Ground Covering Shrubs

Waldsteinia ternate, or Barren Strawberry, is a semi-evergreen, herbaceous, compact, mat-forming perennial with strawberry-like, palmately divided, glossy green leaves, small, saucer-shaped, yellow flowers blooming from April to June, and inedible fruits in summer and autumn.

Waldsteinia ternate prefers average, medium moisture, well drained soils, but is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, even poorly drained. It can grow in full sun and partial shade. Once, established, it can withstand some drought. Resistant to frost. It spreads by rhizomes and by extended stolons, therefore, very easy to propagate. It doesn’t have any serious insect or disease problems. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning.

Waldsteinia ternate is a simple, attractive groundcover plant, great for banks and slopes, garden edging, or for under-planting of roses and shrubs. Excellent for shady areas of the garden. In mild winter climates, it is evergreen. It can be somewhat invasive.

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens,' commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is an ornamental perennial plant renowned for its striking dark foliage and distinctive appearance. This cultivar belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is native to Japan, where it thrives in woodlands and shaded areas. In the United Kingdom, it has gained popularity as a garden ornamental for its unique aesthetic qualities.

The most notable feature of Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' is its almost-black, strappy leaves that grow in dense clumps. The rich ebony colouration intensifies as the plant matures, creating a captivating contrast with other plants in the garden. During the summer months, it produces small, insignificant bell-shaped, pale pinkish-white flowers on delicate stems. However, it is primarily grown for its striking foliage rather than its flowers.

Black Mondo Grass is a low-maintenance plant, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add drama to their landscapes without excessive effort. It thrives in partial to full shade, making it suitable for shaded borders, rock gardens, or even as ground cover beneath trees. This plant is adaptable to various soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it is relatively drought-tolerant once established.

When it comes to care, Black Mondo Grass requires minimal attention. Pruning is optional but can help maintain its tidy appearance. It is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a hassle-free addition to any garden. In colder regions of the UK, some winter protection, such as a layer of mulch, may be beneficial to ensure its survival.

Carex testacea, commonly known as orange New Zealand sedge, is a striking ornamental grass prized for its fine, arching foliage that shifts from olive-green to coppery-orange tones, intensifying in colder months. This evergreen perennial adds year-round texture and color to the garden, particularly in autumn and winter. Compact and clump-forming, it typically grows to around 30–50 cm tall and wide, making it ideal for borders, rock gardens, gravel gardens, or containers.

Carex testacea thrives in full sun to partial shade, though its orange hues are most vibrant in sunnier spots. It prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance and xeriscape gardens.

It pairs well with other grasses, perennials, or architectural plants and is perfect for modern or naturalistic planting schemes. This versatile grass requires minimal upkeep—simply remove old foliage in spring to keep it looking fresh and tidy.

Ceratostigma willmottianum 'Sapphire Ring' is a deciduous shrub valued for its striking late-season flowers and colourful autumn foliage. It is a selected cultivar of Ceratostigma willmottianum, a plant native to western China that is widely cultivated in ornamental gardens. This cultivar is particularly appreciated for its intense flower colour and its ability to extend interest in the garden well into autumn.

‘Sapphire Ring’ forms a compact, bushy shrub that typically grows to about 80–100 cm in height with a similar spread. It produces slender, upright stems that gradually create a rounded, slightly spreading habit. The leaves are oval to elliptic in shape with a smooth surface and a fresh mid-green colour during the growing season. As autumn approaches, the foliage develops rich shades of red, bronze and purple, providing an attractive seasonal display that complements the plant’s flowers.

The most notable feature of this cultivar is its brilliant blue flowers. From late summer through to early autumn, clusters of vivid sapphire-blue blooms appear at the tips of the stems. Each flower has five rounded petals arranged in a star-like shape, creating a bold splash of colour against the foliage. The flowers are often surrounded by reddish sepals that remain visible even after the petals fall, adding further decorative interest.

This shrub grows best in a sunny position, although it will tolerate light partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and performs well in a variety of garden conditions once established. ‘Sapphire Ring’ is suitable for mixed herbaceous borders, gravel gardens, and informal planting schemes where its late flowering period can provide valuable colour when many other plants are finishing.

Pruning is usually carried out in early spring, as the plant flowers on new growth. Cutting the stems back encourages fresh shoots and helps maintain a neat, compact form. With its vibrant flowers, colourful foliage and reliable growth, Ceratostigma willmottianum ‘Sapphire Ring’ is a highly decorative addition to sunny garden borders.

Cotoneaster horizontalis, commonly known as rock cotoneaster or wall spray, is a species of flowering plant in the Rosaceae family. Native to parts of western China, it has become a popular choice in gardens and landscapes due to its hardiness and distinctive appearance.

This deciduous shrub grows in a herringbone pattern, with branches that spread horizontally, forming a low, dense, and attractive ground cover. Typically reaching heights of 0.5-1 metre and spreading up to 2 metres, Cotoneaster horizontalis is well-suited for rockeries, slopes, and as a ground cover for larger garden areas.

Note: Due to vigorous growth of the plant in the first year, its size may vary from 15 cm to 50 cm in width, depending on the season (it generally reaches around 50 cm towards autumn).

The small, glossy, oval-shaped leaves of Cotoneaster horizontalis turn a striking red or purple in the autumn, adding vibrant colour to the garden. In late spring to early summer, the plant produces tiny pinkish-white flowers. Though not particularly showy, these flowers are a valuable source of nectar for pollinators such as bees. By late summer to autumn, the flowers give way to small, bright red berries that persist into winter. These berries are not only visually appealing but also provide food for birds, contributing to local biodiversity.

Cotoneaster horizontalis is known for its adaptability and resilience. It can thrive in various soil types, including poor, dry, and alkaline soils. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Additionally, it is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning. However, it is advisable to trim back any excessively long or untidy branches to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth.

One concern with Cotoneaster horizontalis is its potential invasiveness. In some regions, it can spread beyond garden boundaries, particularly in areas with mild climates. As a result, gardeners should monitor its growth and manage its spread to prevent it from becoming a nuisance.

Overall, Cotoneaster horizontalis is a versatile and attractive plant, offering year-round interest with its foliage, flowers, and berries. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add texture and colour to their landscapes.

Cyrtomium fortunei, commonly known as Fortune's holly fern, is a robust evergreen fern native to East Asia. This perennial plant is prized for its attractive, holly-like fronds that bring a touch of lush greenery to gardens and indoor spaces alike.

The fronds of Cyrtomium fortunei are its most distinctive feature, growing up to 60 cm in length. They are dark green, glossy, and pinnate with 10-20 pairs of leaflets that are sharply serrated, resembling holly leaves. The leaflets are arranged alternately along the central stem, creating a dense and bushy appearance. This fern thrives in shady or semi-shady conditions, making it ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as an understory plant beneath larger shrubs and trees.

Cyrtomium fortunei prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and feeding. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In colder climates, it can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C, though it benefits from a layer of mulch to protect the roots during harsh winters.

Propagation of Cyrtomium fortunei is typically achieved through division in spring or by sowing spores. Division involves separating the root ball into smaller sections, each with a portion of the rhizome and fronds, and replanting them in a suitable location. Spores can be collected from the undersides of mature fronds and sown in a controlled environment to produce new plants.

In addition to its ornamental value, Cyrtomium fortunei is also known for its resilience against pests and diseases, making it a reliable choice for gardeners. Its ability to thrive in low-light conditions and its evergreen nature ensure that it provides year-round interest, contributing to the texture and depth of planting schemes.

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, commonly known as hardy plumbago or leadwort, is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant native to China. It is prized for its vibrant blue flowers and attractive autumn foliage, making it a popular choice in UK gardens.

This hardy plant typically grows to a height of 30-45 cm, forming a dense, mat-like ground cover. Its slender, wiry stems bear oval, mid-green leaves that turn a rich red or bronze in autumn, providing a striking contrast to its late-summer blooms. From August through to October, Ceratostigma plumbaginoides produces clusters of vivid cobalt-blue, five-petalled flowers, which resemble those of the plumbago plant, hence its common name.

This plant thrives in well-drained soil, preferring full sun to partial shade, although it can tolerate a range of soil types, including poorer, rocky conditions. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established, and its creeping habit makes it ideal for planting at the front of borders, in rock gardens, or as ground cover beneath shrubs. In milder regions of the UK, it may remain evergreen, though it typically dies back in colder areas, regrowing from its roots in spring.

This plant is low-maintenance and is also beneficial for pollinators, attracting bees and other insects with its nectar-rich blooms.

Overall, this plant is a versatile, attractive addition to gardens, offering months of interest with its late-season flowers and colourful foliage, especially when other plants have begun to fade for the winter.

Carex morrowii 'Evergold' is a graceful, evergreen ornamental grass-like plant valued for its bright, arching foliage and reliability in many garden settings. The narrow leaves are deep green with a striking golden-yellow centre stripe, creating a luminous effect that brightens shaded areas of the garden throughout the year.

This compact sedge typically grows to around 30–40 cm in height with a similar spread, forming neat, slowly spreading clumps. Its tidy habit makes it ideal for edging paths, underplanting shrubs, or adding texture to mixed borders. It works particularly well in woodland-style planting schemes where its variegated foliage contrasts beautifully with darker-leaved plants such as hostas, ferns, and hellebores.

Japanese sedge thrives best in partial shade or dappled sunlight and prefers moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It is also tolerant of heavier soils provided they do not become waterlogged. Once established, it is relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional tidying of old leaves in spring.

Hardy and dependable in the UK climate, it is excellent for containers, ground cover in shaded beds, or softening the edges of patios and garden paths while providing year-round colour and texture.

The Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Alps', commonly known as Juniper ‘Blue Alps’, is an attractive evergreen conifer valued with striking blue-grey foliage and hardy nature. It is a vigorous and adaptable shrub that provides year-round structure, colour, and texture in a wide range of garden settings.

This juniper has a naturally bushy and slightly spreading habit, typically reaching around 2–4 metres in height with a similar spread when fully mature. Its branches form a dense, layered shape, creating a strong architectural presence in borders or landscape planting. The foliage consists of sharp, needle-like leaves that are silvery blue to blue-green in colour, giving the plant its distinctive cool-toned appearance. In bright sunlight the colour is particularly striking, often contrasting beautifully with greener shrubs and perennials nearby.

One of the main strengths of Juniper ‘Blue Alps’ is its hardiness and tolerance of difficult conditions. It thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil, but it can cope with poorer soils, dry conditions, and exposed sites once established. This makes it a practical choice for coastal gardens, gravel gardens, and low-maintenance planting schemes. The plant is also relatively drought tolerant, requiring little watering once it has settled into its growing position.

Juniper ‘Blue Alps’ is often used as a specimen shrub, in mixed borders, or as part of a conifer bed. It also works well for screening or informal hedging due to its dense growth. Because it maintains its foliage throughout the year, it offers consistent colour and structure during the winter months when many other plants are dormant.

Maintenance is minimal. Occasional light pruning may be carried out to control size or shape, but heavy pruning into old wood should be avoided as regrowth can be slow. Overall, Juniper ‘Blue Alps’ is a reliable, resilient, and visually distinctive shrub, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking year-round interest with minimal effort.

Carex comans 'Frosted Curls' is a versatile evergreen ornamental grass, valued for its fine, hair-like foliage that forms graceful, cascading mounds. Its soft silvery-green tones add movement and texture, making it an excellent choice for softening edges in borders, lining pathways, or enhancing contemporary planting schemes. It also performs particularly well in containers, where its flowing habit can spill attractively over the sides.

This sedge thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance and water-wise gardens. However, it does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging, so good drainage is essential, especially in heavier soils. In colder parts of the UK, some protection from harsh winter conditions may help maintain its appearance.

As a cultivar of Carex comans, it is well suited to coastal and sheltered gardens, tolerating wind and light exposure. Minimal maintenance is required simply remove any tired foliage in spring to refresh growth. Its year-round interest and adaptability make it a valuable addition to a wide range of garden styles.

Photinia 'Red Robin Robusta Compacta' is a strikingly beautiful, dense shrub, renowned for its vibrant foliage. This particular variety is expertly shaped into a perfect ball, showcasing its dense, lush growth. The leaves are initially a brilliant red when young, gradually maturing to a deep, glossy green, providing a stunning contrast that catches the eye throughout the seasons.

This robust shrub thrives in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained conditions. It's highly adaptable to different environments, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Regular pruning helps maintain its distinct spherical shape and promotes new growth, ensuring a vibrant display of red foliage in spring.

Growing to a manageable size, this Photinia variety is perfect for small to medium-sized gardens, and its compact, ball-like form makes it an excellent choice for borders, focal points, or as a structured element in garden design. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round interest, making it a valuable addition to any landscape.

Hardy and low-maintenance, 'Red Robin Robusta Compacta' is not just a visually appealing plant; it also serves as a natural privacy screen or hedge. Its dense foliage provides an excellent backdrop for other plants, enhancing the overall beauty of any garden setting.