Need a native ground cover - Ask Extension
Id like to plant something between this dogwood and cherry blossom tree. The area is shady but soil doesn’t look well drained. There’s rocks and t...
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Need a native ground cover #928154
Asked April 12, 2026, 2:38 PM EDT
Id like to plant something between this dogwood and cherry blossom tree. The area is shady but soil doesn’t look well drained. There’s rocks and tree trunk roots from both trees are coming through ground. Any suggestions as to what has the best chance of working?
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi Megan,
My go-to ground cover is Packera aurea (Golden Ragwort). It fills in quickly, is shade tolerant, deer resistant and not picky about soil or moisture. Another one that you might like is Tiarella (Foam Flowers). Both are natives and should be readily available in local garden centers.
Here's the link to our webpage on groundcovers that will give you some other ideas.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/groundcovers
Thanks for contacting us,
Judy
My go-to ground cover is Packera aurea (Golden Ragwort). It fills in quickly, is shade tolerant, deer resistant and not picky about soil or moisture. Another one that you might like is Tiarella (Foam Flowers). Both are natives and should be readily available in local garden centers.
Here's the link to our webpage on groundcovers that will give you some other ideas.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/groundcovers
Thanks for contacting us,
Judy
