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Creating a lush, low-maintenance landscape in Zone 7 can be achieved with the right perennial ground covers. These plants not only prevent soil erosion but also add color and texture to your garden year-round. Here are some of the top choices for Zone 7 gardeners.
Benefits of Using Perennial Ground Covers
Perennial ground covers are a sustainable choice for landscaping. They require less watering and fertilizing once established. Additionally, they help suppress weeds, reduce soil erosion, and provide habitat for beneficial insects and pollinators.
Top Perennial Ground Covers for Zone 7
- Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
- Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
- Sedum (Sedum spp.)
- Vinca Minor (Vinca minor)
- Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
- Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
- Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
- Lamium (Lamium maculatum)
Creeping Thyme
Creeping Thyme is a hardy, aromatic ground cover that blooms with small purple or pink flowers in summer. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for sunny borders and pathways.
Ajuga
Ajuga, also known as Bugleweed, features attractive foliage and spikes of blue flowers in spring. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, ideal for shaded garden areas.
Sedum
Sedum, or stonecrop, is a succulent that tolerates drought and poor soil. Its fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers add texture and color to rock gardens and slopes.
Vinca Minor
Vinca Minor, or periwinkle, is a vigorous ground cover with glossy green leaves and purple-blue flowers. It is excellent for shady areas and requires minimal maintenance.
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet Woodruff emits a pleasant scent when crushed and produces white star-shaped flowers in spring. It prefers moist, shaded locations and is ideal for woodland gardens.
Japanese Spurge
Japanese Spurge is a dense, evergreen ground cover with glossy leaves and small white flowers. It thrives in shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil.
Lamium
Lamium features variegated foliage and purple or pink flowers. It is tolerant of shade and moist soil, making it suitable for under trees and along shaded borders.
Tips for Growing Perennial Ground Covers in Zone 7
Choose plants suited to your specific site conditions, such as sun exposure and soil type. Prepare the soil by adding organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Water newly planted ground covers regularly until established, then reduce watering. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
With the right selection and care, perennial ground covers can transform your Zone 7 landscape into a vibrant, sustainable, and low-maintenance garden.