Keep your garden looking pristine with these 21 best ground covers. These low-maintenance plants suppress weeds, add lush greenery, and enhance your landscape effortlessly!
Creeping Thyme
Known for its aromatic leaves, this plant delights with tiny pink flowers in summer. It forms a dense mat that crowds out weeds effectively. Plant it between stepping stones or along pathways for a fragrant touch. Its low-growing nature requires minimal maintenance once established. Creeping thyme thrives in sunny spots and well-drained soil. In addition to being decorative, it attracts pollinators. Ensure good air circulation to prevent mold. Its drought tolerance makes it perfect for xeriscaping. Enhance your garden’s sensory experience with this delightful ground cover.
Irish Moss
This plant forms a soft, moss-like carpet that’s both charming and functional. It’s perfect for filling spaces between pavers or as a lawn alternative. Irish Moss flourishes in full sun to partial shade. Its dense growth habit suppresses weeds efficiently. Regular watering keeps it lush, but avoid overwatering. Despite its fragile appearance, it’s surprisingly resilient. Ideal for adding a vibrant green hue to rock gardens. It’s suitable for temperate climates. Use it to soften harsh lines in hardscaping. Complement your landscape with this versatile plant.
Blue Star Creeper
Blue star creeper produces charming blue flowers that brighten up any space. It’s a vigorous grower, making it an excellent weed suppressor. Perfect for filling gaps in garden beds or as a lawn alternative. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. Adaptable to various soil types, it requires regular watering. Its low profile makes it ideal for walkways or patios. The flowers add visual interest and attract pollinators. Blue star creeper is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance ground cover. A versatile addition to any landscape design.
Creeping Jenny
Golden foliage of this plant provides a bright contrast in gardens. Creeping Jenny is a fast-spreader, ideal for covering large areas. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can adapt to sun or shade. Its trailing habit makes it suitable for hanging baskets or as an edging plant. Regular trimming keeps it tidy and encourages dense growth. Used in water gardens, it can grow in shallow water. This plant’s cheerful color adds warmth to any setting. Its hardiness makes it a favorite among gardeners. An attractive choice for ground cover with versatile applications.
Ajuga
Ajuga, also known as bugleweed, is appreciated for its vibrant foliage and spikes of blue flowers. It creates a dense cover, effectively suppressing weeds. Best suited for shady areas under trees. It adapts to various soil conditions but prefers moist soil. Known for its ease of care, it thrives with minimal attention. Ajuga’s foliage color varies with season, adding dynamic interest. It attracts bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity. Planting in masses can create a striking visual effect. A resilient choice for underplanting shrubs or trees.
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff is a woodland favorite, with its whorls of bright green leaves and tiny white flowers. It’s perfect for shady, moist areas. Known for its pleasant fragrance, it’s often used in potpourri. Sweet woodruff spreads quickly, forming a carpet-like cover that suppresses weeds. Regular watering in dry spells keeps it healthy. Ideal for naturalizing woodland gardens or shady borders. The flowers attract beneficial insects. Its deer-resistant nature is an added advantage. Sweet woodruff combines beauty and practicality effortlessly.
Herniaria glabra
Often called green carpet, Herniaria glabra is a tough ground cover known for its resilience. It forms a dense mat that withstands foot traffic. Ideal for rock gardens or between stepping stones. Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its low-growing habit means it requires little maintenance once established. Inconspicuous flowers appear in summer, adding subtle interest. It’s drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping. Use it to add greenery to challenging spots. This plant is both practical and attractive.
Sedum Album
Sedum album, a type of stonecrop, is perfect for sunny spots. Its succulent leaves store water, making it drought-tolerant. The plant produces small white flowers that attract pollinators. It forms a low mat that suppresses weeds effectively. Sedum album thrives in poor, well-drained soil. It’s an excellent choice for rock gardens or green roofs. Minimal care is needed once established. The foliage turns reddish in autumn, adding seasonal color. This versatile ground cover is ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance solutions.
Pachysandra
Pachysandra is a classic choice for shaded areas. Its glossy, evergreen leaves provide year-round interest. The plant forms dense mats that effectively suppress weeds. Best grown in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Minimal maintenance is required once established. The small white flowers appear in spring, adding a touch of elegance. Pachysandra is deer-resistant and easy to grow. Ideal for underplanting trees or as a border plant. Its lush appearance enhances any garden setting.
Vinca Minor
Also known as periwinkle, Vinca minor is prized for its glossy leaves and charming blue flowers. It’s a vigorous grower, ideal for covering ground quickly. Thrives in a variety of conditions, from sun to shade. The plant is drought-tolerant once established. It’s perfect for slopes or areas where erosion control is needed. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape. Vinca minor is a versatile choice that complements any garden. Its ability to thrive in difficult spots makes it a gardener’s ally.
Lamium
Lamium, or deadnettle, adds interest with its silver-speckled leaves and delicate flowers. It’s perfect for shaded areas where other plants struggle. The plant spreads quickly, forming a dense mat that deters weeds. Lamium thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. Flowers attract pollinators, adding biodiversity to your garden. Minimal maintenance is required, though occasional trimming can keep it neat. Its unique foliage brightens up dark corners. An excellent choice for adding texture and color to shady spots.
Mazus Reptans
Mazus reptans, or creeping mazus, is a resilient ground cover with small purple flowers. It’s ideal for moist, well-drained areas. The plant forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds effectively. Perfect for walkways or between stepping stones, as it tolerates light foot traffic. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. Regular watering keeps it lush, especially in dry spells. Mazus reptans is suitable for temperate climates. Its charming flowers add a splash of color to the landscape. An excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options.
Clover (Trifolium repens)
Clover, particularly Trifolium repens, is a popular lawn alternative due to its resilience and ease of care. It enriches soil with nitrogen, benefiting surrounding plants. Clover’s white flowers attract pollinators, promoting garden health. It adapts to various soil types and conditions. The plant’s spreading habit covers ground quickly, choking out weeds. Minimal mowing is required, making it low-maintenance. Clover thrives in full sun to partial shade. It’s an eco-friendly choice for sustainable gardening. Use it to create a meadow-like effect or as a lush lawn substitute.
Liriope
Liriope, or lilyturf, is a versatile ground cover with grassy leaves and lavender flower spikes. It’s perfect for edging or lining pathways. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to various soil types. Liriope forms dense clumps that effectively suppress weeds. Its flowers attract pollinators, adding to garden biodiversity. Minimal maintenance is needed, though trimming back in early spring encourages new growth. The plant is drought-tolerant once established. Liriope adds structure and texture to any garden design.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Bearberry, or Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, is ideal for dry, sandy soils. Its glossy leaves and red berries add year-round interest. This low-growing shrub is perfect for erosion control on slopes. Bearberry thrives in full sun and requires little maintenance once established. It’s a slow grower, but its dense mat effectively suppresses weeds. The plant provides food for wildlife, enhancing biodiversity. Bearberry’s hardiness makes it suitable for challenging landscapes. Use it to stabilize soil and add visual appeal to rocky areas. A practical choice for low-maintenance gardens.
Heuchera
Heuchera, or coral bells, is famed for its colorful foliage. It’s perfect for adding visual interest to shaded areas. The plant forms a dense clump that suppresses weeds. Best grown in partial to full shade and well-drained soil. Its flowers attract pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity. Minimal maintenance is needed, though regular watering keeps it thriving. Heuchera’s foliage comes in various hues, from purple to green, adding depth to garden designs. Use it as a border plant or in containers for versatility.
Dichondra
Dichondra is an appealing lawn alternative with its small, round leaves. It forms a dense carpet that suppresses weeds effectively. Perfect for sunny areas, it thrives in well-drained soil. Minimal mowing is required, making it low-maintenance. Dichondra’s resilience allows it to withstand light foot traffic. It’s an excellent choice for creating a seamless green cover. The plant’s drought tolerance makes it suitable for xeriscaping. Use Dichondra to cover large areas without the upkeep of traditional grass. Its soft texture adds charm to landscapes.
Brass Buttons
Brass buttons, or Leptinella squalida, is noted for its unique fern-like foliage. It’s perfect for filling gaps between stones or in garden beds. The plant forms a dense mat that deters weeds. Thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Its tiny flowers add subtle interest. Brass buttons is resilient, tolerating light foot traffic. Minimal maintenance is required, though regular watering helps in dry periods. Use it to add texture and color to garden designs. A distinctive choice for ground cover with a unique appearance.
Epimedium
Epimedium, also known as barrenwort, is ideal for shady spots. Its heart-shaped leaves and delicate flowers add elegance to gardens. The plant forms a dense ground cover, suppressing weeds effectively. Best grown in partial to full shade and well-drained soil. Its resilience makes it a low-maintenance choice. The flowers attract pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity. Epimedium’s foliage changes color in fall, adding seasonal interest. Use it to soften hardscapes or as an underplanting for trees. A charming addition to any shaded garden.
Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s ear is cherished for its soft, velvety leaves. It’s perfect for adding tactile interest to gardens. The plant forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds effectively. Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its drought tolerance makes it suitable for xeriscaping. The purple flower spikes add seasonal color. Lamb’s ear is easy to grow, requiring minimal maintenance. Use it to border pathways or as a filler in garden beds. Its unique texture and color make it a standout choice for ground cover.
Bugleweed
Bugleweed, or Ajuga, offers vibrant foliage and blue flower spikes. It thrives in shaded areas and forms a dense cover that suppresses weeds. The plant adapts to various soil conditions but prefers moist soil. Minimal maintenance is required once established. Bugleweed attracts bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity. Its foliage color varies with season, adding dynamic interest. Use it to create striking visual effects or as an underplanting for shrubs. Bugleweed’s resilience makes it a popular choice for ground cover.