| I want to cover a bare area under a large Holly tree on the NE corner of my property. This area gets partial shade to full shade. I would like something more appealing than say Periwinkle or Arch Angel. How would a few differt verietys of Hostas due? But do Hosta's die back (ie loose their leaves) in winter? |
| Here are a few evergreen groundcover suggestions: Epimedium acuminatum. The evergreen groundcover epimedium thrives in shade and this one is a tidy clumper, good for squeezing into crowded gardens. Its flowers are a combination of purple and white, and the new spring foliage is becomingly flushed with red. Cornus canadensis (unalaschkensis) Bunchberry; Partial to full shade, humus-rich soil. Spring flowers; bright red berries in summer. Grows 2"-10". Gaultheria ovatifolia (Slender Wintergreen); Adaptable, best in moist shade and acid soil. Late spring to summer. Evergreen. Spreads but is not invasive. 4?8" tall. Linnaea borealis (Twinflower) Partial to full shade. Late spring. Low (1") evergreen. Spreads readily by stolons. Deciduous groundcovers: False Lily-of-the-Valley; Moist shade to partial shade. Spring flowers. Plant only where you want it to spread! 3? 12" Oxalis oregona (Wood Sorrel) Wet or dry shade. Spring/summer flowers. Spreads rapidly in shade and humus-rich soil. 2? 6" Vancouveria hexandra (Inside-out Flower) grows in sun to shade; flowers in spring. Nice texture as a ground cover. 4? 16" Adiantum pedatum (aleuticum), called Maidenhair Fern. Grows best in moist shade. Deciduous. Delicate, lacy fronds. 12?30" Hope one of these plants is just right for your garden. |
