Landscaping filler plants are a great way to add color, texture, and interest to a garden or landscape. These plants are known for their low-growing habits, making them perfect for filling in spaces between larger shrubs and trees. They can also be used to cover large areas or to add a pop of color to a rock garden or border. There are many different types of landscaping filler plants available, each with its own unique characteristics and features. In this article, we will explore some popular filler plants and their uses in landscaping.
10 Best Landscaping Filler Plants
Pachysandra
Pachysandra is a low-growing evergreen ground cover that is often used to fill in between larger shrubs and trees. The plant typically grows to be about 6-8 inches tall and spreads out to form a dense mat. It has glossy green leaves and produces small white flowers in the spring. Pachysandra is a hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and is drought tolerant.
Liriope
Liriope is a grass-like perennial that is tolerant of shade and is often used as a ground cover. The plant typically grows to be about 12-18 inches tall and has long, narrow leaves that resemble blades of grass. In the summer, it produces spikes of small, purple or white flowers that stand above the foliage. Liriope is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, and can be used in a variety of landscape settings, including as a border or in mass plantings.
Ajuga
Ajuga is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. The species of Ajuga are found mostly in Europe, Africa, and temperate Asia. They are commonly known as carpet bugles and some species are used medicinally or grown as garden ornamental plants. can grow 6 inches
Vinca minor
Vinca grows to be about 4-6 inches tall and spreads out to form a dense mat. It has glossy green leaves and produces small, blue or purple flowers in the spring and early summer. Vinca minor is a hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including dry and rocky soils. It is also tolerant of shade, making it a great option for areas under trees or other large shrubs.
Creeping Phlox
Creeping Phlox forms a dense mat. Creeping Phlox produces a profusion of small, brightly colored flowers in the spring and early summer, in shades of pink, purple, red, and white. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. It can be used to cover large areas or to add a pop of color to a rock garden or border. can grow up to 8 inches.
Campanula
Campanula is known for its bell-shaped flowers and is often used as a ground cover. The plant typically grows to be about 3 to 30 inches tall and spreads out to form a dense mat. Campanula produces a profusion of small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, and white. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. It can be used to cover large areas or to add a pop of color to a rock garden or border. It is also tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and is drought tolerant.
Bugleweed
bugleweed, also known as Ajuga reptans, and is known for its dark green leaves. The plant typically grows to be about 10-36 cm tall and spreads out to form a dense mat. It produces spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers in the spring and summer. Bugleweed is a hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including dry and rocky soils. It is also tolerant of shade, making it a great option for areas under trees or other large shrubs.
Epimedium
Epimedium is known for delicate foliage and the plant typically grows to be about 6-8 inches tall and spreads out to form a dense mat. Epimedium has delicate, fern-like leaves that come in shades of green, bronze, and red. In the spring and early summer, it produces small, delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Epimedium prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.
Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s Ear, also known as Stachys byzantina, The plant typically grows to be about 12-23 inches tall and has large, velvety leaves that are soft to the touch. In the summer, it produces spikes of small, purple or pink flowers. Lamb’s Ear is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, and can be used in a variety of landscape settings, including as a border or in mass plantings.
Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, it is known for its colorful foliage and is often used as a ground cover. The plant typically grows to be about 6-8 inches tall and spreads out to form a dense mat. Sedum has colorful leaves that come in shades of green, bronze, and red. In the spring and summer, it produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of yellow, pink, and red. Sedum is a hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including dry and rocky soils. It is also tolerant of drought and heat.
How to Choose Filler Plants for Your Garden
When picking out filler plants for your garden, it’s important to consider a few different factors. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect filler plants for your space.
- Take Your Time – When choosing your filler plants, it’s important to take your time and really think about what you’re looking for. Don’t just pick the first few plants you see, as this isn’t a decision that should be made lightly.
- Consider Your Climate – When choosing filler plants, you also need to make sure they are suitable for your climate. You don’t want to plant something that isn’t going to thrive or survive in your area.
- Know Your Budget – You also need to consider your budget when choosing plants. Plants can be very expensive, so it’s important to stay within your budget for the best results.
Best Practices for Planting Filler Plants
Once you’ve chosen your filler plants, it’s important to know how to properly plant and care for them. Here are some tips to help you get your plants off to a great start.
- Choose the Right Time to Plant – When it comes to planting your filler plants, you have to remember that they can’t be planted when the ground is frozen or too wet. If you pick the wrong time to plant your plants, they can get damaged or die. It’s best to wait until the weather warms up and the ground has had time to dry out.
- Choose the Right Location – It’s also important to make sure your plants are in the right location. For example, sunflowers don’t do well when planted in the shade, so you need to make sure they are in a sunny area.
- Plant to Depth – When planting your plants, it’s important that you plant them to the correct depth. This will help them get the nutrients they need and stay healthy.
- Water Well – It’s also important to water your plants well after planting them. This will help them get established and get the nutrients they need to thrive.
Tips for Caring for Filler Plants
Once you’ve planted your filler plants, you need to make sure you are properly caring for them. Here are some tips to keep your plants looking great and growing strong.
- Patience is Key – Some plants may take longer than others to grow, so you have to have patience and wait for them to mature.
- Feed Your Plants – It’s also important to feed your plants once they are established. This will help them get all the nutrients they need to grow and stay healthy.
- Watch for Signs of Disease – It’s also important to watch for signs of disease, such as wilting leaves, holes in leaves, or mold growing around a plant. If you see any of these signs, you may need to treat your plants for diseases.
Filler Plant Varieties for Different Climate Zones
When you’re choosing plants for your garden, you also need to consider your climate. Different plants grow better in different climates, so you want to make sure you’re picking the correct plants for your area. Here are some climate considerations to keep in mind when choosing filler plants.
- Temperature – You also need to consider the temperature in your climate. For example, some plants, like bananas, don’t do well in cold climates and might be best avoided, while cacti thrive in all climates.
- Humidity – You also need to consider the humidity in your climate. Some plants, like palms, thrive in very humid places, while other plants, like rhododendrons, do better in drier climates.
- Sunlight – Finally, you also need to think about the sunlight in your climate. Some plants need a lot of sunlight and thrive in areas with seven hours or more of sunlight.
Faq
What is a good filler plant?
A good filler plant is one that is low-growing, hardy and adaptable to a wide range of soil and light conditions. It should be able to fill in spaces between larger shrubs and trees, adding both color and texture to a landscape.
What can I plant in a soggy part of my yard?
If you have a soggy part of your yard, there are several plants that can thrive in these conditions. These include species such as Swamp Milkweed, Water Willow, Pickerel Weed, Marsh Marigold, and Yellow Flag Iris. Additionally, other moisture-loving plants such as Daylilies and Cattails make excellent choices for wetter areas.
What is the best plant for edging?
When it comes to edging, one of the most popular choices are Boxwoods. These evergreen plants create neat and tidy edges that look beautiful all year round. Other options include creeping thyme, ornamental grasses, Japanese holly, Heuchera and various types of ferns. Many varieties of these plants can be found at your local nursery or garden center.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, there are many different types of landscaping filler plants available to suit a variety of soil and light conditions.Landscaping filler plants are known for their low-growing habits and ability to fill in spaces between larger shrubs and trees, adding both color and texture to a landscape. They are also tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and can be used in both sun and shade. With proper care and maintenance, these filler plants can add beauty and interest to any landscape.
Hey am Joe, My interest in gardening began at a young age, when i would help my grandmother with her vegetable garden. I quickly fell in love with the process of planting, nurturing, and harvesting fresh produce. As I grew older, my passion for gardening only continued to grow. Hope to share my knowledge and experience with others.