Ophiopogon (Monkey Grass) and Liope are similar in appearance; both form clumps or tufts of grasslike leaves and bear white or lavender flowers in spikelike or branched clusters (quite showy in some kinds.) Last well in flower arrangements. Use as casual ground cover in small areas. Also attractive as borders along paths, between flower bed and lawn, among rock groupings, or in rock gardens. Grow well along streams and around garden pools Try under bamboo or to cover bare soil at bases of trees or shrubs in large container. None satisfactory as mowed lawn . Tolerate indoor conditions in pots or planter.

10" / Shade / Moist area/ Spreads by undergbround runners / Grasslike, thin, dark green leaves / Mow to control/ Variegated variety available / Sun will burn tips / Groundcover.

Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo, Sacred Bamboo)(Back)

'Nana' Nandina domestica belongs to the barberry family but is reminiscent of bamboo in its lightly branched, canelike stems and delicate, fine-textured foliage. 'Nana compacta', 'Nana purpurea' At least two plants are grown under these names; they are often mixed in nurseries , so select plants carefully to get the kind you want. Both grow about 1 ft. tall. One has coarse foliage (purplish green in summer, reddish purple in winter) with broad, somewhat cupped leaflets. Very slow to spread, it is best as container plant or as single plant among rocks or in prominent corner where its domelike growth may be emphasized. The other has finely cut leaves with narrow leaflets; it is green in summer, bright red in winter. It spreads fairly fast, making good small-scale ground cover.

'Harbour Dwarf' Low growing (1 1/2-2 ft.), freely spreading. Underground rhizomes send up stems several inches from parent plants. Orange-red to bronzy red winter color. Good ground cover.

Oat Grass (Arrhenatherum elatius)(Back)

With its 6-12 in. narrow leaves boldly edged and striped in white, it is attractive in the perennial border or large rock garden and can brighten a dark place under trees or big shrubs.

Sun/ Semi-evergreen / slow grower / Loose clumps / Thrives in moist areas / Blue-greeen striped leaves.

Oxalis (Oxalidaceae) (Back)

'Wood sorrel' Leaves divided into leaflets; usually have three leaflets, like clover leaves. Flowers pink, white rose, or yellow. One of several plants known as shamrock.

18"/ Shade / Bulb/ Well-drained soil / Cloverlike small leaves / Can be invasive / Good groundcover in small wooded areas under shrubs or trees.

Pachysandra (Pachysandra termilalis)(Back)

Spreads by underground runners. Stems reach 10 in. in deep shade, 6 in. in dappled shade. Leaves are rich dark green (yellowish in full sun), 2-4 in. long, in clusters atop stems. 'Variegata' has leaves edged with white. Small, fluffy spikes of fragrant white flowers in summer; white fruit follows. Set 6-12 in. apart in rich, preferably acid soil Feed during growing season for best color. May spread moderately but is not aggressive or weedy. Good transition between walks or lawns and shade-loving shrubs.

Shade / Acid soil conditions / Good companion planting to azaleas / Rosettes of green leaves / Small white flowers / Tip-prune to promote fullness / Groundcover.

Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana)(Back)

Native to Argentina. Very fast growing in rich soil in mild climates; from gallon-can size to 8 ft. in one season. Established, may reach 20 ft. in height. Each plant is a fountain of saw-toothed, grassy leaves above which, in late summer, rise long stalks bearing 1- 3 ft., white to chamois or pink flower plumes.

Sun/ Semi-evergreen / Clumping / Drought tolerant / Good coastal plant / Use as windbreak / Plumes good in dried floral arrangements/ Leaf edges very sharp- wear protective clothing when pruning out the dead foliage/ Dwarf variety stays 3' tall / Clumping / Feathery plumes to 6' / Wind and drought tolerant / Excellent accent for small garden areas.

Peruvian Verbena (Verbena peruviana) (Back)

Perennial, often grown as annual. Zones 8-24 spreads rapidly, forms very flat mat. (Planted 2 ft. apart, can make solid cover in a season.) Leaves are neat, small, closely set. Flattopped flower clusters on slender stems lavishly cover foliage. In original form, corolla tube is white, spreading lobes rich scarlet.

Sun / Evergreen / Well-drained soil / Cannot tolerate wet areas / Resembles lantana / Small, lobed, coarse leaves / Flower colors: White/purple, pinks and red / Good in haging baskets / Good Groundcover

Pigeonberry (Rivina Humilis)(Back)

1' / Shade / Evergreen / Tolerates moist areas / Pink and white flowers / Red berries /Good groundcover planting under shrubs.

Plaintain Lily (See Hosta)(Back)

Polygonum (polygonum capitatum)(Back)

Evergreen perennial. Zones 8, 9,12-24. Rugged, tough, trailing ground cover to 8 in. high, spreading to 20 in. Leaves 1 1/2 in. long; new leaves dark green, old leaves tinged pink. Stems and flowers (in small round heads) also pink. Blooms most of year.

Good ground cover for uncultivated areas or for confined areas where its invasive roots can be held in check. Sun or shade —will even grow under pines. Will endure aridity. Seeds freely and can be grown as an annual where winters are cold. Trailing stems root on contact with soil

Rosemary (Romarinus prostratus) (Back)

2'x 8'/ Dwarf / Sun-partial / Evergreen / Narrow aromatic glossy dark green leaves above; gray-white underneath / small clusters of lavender flowers / Control growth by tip-pinching / Prune older plants lightly / Good in rock gardens / Edible / Fragrant groundcover.