Flowering Ground Cover for Sunny Zone 5 Bed with Hydrangeas

Zone 5 gardener seeks sun-tolerant, flowering ground cover for bed with two hydrangeas and a few orchids that won't outcompete existing plants.

Recommended: Blue Star Creeper

Laurentia fluviatilis (syn. Isotoma fluviatilis)

• Forms dense mat of tiny light blue flowers
• Tolerates full sun with adequate moisture
• Dies to ground in winter, returns reliably in spring
• Low stature won't smother hydrangeas or orchids
• Moderate spread—easily contained

Care Notes

• Water during hottest summer weeks
• Spring cleanup: rake off dead foliage
• Divide in spring if spreading beyond bounds

Alternative for drier spots: Sedum species (stonecrops) with yellow/pink flowers.