Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Friday - August 10, 2012
From: Greeley, CO
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Groundcovers, Shade Tolerant
Title: Groundcovers for area under blue spruce in Colorado
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a 40 ft blue spruce limbed up 6 ft in my yard on the west in Greeley, CO (50 mi N Denver, zone 4 or 5). It gets some sun underneath in the later afternoon and evening. Can you suggest 4 to 5 ground covers that might do well under the tree? Thanks.ANSWER:
Here are suggestions for groundcovers for shade/part shade that should work well under your blue spruce. All the species are known to occur in Weld County or in adjacent counties in Colorado.
Mahonia repens (Creeping barberry) is evergreen. Here is more information from Montana Plant-Life.org.
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Kinnikinnick) is evergreen. Here is more information from BluePlanetBiomes.org.
Linnaea borealis (Twinflower) is evergreen. Here is more information from Rook.org.
Paxistima myrsinites (Mountain lover) is evergreen. Here is more information from SWColoradoWildflowers.org.
The remainder of the suggestions are deciduous or, at best, semi-evergreen. They could add interest and color for the spring, summer and fall.
Achillea millefolium (Common yarrow)
Anaphalis margaritacea (Pearly-everlasting)
Aquilegia caerulea (Colorado blue columbine)
Aquilegia flavescens (Yellow mountain columbine)
Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry dogwood)
From the Image Gallery
More Groundcovers Questions
Ground cover for a sunny location
April 20, 2011 - Looking for Native ground cover for sunny slope in LaRue TX… I would like something that will cover year-round and flower in Spring/Summer/Fall. If it has a berry in the fall for birds and attracts bu...
view the full question and answer
Ground cover for partly sunny, wet area in Cypress, TX
March 19, 2007 - I am in need of a ground cover to plant in an area close to our entryway. The area is shady to partly sunny, holds water in rainy weather, and has a shrub border. We are in Texas. Any ideas? Thank...
view the full question and answer
Groundcover for Bonsall, CA
October 17, 2012 - I live in Bonsall, CA. (San Diego) I have 3 acres, flat and sloped that are graded dirt. (DG and sheep poop from previous owner). It is getting close to mud season and I'd like to plant winter cover...
view the full question and answer
Vinca minor and St. Augustine grass
November 22, 2009 - Will St. Augustine grass choke out vinca minor?
view the full question and answer
Ground covers for a shady spot in central Texas
February 23, 2016 - I reside in Austin, Texas and need advice on my xeriscaping project. Portions of my front yard have always been a challenge to get grass to grow, so I have xeriscaped that area with Fairland Pink gran...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |