Bedding Plants That Spread

Bedding Plants That Spread: Essential Aspects

Bedding plants are a staple of many gardens, adding vibrant colors and textures to create stunning displays. Among the wide variety of bedding plants, some species are known for their ability to spread, either by sending out stolons or rhizomes or by self-seeding. These plants can quickly fill in bare spots and create lush, dense borders and ground covers.

Spreading by Stolons

Stolons are above-ground stems that grow horizontally along the soil's surface. As they grow, they produce roots at the nodes, which develop into new plants. Some popular bedding plants that spread by stolons include:

Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)
Glechoma hederacea (Ground Ivy)
Thymus praecox (Creeping Thyme)

Spreading by Rhizomes

Rhizomes are underground stems that grow horizontally or vertically beneath the soil's surface. They produce roots and shoots at their nodes, which develop into new plants. Bedding plants that spread by rhizomes include:

Iris pumila (Dwarf Bearded Iris)
Nepeta mussinii (Catmint)
Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox)

Self-Seeding

Self-seeding bedding plants produce an abundance of viable seeds that germinate and grow without human intervention. Some popular self-seeding bedding plants include:

Impatiens walleriana (Busy Lizzie)
Nemesia strumosa (Nemesia)
Viola cornuta (Horned Violet)

Benefits of Spreading Bedding Plants

Bedding plants that spread offer numerous benefits, including:

Fast and easy coverage: They quickly fill in empty spaces, creating dense, lush displays.
Low maintenance: Once established, these plants typically require minimal care and will spread on their own.
Natural ground cover: They can help suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion.
Attractive texture and color: Spreading bedding plants add visual interest and variety to garden beds.

Considerations for Growing Spreading Bedding Plants

While spreading bedding plants can be beneficial, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Controlled growth: Some spreading plants can become invasive if not controlled. Proper spacing and regular pruning can prevent overgrowth.
Spacing: Plant spreading bedding plants with adequate spacing to allow for their growth without overwhelming other plants.
Companion planting: Choose compatible companions that will not compete aggressively with the spreading plants.

By understanding the essential aspects of bedding plants that spread, you can effectively incorporate them into your garden designs and enjoy their benefits without encountering problems.