thisplace.com.au - Groundcovers

There is no end to the usefulness of groundcovers. They suppress weeds by blotting out the sun. They unite the landscape by providing an underlying colour that links larger plants together. And they have a profound cooling effect on the soil and the surrounds. In short, they act much the same as a mulch.

So what is a groundcover plant?
Typically they have horizontal stems and grow wider than higher. Some sprout roots wherever they come into contact with the soil. Low growing shrubs can be used to create a groundcover effect if they are planted close together.

For dry gardens where you are looking to reduce water consumption, plants such as aurora daisies from South Africa can get by without summer watering once they are established. The flowers are astonishingly beautiful and completely cover the grey foliage from early winter through to spring.

Also from that continent, the winter flowering african daisies make a spectacular show in a variety of bold colours. These include deep pink, bright purple, white with a navy centre and buttercup yellow. These plants are at home in our climate and will prosper even without artificial summer watering.

Prostrate conifers are stylish and very tough. the shore juniper (Juniperus conferta) is a wonderful example; it's a real drought hardy and seaside hardy variety and can be used as a low maintenance border plant. An occasional trim is all that is needed to keep it looking classy and clean.

A slightly taller juniper, Pfitzers golden prostrate juniper, has a similar track record of resilience but adds a blush of yellow to the scene. Other groundcovers for seaside locations include a stunning new grey leaf gazania appropriately called Mulberries and Cream. These are drought tough and once established can flower all summer long.

For shaded locations there are plenty of groundcovers to choose from such as the prolific bacopa (Sutera cordifolium) with its fabulous show, winter to early summer, of white starry flowers.

Source: Sunday Mail