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Ground covers are valuable landscape plants. They cover hilly or rocky terrain, thrive in poor soil conditions, and cover those hard to plant areas. Many ground covers are vines or evergreens that either do not produce flowers or only bloom in pale, pastel shades. If you are looking for vivid color that will add punch to your landscape, consider any species of red ground cover.
Red Verbena is one of the most prolific, hardy, and brightly hued red ground covers. This perennial plant grows in a thick mat of foliage 6” – 10” high. Verbena is a quick grower, averaging three square feet of growth per season and usually will bloom in its first season. It prefers full sun and well drained soil and will easily tolerate heat, and drought conditions. It produces 3” bright crimson red blooms from late spring to mid fall. Disease and pest resistant, it also attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
If you’re looking for a red ground cover that will tolerate partial shade, look to the Red Mountain Ice Plant. A member of the hardy and vigorous ice plant family of perennials, Red Mountain is a low growing mat of silvery green foliage that enjoys full sun to partial shade and rich, well-drained soil. Only 2” tall, it flowers with bright red daisy-like blooms in mid spring and will continue to bloom throughout the summer. It is an excellent choice for rock gardens, along walkways, or as an underplanting for taller plants and shrubs. Since it is a succulent, it is extremely drought tolerant and works particularly well in xeriscape landscaping.
If you are interested in a red ground cover that can tolerate some foot traffic, then Creeping Red Thyme is what you need. Creeping Red thyme is a low growing ground cover that reaches 6” or less in height. It prefers full sun and will spread rapidly. This herb perennial works well as filler between stepping stones, and as an edging along walkways and paths. It features bright green foliage and produces small red flowers during the summer months. When stepped on, it produces a fragrant thyme aroma. It thrives in poor soil conditions and is extremely drought tolerant.
Red ground covers are a handy solution for those hard to plant areas of your yard. They provide all the components of traditional ground covers such as dense coverage, and plants that are tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soil conditions. Plus, they have the added benefit of turning drab underused corners of your landscape into vivid explosions of color and texture. Don’t just cover up trouble areas; turn them into focal points with any red ground cover.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about landscape gardening and gardening articles at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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