Top 10 Groundcovers
1. Arenaria Montana (Mountain Sandwort)
A great little perennial forming a mat of small, glossy leaves and producing large, circular, white flowers in the Spring. Also known as ‘Mountain Sandwort', it can be used as a hanging basket plant and is particularly spectacular in a rockery situation. Growing only 10cm high by 60cm wide, Arenaria montana thrives in full-sun to part-shade and requires adequate water.
2. Calibrochoa (Million Bells)
Also known as ‘Perennial Petunia' or ‘Million Bells', Calibrochoa is a showy groundcover with masses of small petunia-like flowers appearing in Summer. It forms a very compact and neat rounded feature when used in the garden, but can also be used as a hanging basket planting. The flower colours include pink, violet, red, yellow, peach, lilac, white, purple and blue. Grows to 15cm high by 30-60cm wide and performs best in full sun in a well-drained situation.
3. Convolvulus sabatius
An impressive groundcover from Northern Africa and Europe that has earned a reputation for its tough charachteristics, Convolvulus sabatius is a trailing perennial with small, silver-green oval leaves on slender stems and vibrant purple circular flowers appearing from Spring to Autumn. Growing to 15-20cm, this groundcover thrives in an open sunny position in well-drained soil.
4. Diascia cordata
A very appealing South African prostrate perennial with pale green heart-shaped leaves with upright flower spikes covered in clusters of bright pink flowers from mid-Spring to early Autumn. Growing to 15-20cm high by 20cm wide and tolerating full-sun to part-shade, Diascia makes a beautiful and colourful addition to any garden.
5. Dichondra Silver Falls
Dichondra Silver Falls is an eye-catching trailing plant with beautiful silver foliage that makes a statement wherever it grows. A hardy plant being tolerant of drought and heat and thriving in a semi-shaded situation. Growing to only 5-8cm high, Dichondra is an excellent plant to use for pots, hanging baskets or as foliage contrast in the garden.
6. Erigeron karvinskianus (Seaside Daisy)
Originating from Mexico and Central America , Erigeron karvinskianus is a hardy groundcover that can bloom for most of year given it is grown in full-sun and planted in soil with excellent drainage. Also know as ‘Seaside Daisy', it forms a sprawling mat of approximately 30 -40cm tall which is covered with small daisy-like flowers that appear white then change through various shades of pink. Pruning back hard every so often encourages dense growth and helps control the spread of the plant which is indefinite.
7. Isotoma axillaries (Blue Stars)
A very attractive tough little Australian perennial also known as ‘Blue Stars' and ‘Australian Harebell', provides growers with an abundance of pale blue star-shaped flowers in Summer. The flowers cover the light green leaves almost entirely which creates an impressive show. A bushy, frost tolerant plant, growing to 30cm high and wide, and thriving in full-sun to part-shade in well-drained soil.
8. Scleranthus uniflorus
A remarkable groundcover that forms lime-green mounds with an appearance similar to that of moss. Native to the alpine areas of Australia and also New Zealand , Scleranthus uniflorus performs best in full-sun to part-shade in well-drained sandy soil and grows approximately 3cm high.
9. Sisyrinchium angustifolium (Devon Skies)
Also known as ‘Devon Skies' and native to North and South America, Sisyrinchium angustifolium is quite hardy although it has a delicate appearance. This pretty little perennial has bright green strappy foliage with bright blue iris-like flowers appearing above the foliage in abundance during Spring and Summer. Thrives in moist, well-drained soil and tolerates full-sun, part-shade, light frosts and dry periods. Growing only 15cm high, Sisyrinchium makes a fantastic border, container and rockery plant.
10. Verbena
Native to Europe, South America and North America , Verbena is a striking groundcover that provides a mat of colour through spring, summer and autumn. Very hardy and requiring little attention and enjoying full-sun to part-shade in well-drained soil. Verbena comes in a range of colours including, pinks, reds, whites, blues and purples. Low growing, approximately 5 – 25cm high with a spread of 60 – 100cm depending on variety. |
