Tired of mowing, watering, and endlessly battling brown patches? Traditional grass lawns may be the default, but they’re rarely the best option. From high water use to constant upkeep, lawns are a lot of work—without always delivering beauty or benefit. Luckily, there’s a whole world of unexpected groundcovers that can take grass’s place and outperform it in nearly every way.
These low-maintenance alternatives come in a variety of textures, colors, and growth habits—from lush, mat-forming greens to flowering varieties that change with the seasons. Even better? Many of them are drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, or can handle foot traffic with ease. Whether you’re working with a shady side yard or a full-sun slope, there’s a gorgeous, tough groundcover that can transform the space.
In this list, you’ll find 15 surprising plants that don’t just replace grass—they elevate your landscape. Some smell incredible underfoot, others bloom like wildflowers, and a few even thrive where grass never could. Ready to stop mowing and start growing smarter? These groundcovers are as beautiful as they are practical.
Creeping Thyme
Imagine a carpet of purple hues underfoot, with the delightful aroma of thyme wafting through the air. Creeping Thyme offers a fragrant alternative to traditional lawns, thriving in sunny spots with minimal water. Its tiny blossoms not only attract bees but also add a splash of color to your garden. This groundcover is perfect for pathways and borders, creating a soothing sensory experience as you walk. It’s a low-maintenance choice, ideal for those who prefer nature’s perfume over frequent mowing.
Irish Moss
Irish Moss creates an enchanting emerald carpet that seems to sparkle with dew. This groundcover thrives in moist, shady areas, bringing a soft, velvety touch to your landscape. It hugs the ground tightly, filling in gaps between stones or paving with effortless grace. Although it loves moisture, it’s surprisingly hardy, standing up to foot traffic with resilience. Perfect for those shady, damp corners of your garden that need a touch of life and color.
Ajuga
Ajuga, with its striking blue flower spikes, adds a burst of color to any garden scene. Known for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in shady areas, this groundcover creates a dense mat of foliage. Its leaves, varying from deep green to burgundy, offer visual interest even after the blooms fade. Ajuga is a fantastic choice for suppressing weeds, as it spreads quickly and with vigor, crowding out unwanted growth. Ideal for gardeners seeking both color and practicality.
Mazus
Mazus is a delightful groundcover that offers a vibrant green base dotted with charming purple flowers. It flourishes in both sunny and partially shaded areas, making it versatile for various garden setups. This plant forms a low, dense mat, perfect for filling gaps between stepping stones or as a border. Mazus is durable enough to handle moderate foot traffic, making it a practical choice for busy gardens. Its cheerful appearance and adaptability make it a favorite among garden enthusiasts.
Sedum
With its succulent-like, fleshy leaves, Sedum stands out as a drought-tolerant groundcover that thrives in sunny, rocky areas. The star-shaped yellow flowers add a cheerful splash to its otherwise green foliage. Known for its resilience, Sedum requires minimal care, making it perfect for those who prefer a laid-back gardening approach. Whether in a rock garden or as a low-maintenance lawn alternative, Sedum’s ability to thrive in challenging conditions is unmatched. An excellent choice for eco-conscious gardeners.
Clover
Clover isn’t just for lucky charms—it’s a practical and beautiful groundcover too. Known for its nitrogen-fixing abilities, clover enriches the soil while providing a lush, green carpet dotted with delicate white flowers. This hardy plant thrives with minimal water, making it an eco-friendly choice. Perfect for those seeking a naturalistic, meadow-like appearance, clover adds charm and sustainability to any garden. Its ability to improve soil health is a bonus for gardeners looking to nurture the environment.
Lamb’s Ear
Named for its soft, woolly leaves that resemble the ears of a lamb, this groundcover is as charming as it is practical. Lamb’s Ear thrives in sunny areas and is drought-resistant, making it a sturdy choice for less pampered gardens. Its silver-grey foliage adds a unique texture and color contrast to the garden landscape. This hardy plant is perfect for borders, offering both visual appeal and a soft touch.
Blue Star Creeper
Tiny blue flowers scattered like stars across a green sky make Blue Star Creeper a delightful addition to any garden. This groundcover is perfect for filling in the gaps between stepping stones or as a lawn substitute in small areas. Its tough yet delicate appearance can handle light foot traffic, making it both functional and beautiful. Ideal for those wanting a pop of color without sacrificing durability.
Corsican Mint
With its tiny, round leaves and minty aroma, Corsican Mint brings a fresh twist to groundcover options. Best suited to moist, shady spots, it forms a dense, vibrant green carpet that’s visually refreshing. Its aromatic qualities make it a pleasant addition near pathways or seating areas. Despite its delicate appearance, Corsican Mint is quite resilient, withstanding occasional foot traffic. A fragrant choice for sensory-rich gardens.
Herniaria
Herniaria, also known as Rupturewort, is a tough groundcover that thrives on neglect. Its low-growing, dense green mat is perfect for rock gardens or as a lawn alternative in sunny spots. This plant’s resilience is one of its most notable traits, handling drought and foot traffic with ease. For those who desire a fuss-free garden, Herniaria offers a durable and attractive solution. It’s an unsung hero in the world of groundcovers.
Dichondra
Dichondra’s lush, kidney-shaped leaves create a soft, cascading effect across the garden floor. This groundcover is an excellent alternative to traditional grass, requiring less water and maintenance. Thriving in sunny to partially shaded areas, Dichondra’s bright green color adds freshness to any landscape. Its ability to spread quickly makes it ideal for covering large areas with minimal effort. Gardeners looking for a gentle, low-maintenance groundcover will find Dichondra to be a valuable addition.
Brass Buttons
Resembling tiny ferns with their feathery foliage, Brass Buttons add a touch of whimsy to the garden. The small, button-like golden flowers create a charming contrast against the deep green leaves. This groundcover thrives in moist, shaded areas, offering a unique texture and visual interest. Its compact nature makes it perfect for borders or as an accent in garden beds. A delightful choice for adding character to any garden space.
Bugleweed
Bugleweed, also known as Ajuga, is a versatile groundcover known for its vibrant purple-blue flowers. These blooms sit atop a dense mat of green foliage, offering a brilliant pop of color in shaded areas of the garden. Its rapid spreading ability makes it a natural choice for filling bare spots and suppressing weeds. Bugleweed requires minimal maintenance, thriving in both sun and shade, and is ideal for gardeners seeking a colorful yet hardy plant.
Vinca Minor
Vinca Minor, or Periwinkle, enchants with its glossy green leaves and delicate, periwinkle blue flowers. This groundcover is perfect for shady areas, such as under trees or on slopes, where grass struggles to grow. Known for its ability to suppress weeds, Vinca Minor spreads quickly, creating a lush, green carpet. It requires minimal maintenance, making it a favorite for gardeners looking to add beauty without the hassle.