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Over the past three or four years, I have been testing a number of plants to see if they can serve as an effective substitute for mulch. Some show great promise, while others have been deficient in one or more key areas.
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The advantages of mulch are well documented - they are effective weed suppressors, insulate the soil, help retain moisture, give the garden a nice, finished look, and, if organic mulches are used, they break down to improve the soil. However, the liabilities of organic mulch are often overlooked. It is expensive in large quantities, and extremely so if one hires a landscaper to apply it. Even a healthy, three-inch layer can only be expected to last two years at most. After one season it will need to be ‘fluffed up'. It floats away in heavy rains, and if it remains wet, can attract slugs. It is often mistakenly placed against the plant base, increasing the chance of rot or insect damage because of the persistently moist condition. There is never a shortage of 'mulch volcanoes' around!
| Hosta 'June' with Golden Creeping Jenny
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Opting instead for a ‘living mulch', I have tried to find the right candidates for various conditions. Substituting plants means giving up some of the insulating and moisture-retaining qualities of the mulch. However, the right choice will still suppress weeds, shade the soil, save money and effort, and will provide the bonus of more plant material whose foliage and/or blooms will complement the rest of your bed design. Before choosing possible candidates, a number of factors must be considered. How much sun does the area receive? Is it moist or dry? Ideally, you should not need to irrigate your ground cover once it is established. Another consideration is the likelihood of foot traffic. Some great plants would be ruined with the least bit. Finally, how long are you willing to wait for the plant to spread to cover the area? Some will be too slow to be effective, while others are too aggressive and would take over the garden. 
| | Hellebore foliage forming 'canopy' |
The term ‘ground cover' has come to mean many things. It has been used to describe almost any plant that stays relatively low. For example, one plant I grow and like very much is ‘Gro-Low' sumac (Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low'). It is often described as a ground cover. However, it has such an open form and spreads so slowly that I would never consider it as one. My quest mandates that ground covers either have a tight structure so as to choke out any weeds, or weave together to completely deny them any appreciable sunlight. I prefer them no taller than around 18 inches, and they must be virtually carefree. Because I am interested in establishing these plants in large beds, I have not tried any mosses, thymes or similar plants that people use for ‘fillers' between pavers, etc.  | Stachys 'Helene von Stein' surrounds Stokesia
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For shady areas that will not see foot traffic, it is tough to beat hostas and hellebores. They will take a few years to reach mature size, but planted with the correct spacing, they will provide a virtual canopy that will completely shade out any weeds. Hostas will need some extra moisture until they are established. Fragrant varieties will give that added bonus if you don't mind the tall flower stalks. Unfortunately, they are a deer favorite. Hellebores will reward you with beautiful long-lasting blooms in late winter and early spring, and the large palmate leaves provide a lush look all season. Deer don't bother with them. The hybrids I use reach about 18 inches high. They are semi-evergreen in my area so the foliage gets cut back in late winter. Other possibilities include Lamium and Galium odoratum. Ajuga is a candidate that will take foot traffic, though some have found it too invasive. Many people use Pachysandra, but it never appealed to me. In partial sun areas with no foot traffic, I have used Geranium macrorrhizum. The cultivar I have used is ‘Ingwersen's Variety', which sports pretty pink flowers in spring. These hardy geraniums form a dense mat of aromatic foliage that slowly spreads to create an 18 inch high thicket. Over time fat rhizomes, which store moisture for use in drier times, develop at ground level. The evergreen foliage turns red in fall.  | Geranium 'Rozanne'
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In sunny areas, Geranium ‘Rozanne' is showing great promise. It scrambles at first, but eventually forms a thick enough mat to keep weeds at bay. Its beautiful blue flowers bloom virtually non-stop in my garden from June through frost. I have not noticed any deer damage to date. It can eventually reach about 20 inches high. Another one is Stachys byzantina ‘Helene von Stein', or large lamb's ear. It has large, fuzzy, deer-resistant leaves and grows about six to eight inches tall. It forms a dense mat. The foliage does get ratty by late winter and must be cleaned up to make way for the new leaves. 
| Vinca minor
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There are three candidates that have proven themselves effective from full shade to full sun. The first is the commonly used Vinca minor or myrtle (or periwinkle). It is evergreen and has tiny light blue flowers in spring. It reaches about four to six inches tall and is easily rooted to make covering a large area easier. Just pop out a clump with roots and plant it. Some weeds will grow through it since it has a semi-open habit, but overall is effective at weed control. It will take occasional foot traffic and recover. The advantage of any evergreen ground cover is that it is ‘working' in early spring when weeds are already sprouting. 
| Golden Creeping Jenny
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Another is Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea', or golden creeping jenny. This plant forms an extremely dense mat a few inches or less high that will stand up well to moderate foot traffic. The golden form is less aggressive than the green. It turns bright gold in sun, while remaining more chartreuse in shade. It prefers average to moist conditions and will grow well in very wet areas. I have some at my pond edge that grows right into the water. The gold color plays off darker foliage plants very well. It too is easily rooted. 
| Ranunculus repens 'Buttered Popcorn'
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Last is Ranunculus repens ‘Buttered Popcorn', or creeping buttercup. This plant has variegated foliage that also brightens up with more sun exposure. There are negative reviews of it in PlantFiles, with members complaining it was too aggressive and was choking their perennials. I have not seen this at all so far and I have had it about four or five years now. If anything, it has not spread quickly enough for me! The straight species is reported to be much more aggressive. It stays well under a foot tall and has tiny yellow flowers in spring. The variegated leaves are deeply cut and are very attractive. Like creeping jenny, it will spread more rapidly in moist, shady conditions and roots easily. I lost quite a bit of it one winter but it has been re-establishing itself since.  | Geranium 'Rozanne' flower
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One should always check if a particular plant is invasive in his or her area before attempting it as a ground cover. Invasiveness (spreading by runners in this context) varies by region and is greatly affected by growing conditions. It is certainly a balancing act to come up with a plant that spreads fast enough to make an effective, weed-blocking ground cover, yet does not take over the garden and bully the other plants. English ivy is certainly an example of the latter. So is Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon', especially in moist soil. I have some in a dry area that stays more behaved. Most mints also spread like wildfire. All are difficult to eradicate. My quest continues, but I am narrowing the field and hope to eliminate mulch from my garden in the next couple of years. I look forward to enjoying the living tapestry that will weave its way around my garden. All photographs taken by the author.
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My background is in engineering, but these days I am a stay at home dad. I have always loved Nature, but had no idea when I bought my house that I would become the gardening fanatic that I have. Gardening both stimulates and relaxes me, appeals to all my senses and gives me the privilege to be part of the Nature I love.
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Subject: Buttercup kills clover?
Posted by RoseMaria (from Lakewood, OH) on April 15, 2008 at 5:00 PM:Victor, thank you for the great article & thank you for everyone's comments. I'm looking to establish a low-growing meadow in my backyard. I read somewhere that you can't plant buttercups with clover because it will kill it. Does anyone know if this is true? Buttercups are pretty but, as someone here said, clover seed is cheap (& I also think pretty). I could do trial & error but if someone knows that this is true, it will save me time & expense. Thanks. ... Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on April 15, 2008 at 5:45 PM: Thanks Rose. Have not heard that one. Good luck with your meadow!
Victor ...
Subject: Ground cover and turf replacement
Posted by OutlawDJ (from Middleburg, PA) on March 31, 2008 at 12:22 AM:Take a look at Dutch White Clover. It will crowd out weeds, benefit wildlife, and enrich your soil. It doesn't get higher than 6 to 8 inches and takes foot traffic. This makes it almost perfect for a ground cover or a lawn replacement. You don't have to mow it very much and it quickly trains to growing at a lower height. Kids always seem to like clover, the thicker it gets the more they like it. Plus the deeper root system opens your soil and promotes water retention. To make it even better, the seed is really cheap. Give it a try. ... Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on March 31, 2008 at 7:42 AM: Thanks - I do use it in my pool area. Feels nice on the footsies! ...
Subject: Groundcovers.
Posted by MaypopLaurel (from Cleveland/Atlanta, GA) on March 21, 2008 at 11:09 AM:Thanks for a great article and doing the experimenting for me. I was looking for a ground cover under a sunny entry arbor and the creeping Jenny will be terrific. Best part is I don't have to go out an buy it as it is growing all around my pond too! Thanks.
Laurel ... Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on March 21, 2008 at 1:47 PM: You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed the article - thanks.
Victor ...
Subject: more ground covers
Posted by wildharvest (from Orlando, FL) on March 19, 2008 at 12:20 PM:I too am on a quest to find substitutes for mulch and turf. I have been sucessful with two ground covers that are also herbs: tilo and viola. Both plants have a delicate flower; tilo does best in the sun and viola is great in the shade.
I sure add for other readers that I live in Central Florida, zone 9b. ...
Subject: Mulch, turf and ground covers
Posted by Noturf (from Marquesas Islands
(Polynesia (French))) on March 12, 2008 at 8:07 AM:Excelent article. My quest is of another kind. I am interested in using ground covers to substitute/eliminate turf. Unfortunately in Puerto Rico propagators and nurseries are really pathetic, there are no options so I observe and try to improvise from nature. I think that
gardens are much more attractive without so much sterile turf. They do not do anything for birds or insects, and create noise and pollution. Congratulations, the information and advice provided is useful and original.
... Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on March 12, 2008 at 8:17 AM: Thank you. I could not agree more. I would love to eliminate my turf grass but still have young kids who like to play on it. Eventually I will change over. Your screen name pretty much says what you feel! ...
Subject: wonderful article
Posted by tcs1366 (from Itasca, IL) on March 11, 2008 at 10:05 PM:So glad i stumbled upon this ... and those Junes are stunning!! [can't wait til mine gets big.]
I have been in search of good ground covers and your article will help a lot.
I know i will get my hands on some creeping jenny this year, as i will be re-doing a large planter box that had it in there.
thanks again for all the great ideas. ... Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on March 11, 2008 at 10:07 PM: You're welcome! Thanks for the kind words and good luck. ...
Subject: Don't give up on mulch just yet...
Posted by rvnsbrk (from Leesburg, VA) on March 11, 2008 at 8:27 PM:As a landscaper and maintenance gardener, I spend a ton of time resolving issues caused by poorly planted and deficient ground covers. I have several clients that wish they had just paid for the mulch and skipped the vinca and creeping jenny. Especially after it escapes into their lawns. All these plants have their place, but properly applied mulch is the best solution in the long run.
Juanita ...
Subject: Wonderful "tapestry" you're "weaving"!
Posted by rcn48 (from Lexington, VA) on March 11, 2008 at 7:25 AM:Once again lovely photos and a great article :) Sad to report I "lost" my 'Buttered Popcorn' - probably from over-zealous DH with Roundup! I watch him closely with my Epimediums however, one of my favorites as a ground cover :) ... Posted by Dutchlady1 (from Naples, FL) on March 11, 2008 at 7:34 AM: Nice article with some great ideas; I feel zone suggestions would be helpful. ... Posted by darius (from Appalachian Mtns, VA) on March 11, 2008 at 7:55 AM: Good suggestions/ideas, Victor! I'm now at a place where my garden takes too much mulch so your article is very timely for me. Thanks. I love Creeping Jenny, had forgotten all about it. I had sweet woodruff as a shade ground cover around my hostas in a previous home. ... Posted by Debsroots (from Northwest, MO) on March 11, 2008 at 8:19 AM: Great article....I have been searching for ground covers to replace mulch as I have several large areas that take way to much mulch and time. ... Posted by DonShirer (from Westbrook, CT) on March 11, 2008 at 10:17 AM: Nice article, Vic. Besides geraniums, I have been using thyme as ground cover. Takes some foot traffic and nice spring flowers, but turns brown in winter in Zone 6. Mother of thyme is shorter, and works well around stepping stones, and stays greener longer in winter. ... Posted by carrielamont (from Milton, MA) on March 11, 2008 at 10:23 AM: Eventually, I think each of us must find our own solutions, although each of your suggestions is valuable, Victor! A ground cover which is perfect in a pot in the sun on one side of the house takes over and plans world domination or languishes, near death, in the damper shade on the other side.
I, too, have never cared for pachysandra, but I very nearly bought it (under another name) based on the glowing description given somewhere. I think the moral of this story (and many other garden stories) is that a garden is a living, breathing work in progress!
xxx, Carrie ... Posted by Dea (from Frederick, MD) on March 11, 2008 at 11:38 AM: Looking forward to seeing future photos of your living mosaics ground covers. Lovely article Victor :)
... Posted by Sharran (from Calvert City, KY) on March 11, 2008 at 11:41 AM: A very beautifully painted picture you give us with your living tapestry, Victor.
And I do love my Creeping Jenny, I sometimes even grow it in pots just for its hanging effect.
Thanks for all the information, well done as always.
... Posted by robcorreia (from San Diego, CA) on March 11, 2008 at 1:41 PM: I bought a flat of creeping Jenny and Baby Tears and planted them 1ft apart. Did I spread them too much? It's taking forever! How do you guys space new groundcover plantings? ... Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on March 11, 2008 at 2:32 PM: Thanks all! Rob - that's plenty close enough for Jenny. Is it getting enough water? They do need water. ... Posted by bigcityal (from Menasha, WI) on March 11, 2008 at 3:27 PM: Good useful information Victor. There are enough options out there for everyone to try some. ... Posted by DiggerDee (from Ffld County, CT) on March 11, 2008 at 4:57 PM: Great article Victor! I love ground covers, and think I need to find one or two per bed instead of the many mixes I have. Or maybe even just one or two, period, and make some kind of continuous, connecting pattern in my whole yard.
I've planted golden creeping jenny in a pot, but as of yet am too nervous to let it loose. I have to admit to being afraid of some of the others you mentioned, like the ranunculus, but man, it is awfully pretty, isn't it?
Your June hostas and creeping jenny are gorgeous! ... Posted by grampapa (from Wheatfield, NY) on March 11, 2008 at 8:18 PM: A valuable article. thank you, Victor. I, too, would very much like to replace my mulch with groundcovers. I've never tried the creeping Jenny, but I should. It's very pretty. I have a lot of varieties of creeping thyme. Most are evergreen for me in z6. I planted one woolly thyme and it is now over 3' wide, so don't dismiss it as being just for filler. ... Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on March 11, 2008 at 8:32 PM: Thanks. Maybe I'll give thyme a try too. ... Posted by roybird (from Santa Fe, NM) on March 11, 2008 at 8:50 PM: Good article. One thing to think about is whether the ground cover will actually end up taking water from other plants. I guess it depends on what kinds of plants, zone, etc. I find the lambs ears very invasive but easy to pull up. I also have violets that are tough as nails and invasive, but bee magnets. and I like bees. Trial and error. ... Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on March 11, 2008 at 9:05 PM: That is something to watch, roy. More of a problem in your part of the country. ... Posted by gessiegail (from Taft, TX) on March 11, 2008 at 10:06 PM: nice article and thanks. We can't grow the plants you mentioned except creeping jenny if someone has a pond. One of our very best ground covers in either shade or sun is wedelia. I noticed at the church last Sunday it was just beautiful and thick with the yellow blooms. I had heard that wedelia wouldn't get thick enough to get rid of the weeds, but it is doing a good job at the church. ... Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on March 11, 2008 at 10:12 PM: Thank you. I am not familiar with that one. A quick search on PlantFiles shows a few people saying it's quite invasive in FL. You really have to check how things grow in your area and then watch it closely when you try it as an experiment in your garden. ... Posted by gessiegail (from Taft, TX) on March 11, 2008 at 10:15 PM: It can be very invasive here and needs to be trimmed just like everything else in zone 9. I had it planted in Houston for years and it is the prettiest plant. We just use a weed eater around the edges of the beds they are planted in. (which would have to be done anyway in our zone with anything planted) ... Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on March 11, 2008 at 10:19 PM: That's funny - it's different world in zone 9 compared to 6! ... Posted by gessiegail (from Taft, TX) on March 12, 2008 at 10:12 AM: I lived in zone 6 for 11 years and what I grew in the summer there was what I grow in the winter here. It is two different growing conditions totally. You won't find true perennials here. I miss them. ...
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