5 Top Shade-Loving Ground Covers

Many yards, especially treed ones, will have spots that get very little sun... or absolutely no sun at all. There are many ground covers that will thrive in shady areas; here are five that can thrive in your yard's trouble spots.

Lily-of-the-Valley is a lovely plant, a long-time favorite of gardeners, that will robustly fill any shady area with no problem. The plant boasts white fragrant bell-like flowers that appear for several weeks in the spring; the flowers are soon followed by bright red berries. You will need to make sure to contain Lily-of-the-Valley though - it is so vigorous that it may become invasive if not controlled.

Periwinkle (or vinca minor) is a delightful evergreen ground cover with white, medium blue, or dark blue flowers that appear in the spring. The fliage can be solid green or varegated, depending on the characteristics of the variety.

The varegated leaves of Lamium (otherwise known as Deadnettle) provide welcome contrast in light-deprived areas. Lamium also sports delicate white or mauve flowers at various times of the year.

Epimedium (or Barrenroot) has beautiful green foliage that remains so year-around, except for a burst of red fall color. It also yields lovely little white, red, or yellow flowers.

Ajuga's delicate green, bronze, or varegated foliage is a pleasing addition to shady areas; in late spring to early summer the foliage is topped by striking blue-purple flower spikes.

For every unsightly bald spot you've got in your yard, there's sure to be a ground cover that will thrive and beautify there. Give one of these pleasing plants a try next spring!