Flowering Groundcovers: A Fall Planting

Perennial groundcovers are delightful. The term groundcover can apply to almost any low-growing plant, other than turfgrass, and they typically have a sprawling or slow-spreading growth habit.

Groundcovers are useful for a variety of things. They provide excellent erosion control, can fill in awkward spaces in the garden, can reduce garden maintenance by suppressing weeds, are effective ways to line paths, walkways, and garden beds, and can provide pollinator habitat.

In this article, we’ll talk about planting groundcovers in the fall; why it’s a great time of year for most climates, some things to consider when choosing groundcovers for your garden, and some excellent choices to get you started.

Let’s dive in.

Why Fall?

Fall is an excellent time to plant groundcovers because although air temperatures are dropping, the soil is still quite warm. These milder growing conditions provide a great opportunity for plants to establish themselves.

Exactly when in fall is best to plant depends on your climate and what you are planting. Perhaps the most crucial thing is leaving enough time for your perennial groundcovers to establish before any major frosts or ground freezes. Winter frost heaving could lift plants out of the ground or damage their tender roots.

You can use the Planter App to track your frost dates and help you know when to plant.

Why not Fall?

For some regions, fall may not be a good time to plant perennial groundcovers, and waiting until spring may be preferable.

Some groundcovers are also more sensitive to winter conditions, particularly when they are newly planted. Heavy snowfall or prolonged snow cover can place additional stress on young plants, while very cold climates may not provide enough time for them to establish before winter arrives.

If you’re having an abnormally dry fall, unless you can reliably provide supplemental irrigation, plants may struggle to establish before winter arrives, reducing their ability to overwinter.

Plant Considerations

When choosing a perennial groundcover, consider both the characteristics you want and the growing conditions it will face. Groundcovers can vary wildly in height, color, texture, spread, growth rate, hardiness, and tolerance of shade or sun.

Similarly, what are the conditions in your planting area? Is it dry, very sunny, damp, or warmer than the rest of your garden? Also consider the purpose of the groundcover. Are you looking for something very dense to suppress weeds, or perhaps something with good wear tolerance for a path?

Considering all of these factors together will help you find the most suitable groundcovers for you.

Some Great Groundcovers

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Creeping phlox is a sun-loving plant with beautiful flowers that can be pink, purple, red, white, or blue, with plenty of in-between shades. It forms a dense carpet, so it’s good for weed suppression, and is perhaps best suited for slopes and rocky areas; it’s really good at filling in spaces.

Once established, it’s very drought-tolerant, although it will need regular watering during its first year. During hot summers, give it a good soak when the soil has dried out, particularly during prolonged periods without rain. It prefers well-draining, sandier soils and will tolerate a range of climates.

Sedum (Sedum spp.)

There are many different types of sedum, with species native across much of the Northern Hemisphere. They range from low-growing groundcovers that form dense mats to taller, more upright plants, with a wide variety of colors, textures, and flowers. Some of the most familiar types include stonecrop, which is great for sunny, dry areas.

Sedums are generally tough, drought-tolerant plants that are well suited to rocky or sandy soils and areas with good drainage. Their succulent leaves allow them to store water, helping them to manage unpredictable weather.

The exact growing requirements vary considerably between species and varieties, so make sure to choose a type suited to your climate and planting location.

Wild Ginger (Asarum Spp.)

This shade-loving groundcover thrives in rich, consistently moist, well-draining soil. It spreads by rhizomes, but is not an aggressive spreader, making it easy to manage.

There are species native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It forms an overlapping mat that, while not very dense, will suppress weeds. The plant will produce small flowers when conditions are right.

This groundcover is not very drought-tolerant, so it will generally do best in climates with regular moisture. Dead foliage can be pulled in the spring, and plants can be divided in the fall to create new plants from the rhizomes. The leaves and roots smell like ginger when they are crushed or rubbed, however the flowers can smell unpleasant, like musty fruit, up close. The scent from the flowers attracts pollinators, though thankfully it’s usually not strong enough to be unpleasant to humans.

Creeping thyme can tolerate moderate foot traffic; however, it is not a replacement for a lawn or other heavy-use groundcover, and frequent traffic can damage it.

One thing to keep in mind is that creeping thyme can become leggy after about three to five years. Individual sections may die back or become woody. Healthy sections can continue to spread and reroot along the ground, allowing the plant to renew itself over time.

Note on groundcovers:

Groundcovers work really well when they are paired with other groundcovers. Look for plants that complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses, such as bloom time, hardiness, water needs, height, and care requirements.

Preparing for Winter

Once your groundcovers are planted, a little extra care can help them make it through their first winter. Keep newly planted groundcovers watered while they are establishing, particularly if fall conditions are dry. As temperatures drop and the plants begin to slow their growth or go dormant, you can gradually reduce watering, but avoid allowing the soil to become excessively dry before winter.

A light layer of mulch and leaf litter can also help protect young roots from temperature fluctuations and reduce moisture loss. In colder climates, mulch can help reduce frost heaving, which can lift newly planted groundcovers out of the soil. Avoid piling mulch directly against the plants, as this can encourage rot and other problems.

Wrapping Up

From bare spaces to beautiful blooms, perennial groundcovers are a great way to complete your garden. There’s a groundcover for almost every type of space, from deep shade to full sun. Finding the right one for your space will help your garden to thrive, and there are abundant resources available to help you choose, from university extensions to local plant groups.