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7 Rarely Used Grasses and Ground Covers That Can Revolutionize Your Landscape Design and Create Stunning Outdoor Focal Points
7 Rarely Used Grasses and Ground Covers That Can Revolutionize Your Landscape Design and Create Stunning Outdoor Focal Points
7 Rarely Used Grasses and Ground Covers That Can Revolutionize Your Landscape Design and Create Stunning Outdoor Focal Points
1. Blue Fescue
Blue fescue (Festuca glauca) is a stunning ornamental grass known for its striking blue-gray foliage. This drought-tolerant perennial does well in sunny areas and requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for low-water landscapes. Its compact nature allows it to be used in borders, rock gardens, or even as a ground cover.
The texture of blue fescue provides a unique contrast to broader-leaved plants, enhancing visual interest and creating dynamic outdoor spaces. Typically, this grass reaches a height of about 12-15 inches, and it can be complemented with flowering perennials or even alongside boulders for a natural look.
Blue fescue thrives in a wide range of soil types, provided they are well-draining. Planting in clusters can create an eye-catching focal point in any landscape, and its ability to withstand drought conditions makes it increasingly popular among eco-conscious gardeners.
2. Japanese Blood Grass
Japanese blood grass (Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron') is famed for its vibrant red tips that emerge during summer, ultimately turning into a deep crimson in the fall. This grass adds a bold splash of color to landscapes and thrives in full sun, making it perfect for sunny borders or mass plantings.
While it can tolerate some shade, planting it in full sun ensures that its striking coloration is at its brightest. Its height, reaching about 30 inches, makes it an excellent choice for creating dramatic vertical accents among lower perennial flowers or shrubs.
Japanese blood grass is also relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and good drainage. Its unique color and textural attributes can help unify a landscape design by drawing attention while seamlessly integrating with various other plants.
3. Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a low-growing perennial that adds not only greenery but also a delightful fragrance to your landscape. This aromatic ground cover grows well between stepping stones or on slopes, providing both beauty and practicality. The small, lush foliage becomes adorned with colorful flowers in summer, attracting pollinators.
As a hardy plant, creeping thyme is drought-resistant and thrives in poor soils, making it an ideal option for eco-friendly gardeners seeking sustainable landscaping solutions. Its ability to reduce soil erosion also makes it an excellent choice for challenging inclines.
Utilizing creeping thyme can create charming paths and garden beds while adding texture and color. The plant’s rich hue and ability to form a dense mat provide excellent weed control, ensuring that your landscape stays vibrant and healthy.
4. Lamb's Ear
Lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina) is recognizable for its thick, velvety leaves which offer a unique tactile experience. This hardy perennial thrives in full sun and is ideal for low-maintenance gardens. The silvery foliage pairs beautifully with brighter-colored flowers, creating visually appealing contrasts.
In blooming seasons, lamb's ear produces tall spikes of purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies, contributing to garden biodiversity. The plant’s soft texture not only adds visual interest but also makes it a favorite among children and adults alike for its tactile allure.
Lamb's ear is drought-resistant once established and can thrive in various soils, making it versatile for diverse landscaping plans. Planting this unique ground cover in groups allows for a lush, multi-dimensional display that enhances any garden landscape.
5. Blue Star Creeper
Blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) is an exceptionally versatile ground cover that thrives in a range of conditions. Its dense mat of evergreen leaves and clusters of petite blue flowers make it perfect for filling gaps between pavers or edging garden beds. This hardy perennial can handle foot traffic, making it a practical choice for garden paths.
Its adaptability to various light conditions—from full sun to partial shade—further enhances its appeal in diverse garden settings. The low-growing nature of blue star creeper allows it to create a seamless transition between different garden elements while offering a vibrant pop of color.
As this ground cover spreads, it can prevent erosion and suppress weeds, contributing to an eco-friendly landscape. Using blue star creeper effectively can lead to stunning visual effects while promoting a healthy garden ecosystem.
6. Silver Mound Artemisia
Silver mound artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana) is a visually striking perennial ground cover featuring silvery-gray, finely textured foliage. It’s particularly notable for its ability to withstand drought and thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent addition to rock gardens or xeriscapes. Its mound-like growth habit can create beautiful, plush areas in any landscape.
In addition to its distinctive color, silver mound artemisia offers a refreshing contrast to darker plants and flowers. The soft texture of its leaves provides a tactile contrast that invites interaction and exploration within the garden.
The plant is also low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. Its durable nature and unique aesthetic qualities enable silver mound artemisia to serve as a focal point while blending harmoniously with other plants in various garden designs.
7. Old World Bluebell
Old World bluebell (Campanula rotundifolia) is a charming flowering ground cover that produces delicate bell-shaped flowers in a vibrant blue hue. This perennial thrives in well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight, making it an excellent choice for borders or naturalized areas. It’s particularly well-suited for rock gardens where its unique flower shape can shine.
In addition to its beauty, old-world bluebell attracts various insects, including bees and butterflies, contributing to a biodiverse environment. Its ability to form natural patches adds to the lushness of garden landscapes, providing visual interest from spring through summer.
The adaptability of old-world bluebell to different soil conditions and its relatively low need for maintenance make it a practical choice for many gardeners looking to create stunning landscapes. Its soft blue flowers paired with contrasting foliage enhance overall garden aesthetics and provide cohesive beauty.
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