

Plus, they produce open, blousy blooms in the summer that come in a wide range of colors, depending on the species and variety. These cold-hardy, super-cool cactus varieties make a prickly but fun evergreen groundcover. They’re lovely both in and out of flower. ( Source for thyme) Many different types of Thyme are useful as groundcovers. Depending on the variety, thyme grows between 1-3 inches tall, and the fragrant leaves of culinary varieties can be used to flavor dishes. With most types being cold-tolerant down to -20 or -30 degrees F, flowering thyme deserves a place in almost any garden. There are dozens of species and cultivars of thyme that make a hardy groundcover that stays green all winter long. ( Source for germander) Wall germander is lovely even when the plant is not in flower. Oh, and the deer don’t like it, making it a favorite, if underused, evergreen groundcover for gardens. Wall germander grows 1-2 feet tall and is hardy to -20 degrees F. It’s drought tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and it can be pruned heavily to form a mini-hedge if you’d like to use it to edge beds, too. This low-growing, shrubby perennial produces purple-pink flower spires in the summer. Here is a list of multiple groundcover varieties that fit into each of these three categories, along with growing information for each selection and a photo when possible. Evergreen Groundcover Varieties for Shade.I’ve separated them into three categories to make it easier for you to decide which ones are perfect for your piece of earth. If you’re anything like me, I’d much rather have a hardy, gorgeous evergreen groundcover that’s not already blanketing every other garden in my neighborhood.Īnd so, below are 20 evergreen groundcover varieties that are suitable for yards and gardens across much of the continent. let’s talk frankly here… they are everywhere. Yes, those three groundcover species are good choices for a broad range of climates, but, well…. While pachysandra, ivy, and myrtle/periwinkle are among the most common evergreen groundcover plants, you’ll notice all three of them are absent from the list of varieties I’m about to introduce you to. The best evergreen groundcovers for gardens But in the winter, it adds interest and color to the garden. In the early spring, creeping phlox is covered with blooms. During the growing season, these low-growing plants are smothered in flowers that are adored by both humans and many species of pollinators. While not all of these unique groundcovers produce flowers, many of them do. Plus, established groundcovers are exceptional at out-competing many weeds.Īn extra bonus of some types of evergreen groundcovers is their bloom power.

And one last benefit of using evergreen varieties of groundcovers: they act as a living mulch, constantly shading the soil and limiting weed seed germination.All year long, their green shoots help diffuse heavy rain and snowfall before it hits the soil.In addition, many varieties of evergreen groundcover have fibrous roots that help limit soil erosion.They give shelter to overwintering beneficial insects and pollinators.These plants provide visual interest at a time when many other plants are completely dormant.The reasons for including evergreen groundcover plants in your garden are many. Why plant groundcovers that stay green all winter These beautiful, hard-working plants have so much to offer.Ī mixture of groundcovers provides many benefits to a garden and helps create a beautiful tapestry of textures and colors. If you’d like to provide year-round cover for a particular garden area, turn to evergreen groundcover varieties for the job. This leaves the ground bare and exposed, opening it up to potential weed issues and soil erosion. However, in colder climates, many groundcovers die back and go dormant during the winter months. Plus, unlike lawn, groundcover plants don’t have to be mowed. They limit weed growth, stabilize slopes, and add interest and texture to your yard. Groundcovers are low-growing plants that serve many different purposes in the landscape.
