It can be trained to trail as well as allowed to creep along, establishing itself in a broad range over time.Ĭreeping juniper is one of the hardiest evergreen plants, is quick to establish and comes in varieties that range from nearly a foot tall (31 cm.) to just 6 inches (15 cm.). Consider the size of the area, the moisture levels and drainage, the height of coverage you desire, the exposure, and the fertility of the soil as you choose your groundcover.Ĭommon wintercreeper has delightful dark green leaves with scalloped edges. If lush greenery and varying tones and textures of leaves is your desire, there are many suitable groundcover plants for zone 4. Not only are they hardy in winter but they thrive in the short, hot summer and add different seasonal interest year-round. This is where plants for zone 4 ground coverage come into play. These conditions may be difficult for some plants. In zone 4, the winters can be very harsh and cold, often accompanied by chill winds, heavy snow, and ice. Groundcovers are very useful in such situations and generally don’t need much upkeep while effortlessly filling in gaps and providing a foil for taller plant specimens. There are many useful and hardy cold hardy groundcovers that may bloom, yield evergreen foliage, and even produce fruit.Īs you design your landscape, it is important to note areas where most plants don’t grow, such as rocky regions, over tree roots, and in sites where maintenance would be difficult. Plants for zone 4 ground coverage abound. These low-growing living carpets project interest to the eye while accenting other plantings.

Landscape planning often incorporates groundcovers as part of the plan. Cold hardy groundcovers are also useful as protection for semi-hardy plant’s roots, minimizing most weeds, and creating a carpet of color that seamlessly integrates the rest of the garden into a Monet-like swath of tones and textures. While this may limit some of the choices, there are still plenty of options for the cold zone gardener. Zone 4 groundcovers must be hardy to winter temperatures of -30 to -20 degrees F. Groundcover plants are very useful for areas where minimal maintenance is desired and as an alternative to turf grass.

Creeping thyme in winter