10 Groundcover plants for woodland gardens

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​Groundcover plants within woodland gardens provide a firm planting base between larger trees and shrubs. These floor covering plants provide shelter for wildlife and a barrier to weed establishment.

Any bare soil always has the threat of becoming colonised by unwanted plants. Consequently, groundcovers enable you to take full control of your planting borders. Woodland gardens however do host some challenges to typical groundcover varieties.

​Such gardens can often present one of the most difficult growing environments; dry shade. In this article, I identify 10 groundcover plants that can withstand these conditions and actually thrive in woodland gardens. 

​1. Pachysandra

​Pachysandra is an evergreen perennial favoured for its interesting foliage and small white flowers. This plant forms dense mats of vegetation making it an effective groundcover. It has an ability to thrive in shady conditions making it perfect for woodland planting schemes. Pachysandra is also extremely low maintenance and tolerant of most soil types. 

​2. Ostrich fern

​Also known by its Latin name (Matteuccia struthiopteris) Ostrich fern is a perennial fern native to forests of the northern hemisphere. Favoured for its large, feather like, leaves it can form dense thickets of multiple specimens. Its ability to spread makes it a particularly effective groundcover for woodland gardens. This fern, once established, can create a lush and green foliage display every season. 

​3. Hosta

​Hostas are herbaceous, perennial plants favoured for their large, lush, leaves and attractive growing habit. These plants grow from bulbs which can divide and spread forming dense groundcovers overtime. Planted in blocks, they can add colour to shady woodland borders and provide shelter to wildlife. During summer they have the added benefit of producing attractive, bell shaped flowers. 

​4. Japanese forest grass

​Often referred to by its Latin name (Hakonechloa macra) this grass originated from the mountain forests of Japan. This grass is highly favoured for its arching foliage which almost looks fountain like. Its foliage is typically lush green or variegated and can display tones of brown and red during the fall. When planted within groups it can form a lush groundcover under the woodland canopy. 

​5. Coral bells

​Coral bells is herbaceous perennial plant much loved for its radiant foliage and small delicate flowers. Often described by its scientific name (Heuchera) this plant can thrive in a broad range of growing conditions. The foliage can come in a diversity of colours including yellow, pink and deep red. This combined with its low, compact; habit makes it perfect for block planting and dense groundcovers. Growing well in partial shade makes it quite suitable for woodland gardens. 

​6. Hypericum calycinum

​Often referred to by its common name ‘Creeping St Johns Wort’ this plant is a low growing evergreen perennial. Originally native to Eurasia it is favoured for its dense, spreading, habit, oval foliage and yellow flowers. It has an ability to adapt to various growing conditions and help to suppress weeds. Its dense foliage makes it perfect for creating secure habitats and travel routes for wildlife. 

​7. Cotoneaster horizontalis

​Occasionally called Rockspray, Cotoneaster horizontalis is a low growing, trailing shrub native to China. It is popular for its seasonal variation and horizontal branching habit. During summer this plant produces hundreds of small flowers that are popular with bees. As autumn approaches the foliage turns radiant tones of yellow, orange and red. Being able to tolerate part shade this plant can make an attractive groundcover to woodland garden borders. 

​8. Cranesbill Geranium 

​Cranesbill Geraniums are attractive plants with a vigorous and low growing habit. They are particularly favoured for their palmate leaves and delicate flowers which have a long blooming season. Being able to tolerate part shade it is a worthy candidate for covering woodland garden borders. It also has a good tolerance of varying soil types and growing positions. 

​9. Japanese anemone 

​Originally a native to China and Japan this perennial plant is both beautiful and resilient in nature. Its leaves are three-parted with a jagged outline giving them a unique texture. Their stunning flowers are raised up upon delicate stems which bob and flow with the breeze. Originating from woodland environments they are more than capable of tolerating shady borders. These plants form a bushy mass of low growing foliage that can shade out weeds and decorate borders. 

​10. Vinca minor

​Vinca minor is a creeping, low growing plant originating from Europe and Asia. Also known as Periwinkle or creeping myrtle it is an evergreen perennial with glossy green foliage. Due to its dense growing habit and general resilience it is often used as a landscape ground cover. This plant is fast to establish and requires little after care once established. During spring it produces stunning blue and purple flowers which can sometimes bloom in autumn. Its ability to tolerate shade makes it a great groundcover plant for woodland gardens. 

​Thank you for reading our article on the best ground cover plants for woodland gardens! Why not check some of our other articles about woodland gardens below? If you require landscaping services in Buckinghamshire or surrounding areas please contact us here. 

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