Plant This Flowering Ground Cover For Ideal Coverage Under Trees And Shrubs

Too often, the ground under trees and shrubs is largely bare, allowing it to be taken over by weeds or damaged by erosion. While there are many ground covers for a sunny area, finding plants that can thrive in the drier and shadier spots under trees can be a challenge, especially if you want petite flowering species. But it's not impossible! Hardy cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) is an amazing option for these tricky spots.

Despite being native to the Mediterranean, hardy cyclamen is surprisingly tolerant of colder temperatures and is perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9. With its dainty pink or white flowers and a height of only about 6 inches, cyclamen is an ideal way to spruce up shady spots in your landscape, blanketing them with a low-maintenance ground cover. 

Plus, it's ideal for those who have to eliminate their English ivy due to its invasiveness because its leaves boast a similar shape. You get the beauty without the takeover. Just be aware that cyclamen is slightly poisonous for humans and pets if ingested, so you may want to steer clear of this ground cover if you have curious dogs, cats, or toddlers in your yard.

Hardy cyclamen is generally grown from tubers that are best planted in early autumn. Save time and consider planting them at the same time you plant your spring-blooming bulbs. In addition to appreciating shade, cyclamen also enjoys fertile soil and can handle both dry and moist spots well. Cyclamen is dormant during spring and summer, though, so be sure to avoid overwatering it during those seasons.

Because cyclamen is dormant during the warmer months, you may want to pair it with additional plants that can thrive in dry, shady locations to provide spring and summer interest. Some of the best plants for a shade garden could include flowering perennial options like columbine and foamflower. If you take good care of your cyclamen, it should begin to naturalize, gifting you with a colony of beautiful and fragrant flowers during autumn and completely covering your formerly bare soil with a blanket of blooms.