Assertive Plants and Groundcovers
Will reduce weeding and mulching!

Let’s explore assertive plants and groundcovers to fill in those troublesome spots.

Identify your problem areas such as thin lawn areas due to hot, dry, sunny slopes or gardens in hot sun with weeds overtaking your groundcover.

Fast growing assertive plants not only crowd out weeds, but they also reduce the need for new mulch every year. The plants must grow tall enough to shade out weeds. Choose perennials that are fast growers in width to spread out and cover open mulch areas. Plan for a height minimum of 8-12 inches. Taller plants will shade and out-compete many weeds.

Examples are the prolific bloomer called Nepeta that deer will not eat, because the foliage, when touched, is fragrant and has a strong, herb taste. Planted on a slope in a difficult area to weed, this plant works perfectly. It flowers late spring and on and all off all through the growing season and into the fall. Although not native, Nepeta is not invasive and attracts tiny native bees and other pollinators. After
the 1st flush of flowers, it can be cut back and it will start flowering again.              

Do you see that swath of pink flowers behind the white Daisies? It is a weed! Yes, it is one of the native Milkweeds that monarch butterflies need to lay
eggs. It is fragrant and the deer do not eat them. They will grow in medium soil or wet areas suitable for rain gardens. The seed pods add a beautiful texture for the winter view.

The Shasta Daisies are not native, but they spark smiles with memories of childhood. They will multiply quickly and can be divided to plant in other areas. This is also a great cut flower to bring the indoors into your home. Consider it a legacy plant as it is one of the most popular plants to share. Perhaps you have some handed down from great grandparents or a favorite uncle. You can start or  continue the tradition with your family and friends.      

Mixed textures with Ferns and Hostas are great choice for shade (note: deer eat hostas) Lady’s mantle is another plant with beautiful foliage, interesting shape and texture with green flowers. Heucheras come in many different colors as well, and Solomon’s Seal has variegated foliage to brighten up those shady spots.                  

Assertive Plants and Groundcover Plant Ideas:

Sunny

Daisy shapes; Black Eye Susans, Shasta Daisy, Purple Coneflowers, Asters, Coreopsis

Tall plants; native and non-invasive Ornamental Grasses, Monarda, Liatris, Golden Rod

Lower height; Plumbago, Ajuga, Nepeta

Shade (height is not as much of a concern since weeds do not like the shade, but width reduces the need for mulch.)

Ferns, Hostas, Lady’s Mantle, Heucheras, Solomon Seal, Violets, Lamium and Sea Oats Grass
 
 
To order plants or mulch call the Broccolo Garden Center: (585)424-4476 or email
[email protected]