color when it blooms. With its tiny, aromatic leaves and clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers, it creates a carpet-like cover that is both visually appealing and fragrant. This low-growing plant is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it an excellent choice for sunny areas or rock gardens.
Sedum (Sedum spp.):
Sedums are incredibly versatile ground covers known for their resilience and ability to thrive in full sun. With their fleshy, succulent leaves, they can withstand dry conditions and are perfect for rock gardens or areas with poor soil.
Sedums come in a variety of colors, ranging from vibrant greens to stunning purples and reds. Their clusters of star-shaped flowers add an extra dimension of beauty.
Blue Star Creeper (Pratia pedunculata):
Blue Star Creeper is a charming ground cover with tiny, star-shaped blue flowers that create a stunning carpet of color. Its dense, evergreen foliage forms a lush mat that provides an excellent weed-suppressing effect.
This low-growing plant thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It’s perfect for filling in between pavers or spilling over the edges of containers. Blue Star Creeper’s delicate flowers and compact growth habit make it an enchanting addition to any sunny garden.
Ice Plant (Delosperma spp.):
Ice Plant is a vegetation recognized for its vibrant, daisy-like flora and succulent leaves that resemble icy crystals. These evergreen plants are fantastically drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun, making them perfect for sunny and arid environments.
With their low-spreading dependency, they invent a dense, colorful carpet that adds a burst of life to your panorama. Ice Plants are to be had in a number of charming colorings, such as crimson, yellow, and orange.
These evergreen ground covers for full sun are not only visually appealing but also offer practical benefits such as soil erosion control, weed suppression, and low maintenance. Embrace their beauty, and let them transform your sunny garden into a vibrant and inviting oasis!
Low-growing Year Round Ground Cover
Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’):
Dwarf Mondo Grass is a charming low-growing ground cover that thrives in shade. Its dense tufts of dark green, grass-like foliage create a lush carpet-like effect.
This low-maintenance foliage requires minimal care and is perfect for adding texture and visual interest to shaded areas. It can withstand light foot traffic, making it a walkable ground cover for shaded pathways or between stepping stones.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia):
Creeping Jenny is a delightful low-growing ground cover with trailing stems and rounded leaves that form a dense mat.
It thrives in shady conditions and provides a vibrant splash of bright green color to your garden. This low-maintenance plant requires little attention and is excellent for covering bare spots under trees or cascading over walls.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis):
Lily of the Valley is a fragrant and charming ground cover that thrives in shade. Its dainty bell-shaped flowers and lush green foliage create a beautiful carpet-like cover.
This low-growing perennial requires minimal maintenance and spreads easily, making it an ideal choice for filling in shady areas under trees or in woodland gardens.
Wall Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys)
Wall germander, also known as Teucrium chamaedrys, is a delightful low-growing evergreen plant that adds a touch of charm to any garden.
Its compact form and small, glossy leaves create a lush carpet-like effect, perfect for borders or edging.
Not only is it visually appealing, but wall germander also attracts pollinators with its beautiful lavender flowers, making it a favorite among bees and butterflies. It’s a versatile and friendly addition to any landscape.
Evergreen Ground Cover Zone 7
Sweet Grass
Sweet grass, also known as Hierochloe odorata, is a delightful evergreen plant that thrives in zone 7 gardens. Its fragrant, vanilla-like scent and graceful, arching blades add a touch of enchantment to any landscape.
Sweet grass is not only visually appealing however additionally has cultural importance, as it has been used in Native American rituals and crafts. Whether used as a ground cover or in decorative planters, this charming plant brings a sense of tranquility and natural beauty to your outdoor space.
Autumn Fern
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Autumn fern, scientifically known as Dryopteris erythrosora, is a stunning evergreen plant that dazzles with its vibrant foliage in zone 7.
As the name suggests, this fern puts on a show in autumn, as its fronds transition from bright green to shades of copper and bronze. Its lacy texture and graceful growth habit create an elegant presence in shaded areas of your garden. With its hardiness and adaptability, the autumn fern is a wonderful choice for adding texture and color to your outdoor oasis.
Russian Arborvitae
Russian arborvitae, or Thuja occidentalis ‘Russian’, is a magnificent evergreen tree that flourishes in zone 7 climates. With its dense, pyramidal shape and rich green foliage, it brings a touch of grandeur to any landscape.
This hardy tree is known for its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions and thrive in various soil types. Whether used as a privacy screen or as a focal point in your garden, the Russian arborvitae provides year-round beauty and a sense of timeless elegance. Its presence is sure to make a lasting impression in your outdoor sanctuary.
Evergreen Ground Cover Zone 8
Liriope (Liriope spicata):
Liriope, commonly referred to as Lilyturf, is a hardy evergreen ground cover that performs well in Zone 8.
It features arching, grass-like foliage that forms dense clumps, providing excellent ground coverage. Liriope produces spikes of delicate purple or white flowers in late summer, adding visual interest. It thrives in partial to full sun and adapts well to various soil types, making it a reliable and low-maintenance option for Zone 8 gardens.
Confederate Jasmine
Confederate Jasmine, with its fragrant blooms and twining vines, is a delightful addition to any Zone 8 garden.
This evergreen plant brings beauty and charm with its clusters of white, star-shaped flowers that release a sweet scent into the air. Its vigorous growth and ability to climb make it perfect for trellises or fences, creating a lovely backdrop for outdoor spaces. With its resilience to heat and cold, Confederate Jasmine is a friendly and reliable choice for Zone 8 gardeners.
Junipers
Junipers, those resilient evergreen shrubs, are a true friend to Zone 8 gardeners. These versatile plants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures, offering endless possibilities for landscape design.
With their needle-like foliage and year-round greenery, junipers provide a welcome burst of color in any season.
They are well-suited to Zone 8’s climate, with their ability to tolerate heat and drought. Whether used as a hedge, ground cover, or specimen plant, junipers add a touch of beauty and a friendly presence to any garden.
Evergreen ground cover zone 5
Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s ear, a delightful evergreen plant that thrives in Zone 5, is like a soft, fuzzy hug for your garden. With its velvety, silver-gray leaves, it brings a touch of whimsy and texture to any landscape.
Not only is it visually appealing, but lamb’s ear is also known for its resilience and ability to withstand harsh winter conditions.
Its compact size and spreading habit make it a versatile choice for borders, ground cover, or even container gardens. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, lamb’s ear is a friendly and reliable companion that adds a cozy charm to your outdoor space.
Allegheny Pachysandra (Pachysandra procumbens):
Allegheny Pachysandra is a native ground cover that thrives in Zone 5 gardens. Its attractive evergreen foliage boasts shades of green, silver, and purple, adding visual interest to your landscape.
This low-growing plant prefers partial shade to full shade conditions and thrives in moist, well-drained soil.
Allegheny Pachysandra is an ideal choice for woodland gardens or shaded areas where it spreads to form a dense ground cover.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata):
Creeping Phlox is a delightful ground cover known for its vibrant carpet of colorful flowers. Thriving in Zone 5 and well-drained soil, it adds a burst of beauty to your garden. With its low-spreading habit and evergreen foliage, it offers year-round interest. Creeping Phlox is highly versatile, perfect for rock gardens, slopes, or as a border plant.
Evergreen Ground Cover for Shade and Full Sun: Recap
In conclusion, evergreen ground covers offer a remarkable solution for adding year-round beauty and functionality to any garden. Whether you have a shady spot or full sun exposure, there are a variety of options available to suit your specific climate and needs.
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What is the best ground cover for full shade?
When it comes to selecting the best ground cover for full shade, there are a few excellent options to consider. Ajuga, also known as Bugleweed, is a popular choice known for its vibrant foliage and ability to thrive in shady areas. Japanese Pachysandra is another fantastic ground cover option for full shade. It forms dense mats of glossy, dark green leaves and is highly tolerant of shade, making it ideal for areas with limited sunlight.
What is the fastest growing ground cover for shade?
If you’re looking for a ground cover that establishes quickly in shaded areas, Vinca, commonly known as Periwinkle, is an excellent choice. It is known for its vigorous growth and ability to spread rapidly, forming a dense carpet of foliage. Vinca produces beautiful blue or white flowers in spring and early summer, adding a touch of color to shady spots.
What is the fastest growing evergreen ground cover?
When it comes to fast-growing evergreen ground covers, English Ivy (Hedera helix) is often considered one of the top choices. English Ivy is known for its ability to spread quickly and provide year-round greenery. It features dense, lush foliage that can cover the ground, walls, or other structures. It is particularly effective in areas with limited sunlight and can tolerate a range of soil conditions.
Can Creeping Thyme grow in full shade?
While Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a versatile and resilient ground cover, it is best suited for full sun or partially shaded areas. It thrives in sunlight and prefers well-drained soil. In full shade conditions, creeping thyme may struggle to grow and may not achieve its full potential. Therefore, it is recommended to provide it with adequate sunlight for optimal growth and health.
From Ajuga and Japanese Pachysandra for shade to Vinca and Hosta for full sun, these plants provide lush green foliage, suppress weeds, control erosion, and create a vibrant tapestry of colors. With their adaptability, low-maintenance nature, and ability to form dense mats, these evergreen ground cover plants bring lasting beauty and transform your outdoor space into a tranquil oasis. Embrace the versatility and enchanting allure of these remarkable plants, and enjoy the wonders they bring to your landscape year after year.
Source: https://thelittle.garden
Category: Lanscaping