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Plant suggestions, please

Tanty2Tanty2 Posts: 231
in Plants
Hi - I have a south-facing flower bed planted with fastigiate elder (Golden Tower) for privacy.  There's some space behind the elders at the base of the wall in partial shade, and some space in front in full sun, and I need ground cover for the whole bed (it's 11m long and approx 1.5m wide).  There are plenty of plants I like but they'd take a little too long to cover the ground, meaning the neighbourhood cats will continue thinking I've somehow provided them a litter tray.  Sigh.  Anyway, I thought about Golden Lysimachia though I hesitate as I'd really prefer something not rooting as it goes. I'd love to hear any suggestions, thanks :)
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Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Creeping thyme and creeping phlox are two that come to mind.
    Vinca is very good for ground cover but it can need watching.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Lamium as well, for the shady part. Like Vinca they need a bit of refereeing, but varieties like White Nancy and Beacon Silver are better behaved than the yellow-flowered one whose name I forget (after spending an hour hoiking out lumps of it last weekend!!)
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd add Saxifraga urbium [London Pride] to those suggestions. It grows in sun or shade, dry or wet. Better with a bit of moisture than dry for long periods though. Some of the other Saxifrages and Arabis are also good - the latter is best with a bit of sun. 
    I grow Iberis sempervirens -one of the evergreen candytufts. It's good in shady spots, and doesn't seem too fussy re soil. My soil is quite damp all the time, but I think it's quite adaptable  :)  
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Two other plants suitable for ground cover are Euphorbia amygdaloides var robbiae which will suit the shady, drier portion, and a hardy geranium, Geranium Rozanne which will suit the sunnier part. The Euphorbia is evergreen, it spreads by root but it is very easy to control. The Geranium is fast growing, forming mounds and quickly spreading outwards from the centre, without rooting from the stems.  This combination looks good together and will complement the green foliage of your Elders. 

    I would also consider mulching your border with a thick layer of bark chips to preserve moisture in the bed, deter cats and set off your plantings!  Try to buy plants in at least 2 litre pots to get off to a quick start!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Ajuga will spread quickly too - doesn't mind sun or shade. Dry or wet. Easy to pull out if it gets too ambitious.

    Ground covering planting is the only thing that stops them sh***ing on borders or beds here. Bark doesn't deter them one tiny bit  :/
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Another quick spreader is Alchemilla mollis - arractive small lime green flowers and raindrops look good on its leaves!  Spreads by seed, quite enthusiastically - will keep cats at bay😊!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    I would probably choose geranium like Rosanne ,they are a sure fire hit .
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    bcpathome said:
    I would probably choose geranium like Rosanne ,they are a sure fire hit .
    Only if you like it  ;)

    I thought of Alchemilla mollis the other day @Plantminded, but forgot to post here. The only problem with it is the 'rather invasive' tendency with the seed  ;)
    Fine of you dead head regularly enough though. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Tanty2Tanty2 Posts: 231
    Thanks everyone for all the suggestions, I really appreciate it!   Now all I need to find is some restraint when it comes to plant shopping...
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Resistance is futile. I speak as one who knows  :)
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