Mulch may be the go-to for many gardeners, but it’s not the only option. In fact, certain ground covers can do everything mulch does—suppress weeds, retain moisture, protect soil—while adding texture, color, and life to your garden.
Unlike mulch, which breaks down and needs regular refreshing, these living alternatives are self-renewing and seasonally dynamic. They evolve with your garden, offering beauty along with practicality—no hauling, no spreading, no replacing.
In this article, discover 11 ground covers that outperform mulch and bring added charm to your space. It might be time to let your plants do the work—and skip the mulch entirely.
Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme isn’t just a culinary delight. This aromatic ground cover charms with its low-growing, dense mat of tiny leaves. It thrives in sunny spots, releasing a pleasant scent when stepped on. Its lovely purple blooms attract pollinators, making it both decorative and beneficial. Easy to grow, it tolerates drought and poor soil, requiring minimal maintenance. Additionally, it acts as a natural weed suppressant. This delightful plant is ideal for rock gardens, paths, and borders. Its charm lies in its dual role as both a fragrant herb and a striking ground cover.
Liriope
Liriope, often called lilyturf, offers more than just ornamental appeal. With its grass-like leaves and seasonal spikes of purple flowers, it provides texture and color. Liriope is exceptional at controlling erosion and thrives in varied conditions, from sun to shade. It requires little care, making it perfect for busy gardeners. This hardy plant is resistant to pests and diseases, ensuring a long-lasting presence in your garden. Ideal for borders or filling large areas, liriope proves that functionality and beauty can coexist seamlessly in a landscape.
Clover
Not just for lucky charms, clover is a robust ground cover with a knack for nitrogen fixation, enriching the soil naturally. It forms a thick, green carpet that suppresses weeds efficiently. Clover’s tiny, white blooms attract bees, supporting local ecosystems. It’s drought-tolerant and can handle foot traffic, making it suitable for lawns or garden beds. Remarkably, clover remains green through dry spells, sparing you the hassle of constant watering. Its resilience and ecological benefits make clover a smart, sustainable choice for environmentally-conscious gardeners.
Ajuga
Ajuga, known for its striking foliage, transforms ordinary spaces into visual spectacles. Its rich, bronze-purple leaves contrast beautifully with blue flower spikes. Ajuga is perfect for shady spots where other plants struggle. It spreads rapidly, creating an effective weed barrier. Low maintenance and adaptable, it thrives in various soil conditions. This ground cover offers year-round interest with its evergreen nature. Ideal for adding color and texture to borders or under trees, ajuga combines striking appearance with practical advantages, making it a favorite among gardeners.
Sedum
Sedum, with its succulent leaves, is a hardy ground cover that laughs in the face of drought. Its adaptable nature makes it suitable for rocky or sandy soils. Sedum’s pink flowers add a splash of color, attracting pollinators. It’s an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardens, as it requires minimal watering. The plant’s ability to store water in its leaves ensures survival through dry periods. Offering a variety of textures and colors, sedum is perfect for rock gardens, green roofs, or as a border plant, proving that resilience can be beautiful.
Pachysandra
Pachysandra, a glossy-leaved ground cover, thrives in shady areas where grass struggles. Its dense growth habit effectively suppresses weeds, providing a lush, green carpet. It requires minimal care, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens. Pachysandra’s resilience extends to its pest resistance, ensuring it remains beautiful year-round. This ground cover is perfect for woodland gardens, creating an inviting, natural look. Its evergreen nature provides color even in winter, making it a reliable choice for gardeners seeking a consistent, attractive landscape solution without the hassle.
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff enchants with its delicate, star-shaped white flowers and whorls of green leaves. Thriving in shaded, moist areas, it brings life to otherwise dull spots. Known for its sweet scent, especially when dried, it is often used in potpourri. This ground cover spreads quickly, forming a thick mat that suppresses weeds. Its low-maintenance nature and deer resistance make it a gardener’s ally. Perfect for woodland gardens or under trees, sweet woodruff’s enchanting appearance and fragrance make it a delightful addition to any garden landscape.
Vinca Minor
Vinca minor, or periwinkle, is admired for its glossy leaves and charming blue flowers. It excels in both sun and shade, showcasing its adaptability. This ground cover spreads swiftly, creating a dense mat that suppresses weeds. Vinca minor requires minimal upkeep, thriving in various soil conditions. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round appeal, making it a stalwart choice for gardeners. Ideal for slopes or shaded areas, vinca minor’s reliability and beauty have made it a staple in gardens. This plant proves that simplicity can be stunning.
Ice Plant
Ice plant dazzles with its vibrant pink flowers and succulent leaves. Native to coastal regions, it thrives in sandy, well-drained soils. Ice plant’s drought tolerance and salt resistance make it perfect for seaside gardens. It forms a dense mat, ideal for erosion control on slopes. The plant’s vivid blooms attract pollinators, adding life to your garden. Low maintenance and fast-growing, ice plant is a favorite for those seeking a splash of color with minimal effort. Its ability to thrive in harsh conditions makes it a versatile garden asset.
Bugleweed
Bugleweed, often overlooked, brings drama with its glossy leaves and spikes of blue flowers. Ideal for shady areas, it forms a dense, weed-resistant carpet. This ground cover’s adaptability to varying soil conditions makes it a versatile choice. It requires minimal care, appealing to those seeking low-maintenance options. Bugleweed’s evergreen nature offers year-round visual interest. Perfect for underplanting shrubs or trees, it adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Its ability to thrive with little attention makes bugleweed a reliable, attractive choice for gardeners.
Mazus
Mazus, with its small, purple flowers, transforms gardens into inviting retreats. A fast-growing ground cover, it forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds effectively. Ideal for paths or between stepping stones, mazus thrives in sunny or partially shaded areas. Its low-growing habit and vibrant blooms attract pollinators, enhancing your garden’s biodiversity. Minimal maintenance is needed, making it a favorite for busy gardeners. Mazus’ adaptability to different soil types and its resilience in various weather conditions make it a perfect choice for any garden setting, providing beauty with little effort.