Ground covers

Ground covers can successfully substitute lawn, create borders or provide greenery beneath taller plants. They hinder the weed growth and prevent the soil from being blown or washed away, or getting too dry.

They also reduce costly and time-consuming maintenance while adding aesthetic value to the garden. Carefully selected plants according to the location, aspect, the size of the area to cover and the vigorousness of the neighbouring plants will produce the best results.

Both climbers, which are vigorous in habit and grow just as well on the ground if not given a support, and slower growing dwarf shrubs make excellent ground cover. They are resistant and undemanding and will adorn your garden with masses of foliage and/or flowers. There exist ground covers for any possible location: for semi-shade or even shade (e.g. ivy, Euonymus Fortunei, Climbing Hydrangea, Schizophragma or Vinca minor), a dwarf shrub that isn’t a climber), and shady areas are often a landscaping challenge. You’ll also find ground covers that will do well in a sunny, slightly drying location (e.g. Clematis from the Tangutica Group).

• species and cultivars
• planting
• culture
• frost hardiness zones
• overall table