10 Best Part Shade Ground Cover Plants For Your Garden

Table of Contents

10 Best Part Shade Ground Cover Plants For Your Garden

What is Part Shade Ground Cover?

Part shade ground cover plants are those that can grow and thrive in areas of your garden where there is partial shade. These areas receive less than four hours of direct sunlight per day.

Why Use Part Shade Ground Cover?

Using part shade ground cover in your garden is a great way to add texture, color, and interest to areas that would otherwise be barren. They also help to prevent soil erosion, keep weeds at bay, and improve the overall health of your soil.

Things to Consider When Choosing Part Shade Ground Cover

When selecting plants for part shade areas of your garden, it's important to choose varieties that are well-suited to your climate zone and soil type. You should also consider the mature size of the plant, as well as its growth rate and overall maintenance requirements.

If you're looking for the perfect plants to fill out the shady areas of your garden, here are ten great options to choose from.

Japanese Spurge

The Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis) is a low-growing evergreen that is perfect for use as a border or ground cover. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and is hardy in zones 4-9.

Lily of the Valley

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a fragrant perennial that produces small white flowers in spring. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, and is hardy in zones 3-7.

Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a low-growing herbaceous perennial that thrives in partial shade. It produces small white flowers in spring and has a pleasant, sweet aroma. It is hardy in zones 4-8.

Creeping Jenny

Creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a fast-spreading ground cover that produces bright yellow flowers in summer. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, and is hardy in zones 3-9.

Periwinkle

Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is a tough evergreen ground cover that produces blue-purple flowers in spring. It can tolerate dry soil and full shade, and is hardy in zones 4-9.

Deadnettle

Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum) is a low-growing perennial that produces pink or purple flowers from late spring to early summer. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, and is hardy in zones 3-8.

Hosta

Hostas are a popular choice for shady gardens, thanks to their large, lush leaves and easy-care nature. They come in a wide range of sizes and colors, and are hardy in zones 3-9.

Foamflower

Foamflower (Tiarella spp.) is a beautiful, low-growing ground cover that produces delicate white or pink flowers in spring. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, and is hardy in zones 3-8.

Tiarella

Tiarella (Heucherella spp.) is another great choice for part shade gardens. It produces beautiful foliage in shades of green and bronze, and has delicate white or pink flowers in spring. It is hardy in zones 4-9.

Barrenwort

Barrenwort (Epimedium spp.) is a low-growing perennial with heart-shaped leaves and delicate flowers in shades of pink and yellow. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, and is hardy in zones 4-9.

Once you've chosen the right plants for your space, it's important to plant them correctly to ensure their health and longevity.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting your part shade ground cover, be sure to loosen the soil and remove any weeds or debris. Add organic matter such as compost or leaf mold to improve soil fertility.

Choosing the Right Shade-Tolerant Plants

When selecting plants, choose those that are well-suited to the lighting conditions in your garden. Plants that require full sun will not thrive in shady areas, so stick to those that prefer partial or full shade.

Spacing and Planting

Typically, you'll need about three to four plants per square foot of ground you want to cover. To plant your ground cover, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the plant in the hole, and fill in with soil. Be sure to water thoroughly after planting.

Watering and Fertilizing

Water your part shade ground cover regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.

Once your part shade ground cover is established, it's important to maintain it to ensure its continued health and growth.

Watering and Mulching

Water your ground cover regularly and add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Pruning and Weeding

Prune your ground cover as needed to keep it looking tidy and remove any dead or damaged growth. Pull weeds by hand rather than using chemicals that could harm your plants.

Fertilizing and Feeding

Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and proper nutrition.

Dividing and Transplanting

Over time, you may need to divide your plants to prevent overcrowding and encourage new growth. To do so, dig up the entire plant and separate it into smaller sections, each with their own root system.

Part shade ground cover can be a beautiful and practical addition to your garden. With the right plants and care, you can enjoy a lush and green space even in shady areas.

Here are some frequently asked questions about using part shade ground cover in your garden.

What part of my garden is considered part shade?

Part shade refers to areas of your garden that receive less than four hours of direct sunlight per day.

Are perennials or annuals better for part shade?

Perennials are generally better for part shade, as they will come back year after year without needing to be replanted.

Will my part shade ground cover spread to other parts of my garden?

Some types of part shade ground cover are fast-spreading and can become invasive if not properly controlled. Be sure to choose varieties that are well-suited to your space and monitor their growth regularly.

How often should I water my part shade ground cover?

Water your ground cover regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Be sure to provide enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of at least six inches.

What is the best way to control weeds in my part shade ground cover?

The best way to control weeds in your ground cover is to pull them by hand rather than using chemicals that could harm your plants.

Are there any part shade ground cover plants that attract pollinators?

Many part shade ground cover plants, including sweet woodruff and foamflower, are attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Can I use part shade ground cover in a rock garden?

Yes! Many types of part shade ground cover are well-suited to rock gardens and other rocky areas.

What are some native plant options for part shade ground cover?

Native plant options for part shade ground cover vary depending on your location. Contact your local extension office or nursery for recommendations.

Will part shade ground cover prevent soil erosion?

Yes! Part shade ground cover can help to reduce soil erosion and improve the overall health of your soil.

Can I grow edible plants as part shade ground cover?

Yes! There are many edible ground cover plants that thrive in partial shade, including strawberries and creeping thyme.