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The Best Groundcovers For Landscaping in Problem Areas and Erosion Control

By Cheryl Jones

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Published: 29Feb2012
Word count: 724
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Ground cover plants are often forgotten in garden planning or landscape design until a problem occurs such as erosion. Here you will learn about fast growing evergreen ground cover plant varieties that are most commonly used in landscape or garden designs as well as for controlling erosion on hillsides and for ditches.

Vinca, both vinca major and vinca minor, is one of the most versatile ground covers. It grows in both full sun and shade. An evergreen ground cover, vinca forms a mat securely attaching to the soil. The new sprouts grow, fall over and form a new root system where they touch the ground. Vinca major grows taller, in the 12 inch and up range, before falling to the ground, whereas, vinca minor is a shorter tighter growing plant. While either plant variety can become invasive when left to grow without any control measures, they can generally be grown within confined spaces with some maintenance.

The English Ivy and Baltic Ivy, also, grow in both sun and shaded spaces, but do require more control attention when planted near foundations, as they are dedicated climbers. Their climbing causes long-term damage, whether on larger plants or buildings, so preventative measures should be taken, such as pruning some of the taller growing sprouts. With that said, ivy is a beautiful evergreen ground cover and a great choice for shaded landscape settings.

With the many varieties of pachysandra plants available, there is sure to be one that will work in most any situation you might have. Pachysandra terminalis is most commonly used varieties but the variegated pachysandra and Green Sheen Pachysandra varieties are now becoming widely available offering more choices. Growing mostly in areas of partially sunny to filtered shade, pachysandra will get off to a slower start compared to vinca or ivy.

Truly underused is ground cover euonymus. Often called wintercreeper, there are many different varieties with as many different looks. Purple wintercreeper is the most common variety. The Euonymus Woolong Ghost is really interesting with its dark green leaves spiked with white veins. The Woolong Ghost is mat forming and can climb if given the opportunity. The Euonymus Kewensis offers tiny green leaves and is an excellent creeper. The Kewensis Euonymus really shows its talents when planted in spaces where it can drape over ledges such as retaining walls, steps or rock gardens. Creeping euonymus varieties grow in full sun to partially shaded areas.

Typical spacing for groundcover plants is 12 to 18 inches apart. Bare root ground cover plants can be planted 6 to 8 inches apart for a quicker fill in.

When planting on sloped areas, use an independent sprinkler, the type that attaches to a hose. The sprinkler will need to be run until water soaks down several inches. The time for this will vary so it is best to check the soil each time it is run. How often to water will depend on local factors, but in many cases should be done every 3 to 5 days after planting for the first 6 to 8 weeks for the plants to fully establish a newer root system and begin growing. Checking the soil allows you to monitor and make the proper adjustments. If the soil is extremely dry after 3 days, you may need to water every 2 days instead. Rainfall isn't dependable and often just runs down the surface of the ground without being absorbed into the soil.

Mulching around ground covers can be difficult, especially on sloped areas. For sloped areas, I recommend putting down a thin layer of straw over the plants. The straw will protect the young new plants from the sun's heat, heavy rainfall, which can wash bare root plants out of their holes and down the hill, as well as keep the soil cool and moist. Straw decomposes and helps to build up the soil. Once the plants have fully established and are beginning to grow any remaining straw can be removed and mixed into other areas of the garden or landscape.

Whether you choose vinca, ivy, pachysandra or ground cover euonymus, these ground cover plants are going to be the best choices for the job. With limited amount of care and maintenance, they are quick to establish a newer root system and begin new top growth on their way to solving your landscaping problem.

Cheryl Jones writes articles on plants, plant care, gardening tips and landscaping ideas. Her website, GreenwoodNursery.com, offers a wide selection of plants including evergreen ground cover plants, flowering shrubs, perennials, small fruiting plants, lavender plants,creeping phlox.

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