If you’re tired of muddy pathways, slippery patches under downspouts, or messy garden borders, ground covers are your secret weapon. The right ones don’t just block out mud—they stay neat, beautiful, and low-maintenance all year long.
Forget solutions that turn soggy or spread out of control. These ground covers are hardworking, tidy, and practical, thriving in tough spots like slopes, shaded corners, or heavily trafficked areas. Best of all, they add texture, color, and even seasonal blooms.
Creeping Thyme
This aromatic herb isn’t just for seasoning. With its tiny purple blooms, creeping thyme forms a fragrant carpet that delights the senses. It thrives in sunny spots and well-drained soil, making it an ideal choice for rock gardens or pathways. Its hardy nature means it can withstand a bit of foot traffic, offering both beauty and functionality. And as an added bonus, the gentle scent of thyme will greet you with every step. Being drought-tolerant, this ground cover requires minimal watering once established, making it a sustainable choice for eco-conscious gardeners.
Irish Moss
With a texture as soft as its name suggests, Irish moss creates a velvety mat of emerald green. Small star-shaped flowers add a subtle touch of elegance during blooming season. Perfect for cool, moist climates, it thrives in partially shaded areas and can fill in gaps between stones, creating a seamless garden look. Its low-growing nature ensures it won’t overshadow other plants, allowing for a harmonious garden design. This resilient ground cover is ideal for those who appreciate low-maintenance beauty that doesn’t compromise on visual impact.
Ajuga Reptans
Ajuga Reptans, known for its striking blue flower spikes, offers a burst of color in the spring. Its glossy leaves range from deep green to burgundy, providing year-round interest in the garden. This versatile plant spreads quickly, making it perfect for covering large areas. It thrives in both sun and shade, adapting well to different garden conditions. Ajuga is not only visually appealing but also easy to care for, offering an effortless way to enhance your landscape. Its ability to suppress weeds is an added advantage for gardeners seeking a tidy look.
Liriope
Liriope, often called lilyturf, is a versatile ground cover that adds a touch of elegance with its grass-like leaves and charming purple flowers. It thrives in both sun and partial shade and can handle a variety of soil conditions. This plant is perfect for borders and under trees where grass struggles to grow. Liriope’s robust nature ensures that it remains vibrant throughout the seasons, offering color and texture. It’s a reliable choice for gardeners looking to add structure and form to their garden without constant upkeep.
Sedum
Sedum, known for its succulent leaves, is a ground cover that brings a touch of modern elegance. These plants store water in their fleshy leaves, making them perfect for dry areas. With a variety of colors and forms, sedums can create a tapestry of textures. They are particularly suited for rock gardens, green roofs, or containers. Their ability to attract pollinators adds another layer of appeal. Sedums are low-maintenance, requiring minimal water and attention, making them an excellent choice for busy gardeners.
Pachysandra
Pachysandra is a classic choice for shaded areas, providing a dense, evergreen cover with its glossy leaves. This plant is perfect for areas where grass struggles to thrive, offering a timeless solution for under trees or along north-facing walls. Its subtle white flowers in spring add a delicate touch of beauty. Pachysandra’s ability to suppress weeds makes it ideal for low-maintenance gardens. It requires little more than occasional pruning, ensuring that your garden remains neat without the need for constant care.
Vinca Minor
Vinca Minor, often known as periwinkle, is a reliable ground cover that brings a splash of color with its charming blue flowers. It is perfect for shady areas and can thrive in challenging conditions. Its ability to spread quickly makes it ideal for covering large areas, while its low-growing habit ensures it won’t overwhelm other plants. The glossy, evergreen leaves provide year-round interest, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking a robust and attractive ground cover solution. Vinca Minor’s low-maintenance nature is an added bonus.
Bugleweed
Bugleweed, with its striking blue flowers, is an excellent choice for adding color to shaded areas. Its low-growing nature and quick spreading habit make it ideal for filling in large spaces. The deep green, glossy leaves provide a stunning contrast to its vibrant blooms. Bugleweed thrives in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade. It’s a resilient plant that requires minimal care once established, making it a great choice for those looking to add beauty without effort. Its ability to suppress weeds adds to its appeal.
Houttuynia Cordata
Houttuynia Cordata, known for its heart-shaped leaves, brings a splash of color with its variegated foliage. The leaves display an array of red, yellow, and green hues, providing constant visual interest. It thrives in moist areas, making it perfect for gardens with water features. This plant is incredibly adaptable, growing well in sun or shade. The small white flowers add a delicate touch, but it’s the foliage that steals the show. Houttuynia Cordata is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to add a unique texture to their landscape.
Clover
Clover is not just for pastures; its dense, green foliage provides an excellent ground cover. Known for its nitrogen-fixing properties, clover enriches the soil while offering a soft, lush cover. It’s perfect for those seeking a lawn alternative that requires less mowing and watering. Clover’s small white flowers add charm and attract pollinators, supporting local ecosystems. This hardy plant thrives in a variety of conditions, making it versatile for different garden settings. Its resilience and low-maintenance nature make clover a practical choice for sustainable gardening.
Mondo Grass
Mondo Grass, with its slender, arching leaves, offers a sophisticated ground cover solution. It thrives in shaded areas, making it perfect for under trees or along pathways. Its dark green color provides a beautiful contrast against lighter foliage, enhancing the garden’s visual appeal. Mondo Grass is known for its low-maintenance nature, requiring little more than occasional trimming. It’s a versatile choice that can be used in a variety of garden styles, from traditional to modern. Its resilience and beauty make it a favorite among landscape designers.
Bishop’s Weed
Bishop’s Weed is a vibrant ground cover known for its striking variegated leaves. The green and white foliage adds brightness to shaded areas, creating a lively garden atmosphere. It spreads quickly, making it ideal for covering large spaces effortlessly. While it thrives in partial shade, it can also handle some sun, offering versatility in garden planning. Bishop’s Weed is easy to care for, requiring minimal attention, making it a perfect choice for gardeners who want beauty without the fuss. Its rapid growth ensures that bare patches are quickly filled.
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet Woodruff, with its whorled leaves and tiny white flowers, is a charming addition to any shaded area. Known for its sweet scent, especially when dried, it’s often used in potpourris and sachets. This ground cover thrives in moist, shady spots, making it perfect for woodland gardens. It spreads steadily, creating a dense mat that suppresses weeds and adds texture. Sweet Woodruff’s low-maintenance nature and visual appeal make it a favorite for informal garden settings. Its ability to thrive in challenging conditions adds to its charm.
Periwinkle
Periwinkle, with its glossy evergreen leaves and delicate blue flowers, offers a reliable ground cover solution. It thrives in shaded areas and spreads quickly, making it perfect for covering large spaces. The vibrant blue flowers add a splash of color, breaking the monotony of green. Periwinkle is known for its hardiness and ability to suppress weeds, making garden maintenance a breeze. This plant is ideal for those seeking an effortless way to enhance their garden’s beauty. Its resilience and low-maintenance nature make it a preferred choice for many gardeners.
Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s Ear, with its soft, velvety leaves, is a tactile delight for garden enthusiasts. The silvery-green foliage provides a calming contrast to vibrant flowers, making it a versatile choice for various garden designs. It thrives in sunny spots and well-drained soil, offering a low-maintenance solution that requires minimal watering. Lamb’s Ear is perfect for borders or rock gardens, where its unique texture can be fully appreciated. Its ability to tolerate drought conditions adds to its appeal, making it a practical choice for sustainable gardening.