How to Grow Ground Cover Shrubs - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Ground cover shrubs is a type of plant that is used to cover the ground. They are usually low-growing and have a dense growth habit. They can be used to cover bare patches of ground, to reduce weeds, or to add beauty to your landscape. There are many different types of ground cover shrubs, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

How to Grow Ground Cover Shrubs - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Alternanthera
  • Arctostaphylos
  • Aristotelia
  • Buxus
  • Calystegia

Good to Know

  • Ground cover shrubs are used to cover the ground in gardens and other landscaped areas.
  • Ground cover shrubs can be evergreen or deciduous.
  • Ground cover shrubs can be low growing or mounding.
  • Ground cover shrubs can be used to control erosion.
  • Ground cover shrubs can provide food and shelter for wildlife.
  • Ground cover shrubs can be used to create privacy screens or windbreaks.
  • Ground cover shrubs can add color and texture to the landscape.
  • Ground cover shrubs can be susceptible to damage from lawnmowers and other equipment.
  • Ground cover shrubs should be watered regularly.
  • Ground cover shrubs can be pruned to control their growth.

How to Grow

  1. For ground cover shrubs, first step is to select a site that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil.
  2. Next, clear the area of weeds and other vegetation.
  3. Loosen the soil with a spade or rake and mix in some organic matter such as compost or manure.
  4. Choose the shrubs you want to grow and dig holes that are twice as wide as the roots.
  5. Space the holes according to the shrub's mature spread.
  6. Set the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil, tamp down gently.
  7. Water the shrub well.
  8. Spread a layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it away from the stem.
  9. Ground cover shrubs will need little to no pruning, just remove any dead or damaged branches as needed.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful ground cover shrubs!

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, ground cover shrubs like full sun and well-drained soil. They are adaptable to a wide range of soil types but prefer loamy, fertile soils. They also tolerate poor soils and dry soils better than most other plants.

Light requirement

Like the other plants, ground cover shrubs have specific sunlight requirements that must be met in order to thrive. While some ground cover shrubs can tolerate low light situations, others require full sun in order to produce healthy growth. When selecting a ground cover shrub, it is important to consider the sunlight requirements of the plant in order to ensure that it will be able to grow and thrive in its new home.

The Temperature

The temperature condition is the most important factor to consider when choosing ground cover shrubs. If the temperature drops below freezing, the shrubs will die. If the temperature is too hot, the shrubs will not be able to thrive.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50% This plant does not tolerate high humidity conditions well and its leaves will start to turn brown and drop off if the humidity gets too high. If you live in an area with high humidity, you will need to water this plant more often and make sure that the soil drains well.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't need too much. In fact, too much fertilizer will result in leggy growth. The rule of thumb is to use one-half the amount recommended on the fertilizer package. Once a year is usually sufficient, but twice a year may be necessary if the plant is growing in very poor soil. As for root, these plants have shallow roots, so be careful not to damage them when cultivating the soil around them.

Plant Pruning

Pruning ground cover shrubs is an important part of their care. When and how you prune will depend on the type of shrub you have. Some ground cover shrubs need to be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Others can be pruned in summer or fall. The best time to prune is when the plant is actively growing. To prune ground cover shrubs, start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. Next, thin out the shrub by removing any overcrowded or crossed branches. Finally, cut back the remaining branches to the desired length. Be sure to use sharp pruning shears or a saw to avoid damaging the plant.

About Propagating

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Ground cover shrubs can be propagated by using stem cuttings or root cuttings. Stem cuttings are taken from the new growth at the tips of the plant, while root cuttings are taken from the roots of the plant. To propagate a ground cover shrub from stem cuttings, select a healthy stem and cut it into sections that are 4-6 inches long. Each section should have at least two sets of leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a pot filled with moist potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. To propagate a ground cover shrub from root cuttings, select a healthy root and cut it into sections that are 2-3 inches long. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a pot filled with moist potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively fast. This is due, in part, to their root system. Ground cover shrubs have a shallow, spreading root system that quickly establishes itself in new areas. This allows the plant to rapidly fill in an area and become established. Additionally, ground cover shrubs generally have a high number of seeds that germinate readily and grow quickly.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant include pests, diseases, and overgrowth. Many pests and diseases can be prevented with proper care and maintenance. Overgrowth is a common problem for ground cover shrubs, as they can become too large for their space. This can be controlled by trimming and pruning the shrubs regularly.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to provide enough space for the ground cover shrubs to spread out.
  • Do not plant too close to the house or other structures.
  • Choose an area that gets full sun to partial shade.
  • Prepare the soil before planting by adding organic matter and digging up any weeds.
  • Water regularly during the first growing season to help the ground cover shrubs get established.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
  • Cut back the ground cover shrubs in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
  • Fertilize the plants once per year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune away any dead or damaged branches as needed.
  • Enjoy the low-maintenance beauty of your ground cover shrubs!

Substitution

  • Ground cover: goldmoss stonecrop (Sedum acre)
  • Ground cover: bloodleaf (Iresine herbstii)
  • Ground cover: woolly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)
  • Ground cover: brain cactus (Mammillaria elongata)
  • Ground cover: golden oregano (Origanum vulgare)
  • Ground cover: black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens')
  • Ground cover: Mazus reptans
  • Ground cover: Sedum sarmentosum
  • Ground cover: Asarum canadense
  • Ground cover: Cerastium tomentosum

Source:
Tree, Shrub, Groundcover and Vine Fertilization
Selecting Shrubs for the Landscape | Oklahoma State University
SECTION 329313 - TREES SHRUBS AND GROUNDCOVER - University of Houston

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