A couple of weeks ago, at the Mid-Atlantic Nurserymen's Trade Show (MANTS) in Baltimore, some of the hottest new plants on display were these low-growing groundcovers called "Stepables®." Shown left is Hernaria glabra 'Seafoam' (Striped Rupturewort) -- I'd never heard of it, either -- but as a 4 to 12 inch high variegated creeper, I could certainly see it in planting beds, around the patio, or planted with bulbs. It's got some terrific recommendations: it takes temperatures to minus 20 degrees F, pink-purple flowers, part shade to full sun, drought tolerant and deer resistant. That's hard to beat, and you can also use it on pathways because it will tolerate heavy foot traffic. 
This plant was all over the show -- Leptinella x 'Platt's Black' (Black Brass Buttons). It has almost black, ferny type foliage and yellow flowers in spring. It grows almost flat to the ground, takes dry soil conditions and part to full shade, and is hardy to zone 5. So if you're looking for a groundcover with a different color and texture, this might just be the one. Here, it's shown planted with bulbs.
This is a very nice viola, too, Viola grypoceras exilis 'Sylettas.' The green foliage is tinged with silver, and pinky-purple flowers bloom in late spring. If you look closely, you'll see that this plant sort of looks like cyclamen. It takes clay soil (perfect for those of us in the mid-Atlantic region), shade to part shade, and it's hardy to zone 6. It'll also do well in dry shade and humid conditions.
I wouldn't put violas in every garden. I think they get lost in large ones, but I'd certainly opt for a few around a small townhouse patio or in an urban garden where they'd easily be noticed.
The thing I like about all of these "Stepables" is that they give you many other groundcover options. It's easy to get sick of mazus, creeping thyme, vinca, pachysandra, and other ubiquitous plants, but now there are scores of new options. One display at MANTS was showing 50 different types of these plants alone.
You should be able to find them in any nursery, and the labels will tell you what kind of foot traffic they'll bear, as well as growing conditions. It's a new lease on life for designers working with groundcovers.
(click on images for large view)
(all images: Stepables)
I love viola's but seem to have a hard time growing them here in PA.
Posted by: Shelly | January 30, 2008 at 02:38 PM