I was wondering if anyone could offer a suggestion for a hardy groundcover for a steep hill we would rather not mow. The area gets full sun. I am in Zone 5 in Northern New Jersey. Years ago we planted pachysandra but most of the plants died off, I believe b/c the plants are for shaded areas (I know, duh!).

I would love to find a groundcover that looks similar to pachysandra. I love that intense green and the uniformity in their height. We do not have any flower beds or other plants in this area so an invasive groundcover is not a big concern.

I am a novice gardener (to say the least) so I would like a low maintenance, but quick spreading ground cover. Is there such a perfect plant?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

Courtney

If you are a member of Freecycle, post that you're looking for some. People are always clearing out beds of groundcovers.

creeping phlox is a medium green, has mats of needle-like leaves, and flowers or white, pink, or lavender. it's got a nice uniform habit, propagates readily, and cascades a bit.

none of the sedums come in anything darker than kelly green, but they're great for slopes where nothing else can take the heat.

Not at all like pachysandra, but the creeping thymes are great, easy to take care of, fast spreading and densely covering sunny groundcovers. Red Mother of Thyme, Thymus praecox 'Coccineus' has nice deep green (tiny) leaves and in early to mid summer will be COMPLETELY covered with deep rose-pink flowers.

Here's a link to a picture and more info.

Skybird