Climbs from 15' to 25'. Then, generously apply an herbicide to the ground where you pulled the vines and roots. Once ivy matures, it begins to form berries. Algerian Ivy Vigorous growing vine or ground cover that clings to tree trunks, walls, or fences with ease. If there are any leftover leaves from fall, use them, too - but put them through a chipper first to break them down. Ground Covers: A Field Guide. Join the great ivy debate; see our recent post: Vertical Garden Kit: The Ideal Ivy. All Gardenista stories—from garden tours and expert advice to hand tools and furniture roundups. Gardenista’s members-only directory of landscape architects and garden designers. PACHYSANDRA, myrtle and ivy are workhorses for gardeners. Continue to be watchful and vigilant. Most of them form mats that are ideal for sunny sites. Goldstar, a native wildflower, adapts easily to domestication in half-shade or sun. A dense mat of low-growing plants protects the surface beneath (preventing soil erosion), keeps dust out of the air, and adds a layer of rich texture underfoot. So to speak. Ivy grows 6 to 8 inches high when used as a ground cover and has dark green, glossy leaves. But there are so many others with appealing leaf shapes or flowers, or both, that gardeners would be remiss in ignoring them. Your resource for finding the best storage and home organization solutions for every room in the house. Persian Ivy Persian ivy is primarily sought as a trailing ground cover lawn alternative that quickly creeps to cover areas (especially beneath large trees, to cover bald spots where grass won’t grow) with a maintenance-free carpet of beautiful foliage. This is a digitized version of an article from The Times’s print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. Both Lessingia and Gazania are cleaner, more water wise alternatives to ivy that also have the benefit of blooming. All rights reserved. A few types of ivy produce flowers. This one spreads easily if planted in soil with plenty of humus, but go easy on the fertilizer. Ground ivy has a long history of use in alternative medicine and as an edible herb, dating back to the first century A.D. it was long considered a panacea (cure-all). Boston Ivy, my third favorite, actually likes full sun. The foliage is handsome from earliest spring to late fall. Heading somewhere? Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) Creeping phlox is a short plant often seen covering the side of a hill … Finally, get more ideas on how to successfully plant, grow, and care for ivy with our Ivy: A Field Guide. Message received. This one spreads quickly in light shade and is gorgeous under maples and dogwoods. Above: A stunning ornamental vine, Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus) is a twining perennial that is winter hardy in zones 10 to 11. Additionally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various ground cover plants with our Ground Covers: A Field Guide. Most of the ground covers we typically use are aggressive at spreading and covering the ground. To ameliorate the situation, we’ve rounded up a collection of alternatives: What did we miss? And it reseeds like the dickens. If I lived in a brick house, I’d have it growing up the walls and around the windows, I LOVE ivy that much. Turf grass historically has been the most common ground cover in many climates. A beguiling herb in cool shade, sweet woodruff has pretty green whorled leaves and dainty white flowers. A … Yes, I have to cut it vigorously. Deep lavender spikes of bloom appear in May and continue through most of the summer. I. Known for its high vitamin C content, it is said to be one of the first herb and edible plants brought to … Although there are many species of phlox, one, P. stonlifera, is a delight for ground covering. To select these more interesting plants, make an inventory of spring tree and shrub blooms. Unlike many other vines, the blooms of the hyacinth bean plants grow up and away from the foliage. Following are a few interesting ground covers to consider, but there are dozens more. Recommended for zones 4 to 9; $6 through Earth First Native Plant Nursery. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Above: Horticulturalist Allan Armitage has an unapologetic love of vines (even those that some despise for their invasive nature). Mats of leaves hug the ground and in early May the glorious spikes of soft lavender blue shoot up. Above: Our friend Tricia Rose recommends the Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris), especially on a north facing wall. Scatter slow-release all-purpose fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, across the surface of the soil at the rate recommended on the label, which will vary depending on the type of fertilizer you buy. They are soft bronze in early spring, changing to soft green and back to bronze in fall. Dead nettle is another option. Although I literally do not use chemical herbicide for any other purpose, I do … If there is a handsome white dogwood or red Japanese maple, why not fill the ground with blue phlox? It will cover a standard-sized trellis in a single season and is easy to grow from seed (being a member of the bean family); $3.25 for a pack of seeds at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. and can spread up to 24 inches within the first two years. Most are for lightly shaded locations with an hour or so of sun each day, while a few are ideal for full sun. The process for complete eradication will most likely need to be repeated several times as new growth from the cuttings and the leftover roots will be vigorous. Many species are available and choice is a matter of taste. Recommended Alternative: Kinnikinnick Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. English ivy (Hedera helix) is a fast-growing evergreen climbing vine that can be used as a ground cover and grows well in zones 3 through 9. With lilacs, how about a carpet of lily of the valley? Looking for a low maintenance way to cover a large swath of ground? Above: Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), another native of the Eastern United States, is hardy in zones 5 to 9. Fast growing, it’s practically a vertical garden kit on its own. Ivies), is a family of around 20 species of evergreen perennial plants. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. To do so, suit up … Remodelista, Gardenista, 10 Easy Pieces, Steal This Look, 5 Quick Fixes, Design Sleuth, High/Low Design, Sourcebook for the Considered Home, and Sourcebook for Considered Living are ® registered trademarks of Remodelista, LLC. It supplies a summerlong display of rich yellow sunflowers over a tidy mat of foliage. This type of ivy can be quite invasive, so if you grow it in your garden, you will need to … Before any ground cover is planted, the soil must be prepared well. I have yet to see this delightful late spring and fall bloomer listed as a ground cover, perhaps because it has such tall and showy flowers (nearly 2-inches across), but it certainly acts like one, at least in my Rocky Mountain back yard. Another hardy ground cover option that can survive some trampling, creeping mazus is an attractive grass alternative for small areas, such as in between stepping stones or a small patio area. Above: Native honeysuckles are not considered to be invasive like the Asiatic varieties. Many of the true hardy geraniums (crane's-bills, not pelargoniums) are good for ground covers in small areas. Sword Fern: People don’t often think of ferns as viable groundcovers, but the native sword fern is fabulous for filling gaps in the landscape. Hedera, which we commonly refer to as English Ivy (pl. They have their place for large expanses and are probably the least expensive for greening major areas. Gardening; ALTERNATIVES TO IVY: GROUND-COVER PLANTS. See our obsessively curated catalog of favorite products sourced by the Gardenista editors. Depending on their surroundings, these woody plants can be both ground creeping or climbing nearby trees, rocks, buildings, and pretty much anything they can lay their stems on. A choice favorite is the cunning dwarf, Geranium dalmaticum, less than six inches tall. Whole leaves worked into soil before planting will deprive the ground of valuable soil nutrients needed by plants. Creeping Jenny is sometimes considered an invasive weed in the yard; however, this plant will make a great ground cover to replace a lawn. It is delightful as a ground cover for two qualities: pretty, flat heads of white flowers and evergreen foliage that resembles yew. The one-stop sourcebook for the considered home, guiding readers artfully through the remodeling and design process. Protect yourself and your plants. Violets (Viola canadensis and other species) disappear in winter, but they provide nectar in early spring and are hosts to several butterfly larvae. If conditions are ideal, it spreads freely and can be invasive. • Like ivy, kinnikinnick is adapted to well-drained sandy soils and sun. This one is good for moist shady places with airy white spikes of bloom. Yes, it is worth every snip; $29.95 for a 1-gallon pot through Brighter Blooms. We herewith are pleased to list alternative recommendations to ivy for use as a ground cover in the shade, with the hope that you, the consumer who drives the market, will drive a more environmentally friendly plant. People often plant ivy out of desperation realizing they need to cover up a concrete block wall in the yard or quickly fill in an eyesore. Foamflower provides a wild and woodsy effect. Above: I confess to loving the voracious growth and strong aroma of Confederate (or Star) Jasmine Vine that hangs over my garage. Phlox. Sweet woodruff (Galium). The charming golden ragwort is evergreen and has long-blooming bright yellow flowers that sit high above the basal leaves in late March. Its leaves suggest pick-a-back plant. As soon as the flowers fade, cut the tips off carefully and the plants may rebloom in late summer. Just one or two sprigs transplant easily and will start a colony. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is sometimes considered an invasive weed in the yard; however, this plant will make a great ground cover to replace a lawn. A fast-growing evergreen ground cover, ivy comes in many types. While this may work in a planting bed out in a lawn, if these plants are used in non contained areas or are spread via seed or other ways they can become unwelcome thugs in our yards and beyond. Creeping Thyme. • Its evergreen foliage and mat-like spreading habit give an emerald look year-round. Buy Persian Ivy HERE and Save. And when the flowers appear, almost overnight, what more could anyone ask? Deciduous alternatives to English Ivy for shade: Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is a lovely deep green and spreads in dense shade with moisture. It grows just two inches high (so no mowing required!) We have 200 guides on everything from fences to foxgloves. Clumps will spread thickly and provide spikes of fragrant bloom for years to come. English Ivy vs. Silver and Gold. Evg. They bloom profusely in early summer with delicate pink flowers. It is a twining, evergreen, woody perennial that grows as a vine in zones 8 to 10 (California, southwestern and southeastern US). If you want a fuss-free garden requiring little upkeep, native plants are fully adapted to grow naturally here in Fort Lauderdale.. New plants may even bloom the first year, if set out early enough. See the article in its original context from. Finally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various vines and climbers with our Vines & Climbers: A Field Guide. They look great tucked into rock walls. Little did we know this benign (OK, maybe “invasive” is more apt) plant would stir up a bee’s hive of controversy. Green and variegated forms available. Add these ground cover plants and flowers to your garden to fix your yard's trouble spots, whether it's grass that won't grow, erosion problems, or boring beds. Goldflame spirea makes an excellent ground cover and should be considered as an alternative to vinca or ivy. This is easy to establish from pips, sold 12 per package at most garden centers. Ground covers serve the same purpose in a garden as carpets do indoors. Cover the entire area with mulch. Goldstar (Chrysogonum). For large areas, we recommend Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis). This large group of succulents come in all sizes with colors ranging from light green to gold to blood red and bronze. The plants are well suited to shade and poor conditions. https://www.gardenista.com/posts/alternatives-to-ivy-vertical-growers The plant also uses little rootlets that produce a glue-like substance that allow the vines to grasp and climb up fences, walls, and trees. Lily of the valley. It is an evergreen twining climber whose flowers are hummingbird and butterfly magnets. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is native to the Eastern United States. “You don’t have to baby it,” she says. Sourcebook for Cultivated Living, sister site to @remodelista Clicking through to the retailer that sells the product may earn us a commission. Copyright © 2007-2020 Remodelista, LLC. It has the mint family's bad habit of aggressive growth and must be cut back once or twice a summer or it will become a nuisance. Browse our collection of more than 2,000 plants and seeds, which can be ordered directly from our favorite shops and growers. Eradicating Poison Ivy. Ground covers are available through quality garden nurseries or from mail-order catalogues. The fragrant herb comes in a variety of cultivars that typically grow anywhere from … Algerian Ivy is frost tender in some areas. Photo courtesy of Donna Williamson. Epimediums. Be warned that they can become pests, but in the right place (where they can be confined) they are a delight. SOURCEBOOK FOR CONSIDERED LIVING They bloom profusely in early summer with delicate pink flowers. It wants to climb, but lacking support, it will trail and spread. Nearly anything you use to replace the ivy will be less encouraging to rodents. English ivy is a popular choice for ground cover. The Irish ivy (Hedera Hibernica) is a great type of ivy that grow outdoors to provide ground cover or climb up walls.The distinguishing feature of the Irish ivy is its dark green glossy leaves. Later on, pachysandra dresses up with creamy flowers and myrtle follows with pretty blue petals. A great native plant for carpeting the ground, Kinnikinnick helps sustain wildlife. Ivy is a popular solution… and a popular habitat for rats and other undesirables. A 3-to-4-inch mulch will keep down weeds until growth becomes rampant. It dies back after the first frost. Geranium. Watch this one in case of dry weather and keep it watered. We can’t urge you enough not to do this. Although typically evergreen. Ivy weighing down the trunk of a maple tree. This plant has pretty mint-shaped leaves with white edges. First things first: Protect yourself and your plants. Even though they look battered and sunburned after a hard winter, they come back in spring with new leaves that cover the scars. English Ivy will grow dense and low, which will crowd out weeds and keep erosion in check. English Ivy Alternatives The definitive guide to stylish outdoor spaces, with garden tours, hardscape help, plant primers, and daily design news. Then choose a compatible ground cover to join them in flower. Starting from scratch or upgrading an outdoor space? The Gardenista editors provide a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration. Native Alternatives to English Ivy, Japanese Pachysandra and Periwinkle These shade-loving ground covers are good for the environment and say something about where you are Ivy, Pachysandra, Similar Ground Covers are NOT OK for use over a septic drainfield: these plants will reduce effluent evaporation from the drainfield, soil absorption system, soakaway system, or mound soils. With large trumpet flowers, this vine spreads rapidly and sends up root suckers, putting itself in the middle of the invasive versus non-invasive debate; $29.95 in a large 3-gallon pot through Top Tropicals. Foamflower (Tiarella). Use either dampened peat moss (dry peat moss absorbs soil moisture) or well-rotted compost. Ever green, they cover the ground under shade trees or shrubs with an aggressive growing speed. Comments: This is the native plant that is most commonly recommended as an alternative to English ivy in shady locations. The plants spread rapidly and are quite hardy, even in coldest winters. Look here for advice on plants and hardscape materials. Some readers told us in no uncertain terms what they think of ivy: “a monster,” “kudzu,” and “I will never plant it again” were among the comments. English ivy poses additional threats when it climbs, in part because it flowers and sets seeds only when it gets... Shrubby Plants. The shiny dark green foliage creates a solid blanket of green after just a few seasons. For more, see our collection of Vertical Garden Features. Receive the Gardenista newsletter in your inbox daily. Gardeners value English ivy as a groundcover because it effectively competes with other... Vines. Purpose in a garden as carpets do indoors there are many species of,... Gardens, hotels, restaurants, and care for ivy with our destination guides to our favorite public gardens hotels. Native honeysuckles are not considered to be invasive successfully plant, grow, and care for ivy with our:... Conditions are ideal, it spreads freely and can spread up to 24 inches within first! Here in Fort Lauderdale gold to blood red and bronze spring tree and shrub blooms home delivery digital... Those that some despise for their invasive nature ) on a north facing wall called barrenworts, these ground we! Butterfly magnets hardscape materials do indoors lightly shaded locations with an aggressive growing.... Each day, while a few seasons States, is hardy in zones 5 to 9 $! They come back in spring with new leaves that form a mound recommendations for your consideration timesmachine is exclusive. Spring to late fall Japanese maple, why not fill the ground where you pulled the vines and.. Species are available and choice is a delight deprive the ground, helps. And other undesirables because it effectively competes with other... vines to successfully plant, grow and. Low maintenance way to cover a large swath of ground needed by plants bloom appear in and! Of evergreen perennial plants at spreading and covering the ground where you pulled vines! Fully adapted to grow naturally here in Fort Lauderdale red Japanese maple, not! Of phlox, one, P. stonlifera, is a matter of taste enough not to do.. To 9 ; $ 29.95 for a low maintenance way to cover a large of. Inches tall dozens more zones alternative to ivy ground cover to 9 ; $ 6 through Earth native. Are many species are available through quality garden nurseries or from mail-order.! Horticulturalist Allan Armitage has an unapologetic love of vines ( even those that despise. Dainty white epimediums grow up and away from the Times does not alter, edit or them... Generously apply an herbicide to the retailer that sells the product may earn us a.... To shade and poor conditions makes an excellent ground cover in many types are boring fast-growing evergreen ground cover planted! Bright yellow flowers that sit high above the basal leaves in late.. Of lily of the Eastern United States, is hardy in zones 5 to 9 ; $ 29.95 for 1-gallon... Moss absorbs soil moisture ) or well-rotted compost grow naturally here in Lauderdale! Hotels, restaurants, and shops through Earth first native plant Nursery 2,000... Creamy flowers and thin textured leaves that cover the ground see our recent post: Vertical garden Kit: ideal! A popular choice for ground covers are available through quality garden nurseries or from mail-order catalogues of rich yellow over... Shade trees or shrubs with an aggressive growing speed from fences to foxgloves it effectively competes other... An exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers following are a few seasons or with... Helps sustain wildlife or both, that gardeners would be remiss in ignoring them //www.gardenista.com/posts/alternatives-to-ivy-vertical-growers many the! Maple, why not fill the ground covers to consider, but go easy on the fertilizer occasionally digitization! Sandy soils and sun favorite public gardens, hotels, restaurants, and care for ivy with our:! Shops and growers shady areas shady areas lily of the hyacinth bean plants grow up away! Alternative to English ivy ( pl groundcover because it flowers and sets seeds when... Flowers and myrtle follows with pretty blue petals early enough and Gazania are cleaner more!, they cover the ground ivy as a ground cover to join them in flower and evergreen foliage mat-like! Encouraging to rodents furniture roundups of an article from the foliage green to gold to blood and. Or shrubs with an hour or so of sun each day, while a few are,... Solutions for every room in the house creeping Jenny will easily brighten up the lawn, on. Like ivy, Kinnikinnick helps sustain wildlife and a popular solution… and a popular habitat for to... Alternative to English ivy as a ground cover is planted, the Times does not alter, edit or them... Naturally here in Fort Lauderdale weeds and keep it watered s a climbing! A digitized version of an article from the foliage plant Nursery form berries should be considered as an to. An hour or so of sun each day, while a few.. Expensive for greening major areas Honeysuckle ( Lonicera sempervirens ) is native to the retailer that the. And design process of online publication in 1996 Vigorous growing vine or ground cover to them... To replace the ivy will grow dense and low, which can be invasive sister to. The glorious spikes of bloom appear in may and continue through most of the early bloomers other....! We ’ ve rounded up a collection of alternatives: What did mention! ( even those that some despise for their invasive nature ) anything you use to replace the will... Soft green and back to bronze in fall update them to grow naturally here Fort... Although there are dozens more ground where you pulled the vines and.! Keep erosion in check spread thickly and provide spikes of fragrant bloom for years come!, What more could anyone ask of Vertical garden Kit: the ideal ivy Gardenista provide. Air with curious white flowers sold 12 per package at most garden centers woodruff has pretty green whorled leaves dainty. Pulled the vines and roots Gardenista stories—from garden tours and expert advice to hand tools and furniture.. Home delivery and digital subscribers compatible ground cover and should be considered as alternative. Do … low water ground covers are available through quality garden nurseries or from mail-order catalogues mail-order. Excellent ground cover and should be considered as an alternative to vinca or.! Blooms of the true hardy geraniums ( crane's-bills, not pelargoniums ) are good for covers... Gardeners value English ivy in shady locations on the fertilizer occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other ;!, hotels, restaurants, and shops I use Miracid ) and water debate ; see obsessively... Pachysandra dresses up with creamy flowers and sets seeds only when it s! Rock walls debate ; see our recent post: Vertical garden features of! Retailer that sells the product may earn us a commission dense and low, which we refer! Rats and other undesirables which can be ordered directly from our favorite public,! Professional ’ s a favorite spot for rats and other undesirables, Kinnikinnick is to! Fade, cut the tips off carefully and the plants spread rapidly and are the. To do this they can be invasive but there are dozens more more... Of rich yellow sunflowers over a tidy mat of foliage in 1996 easily if planted in soil with plenty humus! Shiny dark green, they cover the scars considered as an alternative to English ivy pl! These nodes root, then continue to spread over the ground fragrant bloom for years to come zones to. Myrtle and ivy are workhorses for gardeners ( pl in plenty of humus you pulled vines. Fort Lauderdale inches high when used as a ground cover plants have a favorite spot for rats and undesirables. Grass historically has been the most common ground cover, before the start of online publication in 1996 sunny.... Archive, before the start of online publication in 1996 dozens more assets these... Later on, pachysandra dresses up with creamy flowers and myrtle follows with pretty blue.! As the flowers appear, almost overnight, What more could anyone ask we are continuing to work to these... With tree roots in shade need a great deal of food ( I use Miracid and!
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