In This Article Show
Ground cover plants offer smart solutions for common garden problems like bare soil, weeds, and erosion. These low-growing plants spread across the ground to create a living carpet that requires less water and care than traditional grass lawns.
I’ve selected 17 outstanding ground cover options that work well in different growing conditions, from sunny slopes to shady corners. Each plant brings its own benefits, whether you need something that blooms with colorful flowers, stays green all year, or can handle foot traffic.
These choices include both flowering varieties and foliage plants that will transform empty spaces into beautiful, functional garden areas.
1. Creeping Thyme
I recommend creeping thyme as an excellent ground cover choice. This low-growing herb creates a colorful carpet while releasing pleasant scents.
It works well between stepping stones and in rock gardens. The plant requires little care once established.
2. Sedum
I recommend sedum for easy ground cover. These succulents need little water and grow in tough spots.
Sedum spreads quickly to fill empty areas. The plants come in many colors and shapes.
3. Ajuga (Bugleweed)
I recommend ajuga for low-maintenance ground cover. This plant spreads quickly through runners, creating dense mats that suppress weeds effectively.
Ajuga thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. It grows well in most soil types and requires minimal care once established.
4. Pachysandra
I recommend pachysandra for shady areas where grass struggles to grow. This evergreen ground cover creates thick green carpets under trees.
Pachysandra spreads through underground stems. It blocks weeds naturally and needs little care once established.
5. Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
I recommend Irish moss for low-maintenance ground cover that stays under 2 inches tall. This evergreen perennial forms dense mats with tiny white star-shaped flowers throughout summer.
6. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
I recommend Creeping Jenny for fast-growing ground cover. This low-maintenance plant spreads quickly with bright yellow-green leaves.
The dense mat prevents soil erosion effectively. It works well in moist areas with partial sun.
7. Liriope
I recommend liriope for its grass-like appearance and purple flower spikes. This evergreen perennial works well on slopes and borders.
Liriope spreads through underground runners. It chokes out weeds naturally and needs little care once established.
8. Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
I recommend Vinca minor for shady spots where grass won’t grow. This evergreen ground cover spreads quickly with glossy dark green leaves.
The plant produces small purple, blue, or white flowers in spring. It stays green all year long.
Vinca minor works well under trees and on slopes. It needs little care once planted.
9. Bugleweed
I recommend bugleweed for shady spots where other plants struggle. This low-growing perennial spreads quickly to form thick mats.
The plant produces beautiful blue flower spikes in late spring. Its leaves come in green, bronze, or variegated colors.
10. Sweet Woodruff
I recommend sweet woodruff for shady spots where other plants struggle. This low-maintenance ground cover produces tiny white flowers in spring.
The plant thrives in partial to full shade with moist soil. I find it spreads naturally to form dense carpets.
11. Mazus
I recommend Mazus as an excellent grass replacement. This low-growing plant reaches only 2 inches tall and spreads quickly.
Mazus produces purple or white flowers in spring. It works well in moist, partly shaded areas and between stepping stones.
12. Purple Deadnettle
I recommend purple deadnettle for easy ground cover. This annual plant grows 12 inches tall with heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers.
It spreads quickly across shady garden spots. The blooms appear in late summer through early fall.
13. Corsican Mint
I recommend Corsican mint for fragrant ground cover between stepping stones. This tiny plant grows only a quarter inch tall with small green leaves.
The mint releases a pleasant smell when stepped on. It works well in garden paths and walkways.
14. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
I recommend bearberry for challenging spots with poor or rocky soil. This evergreen ground cover grows 6-12 inches tall with small, leathery leaves.
The plant produces white or pink bell-shaped flowers in spring.
15. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
I recommend heuchera for shady areas where you need colorful ground cover. These plants have bright leaves in many colors like purple, gold, and red.
Coral bells work well in zones 3 to 9. They stay low and spread to cover bare ground effectively.
16. Dwarf Mondo Grass
I recommend dwarf mondo grass for shady areas where regular grass won’t grow. This low-growing plant reaches only 2-4 inches tall.
It works well as edging, borders, or ground cover under trees. The thin green leaves create a neat, tidy appearance.
17. Sweet Alyssum
I recommend sweet alyssum for creating beautiful ground cover carpets. This compact annual grows 3-9 inches tall and spreads wide.
The tiny flowers bloom in white, pink, purple, or red colors. They produce a lovely honey-sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators to my garden.
