Plants

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.

Viola odorata [sold as Common Violet]

[Common Violet]

Vitis × 'Frontenac gris'

[Frontenac gris Grape]

Vitis x 'Frontenac gris' is a vigorous grape vine that produces grayish-purple berries covered in a waxy bloom. The grapes can be eaten fresh or used in making white wine and desserts. Vitis are generally grown for fruit production, rather than for ornamental purposes. Provide a support for the vine to grow on and shelter from harsh winter winds. Regular training and pruning are required for optimum fruit production. For more specific information on grape…

Weigela × 'Dark Horse'

[Dark Horse Weigela]

'Dark Horse' is a compact, dwarf cultivar with deep purple leaves and abundant pink flowers. Spreading, dense, rounded shrub, with branches eventually arching to the ground. Extremely adaptable, but prefers good drainage and full sun. Some drought sensitivity. A 3-year pruning cycle improves form and prevents development of legginess. Flowers attract hummingbirds.

Weigela floribunda

[Crimson Weigela]

Less common, but very similar to Weigela florida (Old Fashioned Weigela), primarily differing in flowers (dark red-brown and not as showy) and less cold hardiness (USDA zone 6). Spreading, dense, rounded shrub, with branches eventually arching to the ground. Extremely adaptable, but prefers good drainage and full sun. Some drought sensitivity. A 3-year pruning cycle improves form and prevents development of legginess.

Weigela florida

[Old Fashioned Weigela]

Spreading, dense, rounded shrub, with branches eventually arching to the ground. Extremely adaptable, but prefers good drainage and full sun. Some drought sensitivity. A 3-year pruning cycle improves form and prevents development of legginess. Flowers attract hummingbirds.

Weigela florida 'Tango'

[Tango Old Fashioned Weigela]

'Tango' is a compact, dense, dwarf shrub with deep greenish-purple foliage and intensely pink flowers. Spreading, dense, rounded shrub, with branches eventually arching to the ground. Extremely adaptable, but prefers good drainage and full sun. Some drought sensitivity. A 3-year pruning cycle improves form and prevents development of legginess. Flowers attract hummingbirds.