I need some ideas for a perennial ground cover in an area that is under some large oak trees, and is in the shade all the time. Here in south west Missouri, it needs to be able to take heat and humidity in the summer.
Thanks in advance!
Groundcover for shade
Does it need to be able to take a lot of foot traffic?
Do they need to be fast growing?
Drought or moisture tolerant?
If I had a shady spot that needed ground cover I would grow some of the spiffier Asarums:
http://plantsdatabase.com/b/Aristolochiaceae/Asarum/
In combo with Hellebores, Ferns, and Geraniums (Cranesbill).
How much shade can geraniums take? I have some that do great in morning sun, but can they take full shade?
It shouldn't be getting any foot traffic.
I'd prefer fast growing, We're talking about a fairly large area between the driveway and the property line, about 3 feet by 50 feet.
It needs to take heat and humidity in the summer, and fairly wet winters with a lot of freezing and thawing.
Thanks for the suggestions. Anyone in my neck of the woods have any?
There might be some ice plant that would be perennial to your area. It sure is nice in the heat and doesn't need much watering.
pins2006, I have a Geranium maderense that only gets indirect light and is doing quite well. Each year it seems to put up a bigger and longer display of flowers. I'm really looking forward to this year! The bees love it, too.
Though, I guess this wouldn't be perennial for your zone.
edited to add zone comment.
This message was edited Mar 17, 2004 2:48 PM
This is my absolute favorite:
http://www.denverplants.com/perennials/html/viola_her.htm
I grow it and it is wonderful. And it meets all your conditions perfectly.
Donna
Thanks, PudgyMudpies. Those are pretty.
Instead of the Australian Violet, I would go with native Missouri Violet. I have a few of them and they are very pretty. They reseed and spread pretty quickly.
http://plantsdatabase.com/go/63742/index.html
We planted Sweet Woodruff under one of our trees and it has spread quickly. It has light green foliage that is nice for contrast and when it blooms in the spring it smells great.It takes our heat and humidity and so I thinkit would be good in your zone also. Lou
Thanks for all the great ideas!