New Hampshire landscapes benefit from groundcovers that are hardy, ecologically helpful, and attractive through multiple seasons. Choosing native species increases the likelihood of success in the state’s cold winters, variable soils, and diverse site conditions–whether a sunny rock garden, a shady understory under sugar maples, or eroding slopes along a driveway. This article describes practical, site-specific options for native groundcovers, care and planting guidance, design uses in outdoor living spaces, and ecological considerations for long-term success.
Native groundcovers are adapted to local climate, soils, and pests. They establish more reliably than many exotics, support local pollinators and wildlife, and often require less maintenance once established. In New Hampshire, where freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, and deer browsing are common issues, selecting the right native species pays dividends in durability and ecological value.
Understanding the site is the first step: light, soil moisture, drainage, slope, and wildlife pressure determine which groundcovers will thrive.
Some native groundcovers prefer full sun and dry, rocky soils; others thrive in dense shade beneath trees. Match species to available light rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all planting.
New Hampshire soils vary from sandy, well-draining uplands to heavy, moisture-retentive loams in valley bottoms. Many native groundcovers tolerate a range, but some (for example, Sedum ternatum) prefer excellent drainage while Vaccinium species favor acidic soils.
Deer browse is a significant concern in many parts of the state. Some native groundcovers are less palatable (e.g., Mitchella repens, Gaultheria procumbens) while others (wild strawberry, violets) may be eaten. Plan for protective measures or select deer-resistant species where deer numbers are high.
Identify the intended function. Erosion control and slope stabilization call for dense, fast-spreading root systems. Low mats between pavers need plants that tolerate foot traffic. Understory ornamentals should coexist with tree roots and limited soil fertility.
The following species are proven performers in New England conditions. Each entry includes characteristics, best-use scenarios, and practical planting tips.
Description: A low, evergreen mat that stays close to the ground with glossy leaves and red berries in paired drupes. Flowers are fragrant and white in spring.
Best sites: Shade to part-shade, acidic, well-drained to moist soils. Excellent as an understory native for pine and spruce stands.
Pros: Deer-resistant, evergreen interest, good for naturalistic plantings and woodland beds.
Planting tips: Space plugs 6 to 12 inches apart for quick cover. Avoid heavy mulch directly on crowns; leaf litter is fine.
Description: Native woodland groundcover with heart-shaped leaves and inconspicuous maroon flowers at the soil line. Forms dense clumps.
Best sites: Deep shade, rich, moist, well-drained soils.
Pros: Excellent for shaded borders, drought-tolerant once established, attractive foliage, discourages foot traffic in delicate areas.
Planting tips: Plant in spring or fall; divide clumps in spring for propagation. Keep a thin mulch layer to conserve moisture.
Description: A native alternative to non-native Pachysandra terminalis. It has thicker, lighter-textured leaves and spikes of cream flowers in spring.
Best sites: Shade to part-shade, tolerates dry conditions better than the usual Asian pachysandra.
Pros: Low-maintenance, forms a dense carpet that suppresses weeds.
Planting tips: Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart for quicker closure; watch for competition from aggressive exotics.
Description: Evergreen, aromatic foliage with bright red berries in fall and winter. Low-growing and spreading slowly.
Best sites: Acidic, well-drained soils in part-shade to full shade.
Pros: Winter interest, edible berries (with medicinal qualities), wildlife-friendly.
Planting tips: Keep pH acidic; avoid planting in alkaline soils unless amended. Use in mixed shade plantings where winter color is desired.
Description: A fragrant early-blooming native with leathery leaves and pinkish-white flowers in spring.
Best sites: Acidic, well-drained soils under pine or oak; performs best in woodland settings.
Pros: Exceptional fragrance and early nectar source for pollinators; historically valued in New England.
Planting tips: Difficult to transplant from wild; buy nursery-grown stock and protect from drying during establishment.
Description: A showy spring bloomer forming mats of evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage. Flowers in profusion in spring.
Best sites: Full sun to part-shade, excellent on slopes and rock gardens, tolerates lean soils and good drainage.
Pros: Spectacular spring display, good for sunny borders and between rocks.
Planting tips: Plant 12 to 18 inches apart; shear lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage denser growth.
Description: A small, native sedum that prefers shady, rocky woods and produces white starry flowers in spring.
Best sites: Part-shade and moist to well-drained soils, rock gardens and crevices.
Pros: Low-growing, tolerant of thin soils, early-season nectar for pollinators.
Planting tips: Use in mixed rock garden plantings; avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.
Description: Low mats of trifoliate leaves, spring flowers, and small edible fruit. Spreads by stolons.
Best sites: Full sun to part-shade, dry to moderate soils, meadows, and lawn alternatives.
Pros: Edible fruit, quick cover, pollinator-friendly flowers.
Planting tips: Control runners if a tidy look is desired. Space clumps 6 to 12 inches apart.
Description: Spreading mat-forming shrub useful as groundcover over larger areas in acidic soils. Spring flowers and edible berries.
Best sites: Acidic, well-drained soils, full sun to part-shade; ideal for naturalized borders and pollinator plantings.
Pros: Fruit production, wildlife value, fall color.
Planting tips: Plant multiple patches for cross-pollination and better fruit set. Mulch with pine needles or shredded bark to maintain acidity.
Description: Clumping perennial with attractive foliage colors and airy flower spikes. Not a complete mat former but excellent as a low border groundcover.
Best sites: Part-shade to full sun (morning sun best), adaptable soils with good drainage.
Pros: Year-round leaf interest in many cultivars; good in mixed perennial beds.
Planting tips: Divide every 3-4 years to refresh appearance and vigor.
Description: Both are low, woodland groundcovers with spring flowers and seasonal interest. Bunchberry spreads slowly and forms a carpet in cool, moist shady areas.
Best sites: Moist, cool shade in acidic soils.
Pros: Excellent for natural woodland restoration and moist, shaded slopes.
Planting tips: Source nursery-grown plants to ensure local provenance; allow time to naturalize.
Good establishment technique reduces long-term maintenance. Follow these practical steps to improve success.
Native groundcovers can be integrated into patios, pathways, lawn alternatives, and erosion-control plantings to create resilient, low-maintenance outdoor living areas.
Always source native plants from reputable nurseries that propagate rather than collect from wild populations. Wild collection can deplete local populations, especially for slow-spreading species like Epigaea repens. Ask about local ecotype or provenance–plants propagated from regional seed sources are better adapted to local conditions.
Selecting the right native groundcover can transform a New Hampshire yard into a resilient, low-maintenance outdoor living space that supports wildlife and requires fewer resources. Plan with the site, choose locally adapted species, and invest time in proper establishment; the result will be durable, attractive plantings that enhance your landscape through every season.