A well-chosen ground cover does more than just fill space—it adds texture, suppresses weeds, and keeps moisture in the soil. These low-growing plants act like a living mulch, giving your flower beds a polished, cohesive look. Whether you’re going for soft and lush, colorful and vibrant, or tough and drought-tolerant, there’s a ground cover to fit every style.
From creeping thyme that releases a pleasant scent underfoot to sweet alyssum that drapes delicately around your blooms, ground covers can be both functional and beautiful. Other standouts include ajuga, sedum, creeping phlox, and dichondra, which all offer rich carpets of color or shine in contrast to taller perennials. If your flower beds feel unfinished, planting any of these 21 picks will instantly elevate the whole space—without the need for constant maintenance.
Creeping Thyme
Imagine a fragrant carpet beneath your feet, with tiny bursts of purple that enchant the senses. Creeping Thyme, known for its aromatic leaves, offers more than just visual appeal. As it spreads across the soil, this delightful herb creates a dense mat that resists weeds and erosion.
Its drought tolerance makes it perfect for sunny spots where other plants might wither. Use it between stepping stones or to edge a pathway, inviting guests to breathe deeply of its thyme-scented aroma. A true multi-tasker, it’s both beautiful and practical, adding charm to any garden.
Sweet Woodruff
In the shadowed corners of the garden, Sweet Woodruff works its magic. Its starry white flowers and whorled leaves bring light to the darkest spots. This ground cover thrives in shade, making it a perfect choice for under trees or in woodland gardens.
The subtle sweetness of its leaves, used in potpourri, adds an aromatic touch. Easy to maintain, Sweet Woodruff spreads quickly, covering bare ground with grace and elegance. Its ability to suppress weeds without much fuss makes it an ideal companion for those who prefer a low-maintenance garden.
Irish Moss
Picture a lush green cushion spreading across your garden. Irish Moss, with its soft, velvety texture, creates a seamless carpet of green. This ground cover thrives in moist, shaded areas, adding a touch of elegance to spaces where grass struggles.
Tiny white flowers peek through its foliage, adding a delicate touch. Its ability to withstand light foot traffic makes it ideal for pathways or between pavers. Whether you’re covering a small patch or a vast area, Irish Moss delivers a serene, cohesive appearance that’s hard to match.
Sedum
For those who crave diversity, Sedum offers an array of options. These succulent ground covers come in colors and textures that range from deep reds to pale greens. Perfect for sunny, dry locations, Sedum requires minimal care, thriving where others might falter.
Its fleshy leaves store water, making it drought-resistant and perfect for rock gardens or borders. As it blooms, Sedum attracts pollinators, adding life to your garden. With so many varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your space.
Ajuga
Imagine a cascade of purple-blue spikes rising from a bed of glossy, dark leaves. Ajuga, also known as Bugleweed, is a striking ground cover that thrives in both sun and shade.
Its ability to form a dense mat makes it ideal for controlling erosion on slopes or adding color to borders. Ajuga’s resilience and ease of growth make it a favorite for gardeners seeking a bold statement with minimal effort. This versatile plant not only beautifies but effectively suppresses weeds, making it a practical addition to any garden.
Pachysandra
In the dappled light beneath trees, Pachysandra finds its home. This evergreen ground cover provides year-round interest with its glossy green leaves and small, white flowers.
Ideal for shady areas where grass won’t grow, Pachysandra creates a dense mat that keeps weeds at bay. Its slow, steady spread ensures that it doesn’t overrun other plants, offering a balanced solution for challenging spots. A classic choice for those seeking simplicity and elegance in the garden, Pachysandra remains a staple for shade gardens worldwide.
Liriope
With a graceful arch of grass-like leaves, Liriope offers elegance and function. Its purple flower spikes stand tall, creating visual interest along borders and pathways.
This tough ground cover thrives in a variety of conditions, from sun to shade, and once established, it’s drought-tolerant. Liriope’s ability to suppress weeds makes it a reliable choice for those seeking low-maintenance beauty. Whether used as an edging plant or massed for effect, its versatility and hardiness make it a garden favorite.
Creeping Jenny
Brightening any spot with its chartreuse leaves, Creeping Jenny is a lively addition to garden beds. Its low-growing habit and vibrant color create a stunning contrast against darker foliage.
Perfect for moist areas, it spreads quickly, filling in gaps with its cheerful demeanor. Its adaptability to sun or partial shade makes it a versatile choice. Creeping Jenny also works well in containers, where its trailing habit can spill over edges, adding a splash of color. A lively choice for any garden enthusiast.
Periwinkle
Dappled shade becomes a canvas for Periwinkle’s glossy leaves and lavender-blue flowers. Known for its vigorous growth, this ground cover quickly fills in areas where others may struggle.
Its trailing habit makes it perfect for slopes or as a cascading plant over walls. Periwinkle’s resilience and ability to thrive in various conditions have made it a garden staple. Whether you’re covering a large area or adding a pop of color to a shady spot, this plant delivers with grace and ease.
Lamb’s Ear
Picture a field of soft, silvery leaves that beckon to be touched. Lamb’s Ear brings a tactile delight to gardens, with foliage that feels as gentle as its name suggests.
Thriving in sunny, dry conditions, it forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds while adding unique texture. Its subtle hues offer a beautiful contrast to more vibrant plants, creating a harmonious balance. A favorite for sensory gardens, Lamb’s Ear invites interaction, making it a wonderful choice for families and tactile gardeners alike.
Mazus
Mazus captivates with its vibrant greenery and tiny purple blooms. This low-growing ground cover is perfect for moist, sunny areas where it can spread freely.
Its compact size makes it ideal for filling in between stepping stones or along pathways. With its quick growth and cheerful appearance, Mazus transforms bare patches into a tapestry of color. It’s a charming option for those who desire something different yet easy to manage. Celebrate its lively presence in your garden today.
Bishop’s Weed
Variegated leaves create a striking appearance in the garden, and Bishop’s Weed delivers this in spades. Known for its rapid growth, it can quickly cover large areas, making it ideal for filling gaps.
Its delicate white flowers add a touch of grace, while its resilience makes it a low-maintenance choice. Perfect for shaded or partially shaded areas, it’s a favorite for those looking to add visual interest with minimal effort. However, control is key, as its vigorous nature can sometimes be overwhelming.
Corsican Mint
Tiny leaves and a fresh, minty scent combine to create a delightful ground cover. Corsican Mint thrives in shaded areas, forming a lush green carpet that’s both beautiful and functional.
Its ability to grow between stones or pavers makes it perfect for pathways, where its fragrance can be enjoyed with every step. Though delicate in appearance, it’s surprisingly hardy, offering a unique alternative to traditional ground covers. If you seek something aromatic and visually appealing, look no further.
Bugleweed
Bugleweed is a unique ground cover known for its colorful foliage and blue flower spikes. With greens and purples intermingling, it adds a vibrant touch to any garden.
This versatile plant thrives in various conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Its ability to spread rapidly makes it ideal for large areas or difficult spots where other plants struggle. Bugleweed’s charm lies in its adaptability and visual appeal, ensuring it remains a popular choice for gardeners everywhere.
Blue Star Creeper
Tiny blue stars scattered across a bed of green make Blue Star Creeper a captivating choice. This ground cover forms a dense mat that’s perfect for sunny spots, offering a pop of color with its petite blooms.
Its resilience and ability to tolerate light foot traffic make it suitable for pathways or between stepping stones. Easy to care for and quick to spread, it’s an excellent option for those seeking beauty without the hassle. Embrace its charm and see how it transforms your space.
Herniaria
Herniaria offers an understated elegance with its small, deep green leaves that create a dense carpet. Ideal for sunny rock gardens, it withstands heat and drought, making it a hardy choice for challenging spots.
Its low-growing habit and compact nature make it perfect for filling gaps between rocks or along borders. Though subtle in appearance, Herniaria’s resilience ensures it thrives with minimal care. It’s a wonderful option for gardeners seeking a reliable and visually appealing ground cover.
Dichondra
Round silver leaves create a soft, cascading effect with Dichondra. This unique ground cover thrives in sunlit areas, offering a shimmering appearance that catches the eye.
Its trailing habit works well in both garden beds and containers, where it can spill over edges for added interest. Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, Dichondra is perfect for those who want beauty without the fuss. Whether used as a ground cover or a container plant, its distinct charm never fails to impress.
Vinca Minor
Vinca Minor brings glossy leaves and charming periwinkle flowers to shaded areas. Known for its hardiness, it quickly covers ground, making it ideal for large spaces.
Its trailing habit allows it to cascade beautifully over walls or slopes, adding dimension to your garden. Resilient and easy to grow, Vinca Minor is a favorite for those seeking low-maintenance elegance. Whether you’re filling in a bare patch or enhancing a shady corner, this plant offers beauty and practicality.
Frogfruit
Frogfruit may have an unusual name, but its appeal is undeniable. Small white flowers and green foliage create a lively ground cover that attracts pollinators.
Thriving in sunny locations, it spreads quickly, making it perfect for large areas. Its ability to withstand drought and poor soil conditions makes it a reliable choice for challenging landscapes. Frogfruit’s lively presence and ecological benefits make it a standout option for environmentally conscious gardeners.
Dymondia
Dymondia creates a sea of silver-green leaves punctuated by yellow flowers, offering a striking ground cover for sunny, dry areas. Its ability to withstand drought makes it a practical choice for water-wise gardening.
Forming a dense mat, Dymondia suppresses weeds while adding visual interest with its unique foliage. Whether used between stepping stones or as a lawn alternative, it delivers both beauty and function. If you’re seeking a drought-tolerant option with a touch of elegance, Dymondia is an excellent choice.
Snow in Summer
Snow in Summer paints a picture of serenity with its silvery foliage and delicate white blooms. Perfect for sunny rock gardens, it thrives in well-drained soil, offering a cool, refreshing appearance.
Its ability to withstand heat and drought makes it a favorite for challenging areas. As it spreads, Snow in Summer creates a cohesive look, softening hard edges with its gentle texture. It’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate subtle beauty and resilience in their garden design.