Ground Cover That Looks Like Strawberry Plants
Are you looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance ground cover that looks like strawberry plants? Look no further! There are many options available that can add a pop of color and texture to your garden while also providing practical benefits such as weed suppression and erosion control. In this article, we will explore some of the best ground covers that resemble strawberry plants and how to care for them.
Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme is a popular ground cover that closely resembles strawberry plants. This low-growing herb has tiny, aromatic leaves and small pink or purple flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. Creeping thyme is also a great choice for attracting bees and other pollinators to your garden.
Creeping thyme prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it a great choice for hot and dry climates. To maintain its shape and prevent it from spreading too much, you can trim it back in early spring.
Creeping Phlox
Creeping phlox is another ground cover that looks like strawberry plants. This low-growing perennial has evergreen leaves that form a dense mat and produces masses of small pink, white, or purple flowers in the spring. Creeping phlox is also deer-resistant, making it a great choice for gardens with grazing animals.
Creeping phlox prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is also drought-tolerant once established, but may benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. To promote a fuller and more compact growth, you can pinch back the tips of the stems in early summer.
Wild Strawberry
If you want a ground cover that truly looks like strawberry plants, why not go for the real thing? Wild strawberry, also known as woodland strawberry, is a low-growing perennial that produces small white flowers followed by tiny red fruits that are edible and delicious. Wild strawberry also has attractive trifoliate leaves that turn reddish in the fall.
Wild strawberry prefers partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. It is also tolerant of a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. To promote fruiting and prevent the plant from becoming too invasive, you can trim back the runners in early spring or after fruiting.
Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a versatile and hardy succulent that can be used as a ground cover in many different settings. Sedum comes in many different varieties, some of which have foliage that resembles strawberry plants, such as Sedum acre and Sedum spurium. Sedum also produces attractive flowers in shades of pink, red, or yellow.
Sedum prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is also drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soil conditions. To promote a bushier growth and prevent legginess, you can pinch back the stems in early summer.
Conclusion
Ground covers that look like strawberry plants can add both beauty and function to your garden. Whether you choose creeping thyme, creeping phlox, wild strawberry, or sedum, make sure to provide them with the right growing conditions and care to ensure their success. With a little bit of planning and patience, you can create a lush and vibrant ground cover that will enhance your garden for years to come.