10 Stunning Ground Cover Plants with Variegated Leaves
10 Stunning Ground Cover Plants with Variegated Leaves
Ground cover plants come in all shapes and sizes, but using variegated leaves can add a special touch to your garden. Here are some reasons why you should consider adding variegated ground cover plants to your outdoor space.
What are ground cover plants?
Ground covers are typically low-growing plants that spread out to form a dense carpet. They are often used in areas where there is little foot traffic or in places where it may be difficult to grow grass.
Why choose variegated ground cover plants?
Variegated leaves provide an interesting visual display and can add character to your garden. They can also help break up the monotony of a lawn filled with solid-colored ground covers.
Benefits of using variegated ground cover plants.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, variegated ground covers offer many practical benefits. They:
- Help reduce erosion
- Can help retain moisture in soil
- Minimize the need for frequent maintenance
- Are often drought resistant
- Suppress weed growth
Now that we've covered the basics, let's take a look at 10 stunning ground cover plants with variegated leaves.
![Vinca Minor 'Variegata'] (https://th.bing.com/th?q=vivca%20minor%20variegata)
Description
This evergreen Vinca is also known as periwinkle. It has glossy green leaves that are edged in creamy white. In the late spring and early summer, it produces small, star-shaped blue flowers.
Growing Tips and Care
Vinca Minor prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It doesn't require a lot of water and is relatively low maintenance. It may need to be pruned in early spring to control its spread.
Description
Also known as spotted dead nettle, this ground cover features heart-shaped leaves that are silver-white with green edges. In the spring, it produces clusters of pink flowers.
Growing Tips and Care
Lamium maculatum prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. It doesn't require a lot of water and is relatively low maintenance. It spreads quickly and may need to be divided every few years.
Description
Ajuga reptans, or bugleweed, has glossy green leaves that are edged in creamy white. In the spring, it produces spikes of blue flowers.
Growing Tips and Care
Ajuga reptans prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate some sun but may require more water in hot, dry weather. It spreads easily and may need to be divided every few years.
Description
This yellow-flowering ground cover has golden-yellow leaves that turn reddish-orange in the fall. It's also known as St. John's Wort.
Growing Tips and Care
Hypericum calycinum prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's drought tolerant but may require some watering in extremely dry weather.
Description
This evergreen ground cover features large, fan-shaped leaves that are green with white edges. In the spring, it produces spikes of pink flowers.
Growing Tips and Care
Bergenia prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. It doesn't require a lot of water and is relatively low maintenance. It may need to be divided every few years.
Description
Also known as bleeding heart, this perennial ground cover has golden-yellow leaves that turn greenish-yellow in the summer. In the spring, it produces heart-shaped pink and white flowers.
Growing Tips and Care
Lamprocapnos spectabilis prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It may need to be watered during dry spells. It goes dormant in the summer and can be cut back after it dies back.
Description
This drought-tolerant ground cover has bright green leaves that turn bronze in the fall. It produces clusters of small yellow flowers in the spring.
Growing Tips and Care
Euphorbia epithymoides prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's drought tolerant once established but may need watering during dry spells.
Description
This shade-loving ground cover has blue-green leaves with creamy white edges. In the summer, it produces spikes of lavender flowers.
Growing Tips and Care
Hostas prefer shade and moist, well-drained soil. They don't require a lot of water but do need protection from hot, dry weather. Slugs and snails can be a problem, so use a slug bait to control them.
Description
This evergreen ground cover has orange-red leaves that turn greenish-yellow in the summer. In the spring, it produces spikes of small white flowers.
Growing Tips and Care
Heuchera prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. It doesn't require a lot of water and is relatively low maintenance. It may need to be pruned in early spring to control its spread.
Description
This shade-loving ground cover has silver-white leaves with green spots. In the spring, it produces clusters of blue flowers.
Growing Tips and Care
Pulmonaria prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. It doesn't require a lot of water and is relatively low maintenance. It can be divided every few years to control its spread.
Ground cover plants are a great way to beautify your lawn while also reducing the need for maintenance. Using variegated leaves in ground covers can provide an attractive visual display and add character to your garden. With so many low maintenance options, it's easy to find the perfect ground cover plant for your outdoor space that requires minimal attention.
Here are some frequently asked questions about ground cover plants with variegated leaves.
What is the best time of year to plant ground covers with variegated leaves?
Spring or fall is usually the best time to plant ground covers.
Are these ground covers invasive? Will they take over my garden?
Most ground covers grow quickly and may require occasional pruning to keep them under control. However, they aren't typically considered invasive.
Do they require a lot of watering?
Most ground covers don't require a lot of water once they are established. However, they may need to be watered during dry spells.
Can I use these ground covers in areas that receive full sun?
Some variegated ground covers can tolerate full sun. However, most prefer partial shade.
How often do I need to fertilize them?
Variegated ground covers typically don't require a lot of fertilization. A light application of slow-release fertilizer in the spring should be sufficient.
What other colors should I pair with variegated ground cover plants?
Variegated ground covers look great paired with solid-colored ground covers or colorful annuals.
Can I use these ground covers in pots or containers?
Some variegated ground covers can be used in pots or containers. However, make sure they have plenty of drainage holes and are sized appropriately for the plant.
Do these ground covers attract pests or insects?
Variegated ground covers aren't typically magnets for pests or insects. However, slugs and snails can be a problem for some varieties.
Can I prune these plants if they grow too large?
Yes, most ground covers can be pruned in early spring to control their spread.
How can I prevent weeds from growing with ground cover plants?
Mulching around your ground covers can help prevent weeds from germinating. You can also use a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring to further reduce weed growth.
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