![]() For steep grades, use species that produce dense, fibrous roots to help prevent soil erosion. Plants listed as ‘aggressive’ can spread widely in the landscape, especially under conditions of higher soil fertility and moisture. Clumping species that do not cover large areas are generally listed for ‘rock gardens (Table 2).’ To cover larger areas, look for plants in table 1. Look for healthy plants with a strong but not root-bound root system.īefore selecting a plant for ground cover, consider the following items: Where possible, select nursery stock originating from northern areas, especially for marginally hardy plants. Stock originating from warmer climates may be less hardy. When purchasing plants from a nursery, garden center, or greenhouse, find out where the stock was grown. Please be aware that no plant is entirely resistant a very hungry animal will eat almost anything, and there may be geographical differences in what animals will eat. Where information was available, we included whether the plant is resistant to deer and rabbits. Plants listed as easy to grow are the best choices for gardeners with little gardening experience. ![]() Warm microclimates are usually found on the protected south sides of buildings, against stone walls, or on south-facing slopes. ![]() Cultural factors to consider include soil texture and organic matter content, moisture and drainage, light exposure, and microclimate. When selecting plants from this list, match the cultural needs of the plants to the garden site in which you intend to plant. Plants listed with an asterisk (*) perform best under 8,000 feet and would need a protected microclimate (south facing, protected from winter winds, with a reliable winter snow cover) to flourish at elevations higher than 8,000 feet. There are many more hard-to-find species that can be tried, but we limited this fact sheet to the ones that are more readily available. The ground covers and rock garden plants in this fact sheet have been selected because they thrive in mountain gardens and are relatively easy to find. Flowers for Mountain Communities are covered in fact sheet 7.406.įor more information on gardening in the mountains, refer to fact sheet 7.244, Colorado Mountain Gardening Basics. This fact sheet primarily discusses non-native ground covers and rock garden plants for mountain areas above 7,500 feet as well as highlighting some native plants not covered in fact sheet 7.242, Native Herbaceous Perennials for Colorado Landscapes. The lower the zone, the hardier the plant. Choose plants that are hardy to USDA zones 2 to 4.Consider the length of the growing season, soil characteristics, and exposure before selecting ground covers and rock garden plants for mountain gardens.
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