<p>If you adore gardens filled with scent, keep an eye out for these seven herbal groundcovers. These herbs live up to their multitasking reputations; practical, beautiful, aromatic.</p>
<p>• <strong>Roman chamomile</strong> (<em>Chamaemelum nobile</em> and cultivars). 12 inches tall and wide; Zones 4-9; enjoys full sun or semi-shade; fruity, green-apple fragrance; summer blooms of daisy-like flowers; and light green, fern-like foliage. Roman chamomile makes a wonderful lawn substitute.<br />
<br />
• <strong>Sweet woodruff</strong> (<em>Galium odoratum</em>). 8 inches tall and spreads indefinitely; Zones 5-8; sweet woodruff is nice under trees as it prefers shady areas; smells of freshly mown hay when crushed.<br />
<br />
• <strong>Corsican mint</strong> (<em>Mentha requienii</em>). 1/2 inch tall and spreads indefinitely; Zones 6-9; prefers sun but takes shade nicely. When leaves are bruised, Corsican mint has a sage/minty scent. It’s often used between pavers or stepping stones.<br />
<br />
•<strong> Scented geraniums</strong> (<em>Pelargonium</em> spp.). These grow from 1 to 3 feet tall; Zones 7-11. An amazing variety of scents are available, such as lime, almond, apricot, peppermint, cinnamon, chocolate-mint, coconut and apple.<br />
<br />
• <strong>Prostrate rosemary</strong> (<em>Rosmarinus officinalis</em> ‘Prostratus’). 6 to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide; Zones 7-10; honest and reliable; robust pine scent. Rosemary is a sun-worshipper and also is drought-tolerant.<br />
<br />
• <strong>Lemon thyme</strong> (<em>T. ×citriodorus</em> ‘Aureus’). 6 to 8 inches tall and wide; Zones 6-9; golden leaves with summer flowers of soft lilac; strong lemon scent. Thymes love sunny areas but will tolerate some shade.<br />
<br />
• <strong>Sweet violet</strong> (<em>Viola odorata</em>). 6 to 12 inches tall and wide; Zones 8-9; sweet scent; violet or white flowers. Prefers shade but will tolerate full sun in cooler areas. For a nice spring display, shear the leggy growth in the fall.</p>
<p>
<hr />
<br />
<em>Chris McLaughlin’s book on composting,</em> The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Composting <em>(Alpha/Penguin, 2010), will be published in April.</em>
<p>Click here for the main article, <a href=”https://www.motherearthliving.com/gardening/5-reasons-to-plant-herbal-groundcovers.aspx”>
<strong>5 Reasons to Plant Herbal Groundcovers</strong>
</a>.</p>
Scented Herbal Groundcovers
Need Help? Call 1-800-456-6018