What evergreen ground cover works year-round in shade?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Ground cover shade plants such as Pachysandra procumbens and Ophiopogon planiscapus are the cure for the winter blues. A client's dreary slope under oaks became a lush green carpet using these evergreen ground covers. The thick leaves block weeds and add some structure when all other plants fade. Both grow well in acidic soil and appreciate good drainage.
Shade Performance
- Pachysandra: Tolerates dry shade under maples/pines
- Ophiopogon: Survives full shade with 3-4 hours indirect light
- Soil pH 5.5-6.5 optimizes growth for both species
Design Applications
- Pair Ophiopogon's black foliage with Heuchera's silver veins
- Edge paths with Pachysandra to define spaces year-round
- Mass plant for erosion control on 25°+ slopes
Soil preparation will create a more success outcome. Under a client's pines, I mixed some compost with native clay for Pachysandra, now it naturally suppresses poison ivy. For Ophiopogon, the addition of sand was more suitable for increasing drainage in their boggy backyard. Just be sure to test the drainage first: dig a 12" hole, fill with water, and time how long it takes for the water level to drop.
Texture contrasts enhance designs. I united the spiky blades of Ophiopogon with Hosta 'Halcyon' in a shady corner of my patio; the blue-green leaves made the black grass pop. This combination reduced my mulch needs by 70% while adding winter interest.
The ecological benefits are important. Native Asarum canadense hosts 12 times more soil microbes than the invading Vinca minor. After substituting vinca with asarum in a client's woodland, earthworm activity doubled in the first year. Regarding evergreens, it is best to choose them wisely as they will work harder.
Read the full article: 10 Best Ground Cover Shade Plants
