Japanese Garden Ground Cover Plants: Varieties, Growing Conditions & Care Tips

Summary

• Japanese garden ground covers provide texture, color, and a sense of peace to your garden.

• Epimedium grandiflorum var. thunbergianum flourishes in the shade and offers bright colors.

• Ophiopogon japonicus is adaptable and can survive in a variety of climates and conditions.

• Reineckea carnea is a shade-loving evergreen that provides greenery all year round.

Overview

Ground covers are a key component of Japanese gardens. They provide a verdant tapestry between rocks and stepping stones, help to prevent weed growth, and reduce soil erosion. Above all, they add to the ‘wabi-sabi’ aesthetic—appreciating the beauty in imperfection and transience—which is a fundamental element of Japanese garden design.

When it comes to selecting ground cover plants, you can’t just focus on what’s pretty. You have to think about what each plant requires and how it will react to its surroundings. For instance, you wouldn’t put a plant that loves the sun under a thick canopy. That’s why I’m here to help you pick plants that will do more than just survive in your garden – they’ll thrive.

Ground Cover Plants to Consider:

We’ve rounded up some of the best ground cover plants that can help you create a Japanese aesthetic in your garden, so let’s get started and learn more about these living carpets.

1) Epimedium grandiflorum var. thunbergianum (Bishop’s Hat; Ikari-so)

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Introducing Bishop’s Hat: A Pop of Color for Dim Areas

Epimedium grandiflorum var. thunbergianum, or commonly known as Bishop’s Hat or Ikari-so, is a charming plant that can brighten up any shade garden. Its heart-shaped leaves and fragile flowers provide a pop of color in the spring when not many plants are blooming. It’s the ideal plant for those tricky dim areas where not many plants can thrive.

How to Grow: Hardiness and Habitats

This plant is resilient and can withstand cold winters, making it a great choice for gardeners in colder climates. It prefers a location that mimics its natural forest habitat—think dappled light and rich, well-drained soil.

Planting Instructions: Ideal Soil and Sunlight Conditions

Bishop’s Hat prefers to grow in humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soil. It should be planted in a location that is partially to fully shaded, as its leaves can burn in direct sunlight. If you are planting it in a location that gets a lot of sun, make sure it is well watered.

How to Care for and Propagate Your Plant

Bishop’s Hat is a fairly easy plant to care for. It requires a steady supply of water, particularly during dry periods. To promote new growth, trim away old foliage in early spring. If you want to propagate your plant, you can divide the clumps every few years in either the spring or fall.

2) Ophiopogon japonicus (Japanese Snake’s Beard/ Mondo Grass; Ryu-no-hige/Ja-no-hige)

“File:Ophiopogon japonicus patch.jpg …” from commons.wikipedia.org and used with no modifications.

Japanese Snake’s Beard, also known as Mondo Grass or Ophiopogon japonicus, is a reliable plant that forms a thick carpet of grass-like leaves. It’s tough enough to withstand foot traffic, making it a perfect choice for lining walkways or filling in gaps between stepping stones.

Discovering Mondo Grass: A Rich Array of Textures

Mondo Grass is a versatile plant that is beautiful in its own right. Its strap-like leaves provide a unique texture and contrast with more traditional foliage, while its steady spreading nature makes it a reliable filler. In addition, in the summertime, it blooms with small, purple flowers and is followed by shiny, black berries—a treat for the observant eye.

Surviving and Growing in Various Zones

Many gardeners choose Mondo Grass because it is a hardy plant that can adapt to USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 10. It can grow just about anywhere, but it prefers partial shade. Its adaptability makes it a popular choice for those who want to create a Japanese garden aesthetic without the need for constant care.

Achieving Lushness: Tips on Watering, Sunlight, and Soil

For Mondo Grass to thrive, it requires soil that drains well and consistent watering, particularly during warm, dry spells. While it can withstand some sunlight, excessive direct light can cause the leaves to bleach, so it’s best to aim for a balance of light shade for optimal growth.

Fall Routines: Seasonal Maintenance and Improvement

As fall draws near, Mondo Grass needs minimal preparation for the cooler months. Its evergreen characteristic means it’ll offer winter appeal, but do clean it up by getting rid of any brown or damaged leaves. This easy action will maintain its fresh and lively appearance throughout the year.

3) Reineckea carnea (Kichijo-so)

“Reineckea carnea (Andrews) Kunth …” from identify.plantnet.org and used with no modifications.

If you’re looking for a perennial plant for your garden, Reineckea carnea, also known as Kichijo-so, is a great option. This ground cover plant is a real trooper, staying green when other plants might wilt, making it a sign of life in the winter garden.

Kichijo-so: A Year-Round Green Plant for Serene Spaces

Kichijo-so is a symbol of nature’s tenacity. It remains green all year round and even blossoms late in the year when the rest of the garden has withered. Its pinkish flowers subtly signal the change of seasons and offer a last burst of color before the arrival of winter. Discover more about Japanese garden evergreen plants to enhance your serene space.

A Tough Beauty: Adapting to Climate and Conditions

This plant thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10. It prefers the shade and will gladly grow in the cooler, more secluded areas of your garden. In fact, excessive sunlight can cause its leaves to lose their vibrant green color, so keep it protected from intense sunlight.

Easy Evergreen: Care Tips for Continuous Growth

Kichijo-so is a low-maintenance plant. It only needs a shady spot and moist, well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once it’s established, but make sure it gets enough water in its first year. It’s a great choice for a year-round beautiful garden.

So, there you have it—three ground cover plants that can give your garden a Japanese-like atmosphere. But the journey isn’t over yet. Let’s explore two more options to perfect your peaceful garden scene.

4) Saxifraga stolonifera (Yuki-no-shita)

“Saxifraga stolonifera ‘Cuscutiformis …” from putnamhillnursery.com and used with no modifications.

Picture a plant that spills over rocks and edges like a waterfall, with leaves that look like a frosty landscape. That’s Saxifraga stolonifera, or Yuki-no-shita, adding a hint of alpine beauty to your garden.

Yuki-no-shita: A Delicate Beauty for Damp, Shady Spots

The name Yuki-no-shita means ‘beneath the snow,’ a nod to the delicate white flowers that float above its leaves like a sprinkling of snow. This ground cover plant loves the cool, moist conditions that are reminiscent of its native mountain habitats, making it a great choice for those damp, shady areas in your garden.

Imitating the Great Outdoors: How to Grow Yuki-no-shita in Your Garden

If you want to make your Yuki-no-shita feel at home, plant it in a rocky area or near a water feature where the soil is always moist. It will generously spread its runners, creating a lush, green carpet that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is calming to the spirit.

Thirsty Plant: Watering Tips for Saxifrages

Yuki-no-shita is a plant that thrives in moist conditions, but it’s crucial to have well-drained soil to avoid root rot. During periods of high heat, give it extra water to keep it hydrated. In exchange, it will reward your garden with its beautiful flowers and lush leaves.

5) Syneilesis palmata (Shredded Umbrella Plant; Yabure-gasa)

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Also known as the Shredded Umbrella Plant or Yabure-gasa, Syneilesis palmata is a real showstopper. Its distinctive, shredded leaves spread out like a parasol, providing a visual contrast to the more typical forms in the garden.

Yabure-gasa adds a structural component to the garden, and its unique shape is a reflection of the variety in Japanese garden design. It’s not just about the usual plants; it’s about incorporating plants that pique interest and add complexity.

Ideal Conditions for Yabure-gasa

Yabure-gasa enjoys a rich, well-drained soil in a shaded location. It’s a bit picky about its water, preferring to stay moist but not liking its roots to be too wet for too long. With the right balance, Yabure-gasa will flourish, giving your garden its dramatic foliage and subtle flowers. For more information on ground cover plants suitable for Japanese gardens, visit North American Japanese Garden Association.

In the upcoming section of this article, we’re going to explore a table that sets out the characteristics and growth habits of these ground covers in a side-by-side comparison.

A Comparative Look at the Best Ground Cover Plants

When choosing ground covers, take into account the local climate, soil type, and how much sunlight your garden gets. Quickly, you’ll notice that some of these plants have similar sunlight and soil needs, but their water requirements and unique traits can be very different. You should also consider how much time you’re willing to put into maintenance.

Use this table as a reference to combine plants that will go well together and meet your garden’s particular needs.

Common Questions

What Sets Japanese Garden Ground Cover Plants Apart?

Japanese garden ground cover plants stand out for their embodiment of simplicity, naturalness, and elegance. They are selected for their capacity to integrate smoothly into the landscape and enhance the garden’s overall peacefulness.

Can You Grow These Ground Cover Plants in Non-Japanese Gardens?

Definitely! Even though these plants are commonly seen in Japanese gardens, they can add beauty and versatility to any type of garden. Just remember to give each plant the proper growing conditions and care it needs.

How Frequently Should I Water My Japanese Garden Ground Cover Plants?

The frequency of watering depends on the type of plant, the climate in your area, and the season. As a rule of thumb, keep the soil consistently damp for most ground covers, particularly during their growing season and periods of drought.

Do These Plants Often Have Problems with Pests?

Even though these ground covers are typically robust, they can sometimes suffer from pests such as slugs, snails, or aphids. Regular checks and keeping the soil in good health can prevent most infestations.