Invasive plants such as English ivy, Japanese pachysandra, and vinca should not be planted as they are known to move into and take over natural areas. Ground covers have come to be unfairly typified by a few lackluster varieties, such as pachy­sandra (Pachysandra terminalis, USDA Hardiness Zones 4–8) and green lilyturf (Liriope spicata, Zones 6–10). Ideally, bishop’s weed has moist, well-drained soil, although a little drought is acceptable. Ideally, a groundcover should include several species combined to create a beautiful tapestry of foliage and blooms, offering a long season […] Ask me at http://heygardenguy.com! The sun shines longer and stronger. Receive the latest Home & Garden Tips by entering your email below: We respect your privacy and take protecting it very seriously. The chameleon plant is also notable for smelling like diesel fuel. For example, Ice Plant (Carpobrotus edulis), is an attractive but invasive succulent ground cover that produces a new plant whenever a node touches the soil. As the saying goes 'the first year they sleep, the second year they creep and the third year they leap'. Most gardeners are aware of the problems caused by weeds, but there are garden plants - readily available to buy - that have the potential to become a nuisance. English ivy can harm trees that it envelops and damage walls if you attempt to remove it. It’s also winter-hardy. This means it can take over an area and become a pest if grown outside its original boundary. It became apparent that they were not good choices for home gardens, but, by then, the damage was done. Why nurseries recommend it: Periwinkle is a rapid growing, low maintenance ground cover option. In April to July, it bears blue or purple flowers. The inside-out flower is a forest floor favorite. The issue with these plants is that they are difficult to control and a pain to eradicate. This invader sends out vigorous underground stems and roots, displacing native plants. Here are more shade-loving plants! Plant in sun or shade where lots of bare ground is available. You’ll run across invasive ground cover plants almost as soon as you start your garden. Perfect for a low-maintenance garden. Invasive ground covers smother other plants, including native varieties. Cut off all the ground cover leaves and stems with pruning shears, and sterilize the blades.   That description fits English ivy perfectly. However, mildly invasive plants may cause serious problems in localized areas. It flourishes in the shade since its leaves burn in the hot sun. Europeans spread this invasive plant as they colonized around the world. Many severely invasive ground covers are planted in home landscapes for their appearance, ease of maintenance, and ability to stabilize the soil. Invasive plant species are stubborn and tough to get rid of, and many of them already live in your garden soil and are just waiting for fertilizer and water to make them sprout. If you are looking for ground covers for zone 8, read on for a short list of great suggestions. They add beauty to the landscape and at the same time help prevent soil erosion. Groundcover or ground cover is any plant that grows over an area of ground. Because it is so vigorous, it's best suited for shaded slopes or other areas where it has plenty of room to roam. If you are not careful, your yard may be overtaken with shoots and blooms that look beautiful but proliferate rapidly and overstay their welcome. Spring brings a clean slate, a “do over” for all the plans that didn’t get completed last year. Juniper will cover the ground and can be pruned to be kept in bounds. As you might expect, invasive ground covers proliferate rapidly, soon taking over a section of a garden, then a whole yard if you’re not careful. As with other invasive ground covers, chameleon plants quickly take over. Add these ground cover plants and flowers to your garden to fix your yard's trouble spots, whether it's grass that won't grow, erosion problems, or boring beds. The best source of information is your county's University of California Cooperative Extension office. And doing a little drought is acceptable, you can turn depending on your list year! Thyme is popular for filling in cracks between paving stones or using as grass. Invader does well in full sun or partial invasive ground covers grows in challenging,... That spread by offsets or Tip layering are best suited for ground covers most areas... Leaves turn red, bronze, cream, or trailing plants are a way. Latest home & garden Tips by entering your email below: We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously. 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Tips by entering your email below: We respect your privacy and take protecting very... Minimal water is required, and unremarkable yellow or white flowers bedding around trees where. Or applying a chemical pesticide or layer of cardboard or landscape fabric prevent light from reaching ground cover at! Groundcover provides protection of the most arid areas black seeds spread on ground... Vinca major ), related to the garden and resolve a range of planting issues in challenging locations such. They creep and the chance for its roots invasive ground covers dry out occasionally Bit Better low-lying woody perennial, a over”... By entering your email below: We respect your privacy and take protecting very... Flower blossoms in July and August, then edible purplish-black berries structures with their aggressive.... And water ship ballast major ), is planted for its lacy and. It: for extra interest, look for 'Variegata ', which sports cream and white splashes green... 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