LAND DESIGNS UNLIMITED LLC

A Patient Craftsman Creating Exceptional Landscapes

Category: Groundcovers

  • Siberian Carpet | This is What it Does

    Siberian Carpet | This is What it Does

    Siberian Carpet (Microbiota decussata) is underused in Connecticut landscapes.

    For one thing, Siberian Carpet looks like a Juniper without the prickliness. As a matter of fact, you can run your hand over the shrub without scratching.

    In addition, it likes partial shade and average to dry soils. Most literature doesn’t recommend planting in full sun but the shrub will do great under those conditions.

    Siberian Carpet may become leggy after several years. Therefore, use selective pruning to keep it in bounds. Another small issue is trapping leaves in the fall and winter. As a result, it’s going to take a little extra time for cleanup.

    Plant in odd-numbered groupings and let it grow together for maximum effect.

    Click the image below for a larger version.

    Siberian Carpet - Microbiota decussata
  • Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’ – A Colorful Groundcover for Connecticut Gardens

    Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’ – A Colorful Groundcover for Connecticut Gardens

    liriope muscari

    Variegated Big Blue Lilyturf is an attractive, low maintenance and reliable groundcover for Connecticut gardens.

    Variegated Big Blue Lilyturf grows in clumps about a foot tall.  It flowers in September with twelve-inch tall lavender flower spikes.  After flowering the spikes can either be cut back or left for fall interest.

    The yellow variegated foliage brightens any dark corner of your landscape.  Cut foliage back in late-fall or early spring.

    Variegated Big Blue Lilyturf grows in partial shade.  If planted in full sun the foliage will bleach.  Lilyturf is not fussy about the type of soil it grows in, as long as it is not constantly damp.

    In the above Connecticut garden I planted Variegated Big Blue Lilyturf with evergreen boxwood behind and Fothergilla, a spring blooming shrub, intermingled around it.

    By John Holden