Because of the roots, they keep the soil loose and the nutrients are better preserved. Another effect is weed suppression.
Types of evergreen ground cover
To preserve the soil in the long term, evergreen ground cover should be planted. Since they also bear leaves in winter, the special use remains throughout the year. There are many types of ground cover, all of which have a horizontal and vigorous habit to survive the winter. Dwarf trees and evergreen shrubs are particularly effective. Important types are:
- Ysander: is a very dense subshrub that grows slowly in the shade of trees. They are frost hardy and can be planted closely. The place of origin is Japan. Like boxwood, it is poisonous.
- ivy: actually a climbing shrub, it can be used as a ground cover without a climbing aid. It is quite undemanding and can be planted on virtually any soil. He only needs four plants per square meter.
- Crawler: is a pronounced winter plant and needs several plants per square meter due to its weak growth.
- Small leaved Evergreen: grows like a carpet as a subshrub. Has different white and blue flowers that grow irregularly.
- Balkan cranesbill: proves to be extremely robust and durable. They can be found in several colors, from white to purple. The plant is well suited as a steadfast plant for loosening the soil.
- Yellow elven flower: has a particularly dense root system. The foliage is very graceful, hence the name.
- Carpet gold strawberry: is a very dense perennial with a maximum height of ten centimeters.
- Foam bloom: is a tolerant, dense root formation. It is often planted together with rhododendrons.
- Spotted lungwort: is a fast growing plant that is very neutral in growth and accepts other plants.
- Hazel root: belongs to the most famous ground cover plants. It grows as a perennial and is very suitable for large areas. For this reason, it is also used by many people.
There are other species that are suitable as ground cover, but are used more specifically for this purpose. Here you can find, for example, pennywort, woodruff, European juniper or low St. John's wort. As an accent in the garden, they impress with their diversity.
The suitable location for ground cover
The ground cover is almost uniformly planted, as many of them thrive in shade and partial shade. They can also tolerate a certain amount of sunlight and provide sunny locations with dry and weak soil again with nutrients. Perennials need less sun than woody trees, but they can make a decisive contribution to the supply of nutrients. Since there is hardly a garden in the perfect location, they should be set in the ground in groups, also in the form of a mosaic. This allows a larger area to be covered. Actually any soil that has been thoroughly cleared of weeds is suitable as a location. Improve heavy and light soils. Depending on the square meter, there should be an average of 12 to 15 plants
be planted, otherwise the carpet will be too sparse and the weeds could break through.Care of ground cover
Ground cover are quite undemanding and do not require any effortäindigenous care. Before the plants are set in the ground, cut the shoots by half. This stimulates the growth and branching of the plants, which allows them to spread faster and better. Caring for the flowers of ground cover is very easy. If some of the flowers or branches have dried up, simply cut them off. However, they grow back very quickly. Do not cut in winter, this could damage the plant. There is almost no need to fertilize the plants, as they produce compost and humus-like soil themselves, which gives them the energy they need. For this reason, a fertilizer that specializes in the respective plant species should only be used in very poor soil.
That should be avoided
A common mistake is hoeing between ground covers. The metal damages the root layer, which is usually just below the surface. There is another way to prevent weed growth. To do this, simply pile up bark mulch by two to three centimeters. This prevents weeds from forming in the first few years. Some types should not be mixed together. They can displace themselves and produce poor growth. For this reason, they are often created in their own fields. Never plant too many plants in one square meter. Since they can grow quickly, they often create an unkempt impression that robs the plants of their beauty. Particular attention should be paid to different heights, which are not recommended.
Wintering of evergreen ground cover
The evergreen ground cover is very easy to care for in winter. Here you should only make sure that many of the species are not very hardy and require special care. The ivy, for example, can withstand cool temperatures, but turns pale on the leaves when there is too much winter sun. Many of the plants cannot stand a lot of sun because they are too strong in winter. A sheltered place should also be used here. This can permanently damage the plants. If the wind is too strong, it is essential to use a windbreak.
Worth knowing about evergreen ground cover in brief
Evergreen ground cover are suitable for every garden. You can contribute to soil improvement,
so that other plants can have a place there again. The simple maintenance makes them suitable even for beginners. The horticultural function of ground cover is to curb the growth of weeds under them as far as possible. They should be undemanding and easy to care for and, if possible, look reasonably good, and bloom when possible. Today there are very beautiful and flowering ground cover.There are no noticeable pests or diseases in the evergreen ground cover. They also do not take diseases from other plants and are rarely attacked by insects. The only thing that can give you a little trouble is a floor with too much iron. Then they can be exposed to rust.
- Ground cover comes as shrubs, climbing plants and perennials. Well known ground covers are lavender, Boxwood, Leadwort, heather, ivy, cranesbill, Cotoneaster, but also Ground cover roses belong to.
- Depending on which plants are involved, the location and the soil must be selected. In general, ground cover makes little demands on the soil if the right place for planting is chosen.
- The best time to plant is in spring. Robust plants can also be planted in autumn. You can add a few nutrient-loving ground covers before planting Horn shavings Sprinkle into the planting hole.
- In the case of purchased plants, the root ball must be well watered before planting. It is best to immerse the bale properly in water so that it can soak up completely.
The planting site should be well prepared. The best thing to do is to dig deeply first. Of course, the weeds have to be removed first. It is important to ensure that there are no longer any small pieces of roots to be found in the earth. Some Weeds develop from the smallest remnants. It is best to sieve the earth.
The planting hole should be about twice as wide as the root ball and one and a half times as deep. The top edge of the root ball must be about 1 cm below the surface of the earth. Plant spacing should be observed. The excavated earth can be used to fill in the planting holes. It is important to water well after planting.
