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Ground Cover Vines
Just about anyone who gardens understand the frustrations that some terrains present. It may be a steep incline or a patch of rocks. It may also be a deep trench or a wide-open space that would be difficult and expensive to maintain with regular flowers. Often, these spots are covered with grass and are tedious to mow. Or, it may be an area that stays bald because soil drainage is poor or lacks sunlight.
Ground covering is the answer for difficult growing areas.
There are many plants, herbs, and shrubs that thrive as ground covering in some of the most wretched spots. It all depends on what area needs to be covered and soil and sunlight conditions.
The English ivy vine is a perennial favorite that is often used for the ground cover. Classified as an evergreen, this hardy plant can fill shady areas where it is almost impossible to grow other foliage. They quickly spread over the ground and can reach a height of nearly afoot. They are perfect for growing under trees where the grass is sparse because of the shade. As climbers, they can cover a wall or climb trellises.
Another star of ground-covering plants is creeping phlox. Gardeners may choose from two different types. One type of creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) is a shade lover and is right at home under shade trees and in an area that does not get much light. Their dainty white, blue, or pink flowers bloom in the spring in heavy clumps of foliage. The second type of creeping phlox (phlox subulate) thrives in expansive areas that enjoy full sun and good drainage. This type grows in clumps that are similar to moss. They also have flowers in the spring and leave foliage throughout the summer.
Periwinkle ( Vinca minor)is genuinely the gardener's friend. That is especially true in areas that might not get a lot of rainfall. This hardy plant is a fast grower and provides lush foliage that tends to smother weeds. It is a low-lying creeper that quickly absorbs moisture into the soil and retains it, which benefits surrounding plants. Its lovely foliage is evergreen throughout the seasons and blooms in blue, pink, or white in the spring and often again in Autumn.
These highlighted plants, among others, can make a difference in a homeowner's landscaping.
Nature is random and never perfect; therefore, there will always be problem areas in anyone's garden, no matter the location. The key to good ground cover is knowing the conditions and which plants will thrive the best in that area. It is also essential to know if the plant blooms and whether or not it is evergreen. Successful ground covering becomes the verdant canvas for annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees in the landscaping. When planted judiciously, they accentuate the beauty surrounding them.
Ground Covers
Soil erosion is sometimes a necessary evil of landscaping. However, using the appropriate ground covers for the situation can stop or keep soil erosion to a minimum. However, there are ground covers that can both climb rocky slopes to stop soil erosion and cover areas on the ground that cannot seem even to grow grass.
Vinca Minor
Vinca Minor is a fast-spreading plant. It is one of the more popular slope covers used. It is a fuss-free plant that loves to grow anywhere and grow in poor soil, rocks, shade, or full sun. It does not matter to this plant. It will even grow where grass will not. It makes for a pretty ground cover under shrubs and trees. The vinca minor has dark green leaves and blue flowers in the spring. It will grow to be about 4-5 inches. This plant needs no special care.
English Ivy
The English ivy is another favorite plant when it comes to slope covers. It will spread horizontally and reach a height of about 8 inches. It is an evergreen that does flower, but it is hardly noticed because the flower is green. The ivy is also helpful for weed control and is suitable for planting under trees and shrubs in shady areas. The ivy is fast growing and very mysterious. It does require trimming to keep it under control.
Partridgeberry
The partridgeberry plant is a slow-growing plant that is not very aggressive. It only grows to about 2 inches high. It is a very showy plant with white flowers in the spring and red berries that last through the winter. Along with covering slopes, it is a good cover for bare, shady spots. The partridge berry prefers moist drained soil. However, it is very tolerant of the cold and will keep its lovely color even in extreme winter.
How To Plant Bare Root Ground Covers
A ground cover plant is any plant grown to cover an area of the ground rather than grow upright (like a flower, shrub, or tree). Ground covers are used primarily to protect against drought and erosion and provide visual interest in otherwise bare areas. The grass is the most widespread ground cover. However, gardeners take advantage of several species of perennial ground cover to add beauty and interest to their gardens.
Where to Plant Ground Cover Vines
Ground covers can define garden areas as traffic barriers, or lawn grass does not grow well. You can use them around taller plants, large shrubs, or trees where grass might otherwise be sparse or difficult to maintain. You can also use ground covers to add to a perennial flower bed where species grow and die back at different times of the season.
How to Plant Ground Cover Vines
Many ground covers, especially perennials, are sold and shipped as bare roots. That means they are dug up while dormant and shipped with just the roots rather than an active plant growing in soil. To learn how to plant bare-root ground cover, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the soil. Loosen the soil in the entire area where roots will be planted to a depth of about 12 inches. Add organic compost, manure, or peat to the soil to improve available nutrients.
2. Dig a hole that is 1.5 times as deep, at least as wide as the root. It would be best if you planted roots with the crown side up. Check with the specifications for your ground cover to determine how far from the surface to plant the roots. Some need to be slightly above the ground, while others should be 1-2 inches below.
3. Tamp the soil down slightly, ensuring the roots are secure and straight. Water well, and keep the area watered until the plants begin to emerge. Keep the area watered consistently through the growing season.
4. Fertilize plants in early spring and early fall. Ground covers may take two to three full growing seasons before they provide a robust ground covering.
English Ivy
Botanical Latin Name: Helix Hedra
Common Name: English Ivy
Sun Exposure: medium to high
Hardiness Zones:
Mature Height:20 to 30 m high
Spread: will cover ground.
Spacing: Ivy will overtake the ground or a tree.
Growth Rate: Is hearty and grows at high speed.
Flowering Time: summer to late Autumn
How Long It Flowers: summer into late Autumn
Flower Color: purple-black to orange-yellow berries 6–8 mm diameter
Soil Requirements: This Ivy can use most soil types, or it is a climber, which means the plant can attach to trees and other structures as it grows upwards.
Pruning encourages growth and is required because English Ivy grows extensively and will take over an area.
Flower Form: Describe Plant's appearance in detail - the leaves are shaped with three to five points and are waxy in texture. They range in length from 50–100 mm, with a 15–20mm petiole. They gather in groups of three to five, and dark purple fruit fills the center.
English Ivy Plants
English ivy plants are often many people's choices as an accent plant. English ivy looks great climbing the side of buildings or as a filler for many different structures like gardens. It is a plant with many uses but also looks great in a simple pot. English ivy plants reach 12 feet high at the height of their maturity. The soil preference for English ivy is acidic. The color of this plant is blue. English ivy requires between 4 and eight planting zones. English ivy is an excellent choice if you want a great plant that will add visual variety to the area.
