Ground Covers for the Mid-Atlantic Region

Ground covers have a positive effect on ecology. Lawn mowers, gas or electric powered, have a negative effect. It may not seem like a lot, but if everyone were to have less mowing to do, it would add up quickly. Think of a large backyard that has more space than is used on a regular basis. A low growing ground cover would make an unused section stand out. Tall ground covers bring color to a drab cement wall. The Mid Atlantic region in regards to horticulture is different than the Mid Atlantic states. It encompasses whole states and parts of others. It is defined as running from New York city south along the coast to Washington DC then west along the West Virginia-Pennsylvania border to Ohio, including sections of eastern Ohio then north across Lake Erie to Toronto, Canada, and then south through New York state with the north eastern portion of up state New York in the New England region. The region is in USDA zones 5 through 7.

Blue fescue(Festuca ovina glauca) is a grass also known as sheep fescue. The plant is as small, semi-evergreen ornamental grass that grows up to 10 inches tall and 10 inches wide. Plant in full sun or partial shade and a moist, well-drained soil. The grass is a silvery blue in the spring, blue green in the summer, dark green in the fall, green brown in the fall and winter and grows up to 10 inches long. Light green flowers bloom in June and July and become buff colored seed heads. Blue fescue is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8.

Sargent juniper(Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii) is hardy in zones 4 through 9. The plant is a needle evergreen native to Northeastern China. The plant grows from 1 to 2 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide. Plant in full sun and a soil that is moist and well drained. It will not survive if the soil is allowed to get too wet but it will survive a short drought once it is established. Sargent juniper is hardy in zones 4 to 9.

Liriope (Liriope muscari) is also known as border grass and lily-turf. The plant is a member of the lily family with thin, dark green leaves that grow from 10 to 18 long and bend back towards the ground to create round clumps.
Small purple, violet or white flowers produce tiny black or white berries in the fall. Plant in full sun, partial shade or full shade and a soil that is moist and well-drained. Liriope is hardy in zones 7 to 11.

Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) is also known as Japanese Pachysandra or spurge. The plant grows up to 10 inches tall. Plant in partial or full shade and a moist, rich , well-drained soil. Leaves start out medium green and become dark as they age. Crea, colored flowers grow in clusters from 1 to 2 inches long from the middle of March to the end of April. Pachysandra is hardy in zones 5 through 8.