Low-growing plants that produce edible, reddish fruit offer a dual benefit. These cultivars, spread horizontally rather than growing tall, serve as an effective method of suppressing weed growth and preventing soil erosion. Consider, for example, certain varieties of crabapples that have been specifically bred for their prostrate growth habit and attractive fruit display.
The advantages of incorporating these types of plants are multifaceted. Besides their practical ground-covering properties, they enhance the aesthetic appeal of landscapes with their vibrant foliage and eye-catching fruit. Historically, fruit-bearing ground covers have been utilized in permaculture and sustainable gardening practices to maximize land use and biodiversity, creating self-sustaining ecosystems.
