Best Full Shade Ground Cover (2024 Update)

Aubrieta Hybrida Hendersonii is an exceptional perennial that can thrive in USDA Zones 4 – 9. It is a beautiful low-growing flower that only reaches a height of 4 – 6 inches, making it perfect for rock gardens and as a container plant. The dainty purple blooms of Aubrieta can be seen from mid-spring to early summer, adding a pop of color to any landscape.

This ground cover is easy to care for and is deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to keep their gardens looking great without worrying about deer damage. Approximately 2,000 heirloom Aubrieta seeds are included in each package, which can cover up to 40 square feet. These seeds are easy to grow and should be kept moist until germination occurs in 14 – 21 days.

To ensure optimal growth, plant Aubrieta in well-draining soil, and place it in an area that receives full sun to partial shade. Trimming back the plant after blooming can help tidy its appearance and encourage a thick mounding habit.

Saxifraga arendsii, commonly referred to as Moss Saxifraga, is an attractive, low-growing perennial ground cover that adds a pop of color to any garden. This particular variety, Rose Robe, features delicate, cup-shaped blooms in a gorgeous rosy pink shade that typically appear in early summer.

While Saxifraga can thrive in a range of climates, it prefers cooler temperatures and does not tolerate drought or high humidity well. In USDA zones 4-9, it typically only reaches a height of 6 inches. In warmer climates, it's best to provide some afternoon shade to promote optimal growth and health.

Once the blooms have faded, it's recommended to trim them back to maintain a neat and tidy appearance. Starting Saxifraga seeds is easy, and they can be sown directly outdoors in either the fall or spring. For every 2000 seeds, you can expect to cover approximately 40 square feet. To prepare a seedbed, loosen the top 2 inches of soil and remove any weeds. Gently press the seeds into the soil without covering them, and keep the soil moist until germination, which usually takes around 30 days when the temperature ranges from 59 – 68F.

When planting Saxifraga, it's important to space the plants 9-12 inches apart to promote healthy growth. This perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Additionally, Moss Saxifraga is usually resistant to deer and can tolerate some light foot traffic.

Johnny Jump-ups are a charming and graceful addition to any summer landscape. These low-growing wildflowers are perennials that only reach six inches in height and are grown from Viola seeds in USDA Zones 3-9. Depending on the temperature zone, they can grow in full sun to full shade. In southern climates, they may be too hot in sunny areas, while in northern zones, they may be too cold in shady areas.

Trimming Johnny Jump-ups back in the heat of summer will encourage another flush of blooms in the fall. These delightful flowers have been around for centuries and are native to the mountains of Spain and France. They are found growing in many temperate regions of the world and are widely admired for their bright little faces. Other common names for this flower include Wild Pansy and Heartsease.

Johnny Jump-ups are cool weather flowers that bloom in the spring, fade during the heat of summer, and often return with a new flush of flowers in the fall. They are not invasive, but rather easy to grow and self-sow once established.

To grow Johnny Jump-ups, sow Viola seeds directly outdoors in early spring or in the fall. Since the seeds are tiny, it is recommended not to cover them with more than 1/16 of an inch of soil. Thin the seedlings to six inches apart. These heirloom, non-GMO seeds prefer moist, rich soil, but are adaptable to a wide variety of soil types. It is recommended to sow 3 ounces per 1,000 square feet or 7 pounds per acre for optimal growth.

Sedum acre is an exceptional drought-tolerant succulent ground cover plant, perfect for growing as a low perennial in USDA zones 4 – 8. It's a stunning plant that only reaches a modest height of 2 – 3 inches, making it one of the most diminutive ground covers available to purchase. The plant has beautiful, bright, yellow flowers that make it a delight to behold.

This variety of Sedum acre goes by many common names such as goldmoss stonecrop, goldmoss sedum, biting stonecrop, or wallpepper. It's a spreading plant but is not considered to be aggressive. Its roots are relatively shallow, so if it grows in an unwanted area, it is easy to pull out and manage.

Planting this heirloom, non-GMO perennial ground cover seed is easy. For effective coverage, sow approximately 5000 seeds to cover 100 square feet. Once established, this Sedum acre variety will require minimal watering, making it an excellent choice for areas with dry conditions.

The White Dutch Clover Seed is a versatile and hardy perennial seed that serves various purposes, including erosion control, food plots, green manure crop, pasture mixtures, ground cover, and many others. It is an ideal choice for those looking to grow a low-maintenance, eco-friendly lawn alternative that is also suitable for deer food plots, erosion control, pasture mixtures, and cover crops across the country, spanning USDA zones 3 to 10.

One of the primary benefits of white clover is its ability to boost soil nitrogen levels by taking nitrogen from the air and fixing it in the soil. This process not only enriches the soil but also reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, making it a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious individuals.

To grow White Dutch Clover, one can simply broadcast the seed on the prepared soil and rake it in lightly. It is crucial to keep the clover seed consistently moist until germination occurs, which typically takes around 14 days under temperatures of 65 to 70°F.

The recommended seeding rate for White Dutch Clover is 1/4 lb to 1/2 lb per 1,000 square feet or 8 to 10 lbs per acre. With these parameters, one can expect to grow a lush, green, and nitrogen-rich ground cover that requires little maintenance and provides multiple benefits to the surrounding environment.

Introducing Summer Glory, a stunning Sedum ground cover plant that boasts succulent leaves with toothed edges that turn reddish in the fall. This creeping perennial ground cover is perfect for creating a low-growing mat that spreads wider than it grows in height, reaching only 4-6 inches in height and spreading up to 6-10 inches.

The star of the show is the bright, star-like, dark pink blossoms that appear from July through September. This Sedum Spurium Stonecrop is a vigorous grower and can thrive in a wide range of soil types – from poor to rich – as long as the soil is well-drained. It's a versatile plant that can be grown in troublesome sites, and the best part is that even deer won't bother it.

For optimal growth, it's recommended to grow Summer Glory Sedum in full sun. If growing from seeds, sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost is expected. Use small pots or flats with sterile starter mix, pre-moisten the starter mix, and sow Sedum ground cover seeds on the surface. Press the seed into the moistened soil, and do not cover it. Keep the seeds moist but not saturated until they germinate. Water from the underside of the pots or use a spray bottle and lightly mist the seeds.

Once established, Summer Glory Sedum can be divided every 3-4 years for best performance. With 1000 seeds covering approximately 20 square feet, this colorful and carefree ground cover is a must-have for any garden. Don't miss out on the opportunity to add Summer Glory to your collection and enjoy its beauty year after year.

Seed Needs is a trusted source for high-quality seeds that are guaranteed to produce beautiful, healthy plants. They offer a variety of seeds that are intended for the current and the following growing seasons, all of which are stored in a temperature-controlled facility that is free of significant amounts of moisture.

One of the many benefits of choosing Seed Needs is that they offer generous quantities of seeds. This means that you can share with friends and family or save your extra seeds until the next season, if properly stored. Their packets are also designed with the consumer in mind, as they are both beautiful and informative. The packet displays a stunning illustration of the variety to be grown, along with detailed seed sowing information on the reverse side. The packet measures 3.25” wide by 4.50” tall, making it easy to store and transport.

Seed Needs is committed to providing their customers with high-quality, non-GMO seeds. The vast majority of their seeds are open-pollinated and heirloom, with the exception of a few hybrids. This ensures that the plants grown from these seeds will be healthy, flavorful, and free from harmful chemicals.

One of the most important aspects of seed quality is germination. Seed Needs packets contain some of the freshest seed available, direct from the growers. When sown correctly, you will begin seeing results in only a matter of days. This is due to the careful handling and packaging of the seeds, which are packed in tear-resistant and moisture-resistant packaging. This ensures that the seeds remain fresh longer than the competition, allowing you to get the most out of your purchase.

Irish moss seed, also known by its Latin name Sagina Subulata, is a versatile and popular ground cover plant that thrives in either full sun or partial shade. It is a low growing plant that produces delicate white blooms during the summer months, making it a beautiful addition to any garden.

This plant is particularly unique in that it can be used as an alternative or substitute for traditional lawn cover. It is also ideal for planting in between stepping stones, creating a beautiful and practical pathway.

When planting Irish moss seed, it is important to keep the seeds continually moist until they germinate. This plant is suitable for USDA Zones 4 – 10 and will only reach a height of 2 – 3 inches when fully grown.

At Outsidepride, we are proud to offer the highest quality Irish moss seed available. Our customers love this plant, making it our most popular ground cover seed. To cover 100 square feet, we recommend sowing 5000 seeds and watching your own beautiful Irish moss plants grow.

Dichondra repens is a versatile and low-maintenance ground cover plant that can easily be established from seed. With its prostrate or creeping growth habit and circular leaves, it is a popular perennial in USDA Zones 7 – 11. This warm season fast-growing ground cover grows close to the ground, usually not exceeding 2 inches in height, and retains its striking green color even during winter temperatures as low as 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit with only slight leaf browning.

With a maximum height of only 2-3 inches, Dichondra repens is an ideal alternative to traditional lawns that require regular mowing. Its broad, almost circular leaves, which resemble clover, establish a dense carpet-like look when mowed low. It is now commonly used in many ground cover situations where normal grasses may not thrive. Its bright green color and soft feel underfoot make it a popular choice for landscaping areas that require little maintenance.

Dichondra repens, also known as Kidney Weed, Dichondra Pony Foot, or Lawn Leaf, is easy to maintain and does not require mowing when used in landscaping areas. However, when used in lawn situations, it can be mowed for an even, smooth finish. Many people use dichondra as a lawn alternative, and it can be mowed to the desired height. For the nicest appearance of dichondra, it is recommended to mow approximately every two weeks at a height of 1 1/2" – 2" during the summer months, and as low as 3/4" during the winter months.

Planting Dichondra repens is easy, requiring only 1 pound of seed per 500 square feet. These heirloom seeds are non-GMO, ensuring that you are getting a high-quality product that is both sustainable and environmentally friendly.

If you're looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance ground cover, Kenilworth Ivy might just be the perfect choice for you. With its scalloped leaves and charming lilac blooms, this plant is sure to add a touch of elegance to your garden.

One of the best things about Kenilworth Ivy is that it can thrive in full shade, making it a great option for areas of your garden that don't get a lot of sunlight. It also looks stunning when allowed to cascade down a stone wall or spill over the sides of containers.

This trailing vine is also a prolific self-sower, spreading its seeds all over the garden. To keep it more contained, it's recommended to deadhead the plant regularly. But don't worry – Kenilworth Ivy requires very little maintenance beyond regular watering and occasional trimming.

If you're interested in growing Kenilworth Ivy from seed, it's best to start indoors about 10 weeks before the last frost is expected. Use starter trays and sow the seeds on the surface of sterile soil, gently pressing them into the soil without covering them. These seeds need light to germinate.

Once the danger of frost has passed, you can transplant the young plants into your garden. Keep in mind that approximately 2000 seeds will cover 40 square feet, so plan accordingly.

Kenilworth Ivy is also known by other names such as Linaria Cymbalaria, Ivy-Leaved Toadflax, and Coliseum Ivy. With its low-maintenance nature and beautiful appearance, this ground cover is sure to be a great addition to your garden.