Plants

Fothergilla major

[Large Fothergilla]

Although much larger (up to 10' tall), Fothergilla major is quite similar to Fothergilla gardenii (Dwarf Fothergilla), and is a very useful and adaptable shrub. It has unique, fragrant, bottle-brush flowers and spectacular fall foliage. Chlorosis develops in high pH soil.

Ulmus minor

[Smoothleaf Elm]

Moderate resistance to the Dutch elm disease pathogen, Ophiostoma ulmi, which has led to the near extinction of the American Elm (Ulmus americana) in the U.S.

Vinca major 'Elegantissima'

[Variegated Big Leaf Periwinkle]

Vinca major 'Variegata'

[Variegated Greater Periwinkle]

The Greater Periwinkle is very similar to the Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor), except it is overall larger and less cold hardy, only marginally hardy in USDA zones 5 and 6. 'Variegata' has irregular, creamy white markings along leaf margins. A great evergreen ground cover for shady locations. Spreads quickly after establishment in warmer climates. Does best with regular watering on well-drained soil. Prune back in the spring.

Vinca minor

[Common Periwinkle]

One of the best evergreen ground covers for a shady location. Spreads quickly after establishment. Subject to stem-rot disease when grown vigorously and in wet soil. Also does not like very dry soil and full sun. Does best with regular watering on well-drained soil.

Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea'

[Atropurpurea Periwinkle]

'Atropurpurea' is an excellent cultivar that has large, dark plum-purple flowers. One of the best evergreen ground covers for a shady location. Spreads quickly after establishment. Subject to stem-rot disease when grown vigorously and in wet soil. Also does not like very dry soil and full sun. Does best with regular watering on well-drained soil.

Vinca minor 'Bowles'

[Bowles Periwinkle]

Vinca minor 'La Grave'

[La Grave Periwinkle]

Also known as cultivar 'Bowles', this very common and vigorous variant has large, blue-purple flowers. One of the best evergreen ground covers for a shady location. Spreads quickly after establishment. Subject to stem-rot disease when grown vigorously and in wet soil. Also does not like very dry soil and full sun. Does best with regular watering on well-drained soil.