Ivydene Gardens Plants: Ground-Cover Plant Name: H
The process below provides a uniform method for comparing every plant detailed in the following galleries with the ones already compared in the relevant plant gallery from the last list of plant galleries in this cell:-

• These are the galleries that will provide the plants to be added to their own Extra Index Pages
• Bee plants for hay-fever sufferers - Bee-Pollinated Index
• Plants that grow in Chalk - A,
• Rock Garden and Alpine Flowers - A,
• Bulbs from the Infill Galleries see Hardy Bulbs, Half-hardy Bulbs, etc in the second row of Topic Table, usually positioned as the first table on the left.
• The complete Camera Photo is displayed on the screen
• Climber in 3 Sector Vertical Plant System
• Plants with Sense of Fragrance

The following Extra Index of Wildflowers is created in the Borage Wildflower Gallery, to which the Wildflowers found in the above list will have that row entry copied to.
Its wildflower flower thumbnail - or foliage thumbnail if it does not have flowers - will be compared with the others in that gallery per month.
The Header Row for the Extra Indices pages is the same as used in this 1000 Ground Cover A of Plants Topic:-
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, XYZ

Having transferred the Extra Index row entry to the relevant Extra Index row for the same type of plant in a gallery below; then
its flower or foliage thumbnail will be compared per month in that relevant gallery:-

• Aquatic
• Bamboo
• Bedding
• Bulb
• Conifer - Conifers have no flowers and are used for their foliage and cones
• Deciduous Shrub
• Deciduous Tree
• Evergreen Perennial
• Evergreen Shrub
• Evergreen Tree
• Fern - Ferns have no flowers and are used for their foliage
• Grass - Grass is used for its grass inflorescence and foliage
• Hedging
• Herbaceous Perennial
• Herb
• Odds and Sods
• Rhododendron, Azalea and Camellia
• Soft Fruit
• Top Fruit
• Vegetable
• Wild Flower

The plants normally selected by most landscapers and designers are by nature low-growing, rampant, spreading, creep-crawly things and yet the concept of ground cover demands no such thing. The ideal description of a groundcover plant includes:-

• a bold dense mass of leaves completely covering the ground most of the year; evergreens gain gold stars.
• They should require little or no maintenance - if you have to give the plant more than its share of attention, you might as well save your money and spend the time weeding.
• use the plant on ground areas that are difficult to maintain, such as steep banks or boggy patches.
• use the plant to cover areas where not much will grow, such as deep shade or sandy soils.

Ground Cover a thousand beautiful plants for difficult places by John Cushnie (ISBN 1 85626 326 6) provides details of plants that fulfill the above requirements.

Using these groundcover plants in your planting scheme (either between your trees/shrubs in the border or for the whole border) will - with mulching your beds to a 4 inch depth and an irrigation system - provide you with a planted garden with far less time required for border maintenance.

Wildflower Flower Shape and Landscape Uses gallery provides Landscaping List by Use pages which include some of these ground-cover plants. Landscaping with Perennials by Emily Brown. 5th printing 1989 by Timber Press. ISBN 0-88192-063-0 provides the planting site pages for perennials, which include most plant types except Annuals and Biennials.

Plants for Dry Gardens by Jane Taylor. Published by Frances Lincoln Limited in 1993. ISBN 0-7112-0772-0. Jane Taylor and her husband grew plants in their garden of 2.5 acres of acidic shale mine waste on ground most of which could not retain water or nutrients and would scarcely sustain even the most tenacious of weeds.
A typical British garden with its flowery borders and green lawns needs the equivalent of 1 (2.5 cms) of rain every 10 days to look its best. By choosing from the plants in the above book, canny gardeners will quickly learn to give their gardens the best chance of looking respectable even through prolonged dry spells.
Start by improving your soil in your garden by studying the diagram showing the interaction between clay, organic matter, silt and sand to make soil and then follow the advice on how to improve your clay, chalk or sandy soil lower down the same page; before reading how you can provide the soil nutrients, including those for clay soil.
Then, choose your plants from:-

• Trees and Shrubs to form the framework,
• Palms and Cycads,
• Conifers,
• Climbers to provide backdrops, shade and cover for vertical surfaces,
• Perennials and Ephemerals for filling the garden with flower and foliage,
• Grasses for vertical outlines as foils and contrasts,
• Bulbs for companion, underplanting and massed display,
• Succulents and Xerophytes; and
• Dry Garden Maintenance - Starting with the Soil, Planting, Windbreaks, Lawns and Lawn Substitutes, and Irrigation Techniques.

Each ground cover plant of this 1000 has further details from her book, if it is in there.

 

Plants for Ground-Cover by Graham Stuart Thomas. Published by J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd in 1970 - reprinted (with further revisions) in 1990. ISBN 0-460-12609-1. This gives details on many more ground cover plants with inclusion (in the Index) of figures denoting the Hardiness Zones for each species in the United States of America.
 

Plant Name

Major source of honey in the UK Yes/No
Used by
HoneyBees - HB,
Short-Tongued Bumblebees - ST,
Long-Tongued Bumblebees - LT,
Solitary Bees - SOL

Type

The key ingredients a bird needs from your garden are
Shelter,
Food and
Water,
as expanded in Ground-cover Plant
Name W Page

Height x Spread in inches (cms)

Spacing distance between plants of same species in inches (cms)

Foliage

Some poisonous ground cover plants are indicated, but there are others in Cultivated Poisonous Plants and
Wildflower Poisonous Plants

Flower Colour in Month(s).

Use Pest Control using Plants to provide a Companion Plant to aid your selected groundcover plant or deter its pests

Comments

United States Department of Agriculture
Plant Hardiness Zone Map -
This map of USA is based on a range of average annual minimum winter temperatures, divided into 13 of 10-degree F zones, that this plant will thrive in USA, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
There are other Hardiness Zone Maps for the rest of the world including the one for Great Britain and Ireland of zones 7a to 10a.
Zone 5-9 indicates that the minimum zone temperature this plant will grow is 5 and top minimum zone temperature is 9 - above this number is too hot or below 5 is too cold for the plant. If your zone in your area of your country is within that range or your zone number is greater, then you can grow it in your garden.

Pruning of
Woody Plants in Groups 1 - 13 and
Herbaceous Perennials in Group 14 with
Ferns in Group 15 and
Evergreen Perennials in Group 16.
 

Halimium lasianthum
(Halimium formosum)

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 60 (90 x 150)

Grey-Green

Golden-Yellow flower with crimson blotch in
June-July

Low-spreading / creeping from Spain and Portugal. Suitable to coastal gardens. Gives a smokey-grey effect in winter.
Full Sun
Zones 8-9
Fertile, well-drained soil

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Pallida'

Deciduous Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

144 x 120 (360 x 300)

Mid-Green in Spring and Summer, Yellow in Autumn

Sulphur-
Yellow February-March

"Witch Hazel". Fragrant flowers appear on bare twigs in winter and their autumn foliage
Full Sun
Zones 4-9
fertile, moist, but well-drained, loamy, acid soil with peat and leaf-mould in it.
Plant Hamamelis in Oct-Nov. Just thin out and trim the branches in April when overcrowded.
These Hamalmelis intermedia are accent plants which can be lit by the low rays of the winter sun against a dark background of evergreen hollies or yew. They can also be associated with colour-stemmed dogwoods for winter effect, carpeted with spring bulbs and bergenias and then hardy cranesbills for summer interest.

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Jelena'

Deciduous Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

144 x 144 (360 x 360)

Bright Green in Spring and Summer, Orange, Red and Scarlet in Autumn

Coppery-Orange in
January-February

Fragrant flowers appear on bare twigs in winter and their autumn foliage
Full Sun
Zones 4-9
fertile, moist, but well-drained, loamy, acid soil

Hebe
'Autumn Glory'
(Hebe x franciscana 'Autumn Glory'

Hebe species - choose different hebes to prolong the flowering period from May-Dec
No HB, ST, LT, SOL
 

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 36 (60 x 90)

Dark Green with Red margins

Deep Purple-Blue in
August-January

There are over 100 species of Hebe native to New Zealand and nearby islands, with a couple in Chile. In warm climates they grow equally well in Full Sun or Shade; in cooler climates Full Sun is preferred. They like moist but well-drained soil and the broad-leafed types benefit from a post flowering trim. A 4 inch (10cm) mulch of chopped leaves in the autumn will protect and prevent the shallow roots from drying out.

Hebes all blend well with heathers and other shrublets. Good town plants.

Hebe 'Youngii'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

8 x 12
(20 x 30)

Dark Green, sometimes Red-margined

Violet in
July-September

Hebe
'Great Orme'

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

48 x 48 (120 x 120)

Glossy
Mid- Green

Bright Pink in August-November

Hebe brachysiphon 'White Gem'

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 36 (90 x 90)

Mid to Dark Green

White in August

Hebe
'James Stirling'

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 24 (60 x 60)

Ochre-Gold Yellow

White in
May-June

Hebe 'Pagei'

Evergreen Shrub below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

8 x 30
(20 x 75)

Grey

White in
May-June

Hebe x franciscana

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 36 (90 x 90)

Dark Green

Hebe x franciscana 'Blue Gem'
(Hebe latifolia)

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 48 (60 x 120)

Mid-Green

Violet-Blue in
July-December

Spreading shrub.
Full Sun
Zones 8-10
Moist but well-drained soil

Hebe x franciscana 'Variegata'

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 36 (90 x 90)

Dull Dark Green broadly margined Creamy-White

Purple in
July-November

Hedera canariensis

Evergreen Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

144 x indefinite (360 x indefinite)

Glossy Bright Green

Yellowish-Green in
October-November

"Canary Island Ivy, North African Ivy". Black, Orange or Yellow fruits are valuable winter food source for birds. Suitable for a sheltered wall, which is not part of a house (non-building wall). It spreads / creeps rapidly, rooting as it goes.

All Hedera are Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.

Ivies are marvellous as ground-covering plants in that they are all evergreen and the ability to take over any site. While they prefer an alkaline soil, they are prepared to put up with just about any conditions short of a waterlogged bog.
The following ivies will grow in dense shade or sun, so long as the soil does not become too baked and dry. Most of them grow in part shade. The most effective rampageous cover is found in Hedera helix hibernica; it is far effective than Hedera helix, though this in its many forms if well grown and encouraged to thicken by pinching out the growing tips becomes dense after a few years.

The whole plant of Hedera is poisonous.

Hedera colchica

Evergreen Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

360 x 180 (900 x 450)

Dark Green

Yellowish-Green in
October-November

"Bullock's Heart Ivy, Persian Ivy". Hedera colchica with its 2 cultivars below are suitable for a dry soil garden.
Black, Orange or Yellow fruits are valuable winter food source for birds. Suitable for ground cover or for a large non-building wall.
Small-leaved ivies (hedera) make handsome hanging plants indoors. Several containers staggered at different heights can provide privacy or eliminate an unattractive view. Hang some inside and outside the same window to create a sense of depth.
Let a variety of Vincas tumble out of pots tucked into the drawers of an old chest or worktable.
Pot some honeysuckle (Lonicera) and hang it outdoors to create a living hummingbird feeder.
When used as ground cover then underplant with bulbs such as lilies or narcissi. In dark corners its variegated foliage forms can be underplanted with colchicums and autumn-flowering crocuses. Grown across a carpet of Erica x darleyensis 'Arthur Johnson', the bright foliage variegation of Hedera colchica 'Sulphur Heart' can add a sparkle in winter.

Hedera colchica
'Dentata Variegata'

Evergreen Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

180 x 120 (450 x 300)

Light Green, mottled Grey-Green, and broadly margined Creamy-White

Yellowish-Green in
October-November

"Ivy".
Black, Orange or Yellow fruits are valuable winter food source for birds. Suitable for ground cover or for a large non-building wall.

Ivies can be used as a lawn substitute, carpeting beneath shade trees, and protective covering of slopes, - it can also climb anything.

Hedera colchica 'Sulphur Heart'

Evergreen Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

180 x 120 (450 x 300)

Mid-Green , suffused with Creamy-Yellow

Yellowish-Green in
October-November

"Ivy".
Black, Orange or Yellow fruits are valuable winter food source for birds. Good for a non-building wall.

Ivies can be trained over topiary forms to create an umbrella tree, christmas wreath, a cone-shaped christmas tree or other shape in a pot. These pots can then be plunged in the bedding area during the summer to provide height to the arrangement. Recommended cultivars are 'Hahn's', 'Maple Queen', 'California', 'California Gold', 'Golde Heart' and 'Glacier'.

Hedera helix
'Green Ripple'

Yes HB, ST, SOL
Excellent source of nectar and pollen for bees to use for the hive's winter stores of both honey and pollen.

Evergreen Climber 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

72 x 120 (180 x 300)

Mid-Green

Yellowish-Green in
October-November

"Common Ivy". Hedera helix - zone 5 - with its cultivars are reasonably drought tolerant, even in desert conditions, so suitable for dry garden soil.
Black, Orange or Yellow fruits are valuable winter food source for birds. Good for a non-building wall.

It is the last important nectar and honey plant of the season to be available to honeybees. In mild winters, fresh flowers may be found on the plants right up to Christmas. Annual clipping is necessary to keep it in trim; mid-summer is the best time for this.

The ivy bee (Colletes hederae) almost always restricts its pollen foraging to any ivy, so this plant is essential to it.

Hedera helix is poisonous to cattle, dogs, sheep and humans. Purplish-black berries are bitter and acrid; strong emetic. Plant contains a glucoside called hederine, which makes the mouth sore. Hormones from its roots can suppress and even kill competing shrubs such as yew.

Hedera helix
'Ivalace'

No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Evergreen Climber 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 48 (90 x 120)

Dark Green

Yellowish-Green in
October-November

"Ivy".
Black, Orange or Yellow fruits are valuable winter food source for birds. Excellent all-round ivy for a low non-building wall, or as ground cover.

Hedera hibernica

Evergreen Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

360 x 240 (900 x 600)

Dark Green

Yellowish-Green in
October-November

"Irish Ivy" is one of the most valuable for large-scale ground cover, even on dry garden soil.
Black, Orange or Yellow fruits are valuable winter food source for birds. Usefull for a non-building wall or as fast-growing ground cover. It just loves the shade.

Hedysarum coronarium

Hedysarum species including Hedysarum hedysariodes (Alpine French Honeysuckle)
No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Biennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 24 (90 x 60)

Mid-Green

Very Fragrant Deep Red pea flowers in long racemes in
April-June on 36 (90) high stems

"French Honeysuckle". Sweetly scented flowers for the back of a border, attracting butterflies and making good cut flowers.
Full Sun
Zone 4
Light sandy or chalky dry soil. Avoid disturbing plant once established. Food for honey bees in southern Europe, and may be found naturalized along chalky motorway banks. From the western Mediterranean and Italy. Plant out in permanent position in March.

Helenium
'Bressingham Gold'

Helenium species keep company with goldenrod and Michaelmas daisy for autumn flowering and help to build up stores for the winter.
No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 24 (90 x 60)

Mid-Green

Gold, Crimson and Brown in
August-September

"Sneezeweed". A good cut flower. Clump-forming.
Full Sun
Zone 3
rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. From damp grassland, streamsides and woodland edges in North and Central America.

Companions - crocosmia, rudbeckia, achillea, artemisia, monarda, solidago, tall grasses, phlox, anthemis

Helianthemum apenninum

Helianthemum species, who only open their flowers in bright sunny weather.
No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Evergreen Alpine below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

16 x 24 (40 x 60)

Grey-Green

White with Yellow anthers in
June-August

"Rock Rose, Sun Rose".
Sun roses do very well in rock gardens, either cascading over and around rocks or tucked into pockets.

The single flowers may only last a morning, since most kinds drop their petals by early afternoon and are useful to bees.
The double-flowered forms 'Mrs Earl', 'Jubilee' and 'Butter and Eggs' remain in beauty until evening, but are no use to bees.

White and pink cultivars blend with alpine pinks and glaucous foliage.

Helianthemum
'Rhodanthe Carneum'
(Helianthemum 'Wisley Pink')

Evergreen Alpine below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 18 (30 x 45)

Silver-Grey

Pale Pink in
June-August

In sunny, well-drained gardens, these helianthemum make good ground-cover, so long as they are open to the wind and not allowed to collect dead leaves around them in winter. In cold districts they are apt to be killed in winter, particularly when old.

Helianthemum
'Wisley Primrose'

Evergreen Alpine below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 18 (30 x 45)

Grey-Green

Pale Primrose-Yellow with deep Golden-Yellow centres in
June-August

One of the best of the Rock Roses, quickly spreading / creeping over the ground.

Yellow-flowered cultivars make good contrasts with blue - prostrate ceanothus and flaxes.

Helianthus annuus

Helianthus species
No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Annual above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

160 x 24 (150 x 60)

Mid to Dark Green

Yellow ray-florets and Brown disc florets in
August-September

"Sunflower". Clump-forming.
Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.
Full Sun
Fertile, well-drained chalk soil

Helianthus companions - arundo donax, rudbeckia, aster, solidago, miscanthus, cortaderia selloana.

Helianthus x multiflorus

The flower doubles of Helianthus x multiflorus are more spectacula but no use to bees.

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

72 x 36 (180 x 90)

Dark Green

Yellow-Brown in
September-November

"Sunflower". Clumps should be top-dressed annually with garden compost, and divided every 3 or 4 years in spring to maintain vigour or to control spread.
Full Sun
Zone 3-9
Fertile, well-drained chalk soil

Helianthus x multiflorus
'Loddon Gold'

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 36 (150 x 90)

Dark Green

Rich Yellow in
September-November

"Sunflower". Clumps should be top-dressed annually with garden compost, and divided every 3 or 4 years in spring to maintain vigour or to control spread.
Good cut flower
Full Sun
Zone 3-9
Fertile, well-drained chalk soil

Helichrysum italicum subsp. serotinum

Evergreen Perennial below 2 feet

6 x 6
(15 x 15)

Silvery-Grey needle leaves

Clusters of Bright Yellow in
June-August

Smells of curry which seems stronger after a shower of rain.
All Helichrysums can be used for Flower Arranging - see other Flower Arranging Plants and plants with scented flowers.

Helichrysum splendidum
(Helichrysum alveolatum, Helichrysum trileatum)

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

48 x 48 (120 x 120)

Three-veined, Silvery-Grey leaves

Dark Yellow in
September-October

Dense shrub from mountains of Africa from Ethiopia to the Cape. It should be kept compact by regular pruning.

Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.
Full Sun
Zones 7-10
Gritty, well-drained soil that is not too fertile.

Heliopsis helianthoides

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

48 x 24 (120 x 60)

Mid-Green

Yellow in
August-October

Clump-forming, long-blooming and a good cut flower.
Full Sun
Zone 4-9
Fertile, well-drained soil. Native to Canada, mid- and eastern USA and Mexico.

Companions - Helenium, aster, phlox (white), monarda, late salvias, smaller miscanthus, solidago.

Heliopsis helianthoides
'Light of Loddon'

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

42 x 24 (105 x 60)

Dark Green

Bright Yellow in
August-October

Clump-forming, long-blooming and a good cut flower.
Full Sun
Zone 4-9
Fertile, well-drained soil.

Cut heliopsis back to the ground in winter and top-dress with organic matter. Divide every 2-4 years to mantain vigour.

Helleborus argutifolius
(Helleborus corsicus)

Helleborus species
No HB, ST, SOL

Deciduous Rhizome Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

48 x 36 (120 x 90)

Dark Green

Pale Green in
March-April

"Corsican Hellebore" has strong 24 (60) stems that bear only leaves in their first year, with flowers appearing in their second season, after which they die away to make room for the next generation of stems. The tripartite leaves are grey-green and subprickly along their margins; the flowers, held in sheaves, are nodding jade-green cups opening early in the year. Seedlings often appear around the parent plant.
It is short-lived and self-sows. Replace by seedlings after 4 or 5 years.
All Helleborus are Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.
Propagate by division in February or March, but do not split into clumps of less than 5 to 6 crowns. Plant out 18 inches (45) apart. Top dress annually after flowering, and in summer and autumn gives doses of weak liquid manure.
Full Sun
Zone 6-9
Well-drained dry soil.

Helleborus companions - viola, primula, ferns, hosta, polygonatum, arum, corydalis, ulmonaria, oxalis, galanthus and other spring bulbs, brunnera; helleborus foetidus and helleborus argutifolius look best on their own; plant helleborus niger in among a groundcover or mulch so the flowers stay clean.

Helleborus foetidus

Deciduous Rhizome Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

30 x 18 (75 x 45)

Very Dark Green

Small, Green bells, maroon edged in
February-May

nodding, with the flowers in sprays

"Stinking Hellebore". Needs more alkaline soil and sun but avoid intense sun, self-sows. Can only be raised from seed.
Part Shade, preferably moist rather than dry
Zone 6-9
Well-drained chalk soil.

Helleborus are long-lived perennials for deep rich soil, preferably in Part or Full Shade, with lime or without. They thrive on old manure and compost. Ideal for growing under deciduous shrubs

An essential element of the winter garden, since it produces leafy stems one season that bear flowers the next, before dying. It associates well with bergenias, evergreen heucheras, ground-covering ivies, Euonymus fortunei cultivars, fatshederas, sarcoccas, galax, snowdrops, Crocus tomassasinianus variants and winter aconites.

Helleborus niger

Evergreen Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 12 (30 x 30)

Dark Green

White in
January-April

"Christmas Rose". Long blooming, but slugs are a problem. Slugs are deterred by Lithocarpus densiflorus, rosemarinus officinalis, helleborus niger, artemesia absinthum, or
artemesia frigida (see Pest Control using Plants).
Part Shade
Zone 4-8
Deep, humus-rich, well-drained moist limy (chalky) soil. Do not like dry soil. Prone to blackspot.

Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose) is fatal to humans and cattle. Helleborus niger contains protoanemonin, or ranunculin, which has an acrid taste and can cause burning of the eyes, mouth and throat, oral ulceration, gastroenteritis and hematemesis.

Helleborus orientalis

Deciduous Rhizome Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

18 x 18 (45 x 45)

Deep Green

White in
February-May

"Lenten Rose". Long blooming and long-lived. Clump-forming.
Part Shade
Zone 4-9
Well-drained soil.

When using helleborus as a cut flower, pierce up and down the stem with a pin and soak for several hours or overnight in the bathtub or kitchen sink (lay them in the water). Now they are ready for arranging and should last at least 2 weeks. All parts are poisonous.

Hemerocallis 'Aquamarine'

Registered names of Hemerocallis exceed 30,000, so you have plenty of choice

Evergreen Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

28 x 24 (70 x 60)

Dark Green

Lavender-Blue in
July

"Day Lily" will also grow in dry soil.
Hemerocallis prefer Full Sun of 4-6 hours in the morning - grown in full shade unlikely to grow flowers.
All Hemerocallis are Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.
Zone 5
Moist, well-drained soil.

Daylilies make excellent cut flowers. Choose a stem with several ready-to-bloom buds. In the house the buds will open, one per day, lasting only one day.

Hemerocallis companions - grasses, crocosmia, nepeta, geranium, polygonum, persicaria; the summer border.
The American Hemerocallis Society has only got another 89,000 registered cultivars so there is hardly any choice.

Hemerocallis
'Catherine Woodbury'

Evergreen Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

30 x 24 (75 x 60)

Dark Green

Light Lavender-Pink in
August-September

"Day Lily" are an excellent example of how a clump-forming plant, with long grassy leaves, can be an effective groundcover and create a pleasant contrast to other greenery. By the end of March many kinds have produced sheafs of bright light green, welcome at daffodil time. Beautiful, fragrant lily-like flowers, borne in clusters. The dead leaves should be left on the ground in winter for effective cover.
Hemerocallis prefer Full Sun of 4-6 hours in the morning - grown in full shade unlikely to grow flowers.
Zone 5
Moist, well-drained soil.

Hemerocallis
'Mini Pearl'

Evergreen Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

16 x 16 (40 x 40)

Glossy Dark Green

Pink-flushed White in
July-August

"Day Lily".
Hemerocallis prefer Full Sun of 4-6 hours in the morning - grown in full shade unlikely to grow flowers.
Zone 5
Moist, well-drained soil.

Hepatica nobilis

Semi-Evergreen Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

4 x 6
(10 x 15)

Mid-Green

White, Pink or Blue in
April

Clump-forming in woodland slopes in North America, Europe and Asia. New leaves appear after flowers
Part Shade
Zone 4-8
Well-drained soil containing plenty of humus. Mulch annually in autumn with fine leafmould, fine composted bark or well-rotted garden compost. These plants do not like being moved.

Companions - anemone nemorosa, helleborus, omphalodes, trillium, primula, ferns, erythronium; the spring woodland garden

Hesperis matronalis

No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Herbaceous Biennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

30 x 24 (75 x 60)

Dark Green

Clove-scented, White in
June-August

"Sweet Rocket, Dame's Violet". Naturalized by hedgerows, rivers and woods. Self-sows.
Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.
Full Sun, Part Shade
Zone 4-9
Most soils; including chalk and dry soils

Companions - alchemilla, lupinus, lunaria rediviva, euphorbia, tulips, tall alliums, digitalis purpurea, smyrnium. leave seedheads on to ripen (takes a long time), or cut back for repeat bloom before they set seed.

Heuchera
'Green Ivory'

Heuchera species
No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Evergreen Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

30 x 30 (75 x 75)

Dark Green

Green in
July

"Alum Root, Coralbells".

Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.
Light Shade which is not dry in the spring. Plant in early autumn.
Zone 4-9
Fertile, well-drained, alkaline soil - chalk or sand

Heuchera companions - artemisia, hemerocallis, ferns, hosta, geum, smaller geraniums, campanula, carex (especially the gold and orange forms), astilbe, rodgersia, spring bulbs, scilla, muscari, smaller iris, galanthus. Heucheras can suffer weevils which are normally repelled by nepeta cataria or allium sativum planted amongst them.

Heuchera flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and last for 14 days in water. The leaves are excellent in arrangements and last from 4 to 6 weeks. If a number of different heucheras are grown in the same garden, they are likely to cross with each other and so not come true from seed.

A distinctive ground cover for small areas. They are good edging plants for perennial borders in which roses, delphiniums, peonies and similar plants grow.

Heuchera
'Red Spangles'

Evergreen Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

20 x 10 (50 x 25)

Dark Green marbled with Pale Green

Scarlet-Crimson in
July-September

Light Shade which is not dry in the spring. Plant in early autumn.
Zone 4
Fertile, well-drained, alkaline soil - chalk or sand

Heuchera micrantha
'Palace Purple'

Evergreen Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

18 x 18 (45 x 45)

Deep Purple

White in
June-August

This makes clumps, but if planted fairly closely together knit into a carpet.
Light Shade which is not dry in the spring. Plant in early autumn.
Zone 4
Fertile, well-drained, alkaline soil - chalk or sand.

This plant associates well with late spring bedding, providing a foil for late-flowering narcissi, tulips, hyacinths, wallflowers, epimediums and erythroniums. Exciting contrasts can be made with silver-leaved plants, or yellow-green foliage and flowers.
Plants can be left for 3-4 years before division is necessary. This should be done in early autumn, when pieces of vigorous stem quickly form new roots and become established before the onset of winter.

Heuchera x Heucherella alba 'Bridget Bloom'

Evergreen Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

16 x 12 (40 x 30)

Mid-Green

White in
May-November

Excellent Ground cover. Clump-forming.
Light Shade with cool soil that does not get dry in spring suits it best.
Zone 4-9
Well-drained neutral sandy soil. High soil fertility will give much better growth and longer life.

x heucherella companions - viola, arisarum, arum, smaller bulbs, helleborus, geranium, brunnera, dicentra, hosta, polygonum; a good plant for colour contrast or echo.
Slugs are deterred by Lithocarpus densiflorus, rosemarinus officinalis, helleborus niger, artemesia absinthum, or artemesia frigida (see Pest Control
using Plants).
Weevils are normally repelled by nepeta cataria or allium sativum planted amongst the heucherellas.

Heuchera x Heucherella tiarelloides

Evergreen Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

18 x 18 (45 x 45)

Light Green

Pink in
May-July

Excellent Ground cover. Stoloniferous. Steadily creeping mound.
Light Shade with cool soil that does not get dry in spring suits it best. 'Bridget Bloom' is a richer coloured counterpart to this one.
Zone 4-9
Well-drained neutral sandy soil. High soil fertility will give much better growth and longer life.

Hibiscus syriacus
'Blue Bird'

Hibiscus syriacus which are 'Single- flowered'
No HB, ST, LT

Deciduous Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

120 x 84 (300 x 210)

Dark Green

Bright Blue in
August-October

May suffer from aphids, mealybugs and white fly.

"Blue Hibiscus, Rose of Sharon". From temperate Asia. Prune to shape in the first 2 years of growth, trimming lightly thereafter to mantain compact form.
Full Sun
Zones 5-10
Slightly acid, well-drained soil. Water regularly and feed during the flowering period. Trim after flowering to mantain shape.

Hibiscus syriacus companions include Hydrangea paniculata, Hydrangea macrophylla, late-flowering lilies, ceanothus, lespedezas, Elsholtzias and fuchias. These larger plants can be draped with late-flowering climbers such as Viticella or Texensis clematis.
 

Hibiscus syriacus
'Hamabo'

Deciduous Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

120 x 84 (300 x 210)

Dark Green

Pink and Crimson in
August-October

"Tree Hollyhock".

Hibiscus syriacus comes into leaf very late, and in areas where the summers are short it may not manage to open its flowers before the frosts of autumn; so pot it and put it in a conservatory or frost-free greenhouse.

Hibiscus syriacus
'William R Smith'

Deciduous Shrub above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

120 x 84 (300 x 210)

Dark Green

White in
August-October

Plant the hibiscus hardy sorts in sandy loam in March in a sheltered position in sun or shade. Do not prune, merely keep in shape by "stopping" and by removing dead blooms in March.

Hippophae rhamnoides

Deciduous Tree above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

156 x 84 (390 x 210)

Narrow, Silvery-Grey leaves

Yellow in
April

"Sea Buckthorn". Bushy arching habit found along the coast or river banks and in sandy woodlands within Asia and northern Europe. Very narrow silvery green leaves with paler insides appear after the flowers
Full Sun
Zones 2-9
tolerates dry or very sandy soil. If male and female plants are grown together, the females bear showy bright orange berries which remain long on the branches, as they are unappetizing to birds.

Their impact is enhanced by association with other fruiting or autumn-colouring shrubs, such as berberis, pyracanthas, amelanchiers, deciduous euonymus and smoke bush.

Horminum pyrenaicum

Deciduous Rhizome Alpine below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

8 x 12
(20 x 30)

Glossy Dark Green

Dark Violet-Blue in
July-September

"Dragon-s Mouth, Pyrenean Dead Nettle". Shiny, leathery leaves that form basal rosettes.

Hosta
'August Moon'

Herbaceous Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

20 x 30 (50 x 75)

Pale Green becoming Golden-Yellow

Greyish-White in
July-September

"Plantain Lily, Funkia".

All Hosta are Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.
Needs some indirect sun or morning sun for its foliage to remain yellow
Zone 3-9
Cool, moist soil mulched with leafmould or well-rotted cow manure in the summer only

Hosta companions - ferns, bulbs, astilbe, dicentra, hemerocallis, iris, grasses, helleborus, hakonechloa, luzula, geranium, polygonatum, primula. Good alone as a container plant: police for slugs, feed them on a regular basis with a water-soluble, mixable fertiliser - they make fantastic show plants.
Japanese maples and berberis are an excellent background for this hosta.

Hosta
'Big Daddy'

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 36 (60 x 90)

Grey-Blue

Greyish-White in
July

Ground Cover. Very floriferous, robust, big plant. Slug-resistant, heavily corrugated foliage.
Needs some indirect sun or morning sun for its foliage
Zone 3-9
Cool, moist soil mulched with leafmould or well-rotted cow manure in the summer only.

The different colour of leaves of Hostas are almost indispensable for flower arranging.

Companion - Behind dramatic clumps of this puckered foliage can be contrastingly golden-green, lacily divided, shuttlecock fern Atteuccia struthiopteris, which spreads to develop a network of roots throwing up elegant ostrich fern fronds.

Hosta
'Blue Umbrellas'

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 36 (90 x 90)

Blue-Green

Greyish-White in
August

Ground Cover. Fast grower, big plant
Needs some indirect sun or morning sun for its foliage
Zone 3-9
Cool, moist soil mulched with leafmould or well-rotted cow manure in the summer only.

Hostas make superb plants for containers. A mature hosta carries an enormous amount of foliage and this foliage loses a great deal of moisture. So why not use Amberol Self Watering Planters in your garden, where you can top up every day. Besides the big hostas many of the smallest cultivars can be sited by doorways or on shady patios where they can be appreciated at close quarters.

Hosta
'Golden Tiara'

Herbaceous Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 20 (30 x 50)

Mid-Green

Deep Purple in
July-September

Ground Cover. Vigorous. Use for edging.
Needs some indirect sun or morning sun
Zone 3-9
Cool, moist soil mulched with leafmould or well-rotted cow manure in the summer only

Hosta
'Ground Master'

Deciduous Stolon Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

10 x 22 (25 x 55)

Matt, Olive-Green

Purple in
July-September

Ground Cover. Prostrate, good en masse, vigorous.
Needs some indirect sun or morning sun for its foliage
Zone 3-9
Cool, moist soil mulched with leafmould or well-rotted cow manure in the summer only

Hosta 'Halycon'

Herbaceous Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

15 x 28 (37 x 70)

Bright Grey-Blue

Lavender-Grey in
July-September

Ground Cover. The standard blue hosta, upright, best in shade.
Needs some indirect sun or morning sun for its foliage
Zone 3-9
Cool, moist soil mulched with leafmould or well-rotted cow manure in the summer only

Slugs and snails tend to avoid those hostas with thick foliage, usually preferring plants with thinner more tender leaves. You can use Pest Control using Plants to provide a Companion Plant to aid your selected groundcover plant or deter its pests. These hostas, although not immune to slug damage, are relatively resistant:-
'Abiqua Drinking Gourd', 'Big Daddy', 'Ble Angel', 'Blue Dimples', Blue Mammoth', 'Blue Moon', 'Blue Umbrellas', 'Blue Wedgewood', 'Dorsert Blue', 'Fragrant Bouquet', 'Gold Edger', 'Gold Regal', 'Great Expectations', 'Hadspen Blue', 'Halycon', 'Invincible', 'June, 'Krossa Regal', 'Love Pat', 'Northern Exposure', 'Sagae', 'Sea lotus Leaf', 'Hosta sieboldiana and its forms, 'Spilt Milk', 'Sum and Substance', Hosta tokudama and its forms, 'Zounds'.

Hosta
'Thomas Hogg'

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

30 x 36 (75 x 90)

Green with White margins

Pale Violet in
June

Ground Cover.
Shade preferably from buildings rather than overhanging trees; in any case the plants if possible should be away from trees in towny areas as the leaves of some retain sooty deposits from drip in wet weather. This particular plant is not prone to this disadvantage.
Needs some indirect sun or morning sun for its foliage
Zone 3
Cool, moist soil mulched with leafmould or well-rotted cow manure in the summer only

Hosta
'True Blue'

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 36 (60 x 90)

Grey-Blue

Off-White in
August

Ground Cover. Keeps colour well in sun.
Needs some indirect sun or morning sun for its foliage
Zone 3-9
Cool, moist soil mulched with leafmould or well-rotted cow manure in the summer only.

Plantain lilies make excellent border plants and have long been used to edge perennial beds and shrubs. Where shade is heavy, as it can be under trees or facing a northern exposure, these plants are of great practical value. Used singly as accent plants, plantain lilies break up the monotony of too many smaller-leaved plants.

Hosta
'Wide Brim'

Herbaceous Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

18 x 36 (45 x 90)

Dark Green

Pale Lavender-Blue in
July-September

Ground Cover. Big plant, vigorous.
Needs some indirect sun or morning sun for its foliage
Zone 3-9
Cool, moist soil mulched with leafmould or well-rotted cow manure in the summer only

Hosta 'Zounds'

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

26 x 36 (65 x 90)

Yellow-Green

Pale-Lavender-Blue in
July-September

Ground Cover. One of the best glossy-leaf types
Needs some indirect sun or morning sun for its foliage
Zone 3-9
Cool, moist soil mulched with leafmould or well-rotted cow manure in the summer only

Hostas are naturally shade-loving plants. Prune out the flower stalks at their bases after they fade. This is a selection of relatively sun-proof hostas:-
'Abba Dabba Do', 'August Moon', Birchwood Parky's Gold', 'Blue Umbrellas', 'Hosta fortunei var aureomarginata', 'Fragrant Bouquet', 'Francee', 'Fried Green Tomatoes', 'Ginko Craig', 'Gold Drop', 'Gold Edger', 'Green Fountain', 'Guacamole', 'Honeybells', 'Invincible', 'Hosta lancifolia 'Lemon Lime', 'Midas Touch', Hosta plantaginea and its forms, 'Royal Standard', 'September Sun', 'So Sweet', 'Sugar and Cream', 'Sum and Substance', 'Sun Power', 'Zounds'.

Hosta fortunei

Herbaceous Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

22 x 30 (55 x 75)

Dark Green

Mauve in
August

Ground Cover
Needs some indirect sun or morning sun for its foliage
Zone 3
Cool, moist soil mulched with leafmould or well-rotted cow manure in the summer only.

Its leaves appear early enough to be combined with late spring flowers, unfolding while wood anemones and celandines are still in bloom, and associate with bluebells, omphalodes, forget-me-nots, brunneras, epimedims and meconopsis.

Hosta fortunei 'Albopicta'

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

30 x 36 (75 x 90)

Yellow edged Green in Spring, Soft Green and Olive in Summer and Autumn

Pale Violet in
June

Ground Cover in Part Shade
Needs some indirect sun or morning sun for its foliage
Zone 3-9
Cool, moist soil mulched with leafmould or well-rotted cow manure in the summer only.

Hostas in deep rich soil containing humus is best, but they will grow in sand or clay; very limy soils inhibit their growth, but with abundant humus they can be made to thrive there also. Boggy positions are not desirable. It is easy to remove sections of an old clump for transplanting with a spade, as if one were cutting a sandwich cake, without having to disturb the clump; fill up the hole with good soil. They can be moved successfully at any time of the year. In time they grow high out of the soil and should be top-dressed or replanted. The flowers are in the shape of lilies, hanging from one side of erect stems.

Hosta fortunei 'Aureomarginata'

Herbaceous Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

22 x 36 (55 x 90)

Deep Olive-Green irregularly margined Yellow

Mauve in
July-September

Ground Cover. Vigorous.
Needs some indirect sun or morning sun for its foliage
Zone 3-9
Cool, moist soil mulched with leafmould or well-rotted cow manure in the summer only
Cover the ground beneath Acer palmatum Dissectum Atropurpureum with this and Plantago major 'Rubrifolia'.

Hosta opipara

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

28 x 60 (70 x 150)

Glossy Bright Green with broad, wavy, Yellow margins, turning Cream

Purple-striped Mauve in
September

Ground Cover
Needs some indirect sun or morning sun for its foliage
Zone
Cool, moist soil mulched with leafmould or well-rotted cow manure in the summer only

Hosta sieboldiana var. elegans

Herbaceous Perennial 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 36 (90 x 90)

Grey-Blue

White in
July

Ground Cover. The standard perfect hosta.
Needs some indirect sun or morning sun for its foliage
Zone 3-9
Cool, moist soil mulched with leafmould or well-rotted cow manure in the summer only.

It associates with blue, purple, white, yellow, or yellow-green. Combine it with Iris sibirica cultivars, larger ferns, Japanese maples, smaller bamboos, and larger grasses.

Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon'
(Houtuynia cordata 'Tricolor')

Deciduous Rhizome Perennial below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

4 x 24
(10 x 60)

Green, Yellow and Red

White in
June-August

Good foliage plant, which is also good in pots, where its spread can be restricted.
Part Shade, Full Shade
Zone 5-9
Any fertile damp soil, even boggy soil.

You will notice that the autumn leaves from last year have been left in place to help with the groundcover in the following June 2013, when I took this photo.

Companions - perssicaria, carex, other water plants, and other invasive plants. Best in that constrained spot at the base of a rock garden, where it cannot go far since it can run to nearly an infinite extent.

Humulus lupulus 'Aureus'

Herbaceous Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

240 x 12 (600 x 30)

Yellow-Green

Greenish-yellow in
September-October

"Golden Hop". Most colourful in Full Sun. It smothers any shrub over which it is grown, so use as background to the tall spikes of aconites, or to late-flowering shrubs such as Cenothus x delineanus cultivars. Train it on wires or trellis and train it out sideways at frequent intervals from the time it starts growing in spring. Contrast it with a carpet in front of long-flowering Viola 'Huntercombe Purple'.

Tripod support system for Humulus lupulus 'Fuggle' in the Herb Garden at Sissinghurst. Photo by Chris Garnons-williams taken on 21 April 2013

Hyacinthoides hispanica

Herbaceous Bulb below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

16 x 4
(40 x 10)

Glossy Dark Green

Blue in
April-May

"Spanish Bluebell". Erect, strap-shaped, shiny, dark green leaves and bell-shaped blue flowers on long stalks.
Quite rampant, quickly forming large drifts.
Prefers part shade in underplanting within borders or in a woodland garden, where nearby herbaceous plants and deciduous shrubs can hide its dying leaves. They associate well with late narcissi, tulips, primroses and London Pride. This plant harmonizes with Macleaya cordata- whose leaves will expand to cover the fading flowers and foliage of this bluebell.

Hyacinthoides hispanica
'Excelsior'

Herbaceous Bulb below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

21 x 4
(53 x 10)

Glossy Dark Green

Violet-Blue in
April-May

Hyacinthoides non-scripta

No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Herbaceous Bulb below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 3
(30 x 7)

Glossy Dark Green

White in
April-May

"English Bluebell". It has long, glossy, dark green leaves and thin, bell-shaped bright blue scented flowers. It is quickly spreading / creeping to cover large areas.
The flowers may be very important to the few queen bumblebees that are flying in early spring and so they may influence the survival of bumblebees, particularly long-tongued species, in many areas.

Hyacinthus orientalis

No HB

Herbaceous Bulb below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

12 x 4 (30 x 10)

Bright Green

Strongly fragrant single colours in April-May on 8 (20) stems

Growing houseplants of Hyacinths in a bowl

"Hyacinth" is suitable for dry soil. Flower colour depends on cultivar.
Zone 3

Details of Culture in Water in bottom row. Plant hyacinths in a sunny position from Sep-Nov, about 4 inches (10) deep, and from 5-10 (12.5-25) apart, according to variety.
Popular as an indoor pot plant, it can be grown outdoors in small clumps. White, yellow or orange narcissi are ideal planting associations for hyacinths, as are tulips, wallflowers, silver-leaved pulmonarias, polyanthus, Prunus tenella cultivars, exochordas, Daphne mezereum variants, rock cress, aubretias and bluebell cultivars in a distinctly different colour.

When grown outside in the flower border, it is attractive to honeybees for its nectar and pollen. Hyacinth is very poisonous.
 

Hydrangea Petiolaris

No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Deciduous Climber above 72 inches (180 cms) in height

600 x 240 (1500 x 600)

Dark Green turning Yellow in Autumn

White florets around tiny greenish flowers in
July-August

"Climbing Hydrangea" can also be used as groundcover. When well established, heavy leaves shade out weed competition. Prune to keep under control.
All Hydrangea are Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.

It attaches itself to walls and trees by means of aerial roots just as ivy does, so do not put on house or other building walls. Place the end of chainlink fencing at least 72 inches (180 cms) away from a building before planting this in the middle of its fence length.

Hydrangea macrophylla
'Altona'

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 60 (90 x 150)

Glossy Dark Green

Pink to dark Purple-Blue in
August-September

"Common Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea, Garden Hydrangea". From Japan.
Shade or Part Shade or both leaves and flowers will scorch
Zones 6-10
Constantly moist and rich in humus and well-drained. They are best pruned immediately after flowering by cutting out all stems that have just flowered and leaving the others alone

Hydrangea macrophylla
'Ami Pasquier'

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 36 (60 x 90)

Glossy Dark Green

Deep Red in
July-August

"Common Hydrangea".

Hydrangea macrophylla with its solid outline can be contrasted with looser planters - grasses, ferns, bamboos, maples late-flowering lilies and Japanese anemones. Contrast behind with the glaucous foliage of Arundo donax.

Hydrangea macrophylla
'Madame Emile Moullere'

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 72 (150 x 180)

Glossy Dark Green

White in
July-August

"Common Hydrangea".

Hydrangea macrophylla
'Mariesii'

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 72 (150 x 180)

Glossy Dark Green

Rosy Pink or Pale Blue in
July-August

"Common Hydrangea".

Hydrangea quercifolia

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 84 (150 x 210)

Dark Green in Spring and Summer, Red and Purple in Autumn

White in
July-October

"Oak-leaved Hydrangea". Native to the USA.
Dappled Shade
Zones 5-9
Constantly moist, rich in humus and well-drained.

Hydrangea 'Preziosa'

Deciduous Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

60 x 60 (150 x 150)

Mid-Green

White in
September
 

Hypericum
'Eastleigh Gold'

Hypericum species which yield pollen, but no nectar at all
No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Semi-Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

36 x 60 (90 x 150)

Mid-Green

Golden-Yellow in
July-September

This is a dense ground cover, excellent for mass planting. Its strong root system makes it useful for erosion control on slopes. The species can be invasive unless confined. Using a composite gravel board or other divider contains the plants and also helps keep the planting trim.

All Hypericums can be used for Flower Arranging - see other Flower Arranging Plants and plants with scented flowers.
All Hypericum are Rabbit Resistant - see other Rabbit Resistant Plants.

Hypericum 'Hidcote'

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

48 x 60 (120 x 150)

Dark Green

Golden-Yellow in
July-October

Dense, bushy shrub. It can be allowed tp grow unchecked to head height or more, or cut almost to the ground each spring to keep it neat.
Full Sun
Zones 7-10
Fertile, well-drained soil, with plentiful water in late spring and summer. Remove seed capsules after flowering and prune in winter to maintain a rounded shape

Hypericum 'Rowallane'

Semi-Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

72 x 36 (180 x 90)

Dark Green

Dark Golden-Yellow in
September-November

Arching shrub.
Full Sun
Zones 8-10
Fertile, well-drained soil, with plentiful water in late spring and summer.

Hypericum calycinum

Evergreen Shrub above 2 feet in height

6 x 60
(15 x 150)

Dark Green

Bright Yellow in
July-October

"Rose of Sharon, Aaron's Beard" grows well in rock gardens, where weeds are not too threatening. This is one of the most reliable of covers, for sun or shade on any soil. It gets cut to the ground in severe winters. This is the best dwarf flowering shrub to plant beneath shade of trees. It is also useful for growing in town gardens.

Hypericum ceraistoides

Herbaceous Alpine below 24 inches (60 cms) in height

6 x 17
(25 x 42)

Downy Grey-Green

Deep Yellow in
June-July

Star-shaped flowers.

Hypericum kalmianum

Evergreen Shrub 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

30 x 30 (75 x 75)

Bluish-Green

Golden-Yellow in
August-September

Plant Hypericum in November; cut well back in March

Hyssopus officinalis

No HB, ST, LT, SOL

Herb 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 36 (60 x 90)

Narrow, Mid-Green leaves

Dark Blue in spikes in
August-October

"Hyssop". It likes a poor, dry sandy soil and is sometimes planted as an edging, since its leaves can be used in salads. It looks well with catmint and these may be backed by lavender and rosemary by the lover of bee plants.

Bee Forage Plants and UK Butterfly with Egg, Caterpillar, Chrysalis and Butterfly Usage of Plants.

Hyssopus officinalis 'Albus'

Herb 24-72 inches (60-180 cms) in height

24 x 36 (60 x 90)

Mid-Green

White in
August-October

An excellent white form of above.

Site design and content copyright ©December 2006. Page structure changed September 2012. Height x Spread in feet changed to Height x Spread in inches (cms) May 2015. Data added to existing pages December 2017. Zone and Companion Data added April 2022. The 1000 Ground Cover plants detailed above will be compared in the Comparison Pages of the Wildflower Shape Gallery and in the flower colour per month comparison pages of Evergreen Perennial Gallery starting in November 2022. Chris Garnons-Williams.
DISCLAIMER: Links to external sites are provided as a courtesy to visitors. Ivydene Horticultural Services are not responsible for the content and/or quality of external web sites linked from this site.  
Height in inches (cms):-
25.4mm = 1 inch
304.8mm = 12 inches
12 inches = 1 foot
3 feet = 1 yard
914.4mm = 1 yard
I normally round this to
25mm = 1 inch
300mm = 30 cms = 12 inches =1 foot,
900 mm = 3 feet = 1 yard and
1000mm = 100 cms = 1 metre = 40 inches  

Details of smaller Hebe, Helichrysum and Hypericum and which container to grow the plant in:-

• A. The plant can be grown in sinks, trough, pans or scree beds
• B. The plant is best accommodated in a trough or sink.
• C. Suitable for peat beds and raised beds (suitable for alpine rhododendrons) - remember that rhododendrons are toxic to honey bees

I have included within these pages on 1000 Ground Cover Plants information from other pages within this PLANTS Topic like

• Poisonous Plants
• Flower Arranging
• Rabbit Resistant
• Bee Forage
• Attracts Bird/Butterfly

and links to Rock Garden Plants Suitable for Small Gardens Index Gallery.

Any of these 1000 Ground Cover Plants may well have further details about them in the remainder of the pages in this PLANTS Topic linked to from the PLANTS PAGE MENU above.
 

Hyacinth
"Where it has been decided to grow Hyacinths in beds or borders it is best to purchase those bulbs which are described in the catalogues as "bedding Hyacinths". Purchase fresh supplies each year for bedding purposes to use as your ground cover.
Otherwise plant the bulbs in some out of the way corner or shrub bed where they will continue supplying cut bloom for years, but deteriorate each year until ceasing to flower.
Culture in Pots
Place a fair sized bulb in a 5-inch (12.5cm) pot. If earth is the medium in which the bulbs are to be grown, it should be well mixed with sand and the bulbs firmly pressed into it with their tops well above the surface. The pots should then be well watered and placed in the open air, standing on coal ashes and covered with them or cocoa-nut fibre.
They soon make root this way, and when the top growths begin to appear through the covering material, they may be removed to the cold greenhouse, and from there when required to a warmer temperature.
While the bulbs were standing out of doors to make root growth, Cotter's own practice was to pack the pots as tightly as possible, standing on a bed of sifted ashes in a frame and cover them to a depth of 2 inches (5 cms) with the same material. The lights of the frame were removed, but the sides, in addition to offering protection from the weather, prevented the incursion of various soil pests and mice, which are so liable to do serious mischief at this season.
Culture in Fibre
Coca-nut fibre (Coir pots and coco peat) can be used as a medium for the culture of bulbs, instead of soil, and it appears a 100 years ago to give equally good results. It is clean to handle, can be easily dried and stored for another year, and, chief point of all where the beginner is concerned, no drainage necessary when using fibre as would be when culture in soil is adopted. The procedure for growing hyacinths in fibre is precisely the same as when growing them in soil.
Culture in Water
The mistake that most beginners in this form of Hyacinth culture make is either in filling the special glasses (in which the bulb is held in a cup quite clear of the water) too much so that the bulbs touch the water, or in placing them in too high a temperature to commence with.
The proper method to adopt is as follows:

• Fill the glasses, with rain water if possible, to within 1 inch (2.5 cms) of the base of the bulbs.
• Place in each glass a small lump of charcoal, to keep everything sweet; this is especially important in the case of rainwater.
• Remove the glasses to some cool dark cellar or similar spot, the temperature of which should not exceed 45 degrees F (7 degrees C). The vessels should be kept in darkness until the roots have penetrated right to the bottom of the glass, which takes a few weeks;
• They may then be removed, gradually accustoming them to the light,
• until their final abode, a sunny window, is reached.
• They will now require no further attention, beyond occasionally changing the water, should it become foul, and keeping it up with its proper level.
• Bulbs flower very well when grown in this manner, but the blooms do not last nearly as long as when grown in fibre or soil, and the bulbs themselves are quite useless afterwards.
• If plenty of room is available in the shrub border, they may be planted there, and will in time give little spots of colour, and add to the perfume of the air by their presence;
• should there not be, however, plenty of room available, it is cheaper in the long run to consign them to the rubbish fire or tossed on top of any mulch spread round plants in a border or under a hedge.
• Cultivating Hyacinths in water the leading growers supply bulbs specially selected for this purpose, and the purchase of them is necessary for success. Dutch Grown also provide Hyacinths and the When to Plant Hyacinth Bulbs.

" from The Culture of Bulbs, Bulbous Plants and Tubers Made Plain by Sir J. L. Cotter. Published by Hutchinson & Co.

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Top ten plants that are bad for bees from Countryfile Magazine

"Lavender, alliums, fuschias, sweet peas - keen gardeners know the very best flowers to entice bees to their gardens. But what about plants that are  bad for bees? Here is our expert guide to the top ten plants that you should avoid to keep bees happy and buzzing, plus the perfect alternatives.

1. Rhododendron
Spectacular and beautiful, not many people know the common rhododendron hides a poisonous secret – its nectar is toxic to bees. It’s common practice for beekeepers to keep their hives closed until the flowering season is over. The resulting honey from rhododendrons has also been known to contaminate honey, making it unsafe for humans to eat.
Alternative: Clematis have beautiful, wide flowers and are 100 per cent bee-friendly.

2. Azalea
Rhododendron’s sister, azaleas are also toxic to bees.
Alternative: Foxgloves (Digitalis) are a bee favourite and despite being poisonous if consumed by humans, they are both honey and bee safe.

3. Trumpet flower, or angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia suaveolens)
Though ornamental and sweet smelling, the trumpet flower’s nectar can cause brood death in bees and is best avoided.
Alternative: Try honeysuckle (Lonicera) instead for deliciously scented results.