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Photo Credit: Felder Rushing

Pachysandra terminalis is an attractive groundcover for part to full shade.

Planning

Plant success is most often achieved when site and climate are given due consideration during plant selection. These are a few key questions to answer before heading to the nursery:

1. What is the general soil type of your planned planting spot? Sandy? Clay? Rich and well-drained? Always wet?
2. How much sunlight does the area receive?
3. What size is the area to be covered?
4. What are the aesthetic needs of the area? Evergreen? Flowering? Seasonal interest?

There are several traditional groundcover favorites that work well in certain environmental conditions. What you select is certainly not limited to these plants, but they may be commonly observed in other landscapes. Partially shaded areas suit English ivy, Pachysandra and Vinca minor. There are several prostrate junipers, a drought-tolerant evergreen conifer, that thrive in full sun. Choices for full shade include English ivy, Ajuga reptans and lily-of-the-valley.

Visit a local public garden to observe the use of groundcovers and diversity of plant material suitable for your area. Some garden centers also feature small display gardens for your convenience, and others group plants according to use, so it’s easy to choose among “common groundcovers.”