What is the difference between a groundcover and an invasive plant? A groundcover is a plant that we find useful for our gardening needs while an invasive plant is  not. They both have the same characteristics of being able to multiply and spread over a certain area of space.

Groundcovers for the shade garden need to be able to tolerate low light conditions. The darker the shade, the longer the groundcover will take to spread. Also, some of the common ones such as Vinca and, sometimes, Ajuga, may go over to the invasive group.

Short groundcovers can act as a background for the larger hostas. As you look down on the clump, sweet woodruff, Allium, ajuga and others can form an interesting backdrop for viewing the hosta at its best.