Prevent Weeds From Taking Over By Planting This Beautiful Blue Ground Cover

Ground covers are invaluable in the war against weeds. By planting low-growing and fast-spreading plants, you can limit weed growth as your ground cover outcompetes them and leaves few bare spots of soil for their seeds to take hold. One of the prettiest options for a ground cover is the beautiful hardy plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides). 

Despite its impressive spreading ability, thankfully hardy plumbago isn't considered invasive. And with a height that is only around 6 inches, you won't have to worry about your hardy plumbago ground cover blocking your view of the other plants in your garden. Its stunning blue flowers are also perfect for adding pops of color and attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. If plumbago has a downside, it may be that it is deciduous, meaning your garden could look a bit bare in winter. Even that isn't all bad though, since it means you can enjoy its beautiful fall colors before its leaves drop. 

Hardy in zones 5 through 9, plumbago is perfect for both full and part sun locations. It also thrives in a variety of soil types and is equally at home in both sandy and clay-heavy soils. It does benefit from soil that drains relatively well though. Hardy plumbago could be an ideal addition for anything from a full sun rock garden or a cheery pollinator patch that gets a bit of shade. 

One of the best things about hardy plumbago is that it is deer resistant. So even if you haven't constructed a fence to keep deer out of your gardens yet, you don't have to worry about your plumbago being nibbled away. Many people also find that rabbits do not eat this particular perennial. Hardy plumbago's drought tolerance also makes it a perfect ground cover for anyone looking to limit their water usage and grow a more water-wise garden.