Groundcovers That Give Lift to Your Landscape

If you crave a bit of dimension, perspective, height and extra color in your groundcovers, consider wide-spreading shrubs.

By Marie HoferMore in Outdoors

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Photo 6 of 8

Photo 6 of 8This densely foliaged shrub spreads by rhizomes but is not aggressive.

- Rosy Hedges
- Shady Scents
- Sun to Shade
- Long Branches

Shady Scents(6 of 8)

At 1-1/2 to two feet high and four to five feet wide, sweetbox (Sarcococca hookerana var. humilis) makes a wonderful groundcover for shade. Its evergreen foliage looks great all year, and in spring, tiny flowers tucked into the leaf axils give the plant a heady fragrance. Treat this plant as you would an azalea or rhododendron -- give it moist, well-drained, organic soil. USDA Zones 5 to 8.

Next Photo: Sun to Shade