Ardisia japonica makes a wonderful ground cover for areas in full sun to partially shaded spaces for winter exposure. The evergreen foliage is glossy, slightly textured and has a leather like feel to the touch. We like the use as a companion plant for winter containers to add texture and evergreen foliage to pansies, violas and other accents. Although it is considered a ground cover, use in your containers as a height component.

For a ground cover, Marlberry makes a good option other that Pachysandra in our warm southern region. Plants will spread by suckers.