Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Monday - September 21, 2009
From: Chevy Chase, MD
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Groundcover for Maryland to replace English ivy
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What is a suitable ground cover native replacement for english ivy? Native to Maryland.ANSWER:
Hooray for you for replacing your English ivy (Hedera helix)! Here are several possible alternatives. Since I don't know your growing conditions (e.g., available sunlight, moisture, etc.) you will need to read the "Growing Conditions" for each plant to be sure that they match your site.Shrubs:
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick) evergreen
Empetrum nigrum (black crowberry) evergreen
Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood)
Mitchella repens (partridgeberry) evergreen
Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry) evergreen
Perennial herbs:
Asarum canadense (Canadian wildginger)
Phlox divaricata (wild blue phlox) evergreen
Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny-spurge) semi-evergreen
Chrysogonum virginianum (green and gold) semi-evergreen
Ferns:
Adiantum pedatum (northern maidenhair)
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern) evergreen
Grasses/sedges:
Chasmanthium latifolium (Inland sea oats)
Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge)
Carex texensis (Texas sedge) evergreen
You can look through our Maryland Recommended list for other possibilities.
More Groundcovers Questions
Groundcovers for hillside in Northern California
November 19, 2012 - I have read numerous posts on here, but I have not found my exact situation. I live in Northern California. I am looking for some type of ground cover to grow on a hillside. Directly above the hillsid...
view the full question and answer
Shady Perennial Groundcover Suggestions for Indiana
April 21, 2013 - Could you please recommend perennial groundcovers for Indiana that are low and leafy, self-spreading, non-invasive, deer resistant, and moisture tolerant; and that are good for erosion control on a sh...
view the full question and answer
Groundcover for Boston MA
March 12, 2013 - We have a small back yard that gets great sun in spring before the leaves are fully back on the tall trees surrounding the perimeter, and then a lot of shade in summer. We have weird patchy grass and ...
view the full question and answer
Sunny and shady lawns from Austin
April 28, 2012 - My front yard has a large bed surrounded by a mix of St. Augustine and Bermuda grass. Last summers heat killed off about 90% of the St. Augustine, which we would like to replace anyway to conserve re...
view the full question and answer
Source for silver ponyfoot from Temple TX
March 19, 2013 - Where can I purchase dichondra argentea -- I live in Bell Co. but am willing to come to Austin if need be.
Thank you.
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
