Best Ground Covers to Replace Invasive English Ivy

Why Remove English Ivy?

Theresa Schrum of the Georgia Native Plant Society calls English ivy "English kudzu" for its ability to smother landscapes, climb trees, and resist control. Once removed, the soil should be loosened and amended before planting replacements.

Recommended Evergreen Ground Covers for Partial Shade

The following are non-invasive, drought-tolerant, and well-suited to ivy's former domain. Asterisks (*) denote Georgia natives.

• Ajuga
• Bergenia
• Variegated Carex
• Lamium (quick spreader)
• Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens)*
• Allegheny Pachysandra (Pachysandra procumbens)*
• Canadian Ginger (Asarum canadense)
• Saxifrage (Saxifraga longifolia)
• Creeping Raspberry
• Liriope
• Dwarf Mondo Grass
• Green and Gold (Chrysogonum virginianum 'Eco Lacquered Spider')

Ground Covers to Avoid

• Vinca – highly invasive
• Euonymus – prone to pest problems