Dwarf Junipers I know you hate junipers and so do I but the upright tree
types and the very dwarf ground covers have their place. If you
want a low growing plant that will cover a large are with little
effort on your part consider juniper species that stay below 6”.
Dianthus A cousin of carnations they are surprisingly tough. Many colors
exist but reds & pinks are prettiest. Very small 6”x6”
evergreen. Great for courtyards.
Prostrate Rosemary Ground cover version of the upright Rosemary. Not as cold
tolerant so lets plant them on the south or west if possible. Blooms
bright blue in the early spring, evergreen and can be used as a
potpourri. 18’ tall 8’ wide. Great for draping over a wall.
Sedum Many varieties of this pleasant little succulent exist.
Evergreen and very short usually less than 4” and very drought
tolerant. I like to use them in pots because they will drape
over the rim and do not require much water once established.
Snow in Summer Silver foliage- low growing and blooms white in summer. Semi
evergreen but should be cut back heavily in spring.
Vinca Minor Vine for trellis or great ground cover for shade to part
shade. Evergreen, cold tolerant with wonderfully delicate blue
blooms in spring
English Ivy Evergreen, fast growing, very tough and surprisingly can
take full sun. They do best in part shade to full shade. Fairly
drought tolerant. Tired of gravel-- try this one.
Wall
Germander One of the few plants that fit this description. Evergreen,
less than 6” tall, blooms pink, drought tolerant with very dark
green leaves. Relatively unused but a good one for those narrow
areas between the sidewalk and a wall. Full sun to part shade.
Dwarf Plumbago Excellent ground cover for sun or shade. Grows to about 1’ tall.
Blooms from summer to frost with brilliant blue flowers. Only
drawback is that it loses its leaves in winter. If you don’t like
gravel here is a solution for some of the area. Scarlet foliage in
fall.
Ice Plant Very drought tolerant succulent with short lived but
stunning blooms. Great for rock gardens or pots. 3" tall x 18"
across
Honeysuckle Many varieties available. Grows like a weed and looks like
one too if you don’t occasionally shear it to promote new growth
especially at the bottom of the plant. Evergreen and an American
standard. If you don’t like to trim at least once a year then
don’t pick this one. Sun to part shade.
Skullcap Seldom used but a really great plant for small areas. Stays
4" tall x 18" wide. Cut back in winter.
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