If you’re looking for a ground cover for shade, there are a few important factors to consider before making your purchase. Firstly, it’s important to choose a ground cover that is suitable for the level of shade you have in your garden. Some plants prefer partial shade, while others can thrive in full shade. Secondly, think about the soil type and moisture levels in your garden. Some ground covers are better suited to dry, well-drained soils, while others prefer moist, well-drained soils.
When choosing a ground cover for shade, it’s also important to consider the level of maintenance required. Some plants require regular pruning and care, while others are low maintenance and easy to care for. Additionally, think about the overall aesthetic of your garden and whether the ground cover you choose will complement your existing plants and landscaping.
If you’re struggling to choose the perfect ground cover for your shady garden, ask yourself some questions to help narrow down your options. What is the primary purpose of the ground cover – do you want it to suppress weeds, add color, or create a low-maintenance area? What is your budget, and how much time are you willing to invest in maintaining your ground cover? By answering these questions, you can narrow down your options and choose the perfect ground cover for your shady garden.
10 Best Ground Cover For Shade
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Ideal for providing evergreen ground cover in shade-loving areas.
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This product is ideal for ground cover in shaded areas, as it is a shade-loving evergreen.
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The product is ideal for ground covering and adding decorative foliage to outdoor landscaping.
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This product is ideal for creating a sandbox with a seat that is eco-friendly and easy to assemble, with an 800+ lb sand capacity.
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Ideal for ground cover, edging plants, hanging baskets, and low growing perennials.
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This product is ideal for providing shade and UV protection for outdoor areas such as patios, backyards, gardens, and decks.
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Ideal for providing shade and shelter in an outdoor patio or garden space with its large retractable sun shade canopy.
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It is ideal for providing shade and blocking harmful UV rays in outdoor spaces such as patios or gardens.
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The product is ideal for those in need of an affordable and CertiPUR-US certified foam mattress that provides cooling comfort.
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The product is ideal for hiding air conditioning units and providing outdoor privacy.
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1. 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
2. Dwarf Mondo Grass – 54 Live Plants – Shade Loving Evergreen Ground Cover
Add a touch of greenery to your garden with this dwarf evergreen grass. Standing at only 4-6 inches tall and wide, it is the perfect choice for edging or rock gardens. The dense and clumping growth habit of this grass creates a lush groundcover of dark green foliage that is sure to impress. Its striking appearance makes it an ideal choice for mass plantings in the landscape. This evergreen grass is hardy in zones 7-10 and can thrive in shade, partial shade, or full sun. However, it cannot be shipped to California or Hawaii. This grass is widely used in seashore plantings, borders, rock gardens, and ground covers.
- Ideal for edging and rock gardens
- Dense and clumping growth habit
- Lush groundcover of dark green foliage
- Striking appearance for mass plantings
- Hardy in zones 7-10
- Can thrive in shade, partial shade, or full sun
- Widely used in seashore plantings, borders, rock gardens, and ground covers
- – Cannot be shipped to California or Hawaii
3. Cedar Octagon Sand Box With Seat & Cover.
This sandbox kit is perfect for those who want to create a fun and safe play area for their children. The kit is designed with a unique "slot system" that makes assembly quick and easy. With just a standard Phillips screwdriver, anyone can put it together without needing to be handy or good with tools. The kit includes all panels and hardware, an eco-friendly ground liner, an eco-friendly top cover, and instructions. Sand is not included.
The sandbox is made from real cedar wood, which is both natural and beautiful in any backyard. The dimensions are (L) 84" x 78" (W) x 9" (H), and the 3/4" thick cedar panels can hold up to 800 pounds of sand when assembled. The cedar timbers and green sandbox cover blend in seamlessly with any backyard play setting.
The cedar wood panels are perfectly smooth and feature special "eased edges" for maximum smoothness to the touch. The water-based stain is eco-friendly and brings out and preserves the natural cedar color that lasts. The sandbox is engineered to remain sturdy and durable, providing a playtime solution that lasts through your child's younger years.
This sandbox is fun for children aged 18 months and over. It's large enough for multiple children to play at the same time, making it the perfect play area for socializing, entertaining, and exploring.
The kit also comes with an eco-friendly top cover and ground cover to keep out weeds. The weed-suppressant textile sheet allows for drainage and easy upkeep of your backyard sandbox. The durable, eco-friendly polyethylene sandbox cover goes on in seconds to prevent excess moisture and unwanted animals.
- Easy to assemble with a unique "slot system"
- Made from real cedar wood, which is natural and beautiful in any backyard
- Smooth cedar wood panels and wide seats are comfortable and built to last for years
- Fun for children aged 18 months and over, large enough for multiple children to play at the same time
- Comes with an eco-friendly top cover and ground cover to keep out weeds
- – Sand is not included
4. Royal Mix Aubrieta: Low, Ground Cover Perennial Seeds.
Aubrieta Royal Mix is a perennial, low-growing ground cover plant that can be grown in USDA Zones 4-9. This mix is a fragrant ground cover that attracts a variety of beneficial insects such as bumblebees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and ladybugs. This beautiful ground cover, also known as Rock Cress, is ideal for rock walls, hanging baskets, or other containers. It is also considered to be deer-resistant.
The blue Aubrieta only grows to 4 inches tall and cascades over the edges of baskets, containers, and rock walls. It is a perennial flowering ground cover that produces small blue flowers. Aubrieta Royal Mix is aptly named for its use in rock gardens, which is why it is also called Rock Cress.
To plant Aubrieta Royal Mix, plant approximately 1000 seeds to cover 20 square feet of planting for ground cover or cascading over a rock wall. Keep the seeds continually moist until germination, which may mean watering several times a day.
- Fragrant ground cover that attracts beneficial insects
- Ideal for rock walls, hanging baskets, or other containers
- Perennial flowering ground cover that produces small blue flowers
- Deer-resistant
- – Requires frequent watering until germination
5. Uv Block Sun Shade For Outdoor Living
Protect yourself from harmful UV rays with this triangle-shaped sunshade sail. Measuring 16' x 16' x 16' (4.9m x 4.9m x 4.9m), it is perfect for use over patios, driveways, and other outdoor areas. The sail blocks up to 95% of harmful UV rays, ensuring that you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about sun damage.
The curved sides of the sail add 1"-8" to each side, increasing pull strength and preventing drooping. The sail is constructed with brand new 180GSM high-density polyethylene knitted fabric with strong stitched seams. This fabric is breathable, allowing cooling breezes to pass through while preventing water pooling.
The sail features a D-ring design on each corner, with a 16-foot PE rope that makes it easy to hang. It comes with a 3-year warranty and is easy to clean with mild detergent and water. Additionally, the sail is fade-resistant and free of mildew and stains.
Overall, this triangle-shaped sunshade sail is a highly durable and effective way to block harmful UV rays and enjoy the outdoors. Its sturdy construction and excellent features make it a great investment for any outdoor space.
- Blocks up to 95% of harmful UV rays
- Curved sides add strength and prevent drooping
- Constructed with high-density polyethylene knitted fabric
- Breathable fabric allows cooling breezes to pass through
- D-ring design and PE rope make it easy to hang
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
- Fade-resistant and free of mildew and stains
6. Retractable Shade Pergola For Outdoor Comfort
Introducing the Dedicated Sun Shade, a spacious 100 square foot shaded area that provides a comfortable outdoor entertaining experience all year round, regardless of the intensity of the sun. This sun shade is perfect for light or heavy sun, ensuring that you and your guests will be able to enjoy your time outside without worrying about the sun's harmful rays.
With the Dedicated Sun Shade, you can easily create an open-air ambiance by simply drawing back the sun shade. This feature is perfect for al fresco dining, engaging in conversations or simply relaxing.
To ensure that you have complete control over the perfect balance of shade and sun, the Dedicated Sun Shade comes equipped with a retractable pulley system. This system allows you to move the canopy exactly where you need it, making it easy to adjust the shade to your desired level.
The Dedicated Sun Shade is built to last, thanks to the use of quality materials. The sun shade is made from low-fade polyester that provides years of UV-diffusion. Additionally, the powder-coated steel frame helps prevent corrosion and wear, ensuring that this sun shade will continue to look great for years to come.
This pergola is designed to mount on many surfaces; you can use the included 16 ground stakes to mount it in your yard, concrete patio, wooden deck, and more. Please note that additional surface hardware is not included with this product. The Dedicated Sun Shade measures 119 inches in length, 119 inches in width, and 88.75 inches in height, providing ample space for your outdoor needs.
- Provides a large 100 square foot shaded space for comfortable outdoor entertaining year-round
- Retractable pulley system allows for easy movement of the canopy to provide the perfect balance of shade and sun
- Made from low-fade polyester and a powder-coated steel frame to prevent corrosion and wear
- Equipped with 16 ground stakes to mount on various surfaces
- Overall dimensions provide ample space for outdoor activities
- – Additional surface hardware is not included
7. Quictent Sun Shade – Ultimate Outdoor Coverage
The High-quality 316 marine grade stainless steel hardware kit provided with this shade sail awning makes it easy to build and install on various surfaces such as porches, trees, poles, roofs, stucco walls, and brick walls. The hardware kit ensures that the shade sail is sturdy enough to withstand wind, rain, and other weather elements.
Made of 100% new HDPE (Non-recycled), this shade sail awning is anti-aging, portable and washable. It offers a lifespan of five years under normal use and weather conditions. Rest assured that you are investing in a long-lasting shade sail awning.
The shade sail awning offers up to 98% UV protection and blocks sunlight, providing an excellent shade. Enjoy pleasant natural lighting without worrying about getting sunburned, roasted or suffering skin burns.
This Heavy Duty 100% virgin (Non-recycled) polyethylene shade cloth is 185GSM and is designed to prevent the shade sail from drying out, tearing or fading. It significantly extends the lifespan of the shade sail.
The shade sail awning comes with heavy-duty double-layered edges that prevent frayed edges and out-of-shape issues. Each corner of the sail ends with 316 stainless steel D-ring for easy hanging, and extra heavy stitching ensures that the D-rings are strongly attached to the shade sail for added durability.
- High-quality 316 marine grade stainless steel hardware kit for easy installation
- 100% new HDPE (Non-recycled) material that is portable and washable
- Offers up to 98% UV protection and blocks sunlight, providing an excellent shade
- Heavy Duty 100% virgin (Non-recycled) polyethylene shade cloth that extends the lifespan of the shade sail
- Heavy-duty double-layered edges that prevent frayed edges and out-of-shape issues
- Extra heavy stitching ensures that the D-rings are strongly attached to the shade sail for added durability
8. Cooling Full Foam Mattress By Zinus
The product is a memory foam mattress that requires 24-72 hours to fully expand and regain its shape. It is important to note that the expansion time may vary depending on the temperature of the room. In warmer temperatures, the mattress will expand faster while in colder temperatures, it may take a bit longer to fully expand from its compressed state. It is recommended to wait for the full expansion before using the mattress to ensure maximum comfort and support.
- Memory foam provides excellent support and comfort
- The mattress will eventually expand to its full size
- Ideal for those who prefer a softer sleeping surface
- – Requires 24-72 hours to fully expand and regain its shape
- – Expansion time may vary depending on the temperature of the room
9. Outdoor Ac Hideaway Screen
The Air Conditioner Cover is an ideal solution to hide that bulky and unappealing unit. This lattice fence AC unit cover has a simple yet effective panel design that adds a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. You can impress your guests with this aesthetically pleasing cover.
The cover is made of solid fir wood construction that is sturdy and durable. You can either paint or stain it to match your outdoor decor. This way, you can add a personal and custom touch to the cover.
The lattice design of the AC screen enclosure allows air to pass through without any obstruction. It retains full AC functionality, and the top remains open, letting your AC function as normal. You don't have to worry about any damage to your AC unit.
The air conditioner screen also acts as an outdoor privacy wall. You can use it to hide bulky items like your AC unit or trash can, keeping them away from onlookers. This way, you can increase your privacy and enjoy your outdoor space without any interruptions.
The AC fence for outside unit is easy to assemble, thanks to the included screws and hinges. You can quickly and effectively assemble it without any hassle.
- Sturdy and durable construction.
- Elegant lattice design adds a touch of sophistication to your outdoor space.
- Allows air to pass through without any obstruction, retaining full AC functionality.
- Acts as an outdoor privacy wall, hiding bulky items from onlookers.
- Easy to assemble with included screws and hinges.
Best Ground Cover For Shade FAQs
How can I choose the right ground cover for a shady area of my yard?
Choosing the right ground cover for a shady area of your yard can be a bit tricky, but there are a few key things to keep in mind to help you make the best decision. First and foremost, you need to consider the amount of shade in the area. Some ground covers, such as hostas and ferns, prefer full shade, while others, like creeping phlox and thyme, can tolerate partial shade.
Another important factor to consider is the soil type in the area. Some ground covers, like creeping Jenny and creeping thyme, prefer well-drained soil, while others, like pachysandra and vinca, can tolerate heavier soils. It's also a good idea to consider the overall look and feel you're going for in your yard. Do you want something low-maintenance and natural-looking, or more formal and manicured?
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right ground cover is to do a bit of research and talk to a gardening expert or landscape designer. They can help you assess the conditions in your yard and recommend the best options for your specific needs and preferences.
How do I care for and maintain ground cover plants in a shady spot?
Maintaining ground cover plants in a shady spot requires some attention and care. The first step is to select the right plants that can thrive in low light conditions. Some ground cover plants that can grow in shade include ferns, hostas, and ajuga.
Once you have selected the right plants, it is important to prepare the soil by adding compost or organic matter to improve the soil quality. Make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
Water the plants regularly, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth.
Prune the plants regularly to remove any dead or damaged leaves and encourage new growth. Fertilize the plants with a slow-release fertilizer to provide them with the necessary nutrients they need to grow healthy.
Lastly, keep an eye out for any pests or diseases that can harm the plants. Early detection and treatment can prevent the spread of the problem and keep your ground cover plants healthy and beautiful.
What are some good ground cover options for areas with limited sunlight?
When it comes to selecting ground cover options for areas with limited sunlight, it's important to choose plants that can thrive in shade or partial shade. Some of the best options for such areas include hostas, ferns, ajuga, lamium, creeping phlox, and sweet woodruff.
Hostas are a popular choice for shady areas due to their beautiful foliage and low maintenance requirements. Ferns, on the other hand, are known for their lush green foliage and can add a natural touch to any space. Ajuga, also called bugleweed, is a fast-growing ground cover that produces beautiful blue flowers in spring.
Lamium, commonly known as dead nettle, is another great option for shady areas due to its variegated foliage and pretty pink or purple flowers. Creeping phlox is a low maintenance ground cover that produces masses of colorful flowers in spring. Lastly, sweet woodruff is a fragrant ground cover that produces small white flowers in spring and can spread quickly.
In conclusion, when selecting ground cover options for areas with limited sunlight, it's important to choose plants that can thrive in shade or partial shade. Hostas, ferns, ajuga, lamium, creeping phlox, and sweet woodruff are all great options to consider.
What are some ground cover options that can also provide visual interest and texture in a shady location?
There are several ground cover options that can add visual interest and texture to a shady location. One such option is the Hosta plant, which comes in a variety of colors and textures and is easy to care for. Another option is the Lamium plant, which has variegated leaves and produces small flowers that add a pop of color. The Ajuga plant is also a great choice, with its deep green leaves and blue or purple flowers that bloom in the spring. For a more unique option, the Tiarella plant, also known as foamflower, has delicate white or pink flowers and leaves that resemble a foam-like texture. Additionally, the Heuchera plant, commonly known as coral bells, has striking foliage in a variety of colors, including purple, green, and silver. These ground cover options not only add visual interest and texture to a shady location but also help to suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil.
What are some low-maintenance ground cover options for shaded areas?
When it comes to adding greenery to shaded areas, ground covers are an excellent option. They offer a low-maintenance solution that not only adds beauty but also helps to prevent soil erosion. Some of the best low-maintenance ground cover options for shaded areas include:
1. Hostas: These plants are easy to care for and come in a variety of colors and sizes.
2. Lamium: This plant has attractive foliage and produces pretty flowers in the spring.
3. Pachysandra: This evergreen plant is perfect for areas with little sunlight and can grow in a variety of soil types.
4. Vinca Minor: Also known as periwinkle, this plant is a fast-growing ground cover that produces beautiful blue flowers.
5. Sweet Woodruff: This plant is perfect for shady areas and produces fragrant white flowers in the spring.
These are just a few low-maintenance ground cover options for shaded areas. When choosing a ground cover, it's important to consider the amount of sunlight, soil type, and climate in your area to ensure the plant will thrive. With the right choice, you can enjoy a beautiful and low-maintenance garden for years to come.