• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Groundcover-Recommendations-for-a-Shade-Soaked-Culvert.jpg

Groundcover Recommendations for a Shade Soaked Culvert

I have a shade-soaked culvert that runs through our property. Can you suggest an attractive ground cover that needs little maintenance and will help control weeds? 

Start with a quick call to your local municipality.  Ask about any regulations related to planting this area.  If planting is allowed, consider using native sedges (Carex) for the area.  Most of these grass-like plants will tolerate the shade and moisture conditions.  Indian sweetgrass (Hierchloe odorata) is a native plant that grows 6 to 8 inches tall and will seed and fill the area fairly quickly.  Sweetgrass prefers a full sun but will tolerate partial shade. More conventional groundcovers such as barren strawberry (Walsteinia ternate) and moneywort (Lysimachia nummularia) are fast, low growing perennials.  Avoid using moneywort near natural waterways and wetlands as it can be invasive. You will need to control the weeds for the first few years until the groundcovers fill in.

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


March 27, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Register now

April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW