Table of Contents
Astilbe plants are a stunning addition to any garden, known for their feathery plumes and vibrant colors. To enhance their beauty and create a lush, cohesive landscape, selecting the right ground cover is essential. Here are the top 7 ground covers that beautifully complement your astilbe plantings.
1. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
Japanese Spurge is a hardy evergreen ground cover with glossy green leaves. It thrives in shaded areas, making it an excellent partner for astilbe, which prefers similar conditions. Its dense foliage helps suppress weeds and provides a lush backdrop.
2. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet Woodruff offers delicate whorls of green leaves and fragrant white flowers in spring. It prefers shaded, moist environments, aligning perfectly with astilbe’s growing needs. Its subtle aroma and ground-hugging habit make it a charming addition.
3. Hosta
While technically a genus of plants, many hosta varieties serve as ground covers with their large, textured leaves. They thrive in shade and add contrasting foliage textures to highlight astilbe’s feathery plumes.
4. Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)
Foamflower features attractive, lobed leaves and tall flower stalks with white or pink blooms. It prefers shaded, moist soils and creates a soft, airy ground cover that complements the vertical interest of astilbe.
5. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Bugleweed is a fast-spreading ground cover with vibrant purple, blue, or variegated foliage. It thrives in partial shade and adds a splash of color at the base of astilbe, especially in early spring.
6. Liriope (Liriope muscari)
Liriope has grass-like leaves and produces spikes of purple or white flowers. It is low-maintenance and tolerant of shade, making it a perfect underplanting for astilbe, adding texture and color.
7. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny features bright green, trailing foliage that cascades over garden beds. It prefers moist, shady areas and creates a vibrant carpet that enhances the lushness of astilbe plantings.
Conclusion
Choosing the right ground cover can elevate your garden design and provide a beautiful backdrop for astilbe. Consider your climate, soil, and shade conditions when selecting from these options to create a vibrant, harmonious garden space.