Okay everyone....I need major help. I have a very rocky, sloped, large area that bakes in the summer sun. I am in zone 5. I need ideas for a fast growing/spreading groundcover for this area that will be CHEAP! I don't like the succulant type groundcovers. Please, please send me your ideas. Something that looks green and leafy, (and if it flowers that would be okay too, but it doesn't have to). You're a terrific group of people and I know that someone, somewhere will have some stupendous magnificent idea!
Desperately Need Perennial Groundcover Help
How about Evening Primrose - Oenothera missouriensis. I don't believe it is evergreen though. It is great for hot dry gravelly banks. It spreads fast if in fertile soil, not sure in poor soil.
Candytuff - Iberis sempervirens (evergreen)
Creeping Phlox - Phlox subulata (evergreen)
How about crown vetch?
Lamium 'Yellow ArchAngel'.....I have lots of it for you if you'd like to give it a whirl. It's listed as partial shade, but does very well for me in full sun.
Also, lots of sedums are ground covers and can really take the baking sun (and are hardy in zone 5)
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/55711/index.html
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/53276/index.html
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/63651/index.html
...And this list goes on.
They take very little care and bloom in late summer.
How about Vinca major? It's practically bulletproof, keeps its' leaves as long as temps don't fall too far below 0 degrees for too long. And it has a lovely blue flower. I've seen it growing on a friends' ranch outside of Chicago and it was bright and perky there. Only thing is if you want to get rid of it someday you might have to use napalm...lol.
How about creeping Jenny?( or Charlie) I got some in a trade a couple of years ago and it is in the full sun and spread like wild fire. It is a pretty color of green and blooms are yellow. I have plenty if you would like to trade for it and give it a try. Lou
I just read somewhere that zoysia will keep a hill in shape. I was reading about it so I could do something with my poor rear yard. LOL Pretty things would be naturalizing daylilies, ajuga, liriope, native type plants, etc. Good luck!
Don't do creeping charlie! in zone 5. your neighbors will hate you. I use the pink missouri primrose and the zoysia grass will work fast also but you would have to mow it which you probably don't want to. You might call your extension and see if they have anything they would give you to use. Are you in the city or country? The vinca major sounds good and also the Lamium 'Yellow ArchAngel'. The sedums are good and my lamb's ear is probably going to spread to your hill by the end of this year!!! I will keep thinking and see what I can find for you.
I have tons of the vinca major, which starts blooming beautiful blue-purple flowers this time of year. I have a hillside of it. If you live close enough, you can just come dig a bunch of this up. I have WAAAAAAAY too much. I am afraid I'm too lazy to dig and pack it all. But I'm near the MO border in Jonesboro AR. If you'll be in this area sometime soon, email me.
By the way, I'm hosting a plant swap on May 22. You're welcome to come then and carry some home with you.
NancyAnn
ACYC,
I'm with jerry -if you have neighbours don't plant creeping charlie...he's very invasive - in zone 5 anyway. I have alot of vinca major and it's great, if you want to move it - simply pull it up - very light rooting system.
Wishing you success.
Jo
I planted some years ago, creeping thyme blooms pink, I planted it in a garden railroad and I love it, I just pull it up and give it to friends they also enjoy it grows fast.
you could try liriope spicata..it will always be green and spreads by underground runners very quickly. Or English ivy.
i use vinca, mexican primrose, sedums, santolina and 'Powis Castle' artemisia.
Check out Alan Lacey's book "Gardening with Groundcovers", full of suggestions that are helpful and written with humor. ~Blooms
You folks are great! I've got lots to think about now! Hmmmm! Will let you know what I decide soon. Looks like things are getting "springy" here! Makes me smile!
This company looks promising:
http://classygroundcovers.com/
I really like Gypsophia repens, in white (Alba) or pink (Rosea).
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/56320/index.html
sorry - meant to type Gypsophila (left out the l)