Miniature Evergreen Perennials

Trailing Ground Covers

• Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a low-growing perennial ground cover that presents small, ovate, dark-green, leathery leaves. Also known as kinnikinnick, the hardy perennial exhibits small white and pink flowers in the spring followed by long-lasting bright red berries. The berries provide food for birds and small wildlife. The plant grows best in sun or partial shade and prefers acidic soil. Bearberry only grows 1 to 3 inches tall. Bearberry fills in bare spots in the landscape and provides winter color and visual interest. It flourishes in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 2 through 6. Japanese winter creeper (Euonymus fortunei) is a low-growing, climbing or trailing ground cover that does best in full sun in USDA zones 4 through 6. The hardy perennial plant grows to a height of 6 to 10 inches and can climb or spread more than 50 feet. The leaves are a deep green with a leathery texture.

Pachysandra

• Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) exhibits lustrous leaves that remain vibrant green all year long. The plant grows 8 to 10 inches tall and forms large clumps. In early spring, small white flowers appear. Allegheny pachysandra (Pachysandra procumbens) grows 6 to 12 inches tall and forms 12- to 18-inch-wide clumps. The tough little perennial displays small, white flowers in early spring. Allegheny pachysandra is semi-evergreen in colder, Northern climates. The plant prefers a sandy loam, well-drained soil and a sunny location. Pachysandra thrives in USDA zones 4 through 8.

Junipers

• A low-growing, mounding shrub, dwarf Japanese garden juniper (Juniperus procumbens "Nana") presents attractive blue-green foliage all year round. The plant only grows from 3 to 5 inches tall and spreads from 3 to 5 feet wide. In autumn, the foliage exhibits a deep purple-green hue. Japanese juniper does best in full sun and prefers nutrient rich, well-drained soil. Juniperus x media is a ground-hugging, resinous evergreen juniper, durable and drought resistant. Junipers are important landscape elements for rock gardens, edgings and soil erosion control. Holbart and Armstrong are popular varieties. Creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) grows well in sun or partial shade. Provide a well-drained location. Creeping juniper grows from 12 to 18 inches tall with a 3- to 5-foot spread. Junipers grow well in USDA zones 3 through 9.

Sedum and Succulents

• Purple ice plant (Delosperma cooperi) is a low-growing succulent that quickly spreads to fill large areas. A herbaceous, evergreen perennial, purple ice plants grows from 3 to 8 inches tall. The plant displays small, purple flowers from June through the first frost. It grows best in a sunny, well-drained location. Hen and chicks (Sempervivum spp.), also known as houseleek, is a low-growing succulent that grows from 1 to 3 inches tall. The thick, fleshy leaves form a tight rosette. Yellow ice plant (Delosperma nubigenum) is similar to purple ice plant. The foliage of this durable ground cover turns a reddish-bronze in winter. Sedum grows best in USDA zones 4 through 9.