Are you looking for the perfect ground cover plants for your garden? Look no further! We have curated a list of 10 semi-shade plants that not only thrive in low-light conditions but also offer stunning flowers and foliage. These plants are not to be underestimated and will add beauty and functionality to your outdoor space. Let's dive into our selection and choose your favorites!
Caucasus forget-me-not (Brunnera macrophylla)
With its attractive heart-shaped foliage, the Caucasus forget-me-not is a robust plant that adds charm to any garden. Its delicate blue flowers bloom from March to June, creating a beautiful display. This plant can reach a height of 50 cm and is best planted under the shade of trees. It's also incredibly hardy, able to withstand temperatures as low as -20°C. The name “forget-me-not” truly suits this resilient plant.
Epimedium, the flower of the Elves (Epimedium)
The Epimedium, also known as the “flower of the Elves,” has a mysterious allure. This plant grows slowly but forms a dense green cover, perfect for ground coverage. It blooms in spring, showcasing yellow, pink, or white flowers. Be sure to trim the faded flowers to allow new ones to develop. Embrace the enchantment of your garden with this magical plant.
Canadian phlox, Phlox divaricata
For a dense and vibrant ground cover, look no further than the Canadian phlox. This plant thrives in partial shade and displays millions of delicate violet flowers. While the most common variety is violet, you can also find it in blue, pink, and white. Let the beauty of Canadian phlox brighten up your garden.
Heucherella (HEUCHERELLA x hybrida ‘stoplight)
Heucherella is a stunning perennial flowering plant that loves partial shade. Its evergreen leaves provide a lush backdrop, and come June, it bursts with masses of flowers. This plant is often used in borders, along pathways, or even in containers. Add a touch of elegance to your garden with Heucherella.
Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata)
If you're looking for a popular ground cover plant, consider the creeping phlox. With its evergreen leaves and dense flowering, it adds beauty all summer long. The flowering period varies depending on your region, but you can enjoy its vibrant blooms from April to October. Don't underestimate the benefits of planting phlox in your garden.
Creeping saxifrage (Saxifraga stolonifera)
Creeping saxifrage is a versatile plant that can be classified as an evergreen ground cover, a climbing plant for containers, and even an indoor plant. This makes it incredibly adaptable and a fantastic addition to any garden. It forms a compact carpet adorned with small white flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
Semi-shade ground cover plants: Sedum varieties
Looking for the ultimate semi-shade ground cover? Consider one of the Sedum varieties. These plants have succulent leaves and stems, which allow them to thrive in dry to semi-arid climates. Sedums come in a variety of colors such as white, pink, red, purple, yellow, or orange. They are perfect for green roofs and living walls, making them a versatile choice.
Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’
Leptinella squalida is a unique plant that forms dense carpets of finely textured foliage. The feathers-like foliage ranges from bronze black to purple gray, adding an interesting element to your garden. This evergreen plant is able to survive the winter, although in extremely cold temperatures, it may die down to the roots. However, worry not, as it will reappear in spring accompanied by beautiful yellow-green flowers.
Spreading Aster (Eurybia divaricata)
Spreading Aster is an excellent choice for a semi-shade ground cover plant. With its abundance of small white or pale blue flowers, it adds a touch of elegance to any garden. This plant blooms from mid-summer to early fall, extending the beauty of your garden throughout the seasons.
Californian lilac (Ceanothus)
For a burst of vibrant blue flowers, choose the Californian lilac. This ground cover plant thrives in partial shade and blooms from late spring to early summer. Its vibrant flowers attract bees and butterflies, adding life to your garden. Enjoy the beauty of nature with Californian lilac.
In conclusion, ground cover plants are a must-have for any garden. They not only enhance the beauty of your outdoor space but also serve a practical purpose by limiting weed growth. From the robust Caucasus forget-me-not to the versatile creeping saxifrage, our selection offers a variety of options for different tastes and preferences. Choose the perfect semi-shade ground cover plants and transform your garden into a stunning oasis.

Hello! I'm Emma, a passionate writer and editor at The Daily Herald. With my love for words and knack for storytelling, I bring a unique flair to our team. One time, while brainstorming ideas for an article, I suddenly burst out laughing at a hilarious joke I came up with, leaving my colleagues in stitches. Working at The Daily Herald is truly an enriching experience where creativity knows no bounds.