Ground cover with subshrubs has to be chosen by microclimate. Dry sun, cool shade and banks call for different plants.
Ground cover with subshrubs has to be chosen by microclimate. Dry sun, cool shade and banks call for different plants. The aim is to close over the soil and reduce cutting, not to create a surface that can be walked on or to promise freedom from maintenance.
The list lets you compare options, but it does not replace a diagnosis of the site or the choice of a suitable specimen.
The species in the collection
| Species or cultivar | Role in the composition | Reference conditions | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abelia × grandiflora ‘Prostrata’ | low ground cover, evergreen to semi-evergreen | sun or partial shade, well-drained soil | does not tolerate trampling; confirm spread and spacing |
| Erica carnea | low subshrub with winter flowering | sun to partial shade, well-drained soil | compatibility with pH should be confirmed |
| Calluna vulgaris | low subshrub for seasonal massed planting on acid soil | sun, acid, well-drained soil | does not work on chalky or waterlogged soils |
| Cistus salviifolius | low subshrub for Mediterranean ground cover | sun, well-drained soil | cannot be walked on and may open up with age |
| Juniperus horizontalis | prostrate conifer for dry, evergreen ground cover | sun, well-drained soil | does not tolerate waterlogging; dead material can build up |
| Euonymus fortunei ‘Coloratus’ | evergreen to semi-evergreen ground cover for partial shade | gentle sun to shade, well-drained soil | may climb and need containing; confirm its behaviour on site |
| Cotoneaster dammeri ‘Skogholm’ | vigorous, prostrate woody ground cover | sun to partial shade, well-drained soils | confirm regional risk, fruiting and spreading behaviour |
| Cornus canadensis | woody-based herbaceous ground cover for cool, acid conditions | shade or partial shade, consistently moist soil without waterlogging | unsuited to Mediterranean heat and drought |
| Myrtus communis ‘Tarentina’ | more compact form of myrtle for massed planting and edging | sun to partial shade, well-drained soil | confirm size and hardiness to local cold |
How to combine them in a project
In sun and good drainage, Cistus, Erica, Calluna and Juniperus can form massed plantings, depending on pH and climate. In partial shade, Euonymus and some options for cooler conditions can work. Cornus canadensis belongs to a much moister, shadier setting and should not be mixed with Mediterranean species.
Use one dominant per zone and repeat the companions in drifts. Spacing should take account of mature spread and the time taken to close over.
Conditions of use
The final choice should confirm invasiveness, spreading behaviour, pH, climate, spacing and availability. Cotoneaster and Euonymus require regional assessment.
Selection at Diaplant
At Diaplant, ground cover with subshrubs is defined by aspect, spacing and rate of closure. Sun, dry shade and banks require different combinations.
Related reading
- [102 — Subshrubs as ground cover: when they work better than a lawn](../01_Relvado_Prados_Coberturas/102_subarbustivas-como-cobertura-de-solo-quando-funcionam-melhor-do-que-o-relvado.md)
Sources
- Smith, L. S.; Fellowes, M. D. E. The grass-free lawn: Management and species choice for optimum ground cover and plant diversity. (2014).
- Ecological restoration and biodiversity-friendly management of urban grasslands – A global review on the current state of knowledge. (2024).
- Uppala, E.; Deak Sjöman, J.; Emilsson, T.; Hedblom, M. Reviewing designed plant communities’ potential for optimizing the performance of urban nature-based solutions. (2025).
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