Perennial Plants for Full Sun to Partial Sun Groundcover

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Hosta

Hemerocallis

Sedum

Heuchera

Phlox

Whitehall

Echinacea

Iris

Helleborus

Dianthus

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Hosta

Hemerocallis

Sedum

Heuchera

Phlox

Whitehall

Echinacea

Iris

Helleborus

Dianthus

Coreopsis

Astilbe

Hibiscus

Salvia

Liriope

Monarda

Clematis

Lavandula

Veronica

Aquilegia

Baptisia

Achillea

Leucanthemum

Ajuga

Carex

Buddleia

Delphinium

Hedera

Paeonia

Delosperma

Gaillardia

Lantana

Papaver

Sempervivum

Digitalis

Geranium

Heucherella

Kniphofia

Nepeta

Campanula

Miscanthus

Panicum

Vinca

Agastache

Alcea

Athyrium

Mangave

Perovskia

Aster

Lupinus

Ophiopogon

Primula

Anemone

LAGERSTROEMIA

Penstemon

Thymus

Dicentra

Euphorbia

Iberis

Pennisetum

Brunnera

Platycodon

Tradescantia

Verbena

Agave

Rudbeckia

Stokesia

Allium

Bergenia

Gaura

Lamium

Pulmonaria

Acorus

Calamagrostis

Epimedium

Euonymus

Heliopsis

Lobelia

Pachysandra

Polemonium

Amsonia

Armeria

Asclepias

Gypsophila

Ligularia

Scabiosa

Stachys

Tiarella

Viola

Artemisia

Aruncus

Dryopteris

Hakonechloa

Lysimachia

Mazus

Schizachyrium

Tricyrtis

Alstroemeria

Colocasia

Crocosmia

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Planting sun perennial groundcovers offers a multitude of benefits for your garden, making them valuable additions to sunny landscapes. Here are some key advantages:

Aesthetic Appeal:

Year-round visual interest: Many sun perennial groundcovers offer attractive foliage in various shades of green, gold, silver, burgundy, and even variegated patterns. Some varieties also boast vibrant blooms in spring or summer, adding pops of color throughout the season.
Textural contrast: Groundcovers provide textural diversity, breaking up monotony and creating visual interest alongside taller plants and hardscapes.
Living carpet effect: They form dense mats, filling in empty spaces and creating a cohesive, finished look in your garden.

Functional Benefits:

Weed suppression: Densely growing groundcovers effectively suppress weeds by blocking sunlight and competing for resources, reducing manual weeding needs.
Erosion control: Their root systems help hold soil in place, preventing erosion on slopes and inclines.
Improved soil health: Groundcovers contribute to healthy soil by enriching it with organic matter as they decompose, promoting soil moisture retention and aeration.
Reduced maintenance: Once established, most sun perennial groundcovers require minimal care, including infrequent watering, minimal fertilization, and little to no pruning.

Ecological Advantages:

Pollinator havens: Many flowering groundcovers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting biodiversity and supporting vital ecological functions.
Wildlife habitat: Dense mats provide shelter and nesting sites for beneficial insects, small animals, and even ground-dwelling pollinators.
Water conservation: Drought-tolerant varieties require less frequent watering, helping conserve water resources.

Additional Benefits:

Reduced splash back: Groundcovers growing around the base of plants can help minimize soil splash onto foliage, potentially reducing the spread of fungal diseases.
Muffled sound: Dense mats can help absorb sound, creating a more tranquil atmosphere in your garden.
Increased curb appeal: Well-maintained groundcovers can enhance the overall look and value of your property.

By considering these benefits and carefully selecting varieties suited to your specific needs and preferences, you can reap the rewards of planting sun perennial groundcovers for a beautiful, low-maintenance, and ecologically vibrant garden.

Dianthus

Dianthus g. 'Firewitch' (3.5 inch pot)

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Dianthus

Dianthus g. 'Firewitch' (4) 1-gallons

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Euonymus

Euonymus f. 'Acutus' (2.5 inch pot)

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Euonymus

Euonymus f. 'Acutus' (3.5 inch pot)

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Euonymus

Euonymus f. 'Acutus' (bare root plant)

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Euonymus

Euonymus f. 'Coloratus' (2.5 inch pot)

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Euonymus

Euonymus f. 'Coloratus' (3.5 inch pot)

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Euonymus

Euonymus f. 'Coloratus' (bare root plant)

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Geranium

Geranium 'Perfect Storm' (30)ct Flat

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Geranium

Geranium 'Rozanne' PP12175 (30) ct Flat

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Geranium

Geranium sanguineum 'New Hampshire Purple' (30)ct Flat

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Heuchera

Heuchera 'Ball Gown' PPAF (20)ct Flat

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Dianthus

Dianthus g. 'Firewitch' (3.5 inch pot)

Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Cheddar Pinks Shocking magenta-pink, upward-facing blooms which exude the scent of cloves appear in masses above silvery-blue mats of evergreen foliage. Each of the 5 petals have serrated...

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Dianthus

Dianthus g. 'Firewitch' (4) 1-gallons

Dianthus 'Fire Star' (4) 1-gallons CHEDDAR PINK Zones 3 to 8. Full sunMature size: 6 to 8 inches tall, spreads to 12 inches wide. Low-growing, compact ground cover. Magenta pink, serrated edged petals appear in mass above silvery-blue evergreen...

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Now: $109.15
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Euonymus

Euonymus f. 'Acutus' (2.5 inch pot)

Euonymus fortunei 'Acutus' (2.5-inch pot)Common Name: Wintercreeper Height: 12-24 Inches Spread: 2-3 Feet Space 12-18 inches apart. Hardiness Zone: 5-8 Full Sun to Shade Tough Ground Cover Only newer growth turn Burgundy in Winter Best used in areas...

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Euonymus

Euonymus f. 'Acutus' (3.5 inch pot)

Euonymus fortunei 'Acutus' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Wintercreeper Height: 12-24 Inches Spread: 2-3 Feet Space 12-18 inches apart. Hardiness Zone: 5-8 Full Sun to Shade Tough Ground Cover Only newer growth turn Burgundy in Winter Best used in areas...

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Now: $4.10
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Euonymus

Euonymus f. 'Acutus' (bare root plant)

Euonymus fortunei 'Acutus' bare root plantCommon Name: Wintercreeper Height: 12-24 Inches Spread: 2-3 Feet Space 12-18 inches apart. Hardiness Zone: 5-8 Full Sun to Shade Tough Ground Cover Only newer growth turn Burgundy in Winter Best used in...

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Now: $1.99
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Euonymus

Euonymus f. 'Coloratus' (2.5 inch pot)

Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' (2.5-inch pot)Common Name: Purple Wintercreeper Mature height up to 2', spread 3', climbs 20' Hardiness Zone: 5-8 Full Sun to Shade Tough Ground Cover Leaves turn Burgundy in Winter Best used in areas where it can be...

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Now: $2.84
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Euonymus

Euonymus f. 'Coloratus' (3.5 inch pot)

Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Purple Wintercreeper Mature height up to 2', spread 3', climbs 20' Hardiness Zone: 5-8 Full Sun to Shade Tough Ground Cover Leaves turn Burgundy in Winter Best used in areas where it can be...

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Now: $4.10
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Euonymus

Euonymus f. 'Coloratus' (bare root plant)

Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' bare root plantCommon Name: Purple Wintercreeper Mature height up to 2', spread 3', climbs 20' Hardiness Zone: 5-8 Full Sun to Shade Tough Ground Cover Leaves turn Burgundy in Winter Best used in areas where it can be...

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Now: $1.99
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Geranium

Geranium 'Perfect Storm' (30)ct Flat

Geranium 'Perfect Storm' (30)ct Flat Common Name: Hardy Geranium, Cranesbill. A profusion of small, magenta-pink flowers with a black center and black veins cover these low, spreading plants from late spring into midsummer. The velvety grey-green...

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Geranium

Geranium 'Rozanne' PP12175 (30) ct Flat

Geranium 'Rozanne' PP12175 (30) ct Flat Common Name: Hardy Geranium, Cranesbill. Huge, glowing violet blue, saucer-shaped flowers with distinctive white eyes and reddish-purple veining are held above mounds of deep green foliage that is slightly marbled...

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Geranium

Geranium sanguineum 'New Hampshire Purple' (30)ct Flat

Geranium sanguineum 'New Hampshire Purple' (30)ct Flat Common Name: Hardy Geranium, Bloody Cranesbill. A profusion of magenta-purple flowers atop compact, spreading mounds of leaves makes this one of the best low-growing cranesbills...

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Heuchera

Heuchera 'Ball Gown' PPAF (20)ct Flat

Heuchera 'Ball Gown' PPAF CPBRAF (20)ct FlatDRESSED UP™ SeriesCommon Name: Coral Bells The chartreuse companion to last year's breakout sensation 'Evening Gown'! Similar to its dark leaved compatriot, 'Ball Gown' has large, heavily ruffled leaves...

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What are the characteristics of sun perennial plant groundcovers?

Sun perennial groundcovers boast a variety of characteristics that make them valuable additions to sunny landscapes. Here are some key points:

Sun-loving nature: These plants thrive in areas receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, allowing them to photosynthesize efficiently and maintain vibrant growth.
Low-growing habit: Typically reaching heights of 6-18 inches, they form a dense mat or carpet, effectively suppressing weeds and minimizing maintenance needs.
Spreading potential: Many sun perennial groundcovers spread slowly but steadily, filling in spaces and creating a cohesive look in your garden. However, consider the spread rate of each species to avoid unwanted invasiveness.
Drought tolerance: Adapted to sun exposure, these plants often require less frequent watering once established, especially in well-draining soil. This makes them water-wise choices for sustainable gardening.
Variety in aesthetics: Sun perennial groundcovers come in a diverse range of foliage colors, textures, and even flower types. You can find options with vibrant green leaves, silvery hues, variegated patterns, and even colorful blooms to add visual interest throughout the season.
Low maintenance: Generally, these plants require minimal care once established. Regular watering during dry spells, occasional weeding, and light fertilization in spring might be sufficient.
Ecological benefits: They provide numerous ecological benefits by attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees, preventing soil erosion, and creating habitat for beneficial insects.

Examples of popular sun perennial groundcovers:

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata): Forms a colorful carpet with pink, blue, or white blooms in spring.
Sedum (Sedum sp.): Diverse genus with many varieties, offering fleshy foliage in various shapes and colors, some with star-shaped yellow flowers.
Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum): Mounding habit with maple-like leaves and small, continuous summer blooms in various colors.
Creeping thyme (Thymus praecox): Fragrant, low-growing groundcover with tiny purple flowers and aromatic leaves, attractive to pollinators.
Liriope muscari (Lilyturf): Evergreen with grass-like foliage and spikes of lavender flowers in late summer.

Choosing the right sun perennial groundcover, consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting plants, such as:

Desired aesthetics: Color, texture, flowering habits, and overall look you want to achieve.
Spread rate: Choose varieties that suit your space and desired level of coverage.
Soil type and drainage: Select plants adapted to your soil conditions.
Maintenance level: Opt for low-maintenance options if preferred.

With their diverse characteristics and benefits, sun perennial groundcovers offer a fantastic way to add beauty, function, and ecological value to your sunny garden.

How Do I Plant sun perennial plant groundcovers?

Planting sun perennial groundcovers is a rewarding process that will add beauty and functionality to your garden. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparation:

Choose the right plants: Consider factors like desired spread rate, soil type, sunlight hours, and aesthetic preferences. Research the mature size and specific needs of your chosen varieties.
Prepare the planting area: Clear the area of weeds, debris, and existing vegetation. Choose a sunny location receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Amend the soil (optional): For poor soil quality, amend it with compost, aged manure, or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Test your soil pH and adjust if necessary for your chosen plants.
Mark planting locations: Space your plants according to their mature size, allowing room for them to spread without overcrowding.

Planting:

Water thoroughly: Before planting, water the prepared area deeply to encourage root growth.
Dig individual holes: Dig planting holes slightly deeper than the root ball of your plants. Loosen the soil at the bottom of each hole.
Remove plants from pots: Gently remove plants from their pots, teasing apart any tightly bound roots.
Plant and adjust: Place each plant in its hole, ensuring the root crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the base of the plant.
Water again: Water each plant deeply to settle the soil and hydrate the roots.
Mulch (optional): Apply a layer of organic mulch, like shredded bark or wood chips, around the base of your plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the stems to prevent rot.

Aftercare:

Water regularly: Especially during the first year, water your groundcovers regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Fertilize sparingly: Most sun perennial groundcovers do not require heavy feeding. A light application of slow-release fertilizer in early spring might be sufficient, depending on your soil quality and plant needs.
Weed control: Regularly remove any weeds that compete with your groundcovers for resources. Mulching helps suppress weeds, but manual removal might be necessary sometimes.
Monitor and adjust: Keep an eye on your groundcovers and adjust your watering, weeding, or mulching practices as needed. Prune occasionally to maintain desired size and shape.

Additional tips:

Consider incorporating a variety of groundcovers with different textures, colors, and flowering times to add visual interest and dimension to your sunny garden.
Native sun perennial groundcovers are often well-adapted to your local climate and conditions, requiring less maintenance and attracting beneficial pollinators.
If planting on a slope, choose groundcovers with good soil-holding capabilities to prevent erosion.

By following these steps and providing proper care, you can successfully plant and establish sun perennial groundcovers that will thrive in your sunny garden for years to come.

What Are The best Varieties Of sun perennial plant groundcovers?

Choosing the best variety of sun perennial groundcover for your garden depends on several factors, including the size of the area, your soil type, and your desired aesthetic. Here are some of the most popular and versatile options:

Low-growing and colorful:

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata): Forms a vibrant carpet with masses of pink, blue, or white blooms in spring. It is deer-resistant and tolerates poor soil conditions.
Sedum (Sedum sp.): A diverse genus with many varieties offering fleshy foliage in various shapes and colors, some with star-shaped yellow flowers. They are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
Irish moss (Sagina subulata): Forms a dense, moss-like mat of bright green foliage, perfect for filling in small spaces or pathways. It is low-maintenance and tolerates light foot traffic.
Wooly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus): This fragrant groundcover has soft, gray-green leaves and pink flowers in summer. It is heat-tolerant and attracts pollinators.

Fast-spreading and evergreen:

Lickitung (Ophiopogon japonicus): This shade-tolerant groundcover has lush, green leaves and small white flowers in summer. It spreads quickly and forms a dense mat, suppressing weeds effectively.
Lilyturf (Liriope muscari): Evergreen with grass-like foliage and spikes of lavender flowers in late summer. It is deer-resistant and tolerates a variety of soil conditions.
Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed): This fast-growing groundcover forms a dense mat of glossy green leaves with spikes of blue flowers in spring. It is tolerant of foot traffic and helps suppress weeds.

Unique and eye-catching:

'Burgundy Glow' (Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow'): This variety of bugleweed features stunning burgundy foliage that adds a pop of color to your garden. It is just as easy to care for as the classic blue-leaved variety.
Dianthus deltoides (Pinks): This charming groundcover produces masses of small, fragrant flowers in various colors throughout the summer. It thrives in well-draining soil and attracts pollinators.
Nepeta x faassenii (Catmint): This low-maintenance groundcover boasts aromatic gray-green foliage and lavender flowers in summer. It is deer-resistant and tolerates heat and drought.

Remember to consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting sun perennial groundcovers. With so many beautiful and functional options available, you are sure to find the perfect varieties to add charm and character to your sunny garden.

How Do I Care For sun perennial plant groundcovers In My Garden?

Caring for sun perennial groundcovers in your garden is generally quite easy, as they are low-maintenance plants. Here is a basic guide:

Watering:

Regularly during establishment: Especially during their first year, water your groundcovers regularly, particularly during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Adjust watering based on rainfall and your specific soil type.
Established plants: Once established, most sun perennial groundcovers are fairly drought-tolerant and require less frequent watering. However, monitor soil moisture and water during prolonged dry periods to prevent stress.

Fertilizing:

Light feeders: Most sun perennial groundcovers do not require heavy feeding. A light application of slow-release fertilizer in early spring might be sufficient, depending on your soil quality and plant needs. Overfertilizing can encourage excessive growth and weaken the plants' resistance to pests and diseases.

Weeding:

Early and regular: Regularly remove any weeds that compete with your groundcovers for resources, especially when they are young. Mulching helps suppress weeds, but manual removal might be necessary sometimes.

Mulching:

Benefits: Applying a layer of organic mulch, like shredded bark or wood chips, around the base of your plants offers several benefits. It helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and enrich the soil as it decomposes.
Application: Keep mulch away from the stems of your plants to prevent rot. Aim for a 2–3-inch layer of mulch, replenishing as needed throughout the season.

Deadheading (optional):

Encourages blooms: Some groundcovers benefit from deadheading spent blooms to encourage more flowering and prevent unwanted self-seeding. However, some provide winter interest with seed heads, so decide based on your preference.

Monitoring and adjustments:

Keep an eye: Regularly observe your groundcovers and adjust your watering, weeding, or mulching practices as needed. Prune occasionally to maintain desired size and shape. Address any pest or disease issues promptly.

Additional tips:

Fall cleanup: Remove fallen leaves in late fall or early winter to prevent smothering and disease issues. You can shred them and use them as mulch.
Dividing: Some groundcovers can be divided every few years to control their spread or rejuvenate older plants. Research the specific needs of your chosen varieties.
Enjoy the beauty: With proper care, your sun perennial groundcovers will thrive and add beauty, texture, and ecological value to your garden for years to come.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and the specific needs of your groundcovers may vary depending on the plant variety, climate, and soil conditions. Always research the specific needs of your chosen plants to ensure optimal care.

Do sun perennial plant groundcovers attract pollinators?

Many sun perennial groundcovers are fantastic attractors of pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to a healthy and vibrant ecosystem in your garden. Here is how:

Blooming varieties:

Food source: Groundcovers with vibrant blooms rich in nectar and pollen provide essential nourishment for pollinators throughout the season. Examples include creeping phlox, sedum varieties with star-shaped flowers, dianthus (pinks) with their fragrant blooms, and nepeta (catmint) with attractive lavender flowers.
Color and fragrance: Pollinators are drawn to specific colors and fragrances, and many sun groundcovers cater to these preferences. Bees and butterflies particularly favor blue, yellow, purple, and white flowers, while fragrant blooms like those of pinks and catmint further entice them.

Non-blooming varieties:

Habitat and shelter: Even groundcovers without showy blooms can be valuable for pollinators. Dense mats formed by species like Irish moss or lilyturf provide shelter and nesting sites for ground-dwelling bees and other beneficial insects.
Caterpillar host plants: Some sun groundcovers, like certain sedum varieties, serve as host plants for butterfly caterpillars, contributing to the entire life cycle of these beautiful creatures.

Choosing pollinator-friendly varieties:

When selecting sun perennial groundcovers to attract pollinators, consider these factors:

Bloom time: Select varieties with staggered flowering times to offer a continuous food source throughout the season.
Native species: Native plants are often better adapted to your local climate and provide specific resources for native pollinators.
Variety: Include a diverse range of groundcovers with different flower colors, shapes, and bloom times to cater to a wider variety of pollinators.

By incorporating these pollinator-friendly sun perennial groundcovers into your garden, you can create a haven for these vital creatures, supporting their populations and contributing to a healthy ecosystem. Remember, every little bit helps!

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