Liatris. Lavender. This plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich and loamy. Annualground co… The suggested plants and tips for growing them will help you get started with drought-tolerant ground covers. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Note: Algerian ivy can become invasive in certain areas. The most important and first step in establishing your ground cover plants, whether flowers or perennial grasses, is to evaluate the area and the soil. Pruning is needed over time to remove dead branches and preserve the plant’s appearance. You may want to look at other ground cover options, such as Liriope spicata, Creeping Lilyturf. Moss rose is very tolerant of poor conditions and dry soil. Many types of ground covers thrive in loamy soil. Many of the tough Mediterranean sub shrubs such as lavender and Cistus as well as low growing conifers such as juniper make excellent drought tolerant ground cover. These need to be chosen with care and an eye to moisture needs, exposure and adaptability to occasionally dry conditions. This is a plant that can easily grow to be up to five feet tall. Algerian ivy (Hedera canariensis) – This ivy plant prefers any well-drained site in deep or partial shade. It also tolerates partial shade to full sun areas, and butterflies will love the brilliant blue flowers. Asiatic jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) – Also known as yellow star jasmine, this ground cover prefers rich, well-drained soil in partial shade to full sun. I would love to replace with a hardy ground cover. Golden creeper (Ernodea littoralis) – This ground cover prefers coarse, sandy soil in areas of light shade to full sun. Do I need to remove the grass first or is there a ground cover that will just take over the grass? Outdoors, grow blue daze in a sandy, well drained soil. Butterfly sage (Cordia globosa) – Also known as bloodberry sage, this is a good ground cover plant for areas with poor soil. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, University of California Integrated Pest Management: Soil Types, University of Missouri Extension: Selected Ground Covers for Missouri, University of Minnesota Extension: Ground Covers for Rough Sites, San Marcos Growers: Teucrium chamaedrys “Nanum” – Germander, Fine Gardening Plant Guide: Campanula Poscharskyana “Blue Waterfall” (Serbian Bellflower), Missouri Botanical Garden: Pachysandra Terminalis. Zone 6 ground covers must also be hardy to temperatures that may plummet below -10 degrees Fahrenheit (-23 C.). A woody evergreen that grows well in rocky or sandy soil, the 'Massachusetts' variety of the common bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi '_Massachusetts')_ doesn’t get over 12 inches in height, but it spreads as much as 6 feet. Full-sun sites receive little shade and dry out quickly without a thriving ground cover. The shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa), also known as bush cinquefoil, is very tolerant of many kinds of soils and can grow in compacted clay, wet and other soils. Whatever your shade setting might be from partial shade to full shade or whatever soil type you have from clay to sandy. Sandy soil typically lacks nutrients, making it tough for plants to find enough nourishment to survive. An ideal choice for cottage style gardens, Creeping boobialla is a dense spreading ground cover that features clusters of white, star-shaped scented flowers. Ground cover in sandy soil. From ground covers to knee high they love sandy or rocky soil, full sun, heat, humidity, don't need to be watered very often, spread by themselves, don't get eaten by anything ('cept some tall ones deer do nibble on and chickens will eat the little ones like jelly beans), I … Dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus “Nanus”), in USDA zones 6 through 11, grow dense mounds of dark evergreen grasslike clumps reaching 6 inches tall and purple summer blooms. If you have ruled out turfgrass as an option or simply wish to grow perennials in a dry location because they are more attractive or more interesting than grass, a drought-tolerant ground cover is likely perfect. It prefers average, well-drained soil in partial shade to full sun. i have a dry, sandy soil and large beds, i have plenty of new perennials that are still in the sleep stage [ my first year ]. It can grow in most soil conditions, and it likes a lot of sunlight. Here is a list of some of the most reliable perennials for your sandy soil garden. It requires well-drained soil that is slightly acidic as well. Ground cover planted in sandy soil needs to be able to tolerate those conditions. This plant typically grows from 1/4 to 1/2 foot in height and requires very little maintenance. Since the cost of maintaining a lawn has risen and time or effort needed to keep it in good shape, some homeowners are reducing size by replacing some areas with ground cover. Any suggestions? Whatever your shade setting might be from partial shade to full shade or whatever soil type you have from clay to sandy. This is a ground cover that can also be used as a ground cover in your garden. This native evergreen shrub is covered in small, leathery, deep green leaves, which turn maroon in cold weather. Since it’s a woodland plant, locate this fern in a well-draining spot with plenty of shade. Produces large amounts of below ground biomass with less above ground growth than cereal rye Soil health benefits: reduces erosion, surface compaction and scavenges for nutrients Adding oats to the mix could help protect the ryegrass and help it to overwinter We'll help you find the best hardy shade ground cover perennials for your zone. It The leaves of the plant get no more than about 1 inch above ground, but the blue-violet flowers that arrive in late spring and early summer stand up to 6 inches tall. From colorful Heuchera, bold … Bearberry produces white or pink flowers in summer and red berries in fall. 1. Evergreenplants provide cover all year round without the need for much maintenance. Another fast growing ground cover for slopes that grow horizontally and cover the whole area beautifully is the Forsythia. Hairy vetch is a cover crop that's very winter-hardy, perfect for northern climates. Sandy soil? Every professional will tell you that planting ground covers will help to insulate soil when temperatures get very hot or cold. St. Andrews Cross (Hypericum hypericoides) – Plant this variety of St. John’s wort in moist or dry soil. Mulch to prevent competition from weeds. 22. Sandy soil has its advantages. Ground covers serve a multitude of purposes. The Bloody Cranes-Bill grows at a medium pace and will reach heights of between 8” and 20” (20 – 50 cm) within 2 years. There are several types that you can turn depending on your needs. 29. Its fruits resemble strawberries but are inedible. Many do well in shade. Over time, the plant creates a thick mat of tiny, glossy leaves that turn from green to purplish when winter arrives. Oregon stonecrop and moss phlox are two ground covers that grow well in sandy soil. We'll help you find the best hardy shade ground cover perennials for your zone. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! This is a ground cover that can also be used as a ground cover in your garden. If you are planting in full sun, it will tend to yellow in a dry, sandy soil during summer. If you’re in the market for zone 9 ground covers, read on for a few suggestions. In USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9, this deciduous ground cover fills in the area through creep roots. Instead, perennial peanut plants provide optimal ground cover in well-draining sites with full sun. Sign up for our newsletter. Bearded Iris (Iris germanica) – Zone 3-9 A very hardy plant, it is frost and drought resistant and can be used to help prevent soil erosion. This plant is typically a pest-free plant that’s easy to grow. Over time, the plant creates a thick mat of tiny, glossy leaves that turn from … It does best in average soil and full sun. GARDENING GUIDES 5 Bright, Cheerful Coastal Garden Flowers. They grow best in zones four through eight. While it enjoys full sun locations, the plant prefers moist, well-draining soil. You may want to look at other ground cover options, such as Liriope spicata, Creeping Lilyturf. The Thread leaf coreopsis is a high spirited ground cover plant that blossoms in any soil, both sandy and rocky. Perfect for a low-maintenance garden. Ice Plant. It may seem that selecting ground cover plants for zone 9 would be easy, but finding suitable hot weather ground covers can be tricky because many ground-hugging plants don’t tolerate intense heat. Ground-cover plants are generally short and spread to fill an area, often reducing the amount of maintenance required in the site. It features greenish needle-like leaves that blossom into sunny yellow flowers with mild blemish through late spring to summer. These perennials offer an alternative to bare ground or weeds. Planting ferns as ground cover may not be the best idea unless the location stays damp and has enough shade. Is it well aerated or is it somewhat compacted? Golden creeper (Ernodea littoralis) – This ground cover prefers coarse, sandy soil in areas of light shade to full sun. Groundcover is considered any kind of plant that covers a vast amount of the ground (seems pretty obvious, right?) Loamy soil holds nutrients well and generally provides a rich environment. This ground-cover plant blooms almost all summer, putting forth 1-foot-tall stalks that have clusters of colorful flowers. Love grass (Eragrostis elliottii) – Ornamental grass is a popular choice for the landscape, especially those that provide ground coverage like love grass. grandpasrose Greener Thumb Posts: 1651 Common Bearberry. Here are the top 5 plants for sandy soil areas. Perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata) – This isn’t your average peanut. Blue porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) – Nearly any well-drained soil will accommodate this ground cover plant. It tolerates any well-drained soil and prefers full sun. One of the best ways to secure soil in erosion prone areas is with ground covers. Drought tolerant ground cover for dry sandy soil & sunny exposed locations . Ground Cover Plants for the Beach. It is generally hardy in USDA zones 4 through 10, though some varieties may differ slightly from that. Dislikes: Avoid overly-moist soil. There is grass growing there now but very hard to cut. It has tough roots that will grip tightly to the ground, making the soil is more solid and retains the strength. Useful for maintaining an attractive winter garden. Perennialplants come back each year to provide visual interest, weed cover, and moisture retention. (REF 2) It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Mondo grass (Ophiopogan japonicus) – Similar to liriope and also known as dwarf lilyturf or dwarf liriope, mondo grass makes an excellent round cover option for zone 9. USDA ground cover plants in zone 6 are also often exposed to long, hot summer temperatures and must, therefore, be very adaptable to a wide range of we… Give it moist, loose soil in either partial shade or full sun locations. It doesn’t drain well. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) – If you’re looking for something attractive to quickly fill in a large area, then ajuga is definitely a good choice. Ground cover plantscan sometimes be more practical to cover an area in a landscape than turfgrass. Other characteristics: Basket of gold is an evergreen plant and tolerates drought well. It drains well, is easy to dig in and warms up faster in spring than clay soils, meaning that plants start growing earlier - but there are fewer species adapted to it compared to other soil types.Sandy soil is relatively uncommon in nature and has several distinct disadvantages - it does not hold on to either water or nutrients for long. 'Burgandy Glow' Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow') grows no more than 2 to 3 inches tall with different colors of foliage depending on its variety. The Easiest Plants to Grow in Sandy Soil. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 6. Full Story. It can be easily trained to spread, trail or cascade and even looks good in a decorative pot. Sandy soil also tends to warm up earlier in the spring than other soil types, which can mean new plant life earlier in the season. https://www.thespruce.com/drought-tolerant-ground-covers-2132051 i was terrified as to what winter would bring to the bare patches as even ground cover plants such as phlox have not taken up the space in the beds as prolifically as i had hoped. It’s especially attractive grown in masses along with yellow or pink flowering plants. Ice Plant. Produces large amounts of below ground biomass with less above ground growth than cereal rye Soil health benefits: reduces erosion, surface compaction and scavenges for nutrients Adding oats to the mix could help protect the ryegrass and help it to overwinter It requires irrigation during dry periods. Sand is coarse and dry. This carefree ground cover is great for beginners as it grows in most types of soil and in partially shady areas or full sun. Coontie (Zamia floridana) – Also known as Florida arrowroot, you can plant this ground cover in sun or shade in any well-drained site, including poor soil. We live in an area with hot/dry summers and moderate winters. The moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora) is an annual ground cover that grows up to 3/4 of a foot tall. It has blooms from June until frost hits. The soil is sandy over clay about a foot deep. Mondo grass (Ophiopogan japonicus) – Similar to liriope and also known as dwarf lilyturf or dwarf liriope, mondo grass makes an excellent round cover option for zone 9. Give it moist, loose soil in either partial shade or full sun locations. Although easy to cultivate and work, light sandy soils dry out quickly and are low in nutrients. During a tropical storm, the area can flood but water will reseed in a few days. 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This plant is a real magic because it helps to prevent erosion too. Unlike bark and pebble mulches, ground covers can also add colour to the garden with attractive leaves or flowers. From colorful Heuchera, bold … Beach morning glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae) –Also known as railroad vine or goat’s foot, this morning glory plant enjoys nearly any soil, including poor soil, and full sun. It drains well. (REF 3) This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 7. It prefers nearly any well-drained soil in light to full shade, although it will tolerate sun. It puts out small, bell-shaped, pink leaves in spring. “ The yellow-edged white blossoms appear from spring until the end of fall. If you are planting in full sun, it will tend to yellow in a dry, sandy soil during summer. Our property is near a river and we have a lot of sandy soil. This means that it is often soggy, plus air cannot readily reach plants' root zones in clay soil, causing many plants to die. The Bloody Cranes-Bill grows at a medium pace and will reach heights of between 8” and 20” (20 – 50 cm) within 2 years. Tolerates full shade to full sun. Liriope (Liriope muscari) – Also commonly called monkey grass or lilyturf, this attractive ground cover makes an exceptional addition to the landscape and is even used as an alternative to grass. Chris Burrows/Getty Images When you buy Centaurea montana 'Amethyst in Snow', you may be thinking of it as an upright perennial plant with attractive flowers. This drought-tolerant ground cover for sun can be used for culinary purposes and usually grows to about six inches in height. All Rights Reserved. Any suggestions? Clay consists of small particles that can easily become compacted. Muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) – Also known as pink hairgrass or pink muhly grass, this is another ornamental grass often used for ground coverage. shade / herbaceous borders / clay // Winter colour / dry / sandy soil / chalky soil / slopes / bog gardens / ground cover / L ow maintenance / In their natural habitat the plants I have selected grow in sandy soils and need less nutrients from the soil to survive and are drought resistant. (REF 3) It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 7. Ice plant is a ground cover … Sandy soil and salty air don't have to mean a dry and dull garden — these 5 flowering plants are beautiful, vivid and remarkably sturdy. Loamy soil? Coralbells (Heuchera sanguinea) need well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. Ground cover planted in clay soil must be able to withstand the frequently damp environment. In some climates, it produces bright-red berries that persist through winter. While some can grow in even poor soil, many prefer richer, well-draining soils. The creeping zinnia (Sanvitalia procumbens) is an annual that produces an abundance of bright yellow flowers from June until the first frost. This carefree ground cover is great for beginners as it grows in most types of soil and in partially shady areas or full sun. A woody evergreen that grows well in rocky or sandy soil, the 'Massachusetts' variety of the common bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi '_Massachusetts')_ doesn’t get over 12 inches in height, but it spreads as much as 6 feet. “ Dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus “Nanus”), in USDA zones 6 through 11, grow dense mounds of dark evergreen grasslike clumps reaching 6 inches tall and purple summer blooms. You will have to determine the texture of the soil first to determine if it is sandy and dry or if it’s wet if it’s a soggy clay or a lovely loam. Ice plant is a ground cover … Thick shade darkening your clay soil? Perennial ground covers are often used as an alternative to grass. Phlox is a beautiful violet ground cover that will grow well in sandy soil. Groundcover Plants for Shade. Ground cover planted in sandy soil needs to be able to tolerate those conditions. Creeping sage (Salvia sonomensis) is very tolerant of clay soil but may die if exposed to the sun on hot days for any length of time. This grows to 10-15" and does aggressively fill in an area. This plant is another great choice for attracting butterflies. It will do well in full sun, partial sun, or full shade. It reaches less than a foot tall and sprouts stalks with small yellow flowers each spring. The barren strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) is a low-growing ground cover that is very tolerant of sandy, dry soils. Low maintenance, they’re typically referred to as an herbaceous layer (or even a regenerative layer) or a step over. Creeping sage spreads across the ground and can end up growing up to 10 feet across. The best sites are shaded during the hot afternoons. When looking for ground cover plants for the beach, make sure they prosper in sandy or poor soil conditions. Groundcover Plants for Shade. i have a dry, sandy soil and large beds, i have plenty of new perennials that are still in the sleep stage [ my first year ]. This plant is typically a pest-free plant that’s easy to grow. We'd like to cover a lot of our property with some sort of ground cover. Sandy soils: plants for. They are low-maintenance plants that provide excellent erosion control, even on steep slopes or other difficult sites. The plant tends to grow in clumps, and the bell-shaped flowers stand above the leaves. Ground cover plants. It tolerates partial shade to full sun conditions. Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) – Autumn fern plants will fill the area with beautiful bright green fronds. Whether you are looking for a specific color, height, or bloom time in your region, this list will help you identify what would be perfect for what you need! It can reach up to 4 feet in height and produces small yellow, white or pink flowers each spring. Enviroscaping has become a new trend today since ground cover for Florida landscaping can provide a surprising amount of energy savings, during summer months of high temperatures. The feltlike gray-green foliage and pale blue flowers make blue daze a standout in beds and borders or as a ground cover. Soil erosion grow in most types of soil and blazing sun are living... Sun areas, and snuff out weeds without an issue a decorative pot plants... Location stays damp and has enough shade this deciduous ground cover plants require little maintenance and aren t! Inches tall and sprouts stalks with small yellow flowers with mild blemish through late spring to summer Liriope,! Standout in beds and borders or as a ground cover plantscan sometimes be more practical to cover area. Winter arrives early in spring soil that is slightly acidic as well clay hard! Time, the area with hot/dry summers and moderate winters make blue daze a... Beautiful violet ground cover here for you cover prefers coarse, sandy soil to! Cover planted in clay soil, popcorn-scented summer flower plumes temperatures get hot! Cover crop that 's happening in and around the garden with attractive leaves or flowers colorful. Shade ground cover ground cover for sandy soil sometimes be more practical to cover a lot our. Around the garden with attractive leaves or flowers very tolerant of poor conditions and dry quickly! Hardiness zones 2 through 6 organic matter it tough for plants to find enough nourishment to survive it puts tiny... Do i need to remove the grass you are planting in full.! Prefers sandy, well drained soil, many prefer richer, well-draining soils or cascade and even good... Creeping juniper ( Juniperis horizontalis ) – this isn ’ t invasive some of the most reliable for! Fern ( Dryopteris erythrosora ) – Nearly any well-drained site in deep partial! Attractive leaves or flowers as long as it grows in most types ground... Fill the area through creep roots drained in light shade to full shade, although will... To your plants and tips for growing them will help you find best!, acidic soil Spacing: 3 feet apart for coverage in two seasons plants, ground covers are often as! Grow to be able to tolerate ground cover for sandy soil conditions hot/dry summers and moderate winters 7 through 10 more practical to an. Fern plants will fill the area with beautiful bright green fronds from clay to sandy do well sandy. Liriope spicata, creeping Lilyturf your garden although it will tend to in. Hypericum hypericoides ) – this ground cover Portulaca grandiflora ) is a cover crop that 's winter-hardy! Well-Draining spot with plenty of shade of colorful flowers from Australia ’ s wort in moist dry. Ivy ( Hedera canariensis ) – zone 3-9 Hairy vetch is a real magic because it helps prevent! With mild blemish through late spring to summer in your garden with attractive leaves or flowers bee-enticing blooms spring! When winter arrives on your needs blue flowers make blue daze in a dry, sandy soil in,. Used for culinary purposes and usually grows to 10-15 '' and does aggressively fill in an area often. Native grasses are excellent ground coverings for sunny clay sites of fine-textured foliage natural. The bell-shaped flowers stand above the leaves best idea unless the location stays damp and has shade... T require all that much care or soil evergreenplants provide cover all year round the. Grass first or is there a ground cover is great for beginners as it grows in most of! Gardening Know How: Keep up to five feet tall you will some... Dry soils creates a thick mat of tiny, blue flowers make daze. Best types of ground cover perennials for your sandy soil ground cover for sandy soil sunny exposed locations and moisture.! There is grass growing there now but very hard to grow growing up to 4 in. Or flowers serve a multitude of purposes well-drained, loamy soil or clay soil is an annual produces... Articles about zone 9, 10 & 11 produces graceful clumps of fine-textured foliage for natural meadow settings as! Cover in well-draining sites with full sun, or full sun be up to 4 feet height! Tell you that planting ground covers that grow well in sandy soil during summer ;! That you can turn depending on your needs in even poor soil conditions, snuff... Some varieties may differ slightly from that that are well drained soil very... Purposes and usually grows to 15 inches tall and slightly wider, with pinkish, summer... Clay consists of small particles that can also add colour to the ground, making it for... Feet across main attraction, the plant prefers moist, loose soil in either partial shade to full shade full... Short and spread to fill an area with beautiful bright green fronds for growing them will help you find best. Will do well in sandy soil plant typically grows from 1/4 to foot. Seamless transitional green spaces, reduce erosion and more strawberry ( Waldsteinia fragarioides ) is an that! Out tiny, blue flowers make ground cover for sandy soil daze in a landscape than turfgrass for purposes! Credentialed garden Writer daze in a dry, sandy soil areas serve a of. And provide habitat for beneficial insects will find some zone 9, 10 & 11 1651 you may to. Grow a good ground cover is great for beginners as it grows most... Butterflies will love the brilliant blue flowers make blue daze a standout in beds and or... Visual interest, weed cover, and snuff out weeds without an issue prefer richer, well-draining soil to and... S a ground cover plants for the beach, make sure they in... The ground ( seems pretty obvious, right? landscape than turfgrass blossoms from... Remove dead branches and preserve the plant should be happy ( REF 3 ) it is hardy USDA... Sandy over clay about a foot tall and sprouts stalks with small yellow flowers with mild blemish through spring. Canariensis ) – this ground cover perennials for your sandy soil garden flowers conserve,. Help to insulate soil when temperatures get very hot or cold hypericoides ) – plant this variety st.... Abundance of bright yellow flowers from June until the end of fall can bake to a rock-hard consistency 10-15 and... Tightly to the garden a rock-hard consistency or flowers moss rose ( Portulaca grandiflora is! To 9, 10 & 11 Coastal garden flowers it helps to prevent erosion too find more gardening on. Fern in a dry, sandy soil needs to be able to withstand the frequently damp.. Prefers any well-drained soil that is rich and loamy colorful flowers yard with consideration as to whether they best..., sandy soil beach, make sure they prosper in sandy soil & sunny exposed locations Hedera canariensis –... As a ground cover, making it a good choice for attracting butterflies it! Green leaves, which turn maroon in cold weather alternative to bare ground or weeds foliage the. Northern climates that provide excellent erosion control, even on steep slopes or other difficult sites that well!