Regional Picks: Tough Ground Covers – Northeast

1. ‘Sprite’ Astilbe

Name:Astilbe‘Sprite’

USDA hardiness zones:4 to 8

Size : Up to 2 feet tall and 3 human foot wide

Conditions : Full sun to full tincture ; moist , humus - rich soil

This graceful astilbe features upright steeple of pink flowers that offer three - dimensional interest , whereas many other ground report simply organize a one - dimensional mat on the garden floor . While ‘ Sprite ’ can abide full sun , it will maintain its blossom for a long time if planted in a funny , moist environment . After the flowers recede their colouration in early fall , the rust-brown - hue semen heads bid rich textural interest that lasts into winter .

2. European Wild Ginger

Name:Asarum europaeum

Zones:4 to 8

Size:3 inches tall and 1 foot wide

circumstance : Partial to full shade ; prolific , moist , well - drained soil

Low - growing European wild ginger is a lawful favorite for dour field that need a picayune Light Within , thanks to its round , calendered leaves that grow into a thick light - reflective mat . The spring flowers are nice but rather invisible ; it ’s the dark green foliage that provides interest . European wild powdered ginger ’s lush leave would lead one to take over that the plant require good deal of water and attention to keep pristine . This is not the case . I once noticed a forget pot , leave unwatered at the height of summertime , outlive when most other perennials would have shrink .

3. ‘Vera Jameson’ Sedum

Name:Sedum‘Vera Jameson’

Zones:4 to 9

Size : Up to 1 foot grandiloquent and 18 inches wide-eyed

precondition : Full Sunday to fond shade ; well - drained stain

‘ Vera Jameson ’ sedum became one of my favorite works in 2012 because it tolerate the harsh consideration I could have mayhap given it : hot and teetotal weather and poor sandy soil to grow in . gratefully , the flora thrived . ‘ Vera Jameson ’ requires little tending and fawn quite happily over the nooks and crannies of a rock candy garden . The dark pink to majestic leaf render deep line to neighboring plants and blends in nicely with the grays and blues of many of our native New England stones .

4. ‘Crispa’ Cutleaf Stephanandra

Name:Stephanandra incisa‘Crispa’

Zones:3 to 8

Size:2 feet grandiloquent and 10 feet wide

condition : Full Dominicus to fond nuance ; moist , well - drain soil

This plant can breed up large areas and steep rocky be given common in Vermont ’s landscape . The kelly green leafage of ‘ Crispa ’ cutleaf stephanandra is prompt to seem in spring , and the branches spread quickly via soft touch . plant en masse , the plant ruffle and commit the effect that the ground is mound . While brave and easy to establish , the genusStephanandracan be moody in a pot : The plant dry out out quickly , so get them into the ground as presently as potential .

Ian Ambleris a landscape architect and the owner of Ambler Design in Stowe , Vermont .

Photos : # 1 , courtesy of bluestoneperennials.com ; # 2 , Michelle Gervais ; # 3 , Bill Johnson ; # 4 , Jennifer Benner

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Regional Picks: Tough Ground Covers - Southeast

Regional Picks: Tough Ground Covers - Midwest

Regional Picks: Tough Ground Covers - Northern Plains

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