Hello, I'm compiling a list of weed suppressing ground covers (perennial or sub-shrub) for the Vancouver area that still allow bulbs to poke through in the spring. Any suggustions would be appreciated! Karin England
To an extent, 2 conflicting ideas: allows bulbs through but not weeds. Many weeds will be better at penetrating and overcoming groundcovers than bulbs, which may only tolerate rather short plants among them on many sites.
Oddly enough I was asked a similar question about 20 years ago. The people wanted a low growing ground cover that would flower for them and be a weed suppressant and still let their Daffodils pop through unabated. My choice for them was certain Violas at a Zone 7 Western Garden Book designation. If we can plant these "heavy" (several flats worth of plants) these jewels can take over an area in time as they can spread by stolons and they can also re-seed themselves. For a Vancouver planting Viola labradorica will work in shady areas and can take some but not a lot of direct, hot sun. The Viola sororia will work for you also and can take full sun here. It may fry some in 100 degree temps with direct sun but can take temps in the 90's here. I have it in parts of my lawn by design. Viola sororia 'Freckles' is just a cutie. You can mix and match the Violets above together along with Sweet Violet - Viola odorata if you want. The Dog Violet - Viola riviniana will also work for you. I am also familiar with the "Dog Ear" Violet from Japan. I am not sure of the species name of it right offhand. These will be able to tolerate your cold also but cannot take direct, hot sun here well at all but should be okay for you with some direct sun in Vancouver. Jim
When was it changed and do you know why Viola labradorica, Labrador Violet, the North American native is now considered to be a Dog Violet native to Europe and North Africa? I don't think so. Who dreamed that up? Jim A addendum: Look at Botanica's Annuals & Perennials, 1999, on page 914 to see a photo of the Labrador Violet. Then look at the photo on page 917 of the Viola riviniana 'Purpurea'. Notice the shapes of the leaves and the colors and shapes of the flowers. Now, try to tell me they are the same plant?
Purple Labrador violet of gardens apparently never was a real Labrador violet, the latter a tiny species from the North that may not be in cultivation. The purple one IS quite apparently a form of Viola riviniana, even reseeding into similar locations in gardens and nurseries here.
