The Ultimate Guide to Ground Cover Plants for Shade

Are you looking to add some greenery to those shady spots in your garden? Ground cover plants can be the perfect solution! Not only do they add beauty and texture to your landscape, but they also help to suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil. In this in-depth guide, we will explore 12 common ground cover plants that thrive in shady areas. From the well-behaved to the invasive, we will cover it all. So grab your gardening gloves and let’s dive in!

Understanding Shade Levels

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of ground cover plants, it’s essential to understand the different levels of shade. Contrary to popular belief, not all shade is created equal. When we talk about “part shade,” we mean a plant that requires 2 to 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you have a location with dense, full shade that gets no direct sunlight at all, you’ll need to choose plants specifically suited to these conditions.

Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)

Let’s kick things off with Bunchberry, a native plant in northern regions of North America. This low-growing deciduous shrub is part of the dogwood family and makes an excellent ground cover plant in part shade locations. With showy flowers and a height of 3 to 9 inches, Bunchberry is a great choice for adding a touch of elegance to your garden.

• USDA Growing Zones
• Sun Exposure
• Soil Needs

Hosta (Hosta spp.)

When it comes to ground covers for shade, Hosta is a household name. This vast genus of landscape plants offers dozens of species and hundreds of hybrids to choose from. While some types of Hosta need a bit more sun for optimal color, varieties like Halcyon Hosta and Patriot Hosta thrive in dense shade. With their slow growth and well-behaved nature, you can’t go wrong with Hosta in your garden.

• USDA Growing Zones
• Sun Exposure
• Soil Needs

Ferns (Various Genera)

Ferns are a unique family of plants that reproduce from spores rather than flowers and seeds. With species to meet the needs of shady locations in every climate zone, ferns are a popular choice for gardeners. From the tall Interrupted Fern to the colorful Japanese Painted Fern, there’s a fern for every taste. While they may lack flowers, ferns make up for it with their stunning foliage.

• USDA Growing Zones
• Sun Exposure
• Soil Needs

Barrenroot (Epimedium spp.)

Barrenroot, also known as Bishop’s hat, is a genus of plants known for their attractive leaves and flowers. With varieties like Epimedium grandiflorum ‘Rose Queen’ and Epimedium x rubrum, these plants are excellent ground cover options for dry shade. While they may not be as showy as some other plants, barrenroots add texture and color to the landscape.

• USDA Growing Zones
• Sun Exposure
• Soil Needs

Spotted Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum)

For an evergreen ground cover with variegated leaves, look no further than Spotted Deadnettle. This plant thrives in shade and adds a pop of color with its white, pink, or purple flowers. While it can be slightly invasive in certain regions, most gardeners have no trouble keeping it in check. With its dense mats of foliage, Spotted Deadnettle is a great choice for shady areas.

• USDA Growing Zones
• Sun Exposure
• Soil Needs

Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon)

Despite its bright yellow flowers and larger size, Yellow Archangel is considered an invasive plant in many regions. With a tendency to spread rapidly, this plant can quickly get out of control if not managed properly. While it may add a splash of color to your garden, be cautious when planting Yellow Archangel in your landscape.

• USDA Growing Zones
• Sun Exposure
• Soil Needs

Creeping Liriope (Liriope spicata)

Creeping Liriope, also known as “monkey grass,” is a potentially invasive ground cover for shade. While it may function like ornamental grasses, it is not a true grass from a scientific standpoint. With its creeping growth habit and grass-like clumps, Creeping Liriope can quickly spread in the right conditions. Be mindful of its reputation in your region before planting.

• USDA Growing Zones
• Sun Exposure
• Soil Needs

Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Sweet Woodruff is a mat-forming perennial that can overtake an area if left unchecked. Considered invasive in some regions, this plant is relatively easy to control with regular maintenance. Whether you choose to trim it back or limit its water supply, Sweet Woodruff is a charming addition to shady spots in your garden.

• USDA Growing Zones
• Sun Exposure
• Soil Needs

Pachysandra (Pachysandra spp.)

Pachysandra, also known as Japanese Pachysandra, is a popular evergreen ground cover that forms dense mats under trees. While it may be challenging to grow grass in these areas, Pachysandra thrives in dappled shade. However, its aggressive nature and tendency to overtake ideal growing conditions make it a plant to monitor closely in your garden.

• USDA Growing Zones
• Sun Exposure
• Soil Needs

Common Periwinkle (Vinca Minor)

Common Periwinkle is a low, spreading vine with attractive purple flowers. While it can make a beautiful ground cover with the right care, this plant has a tendency to escape cultivation and naturalize in many areas. Its adaptability to various soil conditions makes it a popular choice for some gardeners, but caution is advised when planting Common Periwinkle in your landscape.

• USDA Growing Zones
• Sun Exposure
• Soil Needs

Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Bugleweed is a vigorous ground cover that can quickly spread and take over your garden. While its shiny dark-green or bronze leaves are attractive, this plant’s aggressive nature makes it a challenging choice for many gardeners. Once established, Bugleweed forms a dense mat that chokes out weeds, but be prepared for its rapid spreading habits.

• USDA Growing Zones
• Sun Exposure
• Soil Needs

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy, a familiar sight in many gardens, is a ground cover plant known for its invasive tendencies. With the ability to scale trees and spread up to 80 feet, English Ivy can quickly become a nuisance if not managed properly. While it may be a popular choice for problem areas, this plant’s reputation for troublemaking makes it a cautionary tale for gardeners.

• USDA Growing Zones
• Sun Exposure
• Soil Needs

In conclusion, when choosing ground cover plants for shade, it’s essential to consider their growth habits and suitability for your specific growing conditions. Whether you opt for well-behaved varieties like Hosta or adventurous choices like English Ivy, there is a ground cover plant for every garden. Remember to do your research and consult local experts to ensure that your chosen plants will thrive in your landscape. Happy gardening!