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Ground covers
 Periwinkle Periwinkle, Vinca minor, is also known as Trailing Myrtle, Dwarf Periwinkle and Creeping Myrtle. This species of Periwinkle is one of the most popular and widely used ground covers. Trailing stems with smooth, evergreen leaves (to 1. 5" long) root at the nodes as they go along the ground and quickly spread to form an attractive ground cover. Tubular, lavender blue, phlox-like flowers (to 1 inch across) appear in the leaf axils in spring and continue to flower intermittently throughout summer into fall. Foliage will mound up to 6" tall. Periwinkles are used as a versatile ground cover and provide good cover for bulb beds. This evergreen perennial is similar in all ways to Vinca Major except the flower is a little smaller.
Bigleaf Periwinkle The Bigleaf Periwinkle, Vinca major, is also known as Greater (rosy) Periwinkle, Big Perwinkle and Large Periwinkle. The plant is shrub-like and grows to 12" tall with trailing ascending stems; 1-3 feet long. The leaves are dark green and bigger than that of vinca minor. The leaves are shiny, bright-green and broad with a blunt base with hairy margins. It thrives in shady and damp areas; it will melt in full sun in the southern portion of its range. It is usually sold as an annual in zones 3-5 otherwise perennial.
Dwarf Mondo Grass Dwarf Mondo Grass, Ophiopogon japonicus, is an ornamental grass which grows to 4" in height and is closely related to the liriope. Tiny, pale lavender flowers on short stalks bloom in summer are often hidden by the leaves. This perennial evergreen grows in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Mondo Grasses are symmetrical with a fine texture and has a dense crown. It spreads by underground stems or tubers. It is intolerant of full sun.
Japanese Spurge This perennial plant needs partial shade to full shade to prosper. Tiny white flowers in 1-2" long, terminal (hence the species name) spikes bloom in early spring. Oval leaves (2-4" long) appear primarily in whorls at the stem ends. Pachysandra can be used as a lawn substitute in shaded non-traffic areas and ground cover for shade areas. Flowers are not particularly showy, but on close inspection are quite attractive.
Purple Wintercreeper Euonymus Purple Wintercreeper Euonymus, Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus', also known as Wintercreeper and Wintercreeper Eunonymus, is a dense, woody-stemmed, broadleaf evergreen plant which comes in a variety of forms. It features lustrous, ovate to elliptic, dark green leaves (1-2" long) which turn dark purple in fall and winter. Purple Wintercreepers have inconspicuous, greenish-white flowers that may appear in June. The flowers are at best sparse, but are usually not present. coloratus. This plant is a good ground cover for slopes.
Virginia Creeper Each leaflet is about 3"-7" long and an inch or two wide. The leaves turn fiery red in fall and are very showy. Easy to grow, the Virginia Creeper can get out of hand if not managed. Also known as Woodbine, it will send up sprouts and seed itself, and established plantings may smother shrubs and trees. When allowed to clamber over trees or other tall structures, it develops elongated leafy festoons that are especially showy. Where there is nothing to climb, it attaches to the ground with adventitious roots, and makes an excellent cover for slopes or other places where grass is not practical or desired.
Chameleon Plant They have a fresh, somewhat citrus-like scent when crushed. It is an extremely hardy ground cover and easy to grow but can become very invasive.
Lambs Ears Big Ears ) It may not look extremely good in the summer time, but will recover in the fall. ‘Big Ears Lamb’s Ear’ needs to be planted in full sun in a well-drained area. It is useful in the border or as a ground cover.
Liriope Big Blue It is a very versatile ornamental grass that can be used as a groundcover or garden accent or even in a container. The Lirope 'Big Blue' is slow spreading.
Liriope Spicata The Liriope, 'Spicata', also known as Lirope, is an almost indestructible plant for stubborn areas. Liriope gracefully fills those spots where nothing else will grow. Large, pale lavender flower spikes bloom in late summer, rising above arching, evergreen tufts of grassy foliage.
Liriope Variegated The Liriope 'Variegated', Lirope muscari 'Variegata', also known as Lirope variegated lily-turf, is as it's name implies, a variegated border grass.
Moneywort Golden It does need moist soil in a well-drained area, not allowing it to dry out between waterings.
Moneywort Goldilocks An attention-getting groundcover that's also a superb addition to patio pots and hanging baskets.
Oriental Limelight The mounding self-branching habit makes 'Oriental Limelight' an ideal companion for many flowering plants.
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