Groundcovers spread to cover bare soil, choke out weeds and replace lawn on slopes or in shade. Choose for your light, and whether the spot gets foot traffic.
We carry these at both stores — they just aren’t in our online catalog yet. Please call South Portland or Westbrook for what’s in today.
How to choose
- Shade: pachysandra, sweet woodruff and lamium fill under trees.
- Sun: creeping phlox, thyme and sedum handle hot, dry spots.
- Foot traffic: creeping thyme tolerates light steps between stepping stones.
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant groundcovers?
Most go 12 to 18 inches apart. Closer spacing fills in faster; wider spacing costs less but takes another season or two.
Will groundcovers stop weeds?
Once they knit together they shade out most weeds. Mulch between plants and weed by hand until they fill in.
Which groundcovers are deer resistant?
Pachysandra, lamium, creeping thyme and many sedums are rarely eaten. See our deer-resistant groundcovers guide.
Can I plant groundcovers on a slope?
Yes — groundcovers are one of the best ways to hold soil on a slope. Mulch well and water until they root in.