Top 5... Vibrant ground covers
Winter’s approaching... but that doesn’t mean your garden can’t still sing with colour
1 Vinca minor ‘Illumination’
Neat, trailing, evergreen rooting as it spreads. Variegated foliage is a good contrast for the blue flowers in summer. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun to shade. H: 10cm (4in), S: 90cm (36in).
Tip Ideal ground cover beneath trees for winter bulbs to poke through.
From www.hedging.co.uk; tel: 01280 822133.
2 Calluna vulgaris ‘Wickwar Flame’
Golden, orange-red hued foliage in winter. Small, purple-pink, bell flowers in summer. Moist, well-drained, acid soil in sun for best colour. H: 50cm (20in), S: 60cm (24in). Tip Grow in pots of ericaceous compost if your soil is limy. From www.jacksonsnurseries.co.uk; tel: 01782 502741.
3 Bergenia purpurascens
Leathery, evergreen, oval leaves turn deep maroon-red in winter. Wands of pink, spring flowers. Any moist, well-drained soil. H/S: 25cm (10in). Tip Will tolerate open, exposed conditions. From www.macplants. co.uk; tel: 01875 341179.
4 Heuchera ‘Marmalade’
Clumping, evergreen perennial with leaves toned in amber-apricot to peachy-bronze. Sprays of brownish flowers in late spring. Any moist, well-drained soil in semi-shade. H: 25cm (10in), S: 45cm (18in). Tip Use in clumps to create a warm splash of colour. From www.crocus.co.uk; tel: 01344 578111.
5 Euonymus fortunei ‘Dan’s Delight’
New variety of this evergreen shrub of neat habit, with clean-looking, creamy variegation. Any soil in sun or shade. H: 41cm (16in), S: 60cm (24in).
Tip Create a contrast by underplanting with red-stemmed cornus.
From www.foxfieldgardencentre.co.uk; tel: 01229 716318.