The Universiy of Illinios Extension Service defines aggressive plants as those that have the ability to "spread fast enough within the garden as to cause issues to other garden areas where the plant is not wanted or is intended to be growing." This is not the same as being identified as being invasive. It's also important to note that there is a difference between a plant being considered invasive and one that grows aggressively. This attractive ground cover plant is prone to damage by pests, such as snails and slugs, but is largely disease-free and will not require constant pruning. So, although some of the plants above are noted as being invasive in certain regions, they are fine to grow in others. It is a semi-evergreen plant, but it can sometimes die back during winter. It reaches a top height of 15 cm and a top spread of 50 cm. It is suitable for USDA zones 4-9, it thrives in zone 5 and it often requires some protection during harsh winters. This herb spreads easily and can be dried and used in cat toys. Commonly referred to as the mother of thyme, creeping thyme is an ideal ground cover plant. It also draws a crowd of butterflies and other pollinators with its spikes of purple flowers and fragrant blue-green foliage. Keep in mind that a plant may be invasive in one environment, but okay to grow in another. Choose this low-growing catmint for an easy-to-maintain groundcover than can handle sun and well-drained soil. Many sedums grow well in lean soils, which is why they are so often used in rock gardens and on green roofs. It is extremely hardy and comes in a variety of colors, from the blue-gray foliage of Sedum cauticola ‘Lidakense’ to the chartruese to gold of Sedum ‘Angelina’. From the USDA website: "An invasive species is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration, and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health." Popular in rock gardens, sedum is a groundcover with lots of texture. When learning about plants, it's important to understand what it means for a plant to be invasive. Plants to try: ‘Big Ears' (large leaves up to 8 inches long), 'Silky Fleece' (a dwarf variety with tiny 1-inch leaves), ‘Silver Carpet’ (silvery blue foliage, nonflowering) *INVASIVE VS. Where to use: Sunny spots where you need a dense, weed-suppressing ground cover. Special attributes: Not bothered by pests or diseases coordinates well with almost everything. Height/spread: 3 to 10 inches (taller when in flower), spreads up to 2 feet Upright stalks of pink or purple flowers in early summer add to the overall height, but you can find cultivars that bloom rarely or not at all. PLANTING AND MAINTAINING GROUND COVER THYMES Most of our Thymes come in two sizes, a 3 inch pot and the 128 plug tray (which is 128 tiny plants in separate cells in a tray). Their fuzzy texture and silver overtones contrast beautifully with many other garden perennials. Soft oblong leaves make this plant so irresistible.
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