• English ivy becomes invasive when not controlled.English Ivy image by Keith Pinto from Fotolia.com
  
  Evergreen groundcovers provide a solution for hard to mow steep slopes, deeply shaded areas of the yard, areas that prove difficult to maintain, and other areas of the landscape that prove inhospitable for many plants. According to the Colorado State University Extension, ideal groundcovers grow rapidly, form dense mats and require little or no mulching. Ornamental evergreen groundcovers add interest, texture and a variety of color to the home landscape.
  
  

Wintercreeper

• The vine-like growing habit of wintercreeper, hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, results in branches that can grow to a length of 50 feet and a height of 2 feet. The 1- to 2-inch-long leaves have silver streaks running through them. Some plants have variegated leaves with yellow or white streaks depending on variety. This evergreen grouncover produces 1/3-inch light orange berries that often stay on the plant deep into the winter months. Wintercreeper adapts to a variety of conditions. It thrives in full sun to deep shade and tolerates any soil conditions as long as the soil does not remain soggy. This groundcover does not tolerate drought.
  
  

Common Periwinkle

• Common periwinkle, hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, often grows to extreme lengths because the branches set roots at every node. This evergreen groundcover grows to 4 to 8 inches tall. It produces 1-inch-wide star-shaped, violet-blue blooms during the spring. While common periwinkle thrives in shade, flower production is greatest when the plants are grown in full sun. Provide shade for plants grown in USDA zones 8 and 9 suggests the Colorado State University Extension. Common periwinkle grows rapidly in moist soils and the plant can become invasive when left unchecked.
  
  

English Ivy

• English ivy, hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, can reach lengths up to 90 feet long and mound up to 8 inches tall reports the Invasive Plant Atlas of the MidSouth. English Ive easily crawls along the ground or climbs structures because the vines produce aerial roots. Aerial roots do not require soil. This evergreen groundcover produces tiny greenish-yellow blooms on mature vines from June until October. During April and May, English ivy produces 1/4-inch black berries. The vines thrive in partially to deeply shaded areas and well-drained soil. Direct sun and exposure to wind cause the leaves to burn.
  
  

Allegany Pachysandra

• Pachysandra, hardy in USDA zones 4 through 10, is less disease prone than Japanese pachysandra reports the Maryland Cooperative Extension. This slow spreading evergreen groundcover can grow up to 12 inches tall. It produces fragrant white and pink blooms that grow in spiked clusters. Allegany pachysandra prefers full to partial shade and well-drained moist soil. The leaves burn when the plant grows in full sun. The leaves of this ornamental groundcover develop silver mottling in the fall.