The term ground cover is applied to low growing plants other than turfgrass used to cover areas of the landscape. Perennial evergreen plants having a sprawling or spreading habit are most often used. The plants used for ground covers are generally less than 2 feet in height and in addition to the beauty they provide, they are effective in erosion control. Because they don’t have to be mowed, ground covers reduce landscape maintenance. They are also useful in confined areas and on steep slopes where mowing would be difficult. They work well under low-branched trees and where the roots of large trees protrude. They are also useful in areas under trees that have become too shady for grass to grow.
When making your selection, you must carefully
consider the characteristics you would like the ground
cover to have, including its height, texture and color.
Also consider the growing conditions where it will be
planted. Is it sunny or shady? You should also look at the
size of the area to be planted. Only the most reliable, fast
spreading and reasonably priced ground covers should
be considered for large areas.
Ground covers can reduce maintenance, beautify
problem areas and create a whole new dimension in
your landscape. Here are a few plants that are good
choices for ground covers.
Ground Covers for Shade to Part Shade
Ground Covers for Part Sun to Full Sun
Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Liriope (Liriope muscari).
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture