Ground Cover

The following plants have been selected for their ability to cover the ground between larger plants such as shrubs or trees. They either spread to form a carpet,  where one plant may cover a considerable area by itself. The other method of achieving good coverage is to plant clump forming species fairly close together so they touch, forming a continuous carpet. A mixture of ground cover plants can be used to give a tapestry of foliage and flowers, or a single species may be used, maybe in formal gardens or under a mixed planting of shrubs. 

Prior to planting the ground should be free of weeds and well prepared, after planting they should be watered in well and mulched to encourage them to do their job well. 

Note: some plants may be frost tender in which case we give the minimum temperature.




Origano (Origanum vulgare)

Origano (Origanum vulgare)

Culinary herb used extensively in Mediterranean cooking. Likes a sunny spot in open soil, also good for a pot. Evergreen, perennial. If plant becomes woody, cut hard back for fresh, tender leaves. ...... more
£2.50

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Origanum vulgare 'Aureum Golden Oregano, Golden Marjoram

Origanum vulgare 'Aureum

Colourful herb with bright yellow leaves in spring, gradually turning green during summer. Spreading habit so good for ground cover/ growing on a dry bank. Good on dry or chalky soils in sun to part ...... more
£2.99

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Variegated Japanese Spurge

Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata'

AGM. A variegated cultivar, with green leaves edged with creamy-yellow, making an attractive ground cover under darker leaved shrubs. Spikes of white flowers in spring.
£5.99

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Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon'

Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon'

Striking foliage plant with pointed redish purple leaves with a paler V marking. Small white flowers in late summer. Can be trimmed back in early summer to make it bush out. Suitable for medium ...... more
£5.00

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Persicaria virginiana 'Lance Corporal' Jumpseed, Virginia Knotweed

Persicaria virginiana 'Lance Corporal'

A striking variety with velvety lime-green leaves with a marked maroon 'V'-shaped marking on the leaves. Small red flowers are produced in late summer, but this is mainly a foliage plant. Part-shade, ...... more
£4.50

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Persicaria virginiana var. filiformis 'Compton's Red'

Persicaria virginiana var. filiformis 'Compton's Red'

This striking plant makes a vigorous mound of large oval leaves sporting a wide central reddish-brown V-shaped mark, with contrasting vivid green either side. For moist soil in part-shade.
£4.50

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Intermediate Polypody

Polypodium interjectum

This adaptive, spreading fern is happy on neutral or alkaline soils including chalk. Grows well on a damp wall or rockery also on tree trunks and tolerates sun or shade. Similar to P. vulgare but ...... more
£5.99

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Polypodium vulgare Common Polypody

Polypodium vulgare

A spreading evergreen native fern which tolerates drier conditions than other ferns. Useful for colonising banks or dry areas under trees. In moist climates it will grow on trees/damp walls. Neutral/ ...... more
£5.99

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Licorice Fern

Polypodium glycyrrhiza 'Longicaudatum'

Evergreen fern with pinnate fronds which taper to a long, slender point. Spreads slowly by creeping rhizomes which are Licorice flavoured. Grow in moist, well drained neutral/ alkaline soil in sun/ ...... more
£6.50

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Polystichum aculeatum Hard Shield Fern

Polystichum aculeatum

Spreading, evergreen fern with glossy, dark green quite leathery, pinnate fronds. Grow in humus-rich, well drained soil in part or full shade. Fairly drought tolerant once established. Native to the ...... more
£5.99

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Soft Shield Fern

Polystichum setiferum (divisilobum group) 'Herrenhausen'

A cultivar of our native Soft Shield Fern with large semi-evergreen very finely cut fronds giving a beautifully lacy effect. Slowly spreading habit. Grow in humus-rich, well drained soil in part or ...... more
£5.99

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Potentilla fruticosa 'Tangerine'

Potentilla fruticosa 'Tangerine'

Spreading shrub with orange flowers from May to September. Can be used for ground cover and suitable for growing on a bank. Drought tolerant once established. Grow in well drained soil in sun or ...... more
£7.50

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Pulmonaria 'Cotton Cool' Lungwort

Pulmonaria 'Cotton Cool'

Spreading perennial with attractive silvery foliage and cobalt blue flowers, which emerge from pink buds, from March-May. For rich, moist well drained soil in part or full shade. Attracts bees. 30 ...... more
£4.99

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Pulmonaria 'Opal' Lungwort

Pulmonaria 'Opal'

A lovely cultivar with masses of ice-blue flowers in spring over mounds of leaves which are green with white markings, the white often predominant. Deserves good moisture retentive soil in part ...... more
£4.99

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Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain' Lungwort

Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain'

Spreading perennial with attractive spotted foliage and cobalt blue flowers, which emerge pink, from March-May. For rich, moist, well drained soil in part or full shade. Attracts bees. 30 cms (1 ...... more
£4.99

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Upcoming Plants
These plants will be in stock soon
Date Expected
Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold' 15/07/2013
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 30/06/2013
Senecio ficoides 30/06/2013
Clematis 'Paul Farges' 30/06/2013
Carex 'Silver Sceptre' 30/06/2013
Epiphyllum anguliger 23/06/2013
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