Colorful flowers to liven up your retaining walls, garden fences, and hanging planters
In the quest for a lush and vibrant garden, finding plants that can thrive in challenging conditions is essential. Here are some trailing plants that excel in awkward or difficult spots, offering both aesthetic appeal and effective ground coverage.
The hardy plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) is a groundcover that stands out for its resilience. It flourishes in sun or dry shade, tolerates clay soils and moderate foot traffic, making it perfect for spots beneath trees or large shrubs where grass struggles. Not only does it suppress weeds, but it also stabilises soil and is drought-tolerant once established [1].
Creeping Jenny, though not elaborated upon here, is another versatile and underrated groundcover suitable for filling gaps in gardens with trailing growth habits [1]. For cooler, shaded microclimates, consider juniper leaf thyme (Thymus neieceffii). This low-growing evergreen forms a mat of needle-like foliage with spring pink blooms, ideal for pairing with spring bulbs and weed suppression in difficult locations [1].
Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) is a flowering groundcover that thrives in dense to partial shade, growing only 2 to 6 inches high but spreading widely. It is especially good for rock gardens, hillsides with erosion, and cascading over stone walls to fill gaps [3]. Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis), an upright evergreen, prefers shade and moist, well-drained soil, growing 6 to 8 inches tall. Ideal for large shady areas and under tree canopies to cover ground densely [3].
For those seeking colour, the yellow flowering Corydalis lutea is a tough, tumbling perennial plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions, including soil or cracks, and requires minimal watering and attention [2]. For something different, consider the 'Porcelain blue' corydalis, a variant with blue flowers that can add an interesting touch to retaining walls.
The cascade stonecrop, Sedum divergens, is a perennial creeping sedum species that can be planted down to zone 4, ideally in a sunny spot in well-draining soil [2]. Another cold-hardy option is Periwinkle, or Vinca minor, an evergreen cascading plant that can be planted down to zone 4, growing well in areas of dry shade under shrubs or trees. However, it is considered an invasive species in some areas of the United States [2]. Euphorbia myrsinites, or the myrtle spurge, is a tough, evergreen ground cover plant that can tumble over walls and grow in poor, rocky soil. It can be grown from zone 5 plus, ideally in a sunny spot with space to roam [4].
Lastly, let's not forget about the aromatic creeping thyme. It grows best in full sun and dry, well-drained soil down to zone 4, and is ideal for sheltered walls or south-facing container gardens, releasing a beautiful scent when brushed [5].
In addition to these plants, gardening accessories such as Skydeer gardening gloves, a hori hori knife, and Felco pruners are recommended for planting and pruning trailing species in the yard [6]. Happy gardening!
[1] Gardening Know How (2021) 10 Versatile and Underrated Groundcovers for Your Garden. [Online] Available at: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/groundcover/groundcovers/10-versatile-underrated-groundcovers-for-your-garden.htm
[2] The Spruce (2021) 10 Best Ground Cover Plants for Shade. [Online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/best-ground-cover-plants-for-shade-2133018
[3] The Spruce (2021) 10 Best Ground Cover Plants for Sun. [Online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/best-ground-cover-plants-for-sun-2133017
[4] The Spruce (2021) Best Groundcover Plants for Rock Gardens. [Online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/best-groundcover-plants-for-rock-gardens-2133015
[5] The Spruce (2021) Best Groundcover Plants for Dry Conditions. [Online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/best-groundcover-plants-for-dry-conditions-2133016
[6] Skydeer (2021) Best Gardening Gloves for Your Yard. [Online] Available at: https://skydeer.com/pages/best-gardening-gloves-for-your-yard
[7] Skydeer (2021) Best Hori Hori Knife for Your Garden. [Online] Available at: https://skydeer.com/pages/best-hori-hori-knife-for-your-garden
[8] Felco (2021) Pruning Secateurs. [Online] Available at: https://www.felco.com/en/products/pruning-secateurs
Succulents, like the hardy plumbago and creeping phlox, can add an interesting touch to spaces with challenging conditions, providing both aesthetic appeal and effective ground coverage for a lush garden lifestyle. Exploring alternatives such as Creeping Jenny, the yellow flowering Corydalis lutea, and the aromatic creeping thyme for various conditions would be beneficial additions to a home-and-garden setting. Garden accessories like Skydeer gardening gloves, hori hori knife, and Felco pruners are essential tools for planting and maintaining these trailing species.
