If you’re tired of mowing, watering, or trying to revive patches of struggling lawn, you’re not alone. More and more gardeners are turning to ground covers—low-growing plants that fill space quickly, require less maintenance, and look lush all season long.
These fast-spreading alternatives to grass don’t just save time and water—they add color, texture, and sometimes even flowers. Some are perfect for shady spots, others love full sun, and many are tough enough to handle foot traffic or survive summer heat without complaint.
Whether you want to reduce your lawn, fill tricky spaces, or create a greener yard with less effort, here are 17 ground covers that grow fast, stay beautiful, and might just make you forget grass was ever an option.
Creeping Thyme
Imagine a splash of purple underfoot, transforming your garden into a fragrant haven. Creeping thyme not only brings a pop of color but is also a hardy ground cover. Ideal for sunny spots, it thrives in well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant.
This ground cover is perfect for filling spaces between stepping stones or as a lawn alternative. Its fragrance releases with each step, delighting the senses. Plus, it’s low-maintenance, which makes it a gardener’s dream.
Fun fact: It’s also a culinary herb. So, you’ll have a fresh supply for your kitchen.
Irish Moss
Envision a soft, emerald carpet spread across your garden. Irish Moss provides a delicate touch of green that’s both inviting and resilient. Perfect for shaded areas, it offers a stunning backdrop to colorful perennials.
This ground cover thrives in moist, well-drained soils, creating a lush appearance with minimal effort. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy walking barefoot in the garden.
A quirky tidbit: Despite its name, it’s not a true moss. Its soft texture makes it a favorite for creating fairy gardens and whimsical landscapes.
Dichondra
Dichondra stands out with its charming, rounded leaves, forming a ground cover that’s as functional as it is beautiful. Known for its quick growth, it’s a favorite among gardeners seeking an alternative to grass.
This plant thrives in both sun and partial shade, requiring little water once established. It’s ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance solution.
Did you know? Dichondra’s unique appearance often draws comparisons to clover, making it a whimsical addition to any garden path or patio area.
Sweet Woodruff
With its sweet fragrance and delicate white flowers, Sweet Woodruff adds a touch of elegance to shaded garden spaces. This ground cover is perfect for creating a woodland garden vibe.
It thrives in moist, shady areas, spreading quickly to form a dense mat that suppresses weeds effectively. Gardeners appreciate its versatility and ease of care.
Here’s a fun fact: Sweet Woodruff has been used traditionally as a natural air freshener, thanks to its aromatic leaves. It’s a subtle yet sophisticated choice for any garden.
Ajuga
Ajuga, known for its vibrant blue blooms, creates a bold statement in any garden. This ground cover spreads rapidly, making it an excellent choice for covering large areas.
It prefers sun to partial shade and adapts well to different soil types. Ajuga’s foliage can range in color, adding a dynamic element to your garden.
A historical note: In the past, Ajuga was used in herbal remedies. Its robust nature and vivid color make it a favorite among gardeners looking for an eye-catching ground cover.
Creeping Jenny
Picture a cascade of golden-green leaves brightening up any garden space. Creeping Jenny is versatile and thrives in various conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
This ground cover is perfect for softening the edges of walkways and rock gardens, with its trailing habit. It’s especially striking when planted near water features.
A unique trait: Creeping Jenny’s leaves can change color with the seasons, adding year-round interest to your landscape. This plant is a delightful addition to any garden setting.
Bugleweed
Bugleweed, with its distinctive purple-tinged leaves, brings a touch of drama to your garden. Known for its rapid spread, it’s perfect for filling in large areas quickly.
It thrives in sun or shade and is remarkably adaptable to different soil conditions. The towering flower spikes add vertical interest to the landscape.
Interestingly, Bugleweed has been historically used in folk medicine for various ailments. Its bold appearance and ease of growth make it a popular choice for gardeners seeking a standout ground cover.
Mazus
Mazus dazzles with its vibrant blue flowers, creating a colorful carpet that catches the eye. Ideal for moist areas, it forms a dense mat that’s both attractive and practical.
Its quick-spreading nature makes it a great choice for covering ground rapidly. Mazus is well-suited to areas with partial shade, adding color and texture to your garden.
Fun fact: Mazus is sometimes used as a living mulch, providing both aesthetic appeal and weed suppression. This ground cover brings a splash of blue to any landscape.
Liriope
Liriope, often called lilyturf, is an elegant choice for garden borders. With its sword-like leaves and purple flower spikes, it adds structure and color to your landscape.
This ground cover is extremely adaptable, thriving in sun or shade and tolerating various soil types. It’s perfect for edging paths or filling in under trees.
Did you know? Liriope is often used in traditional medicine in parts of Asia. Its graceful appearance and hardiness make it a staple in many gardens worldwide.
Vinca Minor
Vinca Minor, with its glossy leaves and blue flowers, creates a classic look for shaded gardens. Known for its vigorous growth, it quickly covers bare spots with ease.
This ground cover prefers partial to full shade and adapts well to most soil conditions, making it a versatile choice. It’s especially useful for controlling erosion on slopes.
An interesting fact: Vinca Minor has been used in traditional herbal remedies. Its timeless appeal and ease of care make it a favorite among gardeners looking for reliable ground cover.
Pachysandra
Pachysandra offers a lush, green expanse that’s perfect for shaded areas. Its glossy leaves create an inviting carpet that’s both attractive and durable.
This ground cover thrives in shade and is highly effective at suppressing weeds. It’s an excellent choice for underplanting trees or creating a serene woodland garden.
Here’s a fun tidbit: Pachysandra is often used in Japanese gardens for its calm, orderly appearance. Its easy-care nature and lush look make it a staple in many landscapes.
Sedum
Sedum, with its succulent foliage, offers a unique approach to ground covering. Ideal for sunny spots, it thrives in well-drained soil and adds a textural element to rock gardens.
This drought-tolerant plant requires minimal maintenance, making it a favorite for busy gardeners. Its flowers attract pollinators, contributing to a vibrant garden ecosystem.
Did you know? Sedum is often called “stonecrop,” reflecting its ability to grow among rocks. Its resilience and beauty make it a versatile choice for various garden styles.
Periwinkle
Periwinkle, known for its charming violet blooms, adds a classic touch to any shaded garden area. Its dense growth habit makes it a reliable choice for ground coverage.
This plant adapts well to a variety of soil types and is excellent for erosion control. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, ensuring your garden looks beautiful even in off-seasons.
Here’s a curious fact: Periwinkle has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Its timeless beauty and practicality make it a garden staple.
Brass Buttons
Brass Buttons bring a touch of whimsy to your garden with their unique fern-like foliage and tiny yellow flowers. Ideal for damp areas, they provide a lush, green carpet with minimal effort.
This ground cover thrives in partial shade and is perfect for creating a natural, meadow-like appearance. Its ability to spread quickly makes it a practical choice for larger spaces.
Fun fact: Brass Buttons are named for their button-like flowers and are often used in naturalistic planting schemes. Their distinctive look adds charm to any garden.
Corsican Mint
Corsican Mint offers an aromatic addition to your garden, with its refreshing scent and tiny green leaves. This ground cover is perfect for planting between pavers or along pathways.
It thrives in partial shade and requires regular watering, making it ideal for moist environments. Its low-growing habit creates a subtle yet fragrant carpet.
Did you know? Corsican Mint is one of the main ingredients in Crème de Menthe. Its delicate appearance and pleasant aroma make it a delightful choice for sensory gardens.
Wild Ginger
Wild Ginger enchants with its heart-shaped leaves and hidden flowers, offering an elegant touch to shaded garden spots. This ground cover thrives in woodland settings, adding depth with its lush foliage.
Ideal for moist, shady areas, Wild Ginger creates a dense mat that suppresses weeds effectively. It’s a favorite for creating naturalistic landscapes.
A quirky tidbit: Wild Ginger was historically used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. Its graceful appearance and utility make it a cherished addition to any shade garden.
Blue Star Creeper
Blue Star Creeper, with its delicate star-shaped flowers, brings a celestial touch to garden paths and borders. Its low-growing nature forms a dense carpet that’s perfect for sunny spots.
This ground cover is easy to care for, requiring little more than occasional watering to thrive. It’s a popular choice for filling in spaces between stepping stones.
Fun fact: Despite its delicate appearance, Blue Star Creeper is quite hardy and can withstand moderate foot traffic. Its charming blooms add a whimsical element to any garden.