Why settle for ordinary ground covers when you can fill your garden with fragrance and beauty at the same time? Certain fragrant ground covers not only add lush, low-maintenance greenery but also release delightful scents that turn your yard into a living perfume.
In this article, we introduce 17 ground covers that offer both visual appeal and irresistible aromas. From creeping thyme to sweet alyssum, these plants are perfect for pathways, borders, or any spot where you want a scented touch of nature.
Enhance your garden with ground covers that smell as wonderful as they look!
Creeping Thyme
Creeping Thyme is more than just a visual treat; its gentle aroma wafts through the air, enchanting everyone who passes by. This hardy plant thrives in sunny spots and requires minimal care, making it perfect for busy gardeners. Known for its soft carpeting effect, Creeping Thyme also offers a subtle fragrance reminiscent of a warm summer day. Whether lining garden paths or filling in between stepping stones, its delicate flowers invite visitors to pause and breathe in its perfume. This plant is a true multitasker, providing both beauty and a calming scent.
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet Woodruff brings a touch of woodland magic to any garden, with its dainty white flowers and whorled leaves. Known for its sweet, hay-like fragrance, it’s a favorite for shaded areas where its scent can linger. This plant not only beautifies spaces but also plays a role in traditional herbal remedies, adding historical intrigue. Its fragrance becomes more pronounced when dried, making it a popular choice for potpourris. Sweet Woodruff adds a gentle charm, offering an aroma that resonates with tranquility and nostalgia.
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm stands out with its refreshing citrus fragrance, a scent that invigorates and energizes. This perennial herb thrives in sunny or partially shaded gardens, spreading its lemony aroma with a mere touch of its leaves. It’s not just a fragrant ground cover; Lemon Balm is celebrated for its calming properties, often used in teas and herbal remedies. Its lush green leaves create a vibrant backdrop, while its subtle yellow flowers add a splash of color. A garden with Lemon Balm promises a serene yet lively atmosphere.
Corsican Mint
Corsican Mint is a tiny powerhouse, with its small leaves offering a potent minty fragrance. Ideal for filling spaces between stepping stones, it releases its refreshing scent when walked upon. This plant thrives in moist, shady areas, creating a dense mat that can withstand light foot traffic. Its vibrant green leaves and delicate purple flowers add visual interest. Often used in culinary dishes, Corsican Mint serves as both a sensory delight and a functional herb. Its scent is a refreshing surprise in any garden setting.
Roman Chamomile
Roman Chamomile offers a serene presence with its apple-like fragrance and delicate blooms. Often associated with relaxation, its scent is known to soothe the senses. This plant prefers sunny locales and, once established, requires little maintenance. Its flowers and foliage spread a calming aroma, making it an ideal choice for garden seating areas. In addition to its aromatic appeal, Roman Chamomile is used in teas and beauty products. It transforms any space into a peaceful retreat, inviting you to unwind amidst its gentle fragrance.
Bugleweed (Ajuga)
Bugleweed, or Ajuga, stands out with its striking blue flower spikes that contrast beautifully with its dark green foliage. The plant releases a subtle, earthy aroma, creating a sense of grounding. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a robust aesthetic in their garden, as it spreads quickly, covering large areas with ease. Bugleweed’s resilience makes it an excellent choice for suppressing weeds, and its low-growing nature means it requires little maintenance. Its vibrant appearance and gentle scent make it a favorite among garden enthusiasts.
Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny is known for its vigorous growth and bright foliage. Its lemony scent adds an unexpected twist to its visual appeal. This ground cover thrives in moist, sunny areas and is often used to brighten up garden edges and borders. Its cascades of foliage create a stunning display, while its fragrance enhances the sensory experience of any outdoor space. Creeping Jenny’s adaptability and cheerful color make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add both color and scent to their landscapes.
Lavender
Lavender is synonymous with relaxation and tranquility. Its fragrant purple flowers are a beloved sight in gardens worldwide. This hardy plant thrives in sunny, well-drained soil, offering a constant source of soothing aroma. Known for its calming properties, Lavender is often used in aromatherapy, making it a popular choice for sensory gardens. The plant’s silvery foliage and vibrant blooms create a striking visual contrast. Lavender’s timeless appeal and aromatic presence make it a must-have for any scent-focused garden.
Woolly Thyme
Woolly Thyme is a tactile delight, with its fuzzy leaves offering a gentle touch. When brushed against, it releases a subtle, herbal fragrance that adds depth to garden spaces. This charming ground cover is perfect for rock gardens and borders, providing both visual and aromatic interest. Woolly Thyme’s resilience and drought tolerance make it a practical choice for low-maintenance gardens. Its unique texture and soft scent create a welcoming atmosphere, inviting exploration and interaction.
Dichondra
Dichondra, with its lush, circular leaves, creates a striking ground cover that mimics the look of a soft, green carpet. While it’s not as aromatic as others, it offers a fresh, earthy scent that complements its vibrant appearance. Ideal for warm climates, Dichondra thrives in sunny or partially shaded areas, spreading quickly to cover large spaces. Its low-growing nature requires minimal care, making it an attractive choice for gardeners seeking a lush, yet low-maintenance option. Dichondra’s visual appeal and subtle scent make it a garden favorite.
Snow-in-Summer
Snow-in-Summer captures the eye with its bright white blooms and silver-hued leaves. This ground cover offers a gentle, sweet aroma that enhances its visual appeal. Ideal for rock gardens and borders, it thrives in dry, sunny locations and spreads quickly. Its cascading flowers create a stunning effect, resembling a snowfall in the middle of summer. Snow-in-Summer’s beauty and fragrance make it a captivating addition to any garden, offering both sensory delight and visual charm.
Oregano
Oregano is more than just a culinary staple; it brings a robust, spicy aroma to garden spaces. This herbaceous ground cover thrives in sunny spots, adding both scent and flavor to the garden. Its aromatic leaves are a favorite among chefs and herbalists alike. Oregano’s small purple flowers add a touch of color, while its fragrance invites culinary inspiration. The plant’s hardiness and low maintenance needs make it a practical and versatile choice for both ornamental and edible gardens.
Chamomile
Chamomile enchants with its delicate, daisy-like flowers and soothing fragrance. Known for its calming properties, the plant’s aroma is often associated with relaxation and tranquility. Chamomile thrives in sunny environments, spreading its gentle scent throughout the garden. Its flowers are not only beautiful but also used in teas and herbal remedies, adding a functional aspect to its charm. Gardeners appreciate Chamomile for its dual purpose and the peaceful ambiance it brings to outdoor spaces.
Prostrate Rosemary
Prostrate Rosemary offers a refreshing pine-like aroma, a scent often associated with cleanliness and vitality. This ground cover is perfect for trailing over walls and rocky areas, adding both structure and fragrance to the garden. Its blue flowers and needle-like leaves create a striking contrast against stone and wood. Prostrate Rosemary not only enhances garden aesthetics but also serves as a culinary herb, making it a versatile addition to any outdoor space. Its invigorating scent invites a sense of rejuvenation.
Creeping Raspberry
Creeping Raspberry intrigues with its textured foliage and sweetly scented flowers. This ground cover spreads easily, providing a lush backdrop that hints at the fruity aroma of its berries. Ideal for covering large areas, it thrives in sunny to partially shaded environments. The plant’s white flowers add a delicate touch, while its scent promises the sweetness of summer. Creeping Raspberry is both ornamental and functional, offering a sensory experience that delights the senses and the palate.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum is a favorite for its honey-like aroma and delicate white blooms. This ground cover quickly fills garden beds and borders, creating a soft, fragrant carpet that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its low-growing nature and rapid spread make it an excellent choice for edging and garden borders. Sweet Alyssum’s fragrance is a gentle reminder of sunny days and floral abundance, providing a delightful sensory experience for any garden enthusiast.
Scented Geranium
Scented Geraniums are a treat for both the eyes and nose, offering a variety of fragrances ranging from rose to citrus. This plant’s diverse scents are released with a gentle touch of its leaves. Ideal for sunny locations, Scented Geraniums thrive in well-drained soil, providing both aromatic and visual appeal. Their varied leaf shapes and subtle pink flowers add to their charm. Gardeners appreciate these plants for their versatility and the unique sensory experience they offer, making them a delightful addition to any space.