Ground Cover for Shade
Hardy Ground Cover For Shade Under Trees
When we first moved into our new house I had a little corner bed that was in full sun on a small mound. As the time came to plant, however, my sunny spot was starting to disappear under the shade of two maple trees and an old Ceanothus. By the time mid summer was upon us, the area was in deep shade with very little sun reaching it at all bar in the early mornings. A Tricky spot to plant, so I had to find some shade loving bedding plants and a ground cover for shade.
The problem with deep shade is that it is often very dry as well, as little moisture gets through the trees and the tree roots suck up any drops that do find their way down. So, unless you live in a wet area or can water regularly, it’s best to look for drought resistant ground covers and bedding plants.
I first planted pink and green Caladium and pink Begonia bulbs and wondered why they weren’t coming up. On further investigation I came face to face with gopher land. Those little demons had wasted no time spiriting all but three Begonia bulbs away! The three bedraggled survivors did not like their dark, dry spot in the garden so I potted them up and settled them into my courtyard.
Erigeron
There was one plant that thrived, however, and that was self sown Erigeron which is a wonderful, drought resistant ground cover that doesn’t mind where it grows. In fact, it can take over a spot very quickly, like the Vinca which is also a robust ground cover for shade. They are both low growing ground covers but have lots of spread. The Erigeron has very pretty little pinky white daisy flowers on top of dense little leaves and suited me as I had rather lost heart for this troublesome piece of turf. I also planted up some Busy Lizzies which did very well with a once a week water. I thought that was fair.
Hostas
Now that spring is coming (well, I can at least think about spring), I want to plant some more ground cover for shade to add a bit of variety and think I might go for Hostas. Their mounds of heart-shaped leaves are very ornamental, ranging in color from lime green to blue green, with sweet flowers on top. What’s more I’m told that the gophers don’t really like them so I don’t have to put wire down first. They do need a bit of watering though.
The biggest challenge to growing Hostas is keeping the slugs and snails at bay. I always wonder how parks manage to have such large beds of them, most of them unscathed by slimy creatures!
Ferns
Or I might plant a fern garden instead. Ferns are excellent ground covers for shade which come in all shapes and sizes and don’t mind tree root competition. I’ve always loved Maiden Hair ferns which look so delicate but are, in fact, extremely tough. Adiantums are also lovely. They are nicknamed Five Finger Ferns because of their attractive formation. Both are California natives so should do well in my garden.
If I go the Fern or Hosta route, I think Lamium, with it’s variegated silver foliage, will make a pretty filler. It’s also a vigorous, drought resistant ground cover for shade so won’t need too much attention.
Otherwise, it will be back to Busy Lizzies for me, shocking my new neighbors with my orange and red color scheme. We all need a jolt or two.
Here is a list of gopher resistant plants and this is the link to their list: http://www.groundcoversandgardening.com/gopher resistant plants
If you want to buy plants that deer probably won’t eat, look here.
Fall Note: Now is the time to shop for fall bulbs so you have a spectacular spring garden. American Meadows is offering 50% off fall bulbs now so start shopping.
Happy gardening and don’t forget your sunscreen.
