Looking to cover bare spots in your garden quickly and effectively? Fast-growing ground covers are the perfect solution. These hardy plants spread rapidly, filling in spaces with lush greenery or vibrant blooms, all while helping to prevent weed growth and soil erosion. Whether you need coverage for a sunny or shady area, there are plenty of ground covers that will meet your needs and add beauty to your landscape in a flash.
Not only do ground covers add aesthetic appeal, but they also provide functional benefits, like conserving moisture and creating natural mulch. If you’re aiming to fill your garden fast without the hassle of constantly planting new flowers, these 15 fast-growing ground covers are sure to make your garden look full and healthy in no time. Perfect for beginner gardeners or anyone looking to create an instant garden effect!
Creeping Thyme
Creeping Thyme spreads across the ground like a fragrant, purple carpet. Its tiny flowers exude a pleasant aroma, inviting bees and butterflies to visit.
Not only is it visually delightful, but it’s also practical. This hardy plant withstands foot traffic, making it ideal for pathways.
Plus, it thrives in poor soil conditions, needing minimal care once established.
Mondo Grass
With its sleek, dark green blades, Mondo Grass brings a touch of elegance to any landscape. It’s particularly striking as a border plant.
In summer, it surprises with tiny, black berries that contrast beautifully against its foliage.
Low-growing and shade-tolerant, Mondo Grass requires little attention, effortlessly enhancing your garden.
Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny cascades like a golden waterfall, its vibrant yellow-green leaves catching the light. This plant is perfect for softening the edges of a rock wall or garden bed.
Its trailing stems create a lush mat that remains attractive all season.
Resilient and versatile, it thrives in both sun and shade, adapting easily to different garden settings.
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet Woodruff spreads its fragrant, star-like flowers across the garden floor, creating a serene woodland feel. Its delicate white blooms are a springtime delight.
Underneath, its whorled leaves form a soft, green carpet.
Tolerant of deep shade, it’s an ideal choice for shady spots under trees, offering beauty where other plants might struggle.
Periwinkle
Periwinkle, with its cheerful blue flowers, adds a splash of color that brightens shaded areas. Its glossy leaves provide year-round interest.
This evergreen spreader is fast-growing, quickly covering bare patches with ease.
Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it’s perfect for those seeking vibrant foliage with minimal effort.
Ajuga
Ajuga is known for its dramatic foliage, with deep burgundy leaves that provide a striking contrast to its blue flower spikes.
It’s a bold choice for those wanting to add color depth to their garden palette.
Hardy and adaptable, Ajuga thrives in various conditions, making it a reliable ground cover for diverse landscapes.
Dead Nettle
Dead Nettle offers a unique visual appeal with its silver-speckled leaves and delicate pink blooms. It’s a shade lover that brightens up dim corners of the garden.
Its foliage adds texture and interest long after the flowers have faded.
A resilient performer, Dead Nettle tolerates dry shade, making it an excellent choice for under trees.
Irish Moss
Irish Moss creates a dense emerald carpet that’s soft to the touch, perfect for filling gaps between stepping stones.
Its tiny, white flowers emerge like stars against the lush green, adding an enchanting touch to your garden.
Ideal for sunny or partially shaded areas, it requires minimal maintenance to keep its charming appearance.
Sedum
Sedum dazzles with its fleshy leaves and clusters of vibrant pink flowers. It’s a succulent that thrives in dry, sunny locations.
The plant’s textures bring a modern touch to gardens, making it popular among designers.
Highly drought-resistant, Sedum is perfect for those looking to create a low-water landscape without sacrificing beauty.
Bearberry
Bearberry spreads its glossy foliage across the ground, offering vibrant red berries that stand out in a woodland setting.
It’s an evergreen, providing year-round interest and a habitat for wildlife.
Adaptable to poor soils, Bearberry is a robust choice for naturalizing large areas, adding both color and ecological value.
Yellow Archangel
Yellow Archangel stands out with its bright yellow flowers and striking silver-patterned leaves. This ground cover thrives in shady corners, bringing brightness where needed.
The foliage remains attractive throughout the year, offering visual interest long after the blooms have faded.
Perfect for woodland areas, it’s both hardy and attractive, making it a gardener’s favorite.
Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s Ear offers soft, fuzzy leaves that create a silvery carpet perfect for sunny garden spots. Its texture adds a tactile dimension to garden designs.
While its foliage is the star, it occasionally produces purple flower spikes that add to its charm.
Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, Lamb’s Ear is ideal for those seeking a unique, low-maintenance ground cover.
Barrenwort
Barrenwort enchants with its heart-shaped leaves and delicate yellow flowers. Its charm lies in its subtlety, offering a quiet elegance.
Thriving in shady areas, it creates a soft, green mat that remains attractive through the seasons.
Ideal for underplanting in woodland gardens, Barrenwort is both beautiful and resilient, adapting well to varying conditions.
Mazus
Mazus enchants with its tiny lavender flowers scattered among creeping green foliage. Perfect for sunny or partially shaded areas, it’s a visual delight.
The plant creates a dense mat that quickly covers bare ground, perfect for filling in gaps.
Requiring minimal care, Mazus is an excellent choice for beginners looking to add color and texture effortlessly.
Vinca Minor
Vinca Minor spreads swiftly, with its glossy leaves and charming periwinkle-blue flowers captivating in any garden setting.
This evergreen thrives in shady spots, providing color and coverage where needed most.
Low-maintenance and adaptable, Vinca Minor is a gardener’s ally, offering reliable beauty with minimal fuss.