Colorful Groundcovers
A stroll through the neighborhood will reveal carpets of color, courtesy of early spring-blooming groundcovers.
Creeping Phlox and Lithodora in a raised bed along a sidewalk.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) – Also known as “Moss Phlox”, this mat-forming groundcover grows 4-6 inches tall and up to 2 feet wide wide. It is an excellent choice for slopes, banks, rock gardens and pathway edgings. Well-drained soil in full sun is best. It will tolerate some shade, although flowering will be reduced. Flower colors are usually blue, pink or white.
Lithodora (Lithodora diffusa) – This is a very popular groundcover due to its unforgettable iridescent blue flowers. Growing only a few inches tall, it covers the ground as a tight mat. Lithodora only blooms in early spring. It will not be as thick or bloom well in shade or with competition from other plants.
Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) is another very popular groundcover. Known for its tidy appearance and pure white flowers, it also had the advantage of being evergreen. This groundcover is a bit taller than the previous varieties and can reach 12 inches tall. It is effective lining pathways or driveways or surrounding evergreen shrubs. It can also be used as a specimen plant in rock gardens or perennial borders.
Veronica (Speedwell) ‘Georgia Blue’ (Veronica peduncularis) – The “Georgia” refers to the European country from which it originates. This beautiful blue-flowered groundcover grows 4-6 inches tall and spreads a feet or more. It grows in sun or partial shade. The flowers are long-lasting and once they fade, it can be sheared to promote a second flowering later in summer.
