Kathleen Walters
Ground cover and other low-growing flowers are beneficial in the landscape for many reasons. In addition to the sheer beauty that these plants add to ornamental gardens; they are also an effective means to suppress weeds, maintain moisture levels in soil, and may even help to control erosion.
Flowering ground covers aren’t just for beds or sloped areas you are trying to cover. They are also great options for growing in rock gardens, between stones in pathways, or along borders.
While it is true that most ground cover plants flower very little, there are some low-growing flowers that bloom all summer long. Below, we will discuss five of the most popular long blooming ground covers in greater detail.
1. Cuphea
Perennial in USDA growing zones 9-11, cuphea, or Mexican heather, behaves as an evergreen groundcover. Masses of petite flowers are produced along glossy, fern-like branches. This ground cover that blooms all summer is especially attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects. If you are looking to add a bright pop of color and help you local pollinators, you can find a vibrant purple cuphea at Home Depot.
2. Dianthus
When it comes to low-growing perennials, blooming all summer can be a high demand. While several types of plants do have a distinct flowering window, many species hold their blooms exceptionally well in the garden. Short-lived perennial and biennial dwarf dianthus plants are no exception to this. Dianthus plants generally range in shades of white, pink, red, or variations of deep burgundy. This sweet pink dianthus comes in a three-pack from Home Depot.
3. Geum
Though somewhat taller than most low-growing perennials, several species of geum serve as excellent bedding plants. Specifically, Geum coccineum produces highly ornamental textured foliage amid striking single and double blooms. Though geum is able to thrive under a wide range of soil conditions, plants grow best in regions with cooler summer temperatures. Bright orange blooms will pop in your garden after you plant Geum coccineum Borisii seeds which can be found in the Hazzard’s Greenhouse storefront on Amazon.
4. Ice Plant
Despite its name, ice plants are well adapted for growth in regions with warm summer weather. Ornamental, succulent leaves help the plants to easily withstand prolonged periods of drought. Also called Livingstone daisies, they are an excellent drought-tolerant ground cover choice for rock gardens and other types of water-wise landscapes. Throughout summer, gardeners can expect a profusion of small, daisy-like blooms. Find a delicately beautiful pastel mix of ice plant seeds at Eden Brothers.
5. Campanula Bellflower
This long-blooming perennial is suitable for growing zones 3-8 and tolerates full sun to partial shade. Campanula bellflowers create a sweet, colorful carpet of tiny purple blooms that will last through the spring and most of summer. It attracts bees and other pollinators and is resistant to deer and rabbits. You can find campanula bellflower at Walmart.
These flowering groundcover perennials are sure to add a pop of color to your garden all summer long and will give a boost to your local pollinators. Give some of these low-growing perennials a chance and see how they can benefit your garden.
