Asked on Apr 23, 2014
Looking for a quick growing ground cover, mostly in the shade.
+5
I have a 50yr old Maple tree in the back of my yard that has large surface roots, so nothing can grow there. I am hoping to find a fast growing ground cover that takes to partial sun but more shade. Any suggestions???
8 answers
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You need to be careful what you plant so that you do not getting something invasive that will kill the Maple tree-such as ivy. I like green and white variegated euonymous for under my oak trees where nothing else will grow. It spreads and grows fast and and is easy to keep contained and will brighten up the area.Green & gold will work too and it is on sale for 3 for $10 at Lowes right now. you could also try native plants such as christmas fern which is evergreen, cinnamon fern, royal fern and/or lady fern. When planting these just put them where the roots are not. This is just an option and euonymous is evergreen. Happy Gardening!
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Apr 23, 2014
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Depending whether you want a creeping ground cover or just want to fill the space with plants that will multiply, you could try bromeliads. They don't need deep soil so competing with the tree roots for water won't be a problem and they readily multiply - put out pups that can be removed from the parent plant and planted in the soil very easily. They do some smaller height varieties if you don't want anything too tall under the tree and the colours and flowers on some are spectacular. I started out with 4 and ended up with 20 or so plants before moving house and giving all my plants away but they could keep going and going to produce more plants! They do well in shade too.
Carole
on Apr 23, 2014
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Bermuda grass if you just want grass....
Natalie McElhaney-Horton
on Apr 23, 2014
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Yes, you will want to be careful of the shallow roots and plant around those roots as opposed to digging into them. Check your zone first and then pick a plant that works for your zone. For my zone 5, epidmedium works well in dry shade as well as foam flower for soil with more moisture.
White Oak Studio Designs
on Apr 24, 2014
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Epimedium is an excellent suggestion for dry shade.
Douglas Hunt
on Apr 24, 2014
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Try using Mint...
Deann Schneck
on Apr 24, 2014
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Be aware that mint will become invasive and take over!
White Oak Studio Designs
on Apr 25, 2014
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For low growth in the shade I use vinca. In zone 5.
Sensible Gardening and Living
on Apr 25, 2014
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