- 1. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Spanish bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica)\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Clematis \u2018Arabella\u2019 (Integrifolia species)\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Creeping phlox ‘Blue Emerald’ (Phlox subulata ‘Blue Emerald’)<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Bellflowers (Campanula spp.)<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Blue bugle (Ajuga reptans)<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Violets (Viola cornuta)<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Purple gromwell (Lithodora diffusa)<\/a><\/li>
- 11. Dwarf plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides)<\/a><\/li>
- 12. Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox)<\/a><\/li>
- 13. Speedwell (Veronica prostrata)<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
1. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)<\/em><\/span><\/h2>
![\"Periwinkle](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Periwinkle-Vinca-minor1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: H. Zell<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Thoughts of old-fashioned cottage gardens come to mind when we think of periwinkle. It is a great ground cover for shady areas in which many other flowering plants fail to thrive. <\/p>
It creates a lush, dark green foliage blanket over the ground and bursts into life with its vibrant light blue flowers over the warmer months. And when winter comes around, periwinkle doesn\u2019t just switch off \u2013 no sir! It will keep a pleasant evergreen presence in even the coldest months.
Pro tips:<\/strong> It can be a bit too vigorous in warmer climates, so watch out. Propagate it by taking tip cuttings from non-flowering stems in spring for the best effect. If you\u2019re looking for variety, you can also get it in deep purple and white.<\/p>General characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 4 – 9<\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy: <\/strong>Stem cuttings<\/li>
- Spread: <\/strong>Spreads via arching stolons that root when they reach the tips<\/li>
- Duration<\/strong>: Perennial<\/li>
- Mature size:<\/strong> Height 6-12 inches, width 6 inches to 2 feet<\/li>
- Sun exposure:<\/strong> Partial sun<\/li>
- Soil type:<\/strong> Moist, well-drained, organic-rich, clay, loamy, or sandy soil<\/li>
- Soil pH: <\/strong>Acidic, neutral, alkaline<\/li>
- Bloom time: <\/strong>Spring, fall (March-April, sometimes in September)<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Occasional watering in dry spells; weed control and mulch; light feeding of complete fertilizer in spring<\/li> <\/ul>
Periwinkle groundcover options:<\/strong>
\u2013 Greenwood Nursery – Dwarf Periwinkle<\/a>
\u2013 Live Evergreen Periwinkle Myrtle<\/a>
\u2013 Minor Periwinkle Vine Clumps<\/a><\/p>2. Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)<\/em><\/span><\/h2>
![\"Siberian](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Siberian-bugloss-Brunnera-macrophylla.jpg\")
Photo Credit: skymoon13<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> You know the saying “the bigger, the better”? That’s exactly what the Siberian bugloss (also known as \u2018forget-me-not\u2019) has going for it! Known best for its striking variegated heart-shaped green leaves and baby blue spring flowers, this beauty creates a showy display with its presence. It can grow up to 18 inches tall and spread out to form a broad clump up to 30 inches wide. <\/p>
It requires part shade to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil to really make a mark in the garden. Bonus points \u2013 it is deer and rabbit resistant, so your furry neighbors won’t be tempted to chow down on it. <\/p>
It’s a great choice for the woodland garden, as an edger, or as a mass ground cover. You can tidy it up and boost its flowering potential with light pruning after its flowers have faded. But don’t wait too long to do that, as its seeds are quite showy and germinate freely when left to their own devices in the soil.<\/p>
General characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 3 – 8 <\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy:<\/strong> Division <\/li>
- Spread:<\/strong> Slow spread by creeping rhizomes and seeds<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/li>
- Mature size: <\/strong>Height 12-15 inches, width 12-15 inches<\/li>
- Sun exposure:<\/strong> Partial shade to full shade<\/li>
- Soil type:<\/strong> Moist, well-drained, rich organic soils<\/li>
- Soil pH: <\/strong>Acid, Alkaline, Neutral<\/li>
- Bloom time: <\/strong>Early spring (March – April)<\/li>
- Maintenance:<\/strong> Deadhead if needed; Prune to boost flowering; Mulch in cooler areas; Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer<\/li> <\/ul>
Siberian bugloss groundcover options:<\/strong>
\u2013 The Clayton Farm – Forget Me Not, Siberian Bugloss<\/a>
\u2013 The Clayton Farm – 3 Starter plants of Forget Me Not, Siberian Bugloss<\/a><\/p>3. Blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)<\/em><\/span><\/h2>
![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Blue-star-creeper-Isotoma-fluviatilis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: weisschr<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The blue star creeper is a low-growing perennial that strikes a perfect balance between being pretty and practical. Delicate little pastel blue star-shaped flowers adorn it from late spring to early fall, making it a true sight for sore eyes. <\/p>
It does best with some exposure to sunlight, but a bit of partial shade can also work its magic. Do keep in mind that it will constantly expand and can be aggressive in some climate zones, so try to contain and control it with garden edgings.
Better yet, it quickly forms a dense mat of bright green foliage that tolerates moderate foot traffic with aplomb. This hardy Aussie native is so versatile you can easily use it as an evergreen ground cover alternative to turf<\/a>, in garden beds, and even combine it with other flowering ground covers to create colorful displays. It may stay evergreen in mild winters but go dormant in colder weather.<\/p>Pro tips:<\/strong><\/p>
- Water your blue star creeper regularly during hot summers for the best results. <\/li>
- Dead patches can appear if the plant isn\u2019t draining properly. Add soil amendments to help drainage before replanting.<\/li>
- Prune in late autumn to keep it tidy.<\/li>
- Cover it with mulch to suppress weeds.<\/li> <\/ul>
General characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 6-8<\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy:<\/strong> Division <\/li>
- Spread: <\/strong>Rhizomes<\/li>
- Duration<\/strong>: Herbaceous perennial<\/li>
- Mature size: <\/strong>Height 2-3 inches, width up to 2 feet <\/li>
- Sun exposure:<\/strong> Full sun, partial shade <\/li>
- Soil type:<\/strong> Moist, Well-draining, Clay, Loam, Sand <\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> Acidic, neutral<\/li>
- Bloom time:<\/strong> Spring-late summer (April – August)<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Regular watering in warm months; Mulch to suppress weeds; Prune in late autumn to keep it tidy<\/li> <\/ul>
Blue star creeper ground cover options:<\/strong>
\u2013 Elwyn – 25pcs Blue Star Creeper Plant<\/a>
\u2013 Blue Star Creeper Ground Cover Plant<\/a>
\u2013 Elwyn – 25 Star Creeper Flower Seeds Blue<\/a><\/p>4. Spanish bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica) <\/em><\/span><\/h2>
![\"Spanish](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Spanish-Bluebells-Hyacinthoides-hispanica-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Olga Bungova<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Adding color throughout late spring and early summer, the Spanish bluebell is an erect and hardy perennial that begs for more attention. In full bloom, this plant is a real show-stopper, with its upright stems carrying dangling bell-shaped flowers in shades of sky blue. <\/p>
It’s perfect for naturalizing, meaning it will quickly spread and fill the gaps you designate it to, be they rockeries, garden beds, or large grassy areas. Not picky at all, it will thrive in most soil conditions as long as they are well-draining. However, due to its tendency to self-seed and spread like wildfire, you may need some strategic containment tactics, such as edgings, to keep it in check.
Just like most of its kind, Hyacinthoides hispanica<\/em> needs a bit of sun to produce blooms, so planting it in a spot that gets partial sun at the very least is a must. That said, in warmer climates, the blooms may need some shelter from the strong sun.<\/p>Pro tips:<\/strong><\/p>
- Divide crowded clumps in late summer to early fall and replant them for better results.<\/li>
- It’s toxic to both humans and pets.<\/li>
- It can soon become an invasive species, so be aware of the potential consequences if you live in an area where this can become a problem.<\/li> <\/ul>
General characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones: <\/strong>3 – 8 <\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy:<\/strong> Seed<\/li>
- Spread:<\/strong> New bulbs are formed by underground runners <\/li>
- Duration<\/strong>: Perennial<\/li>
- Mature size: <\/strong>Height 6-18 inches, width 6-18 inches <\/li>
- Sun exposure: <\/strong>Partial sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Soil type:<\/strong> Moist, well-drained, loam, sand<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> Neutral, acidic, alkaline <\/li>
- Bloom time: <\/strong>Spring (April – June)<\/li>
- Maintenance:<\/strong> Deadhead spent blooms; fertilize in spring; divide clumps in late summer to early fall; occasional watering in dry spells.<\/li> <\/ul>
5. Clematis \u2018Arabella\u2019 (Integrifolia species) <\/em><\/span><\/h2>
![\"Clematis](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Clematis-\u2018Arabella-Integrifolia-Group-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Cristi Croitoru’s Images<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Say hello to your garden’s new star! Clematis ‘Arabella’ is indeed a winner when it comes to long-lasting beauty in your garden. It’s a tough bush-like plant with strong stems able to stand up straight, so no need to worry about providing extra support.<\/p>
Plus, its charming deep blue-purple flowers are sure to make an impression in late spring, gradually fading towards a beautiful pale blue as the season goes on. <\/p>
For the best results in your garden, remember that clematis prefer having their “heads in the sun and their feet in the shade,” requiring moist, well-drained soils. In terms of pruning, ‘Arabella’ is easily maintained and belongs to the third group of clematis, needing a ‘hard prune.’ Simply cut back the stems to a pair of strong buds about 1 ft. above ground level before growth begins in early spring.<\/p>
Pro tip:<\/strong> <\/strong>Be mindful that clematis is toxic to animals, so keep pets out of its reach. <\/p>
General characteristics: <\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones<\/strong>: 4 – 10<\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy:<\/strong> Stem tip cuttings<\/li>
- Spread:<\/strong> Seeds<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Perennial <\/li>
- Mature size:<\/strong> Height 3 – 5 feet; width 2 – 3 feet<\/li>
- Sun exposure:<\/strong> Full sun <\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Moist, well-drained, organic, chalk, loam, sand<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> Alkaline, neutral <\/li>
- Bloom time: <\/strong>Late spring to early fall (May – September)<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Keep the roots cool and shaded; mulch; prune in late winter to early spring; be mindful of toxicity around pets.<\/li> <\/ul>
6. Creeping phlox ‘Blue Emerald’ (Phlox subulata <\/em>‘Blue Emerald’)<\/em><\/span><\/h2>
![\"Phlox](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Phlox-subulata-Blue-Emerald-Creeping-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Adam Smigielski<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> For such tiny flowers, this fast-growing ground cover packs a big punch when it comes to color. Its mat-forming habit of delicate, needle-like foliage and plentiful, stunning lavender-blue blooms blanket steep slopes, rocky areas, and flower borders like a dream. Better yet, it’s low-maintenance and a staple to fluttery butterfly gardens.
Creeping phlox prefers full sun but can manage with some part shade. It’s a fairly drought-tolerant ground cover<\/a>, but regular watering and infrequent fertilizing will have it blooming at its best. Once flowering is over, shearing to maintain a neat form should be done for increased blooming the following spring.<\/p>General characteristics: <\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 2 \u2013 9 <\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy:<\/strong> Division, stem cuttings<\/li>
- Spread:<\/strong> Via roots<\/li>
- Duration<\/strong>: Perennial<\/li>
- Mature size: <\/strong>Height 4-6 inches; width 1-2 feet<\/li>
- Sun exposure<\/strong>: Full sun, part shade<\/li>
- Soil type:<\/strong> Humus-rich, medium-moisture chalk, loam, sand<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> Alkaline, neutral<\/li>
- Bloom time: <\/strong>Mid-spring to early summer (April – June)<\/li>
- Maintenance:<\/strong> Low; water and fertilize occasionally; shear after flowering to promote foliage and blooms<\/li> <\/ul>
Phlox ‘Blue Emerald’ ground cover options:<\/strong>
\u2013 Green Promise Farms – Volcano Phlox<\/a><\/p>7. Bellflowers (Campanula spp.)<\/em><\/span><\/h2>
![\"Bellflowers](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Bellflowers-Campanula.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Farion_O<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Bellflowers are an ideal addition to any garden with their array of colors, sizes, and shapes. You can get them in violet shades, white, pink, and, of course, blue! This everlasting beauty blooms in late spring and lasts through the warmer months. <\/p>
Bellflowers are well-known for being a reliable ground cover, with some varieties able to climb walls and garden arches if left uncontrolled. They will do best in well-draining to moist soils and full sun or partial shade spots. They prefer cooler climates, so planting it in areas open to extreme summer heat could result in wilting. For pruning, wait until flowers have faded towards the end of summer and trim them back to prevent self-seeding.<\/p>
Some of the best Campanula varieties with blue flowers include:<\/p>
- Campanula ‘Sarastro’ (Bellflower)<\/strong> – Deep purple-violet bell flowers.<\/li>
- Campanula portenschlagiana (Dalmatian Bellflower) <\/strong>– A cluster of deep-blue\/lavendar star-shaped blooms.<\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy:<\/strong> Division, stem cuttings<\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy:<\/strong> Stem tip cuttings<\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy:<\/strong> Seed<\/li>
- USDA hardiness zones: <\/strong>3 – 8 <\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy:<\/strong> Division <\/li>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 6-8<\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy:<\/strong> Division <\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy: <\/strong>Stem cuttings<\/li>
- 2. Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)<\/a><\/li>