Ground cover plants that thrive on neglect are invaluable. They save time, suppress weeds and keep soil shaded and cool. In every garden I’ve worked in, from large Italian estates to compact city plots in London, I have come to appreciate these hard workers that can fill challenging spots in any yard.
But, let’s be clear, no plant is zero-maintenance. These species might tolerate drought, poor soil and dark shade, but they’ll still benefit from the occasional trim or tidy. And some, like vinca or wild ginger, can spread more than you might like, so considering what should and should not be planted in your area is important.
