10 Hardy Groundcovers for Sun and Shade Landscapes
When you hear the word “groundcover”, you might think of plants like ivy or vinca vine which traditionally fill this role. While they certainly work, there are many other kinds of hardy plants that make attractive groundcovers, including many native options as well as those that grow in both sun and shade. Let’s explore ten types of shrubs and perennials you can use as groundcovers to fill up those open spaces in your landscape.
Susan Martin
August 4, 2025
I love to add a new “Friend” to my butterfly garden each year. Sometimes it may be two or three. This year I added Bloomerang® ‘Pink Perfume’ Lilac. I heard that the blooms were so fragrant that I had to give it a try. Bloomerang® ‘Pink Perfume’ Lilac did not disappoint. This shrub is so compact in size, 4-5 feet, but really performs like the big guys. ‘Pink Perfume’ begins blooming in May with an abundance of gorgeous pink blooms. By mid-June the first round of flowers begin to fade. At this time you may trim the spent blooms. This will encourage more abundant flowers as it reblooms in late-July. ‘Pink Perfume’ will continue blooming through the summer. The lilac bush also makes for a great hedge or boarder for you garden. For those of you that love the wildlife, all the Syringa Bloomerang® series are Deer resistant.
Lo& Behold® Buddleia ‘Blue Chip’ has been a top seller for the past 5 years and now it just got ‘better’. Why better you ask? We have loved the fact that ‘Blue Chip’ was a compact, sterile Butterfly Bush, and the only thing that could make it better is to be even more compact.
To trim or not to trim, that is a big question! The weather is cooling off and your garden perennials and flowering shrubs are probably starting to look sad. I often get asked “Can I trim my Hydrangeas?”, “Does my Hydrangea bloom on new or old growth? New or old wood?”