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Re: [SHADEGARDENS] Groundcovers for shady areas

At 03:25 PM 2/21/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Can anyone recommend a groundcover which will grow well in my
>shady yard in Maryland?  Periwinkle (vinca) was suggested by a
>friend.
>
>Elaine

I have substantial stands of Vinca Minor (Myrtle), Pachysandra, and
Euonymus Coloratus growing in my yard.  They are all evergreen, which I
consider a distinct benefit.  The Pachysandra is slower growing than the
other two, but will tolerate a very shady location.  Euonymus is faster
growing than either Pachysandra or Myrtle.  Myrtle is the only one with
flowers (blue "phlox-like" flowers in Spring).  All three can be easily
started by layering cuttings in moist soil.  Depending on how much room you
have, I would suggest planting more than one variety of groundcover.  One
final note, if you have deer (which I do).  In my yard, deer don't touch
Pachysandra or Mrytle, but they do like Euonymus (though Spring growth
quickly overcomes any deer damage).

Pete Postlewaite
IL, zone 5
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