Top 14 Best Ground Cover Plants For Pennsylvania

The best ground cover plants for Pennsylvania are those that grow easily and do not require plenty of maintenance yet cover the ground so well.

In order to create a more attractive backyard, one can try to add various plants and shrubs to their yard. There are many types of plants available in the market that are used to improve the beauty of your garden. Some of them may cost less than others and some may be more expensive.

However, all of them have their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.  When it comes to choosing the best ground cover plants for Pennsylvania, one should consider getting some of the following plants.

The Best Ground Cover Plants For Pennsylvania

1. Pennsylvania sedge

This plant is a great ground cover in Pennsylvania. It grows quickly and can be used in many different ways, making it a great lawn alternative when landscaping. It is drought tolerant, easy to grow from seed, and can be planted in any type of soil.

Pennsylvania sedge is a low, clumped, grass-like perennial that grows to be 6-12 in. high. Its seeds grow in a cluster of brown seed capsules that clinge high on the stem. It is native to dry woodland areas in North America.

2. Nodding onion

This plant can grow up to one to three feet tall and is easy to grow. It does not require much water and grows quickly. Nodding onion is native to the U.S. and is often used in landscaping as a ground cover plant.

It is drought tolerant and can be used as a lawn substitute. Nodding onions have lovely purple tiny bell-shaped flowers. It is also a good option for small garden spaces because it does not require much space.

3. New Hampshire purple geranium

This plant is a great option for Pennsylvania, as it can tolerate both hot summer climates and cold winter climates. It is native to the United States and is easy to grow while also being tolerant to pests. The New Hampshire Purple Geranium has beautiful magenta-purple flowers.

4. Virginia strawberry

This plant is an evergreen shrub that has small white flowers. It is known for its berries, which are tasty and also attract wildlife.  The Virginia Strawberry is one of the first plants to bloom in the spring, with its bloom beginning in April.

This plant can grow up to six inches tall and can be grown in many types of soil. This plant is native to fields prairies and woodland edges and is a very popular garden plant in Pennsylvania.

5. Siberian iris

Siberian iris can grow up to 2-4 feet tall and has beautiful purple blooms. This plant is native to  Eurasian and is hardy in cold climates. It can grow in any type of soil and is known for being drought tolerant.

6. Virginia bluebell

This plant is an herbaceous perennial that grows to be about two feet tall. It has small blue flowers with yellow centers.

It is native to moist woodlands and river flood plains throughout eastern North America. It is hardy in cold climates and can be grown in any type of soil.

7. Partridge berry

The Partridge berry is a perennial with a small, woody, trailing vine with slender stems that are 6- 12 inches, slender, trailing stems, and bright red berries. It is native to Eastern North America and grows on the forest surface. It benefits from some shade during the summer months.

8. Holly

The Holly is a diverse family of plants that includes trees and shrubs. Holly has spiny leaves and bright red berries that are beautiful but dangerous to eat.

It can be grown in different types of soil but prefers moist, well-drained loamy soil. Most varieties do well in full sun and can be used for hedges or borders.

9. Spruce

Spruce includes a large family of trees that can grow up to 2o0 feet tall depending on the variety. It has large, flat needles and is one of the most popular trees for Christmas. It is hardy in cold climates and grows in just about any type of soil

10. Mountain laurel

Mountain laurel is native to North America and can grow up to six to 15 feet tall. It has small pink and white flowers and is a beautiful shade tree. It is hardy in cold climates and thrives in well-drained acidic soil.

11. Blue mistflower

Blue mistflower is native to North America and can grow up to three feet tall. It has lovely purple-bluish groups of fuzzy flowers. It is hardy in cold climates and grows well in any type of soil.

12. Redbud

Redbud is native to North America and can grow up to 20 to 30 feet tall. It has pink flowers and leaves that go from reddish-purple to dark green, then to yellow. It makes a beautiful addition to your yard and grows well in full sun or part shade.

13. Black gum

Black gum is native to North America and can grow up to 30 to 50 feet tall. It has dark green glossy leaves with attractive fall colors. It is a hardy tree and grows well in just about any type of soil.

14. Sassafras

Sassafras is native to North America and can grow up to 30 to 60 feet tall. The leaves change colors from yellow, deep orange, scarlet and purple. It has a lovely aroma and berries that birds love to eat.

Take-home – The Best Ground Cover Plants For Pennsylvania

The above list contains some of the best ground cover plants for Pennsylvania. However, this list is not fully exhaustive.

There are many other plants you can grow as ground cover in this part of the States. You can consult the research stations in Pennsylvania to learn more and get more plants to choose from.

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