If you're looking for a way to keep your garden looking lush, even in the harsh winter months of Colorado, then you'll need to invest in some hardy ground cover. Choosing the right type of ground cover is crucial to the success of your garden. There are many factors to consider before making a purchase.
First and foremost, think about the sun exposure of your garden. Some ground cover plants will thrive in shade, while others prefer full sun. Consider the temperature in your area as well. Colorado can be a challenging climate for gardeners, so make sure you choose a plant that can withstand the harsh weather conditions. You'll also want to consider the soil type, as certain plants may not do well in acidic soil.
When you're ready to choose a ground cover for your garden, ask yourself a few questions. Do you want a low-maintenance plant that requires little care? What colors do you want in your garden? Do you prefer a certain texture, like a thick blanket or delicate foliage? By asking these questions, you can narrow down your choices and find a ground cover that will meet your needs.
Overall, choosing a ground cover for Colorado requires careful consideration. By taking into account factors like sun exposure, temperature, and soil type, you can find a plant that will thrive in your garden. So start exploring and find the perfect ground cover to add color and life to your garden!
10 Best Ground Cover For Colorado
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Ideal for providing drought-tolerant ground cover with cold hardy evergreen foliage in large quantities.
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This plant is ideal for use as Asian ground cover, fully rooted with soil, adding beautiful foliage to your outdoor space.
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Ideal for creating low-maintenance ground cover and alternative lawn options in warm-season climates.
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This product is ideal for creating a low-maintenance lawn that requires less watering and fertilization.
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Ideal for providing evergreen ground cover in shade-loving areas.
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Ideal for ground cover, drought tolerance and cold hardiness.
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Ideal for use as a shade-loving evergreen ground cover.
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This product is ideal for erosion control, ground covers, lawn alternatives, pasture and forage.
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Ideal for preventing soil erosion on slopes and providing excellent ground cover with 50 plants of Blue Pacific Juniper liners.
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10
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The product is ideal for creating healthy soil, preventing erosion, and improving garden yields through planting a blend of cover crop seeds.
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1. Blue Rug Juniper – 60 Live Plants – Drought Tolerant Cold Hardy Evergreen Ground Cover
The Silver Blue Juniper is a premium trailing juniper with a uniform and full centered growth habit. It boasts intense silver-blue evergreen foliage that adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. This evergreen has a heavy texture with good color retention year-round, and in extremely cold climates, it may exhibit a slight purple cast during winter. However, this quickly changes back to its normal color with the onset of warmer temperatures in spring.
This low-maintenance evergreen is easy to grow and maintain. It requires a regular watering schedule initially to ensure the growth of a mature root system. Once established, it only needs occasional watering, except during drought conditions when regular watering is essential. Pruning is recommended only during the early stages of growth to encourage branching. Pruning older branches may not encourage new growth.
Its versatility makes it an excellent choice as a sprawling ground cover, rock gardens, foundations, retaining wall edges, mass on slopes for erosion control, and rocky ground. This plant is grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage, ensuring the highest quality and best value for your money.
- Uniform and full centered growth habit
- Intense silver-blue evergreen foliage
- Heavy texture with good color retention year-round
- Versatile and low-maintenance
- Grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage
- – May exhibit a slight purple cast in extremely cold climates during winter
2. Asiatic Jasmine Minima – 60 Live Plants – Asian Ground Cover Fully Rooted With Soil
Trachelospermum asiaticum, commonly known as Asiatic Jasmine, is an evergreen, vine-like woody plant that is grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage. Originally native to Japan and Korea, this low-maintenance groundcover is widely used in landscapes due to its hardiness and drought tolerance. It is perfect for those who want an attractive garden without much effort. In shady areas, it adds texture and variation to the garden.
Asiatic Jasmine is an ideal plant for mass plantings and turfgrass alternatives. Once established, it requires very little maintenance to keep it looking nice. It suppresses weed growth and can tolerate many growing conditions. It requires little mowing, but occasional trimming of its edges is recommended. The plant should be used in low traffic areas as it does not withstand foot traffic well. It is salt-tolerant and can be grown in coastal areas.
This versatile plant can even be grown in containers and hanging baskets. However, it should be noted that too much water, sun, or fertilizer can make it aggressive and unruly. It is easier to control when neglected.
- Hardy and drought-tolerant
- Low maintenance plant
- Ideal for mass plantings and turfgrass alternatives
- Suppresses weed growth
- Salt-tolerant
- Can be grown in containers and hanging baskets
- – Does not withstand foot traffic well
- – Can become aggressive and unruly with too much water, sun, or fertilizer
3. Warm Season Ground Cover Alternative – 5 Lb
Dichondra Repens is a fast-growing ground cover plant that is easy to establish from seeds. It has a creeping growth habit and circular leaves, and is a warm-season plant that grows best in USDA Zones 7-11. It can withstand winter temperatures as low as 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit and still maintain its striking green color with only slight leaf browning. This plant is a great alternative to traditional lawn grasses, as it only grows up to 2-3 inches tall and does not need to be mowed. It has broad, almost circular leaves that resemble clover and, when mowed low, establishes a thick, dense carpet look. Dichondra Repens has a bright green color and a soft feel underfoot, making it a popular choice for landscaping areas with no maintenance required. It is also commonly known as Kidney Weed, Dichondra Pony Foot, or Lawn Leaf.
This plant is versatile and can be used in many ground cover situations where normal grasses may not thrive. It is perfect for areas where low maintenance is desired, and it can be mowed for an even, smooth finish when used in lawn situations. To maintain the nicest appearance of Dichondra Repens, it is recommended to mow it approximately every two weeks during the summer months at a height of 1 1/2 – 2 inches. During the winter months, it can be mowed as low as 3/4 of an inch.
- Easy to establish from seed
- Warm-season plant that can withstand winter temperatures as low as 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit
- Good alternative to traditional lawn grasses
- Grows up to 2-3 inches tall and does not require mowing
- Has a bright green color and a soft feel underfoot
- Versatile and can be used in many ground cover situations
- Low maintenance required
- – May not thrive in cooler climates
- – Not suitable for areas where a taller grass is desired
4. Outsidepride Perennial White Miniclover Lawn Clover & Ground Cover Seeds – 5 Lbs, Green
Miniclover is a type of perennial white clover that is used as an alternative to traditional lawns or as a ground cover. It grows to a height of only 4-6 inches after a few mowings and serves as a natural fertilizer because it fixes nitrogen from the air. The seeds of this clover, Trifolium repens, are much better suited for lawns than other white clovers. Additionally, Miniclover is a dwarf variety that only grows to half the height of White Dutch Clover, and its leaf heads are only 1/3 to 1/2 the size.
This microclover is ideal for those who prefer a no-mow lawn. It is a perennial that can be grown in USDA Zones 3-10. Sow 1-2 pounds of clover seeds per 1,000 square feet of lawn for optimal growth.
- Miniclover is a natural fertilizer because it fixes nitrogen from the air
- It is a dwarf variety that only grows to half the height of White Dutch Clover
- This microclover is perfect for those who prefer a no-mow lawn
- It is a perennial that can be grown in USDA Zones 3-10
- – None found.
5. Dwarf Mondo Grass Qty 90 Live Plants Shade Loving Evergreen Ground Cover
The Dwarf Mondo Grass is a slow-growing, evergreen perennial grass with dark green foliage. It is an excellent ornamental plant that creates a dense, lush groundcover with grass-like clumps. This grass is only half the size of other varieties, reaching a height of only 4-6 inches and a width of 4-6 inches. This makes it a great edging plant or a perfect addition to rock gardens for an appealing contrast. The Dwarf Mondo Grass can also be used in mass plantings in the landscape due to its striking appearance. It is a popular choice for borders, ground covers, and seashore plantings. It thrives in partial shade to full sun and is hardy in zones 7-10. Please note that it cannot be shipped to California or Hawaii.
- Creates a lush groundcover of dense, dark green grass-like clumps
- Perfect as an edging plant or tucked into rocks for a pleasing contrast
- Striking in mass plantings in the landscape
- Slow-growing and clumping growth habit
- Widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and ground covers
- Thrives in partial shade to full sun
- Hardy in zones 7-10
- – Cannot be shipped to California or Hawaii
6. Juniper Blue Pacific – 30 Live Plants – Drought Tolerant Cold Hardy Evergreen Ground Cover
The Low-Spreading Blue Rug Juniper is a wonderful groundcover, perfect for group planting or as a single specimen. This fast-growing evergreen maintains its dense, ocean blue-green foliage all year round, with dense, short needles and a low-trailing growth habit spreading 2-3 feet and growing up to 6 inches tall. It is notably heat tolerant and hardy, making it a popular choice for landscapes across the country.
This easy-to-grow evergreen requires regular watering until a mature root system is established. After that, watering is only needed occasionally, except during droughts, where regular watering is necessary. Pruning is recommended once or twice a year to maintain the plant's shape.
As a groundcover, seashore planting, planter box, or draped over walls, the Blue Rug Juniper is a versatile and attractive plant that is best left in its natural form, without pruning. Grown, packaged and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage, this popular plant is a must-have for any landscape or garden.
- Fast-growing and easy to grow
- Maintains its dense, blue-green foliage all year round
- Notably heat tolerant and hardy
- Versatile and attractive for a variety of landscaping uses
- – Requires regular watering until mature root system is established
7. Dwarf Mondo Grass Qty 80 Live Plants Shade Loving Evergreen Ground Cover Ophiopogon Japonicus Nanus
The Dwarf Mondo Grass is a slow-growing evergreen that is only half the size of other varieties, reaching a height of 4-6 inches and a width of 4-6 inches. Its lush, dark green grass-like clumps make it an excellent choice as an edging plant or for use in rock gardens and groundcovers. It is also striking when planted en masse in the landscape.
This ornamental grass is low-maintenance and requires a regular watering schedule to establish a mature root system. Once established, it only needs occasional watering, except during droughts when regular watering is necessary. To maintain a well-groomed appearance, it is recommended to prune old foliage.
While similar in appearance to Lilyturf (Liriope muscari), the Dwarf Mondo Grass has thinner leaves and a finer texture. This evergreen is widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and groundcovers. For an impressive collection of plants, check out Florida Foliage.
- Slow-growing and easy to maintain.
- Excellent as an edging plant or for use in rock gardens and groundcovers.
- Lush and dense with dark green foliage.
- Striking in mass plantings in the landscape.
- Widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and groundcovers.
- A great choice for those who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- – May require more frequent watering during droughts.
8. White Dutch Clover: The Ultimate Lawn Alternative
White Dutch Clover Seed is a versatile perennial that has a wide range of uses, including erosion control, lawn alternative, food plots, green manure crop, pasture mixtures, ground cover, and many more. It can be grown nationwide in USDA Zones 3-10 and is particularly useful for deer food plots, pasture mixtures, erosion control, and cover crops. White Clover is especially helpful in boosting soil nitrogen levels by fixing nitrogen from the air into the soil. Additionally, it can be used as an eco-friendly lawn alternative.
To plant White Dutch Clover Seed, broadcast the seeds onto the prepared soil and lightly rake them in. Keep the seeds moist until they germinate, which usually happens within 14 days at temperatures of 65-70F. For best results, sow the seeds at a rate of 1/4 lb – 1/2 lb per 1,000 square feet or 8 to 10 lbs per acre.
Whether you're looking for an effective erosion control solution, a lawn alternative, or a food plot for deer, White Dutch Clover Seed is an excellent choice that is easy to plant and maintain.
- Versatile perennial that can be used for many purposes
- Boosts soil nitrogen levels
- Eco-friendly lawn alternative
- Easy to plant and maintain
9. Blue Pacific Juniper Liners: Erosion-Preventing Ground Cover.
The plants in question may be shipped semi-bareroot, which means they come with a small amount of soil. This is a common practice during the winter season, and it is considered very safe for the plants.
Shipping plants semi-bareroot helps to reduce the weight and volume of the package, making it easier and cheaper to ship. It also allows the plants to go into a dormant state, which helps to protect them during transport.
When you receive your plants, you can simply re-pot them in fresh soil and water them well. They should start to grow and thrive in no time.
- Shipping plants semi-bareroot is a safe and common practice during the winter season.
- It reduces the weight and volume of the package, making it easier and cheaper to ship.
- Plants in a dormant state are better protected during transport.
- – Customers may need to re-pot the plants upon arrival.
Best Ground Cover For Colorado FAQs
Are there any ground cover plants that are native to Colorado and can thrive in its unique climate?
Yes, there are several ground cover plants that are native to Colorado and can thrive in its unique climate. Some of these plants include Blue Grama Grass, Buffalograss, and Creeping Oregon Grape. Blue Grama Grass is a low-maintenance plant that requires little water and can survive in a variety of soils. Buffalograss is another low-maintenance plant that is drought-tolerant and can grow in both sunny and shady locations. Creeping Oregon Grape is a hardy plant that has evergreen foliage and produces yellow flowers in the spring.
Other native ground cover plants that can thrive in Colorado's climate include the Alpine Forget-Me-Not, the Colorado Columbine, and the Prairie Larkspur. These plants are not only beautiful, but they are also important for the ecosystem as they provide food and shelter for wildlife.
It is important to choose native plants when selecting ground cover for your Colorado garden. Native plants are adapted to the unique climate and soil conditions of the area and require less maintenance and water than non-native plants. Additionally, using native plants helps to support the local ecosystem and preserve biodiversity.
Can ground cover help with erosion control in Colorado's mountainous terrain?
Yes, ground cover can play a vital role in controlling erosion in Colorado's mountainous terrain. The steep slopes and unpredictable climate of mountainous regions make them particularly vulnerable to erosion caused by wind, water, and other natural forces. Ground cover, such as grass, shrubs, and trees, can help stabilize the soil by holding it in place with their roots, reducing the impact of wind and water.
In addition to stabilizing the soil, ground cover also helps to absorb and filter water, preventing it from washing away soil particles and carrying them downstream. This is particularly important in areas prone to flash floods and heavy rainfall, which can cause significant erosion and damage.
However, it is important to choose the right type of ground cover for the specific location and conditions. Some plants may not be able to withstand the harsh climate and rocky terrain of mountainous regions, while others may not provide enough root structure or coverage to effectively control erosion.
Overall, ground cover can be a valuable tool in erosion control in Colorado's mountainous terrain, but careful consideration should be given to plant selection and placement to ensure the best results.
How do I choose the right ground cover for my Colorado garden?
Choosing the right ground cover for your Colorado garden can be a challenging task, but it is essential for creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space. The first step is to consider the specific conditions of your garden, including the climate, soil type, and amount of sunlight it receives. Colorado's dry climate and fluctuating temperatures can make it difficult for some ground covers to thrive, so it is important to choose plants that are well-suited to these conditions.
Some popular ground covers for Colorado gardens include low-growing grasses, such as blue grama and buffalo grass, as well as creeping thyme and sedum. These plants are tolerant of drought and can provide a lush, green carpet to your garden. Other options to consider include creeping phlox, which produces beautiful pink or purple flowers in the spring, and vinca minor, which is a hardy evergreen that can grow in a variety of soil types.
When choosing a ground cover for your garden, it is important to consider not only its aesthetic appeal, but also its ability to prevent erosion and provide habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife. With careful consideration and planning, you can choose the right ground cover to create a beautiful and sustainable garden in Colorado.
What are some low-maintenance ground cover options for Colorado homeowners?
Colorado homeowners have plenty of options when it comes to low-maintenance ground covers. One popular choice is creeping thyme, which creates a beautiful carpet of purple flowers and requires minimal watering and pruning. Another option is sedum, which comes in a variety of colors and textures and is drought-resistant. Native ground covers like buffalo grass and blue grama grass are also great choices, as they are adapted to the local climate and require little maintenance. Other options include ice plant, which is perfect for sunny areas and has colorful flowers, and creeping juniper, which is ideal for slopes and erosion control. When choosing ground covers, it's essential to consider the conditions of your garden, such as soil type, sun exposure, and irrigation. Overall, low-maintenance ground covers can save time, money, and effort, while also enhancing the beauty of your garden.
What are the best ground cover options for Colorado's dry climate?
In Colorado's dry climate, finding the right ground cover option can be challenging. However, there are several great options that can thrive in this environment. One excellent option is the creeping thyme, which is a low-maintenance plant that can withstand both heat and drought. Another popular choice is the ice plant, which is a succulent that blooms in dazzling colors and can tolerate hot, dry conditions. For a more traditional look, consider planting blue fescue, which is a grass that requires very little water and is easy to maintain. Another option is sedum, a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types and can tolerate both heat and cold. Finally, for a more natural look, consider planting native grasses or wildflowers, which can add color and texture while also providing important ecosystem benefits. Ultimately, the best ground cover option for Colorado's dry climate will depend on your specific needs and preferences, but these options are a great place to start.