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When it comes to maintaining our gardens, one of the most persistent challenges we face is keeping weeds at bay. We know how these unwelcome plants can quickly take over, ruining the beauty and health of our green spaces. Ground cover plants are an excellent solution to this common problem.
These ground cover plants not only enhance the beauty of our garden but also play a crucial role in preventing weeds from spreading. By choosing the right ground cover, we can create a lush, attractive garden that requires less maintenance and stays weed-free.
1. Creeping Thyme
Creeping Thyme is an effective ground cover for preventing weeds. This aromatic herb spreads quickly, filling in gaps and leaving little room for weeds. For optimal growth, it thrives best in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, around 6.5 to 7.5.
We should plant Creeping Thyme in sunny spots since it loves full sunlight. This will help it grow densely, ensuring a solid ground cover.
Its small, fragrant leaves and vibrant flowers attract pollinators to our garden. This brings beauty and life to our space, making it both practical and appealing.
2. Irish Moss
Irish Moss, also known as Sagina subulata, is a fantastic ground cover choice. It forms a lush, dense carpet of green that effectively suppresses weed growth. This plant is not a true moss, but its appearance is similar, with small, vibrant green leaves.
It thrives in a variety of soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained soil. This makes it versatile and easy to grow in many garden settings. It’s also low maintenance, a big plus for busy gardeners.
Irish Moss produces tiny, white flowers that add a delicate touch to your garden. These flowers may scatter seeds if left untrimmed, so a light mowing once or twice a year keeps it looking neat.
The plant does well in both full sun and partial shade, making it adaptable to different light conditions. It’s a great choice for filling spaces between stones on walkways or in rock gardens. The soft, cushion-like texture is appealing and can handle light foot traffic.
We can consider using Irish Moss in many parts of our yards. Its beauty and practicality make it one of the best ground cover options to keep weeds at bay and enhance the aesthetic of our outdoor spaces.
3. Periwinkle
Periwinkle, also known as Vinca minor, is a standout choice for ground cover. It grows low to the ground, typically around six inches tall. This makes it perfect for areas where we want to prevent weeds from taking over.
One of the best features of periwinkle is its attractive appearance. It produces small, star-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, and white during the spring. These flowers add a splash of color to our garden, making it not only functional but also beautiful.
This plant is also very adaptable. It can thrive in both sun and shade, making it versatile for different garden environments. Additionally, periwinkle is drought-tolerant once established, which means less watering work for us.
Periwinkle can spread quickly, covering large areas in a short amount of time. This helps keep the soil covered and weeds at bay. As a bonus, its dense mat of foliage creates a uniform look that enhances the overall garden design.
In conclusion, using periwinkle as a ground cover is an effective and visually pleasing way to manage weeds. Its ability to adapt to various conditions and its rapid growth make it a reliable choice for gardeners.
4. Sweet Woodruff
Thanks to its dense, low-growing spread, Sweet Woodruff is a great ground cover plant. This hardy plant grows up to 8 inches tall and thrives in shady areas. We often recommend it for its ability to suppress weeds effectively.
The plant has attractive, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. Its fragrant leaves add an extra layer of appeal. Sweet Woodruff prefers moist, well-drained soil and does best in partial to full shade.
We find that Sweet Woodruff is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance. Its spreading habit fills in spaces, preventing weeds from taking root. It also tolerates a range of soil types, from slightly acidic to neutral.
When planting Sweet Woodruff, spacing them about 10 inches apart allows them to spread naturally and cover the ground. Regular watering helps establish the plants, though they are relatively drought-tolerant once settled.
5. Creeping Juniper
Creeping Juniper is an excellent ground cover for preventing weeds. This plant spreads quickly and forms a dense mat that smothers weed growth. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate some shade.
We can plant Creeping Juniper in various soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained. It prefers sandy soil with light to medium moisture, but it’s adaptable and can grow in poor, dry, and compacted soils where other plants might fail.
This plant requires minimal maintenance. Once established, it doesn’t need frequent watering. We recommend weeding the area and applying a pre-emergent weed prevention before planting.
Creeping Juniper provides year-round greenery. Its foliage is typically blue-green, adding a refreshing look to landscapes. Additionally, it can tolerate harsh conditions, including drought and cold. It’s hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making it suitable for many regions.
By integrating Creeping Juniper into our gardens, we can enjoy a low-maintenance and attractive ground cover that effectively reduces weed growth. This plant is a practical choice for those looking to keep unwanted weeds at bay.
6. Mazus
Mazus, also known as Mazus reptans, is a tough, low-growing ground cover. Its bright green leaves form a dense mat that stops weeds from taking root.
We find Mazus particularly useful in shady spots. It can thrive in USDA zones 5 to 8, making it versatile for many gardens.
In mid-spring, Mazus displays small, open-face tubular flowers. These blooms add a touch of color without much effort.
Mazus stays low, usually just about an inch tall. It’s perfect for filling spaces between stepping stones or covering bare patches.
This ground cover spreads quickly but remains manageable. We never have to worry about it becoming unruly. It’s a great choice for keeping our garden clean and weed-free.
7. Bugleweed
Bugleweed, also known as Ajuga reptans, is a fast-growing ground cover perfect for keeping weeds at bay. It thrives in both full sun and partial shade. This makes it versatile for different garden spots.
Ajuga spreads through stolons, which are runners that root as they go. This helps the plant cover large areas quickly. Its dense foliage ensures weeds don’t get a chance to take hold.
We can enjoy Bugleweed in various colors, from deep green to purple leaves. It also produces beautiful blue or purple flowers in the spring, adding a splash of color to our gardens. This mix of foliage and flowers makes it an attractive choice.
Bugleweed prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drought. While it’s growing quickly, we might need to trim it back to prevent it from overrunning other plants. This low-maintenance plant is also deer-resistant, making it hardy for different environments.
Planting Bugleweed is easy. We can propagate it through cuttings or buy transplants. Once established, it forms a dense mat that effectively crowds out weeds, reducing our garden maintenance.
8. Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s Ear is a standout choice for our gardens. This plant is known for its soft, fuzzy leaves that add a unique texture to any space. It’s part of the mint family and naturally thrives in hot, dry climates.
We love how low-maintenance Lamb’s Ear is. Once established, it needs very little water or care. This makes it perfect for busy gardeners or those with less-than-ideal soil conditions.
Its ability to spread densely helps in preventing weeds from taking over. The thick foliage blocks light from reaching the soil, making it tough for weeds to grow. Additionally, it boasts a height of about 6 to 12 inches, creating an effective ground cover.
Lamb’s Ear also has the added benefit of attracting pollinators with its beautiful flowers. This not only helps our gardens thrive but also supports the local ecosystem. It’s a versatile plant that works well in both formal and informal garden settings.
Whether we’re looking to add texture, reduce maintenance, or keep weeds at bay, Lamb’s Ear offers a practical and attractive solution. Its resilience and unique appearance make it a valuable addition to our garden landscapes.
9. Snow-in-Summer
Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum) is a charming ground cover that helps keep weeds at bay. Its name comes from the white flowers that blanket the plant in late spring to early summer, resembling a fresh snowfall.
The plant’s silver-grey foliage forms a dense mat, which stops weeds from taking root. We appreciate Snow-in-Summer because it spreads quickly and thrives in full sun.
This plant doesn’t grow taller than 6 inches, making it perfect for edging pathways or filling in rocky areas. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions, making it a low-maintenance choice for our gardens.
In addition to weed control, Snow-in-Summer adds visual interest with its silvery leaves and bright white flowers. It’s a great option for creating a striking contrast with darker plants.
10. Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a versatile ground cover plant that works well in a variety of garden settings. This hardy plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate poor soil conditions, making it a low-maintenance choice for our garden.
There are many types of sedum, each with unique features. Some have vibrant pink or red blooms, while others display shades of green and yellow. This variety allows us to choose the perfect one to complement our landscape.
One of the biggest advantages of sedum is its ability to spread quickly. It forms a dense mat that covers the ground, effectively blocking out weeds. This makes it an excellent option for areas where we want to minimize weeding.
Many sedum varieties are also drought-tolerant, which means they require less water than other plants. This makes sedum an ideal choice for dry, sunny spots in our garden.
Sedum is not only practical but also visually appealing. With its colorful blooms and attractive foliage, it adds both beauty and function to our outdoor spaces.
11. Stonecrop
Stonecrop, also known as Sedum, is one of our favorite ground cover plants for preventing weeds. It is a hardy perennial that thrives in various climates.
We love how stonecrop requires minimal maintenance. It survives in poor soil and tolerates drought well, making it an excellent choice for dry areas.
The plant comes in many varieties, with leaf colors ranging from green to blue to burgundy. Some even have interesting textures that add visual interest to our gardens.
Stonecrop produces small but attractive flowers, typically in shades of yellow, pink, or white, adding a pop of color during the blooming season.
This plant forms dense mats that effectively choke out weeds by covering the soil and preventing sunlight from reaching potential weeds. Its low-growing nature ensures that the area remains neat and tidy.
Stonecrop’s resilience and versatility make it an ideal choice for both sunny and partially shaded locations. We find it perfect for rock gardens, slopes, or any area where we need dependable ground cover.
12. Blue Star Creeper
Blue Star Creeper is a favorite for many gardeners looking to cover ground and prevent weeds. This small, low-growing plant forms a dense mat, making it difficult for weeds to find a place to grow.
We can start Blue Star Creeper from tiny seeds. It’s best to sow these seeds on moistened seed starter mix and cover the container with plastic wrap. This keeps the environment humid and helps the seeds sprout.
Blue Star Creeper seeds usually take 7 to 15 days to sprout. Patience is key during this period. We should keep the soil consistently moist but not overly wet. Partial sunlight is ideal for these seeds until they begin to grow.
Once the seedlings reach the six-leaf stage, they are ready to be planted in the ground or another desired location. Blue Star Creeper thrives in partial to full sun and requires regular watering to establish itself.
This ground cover can handle foot traffic, making it suitable for pathways and borders. Its small blue flowers add a nice touch to our garden. By spreading quickly and forming a thick carpet, Blue Star Creeper effectively chokes out weeds.
13. Bearberry
Bearberry, also known as Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, is an excellent ground cover plant. It’s native to circumboreal regions, meaning it thrives in cold climates.
This evergreen shrub stays low to the ground, making it perfect for covering large areas. Its leaves are small, glossy, and deep green, adding beauty to our gardens year-round.
Bearberry prefers poor, sandy soil. This makes it ideal for areas with soil that’s not very fertile. We can plant it in full sun or partial shade.
One of its best features is its ability to prevent weeds. Once established, bearberry spreads quickly, creating a dense mat that keeps weeds out.
In addition to its practical benefits, bearberry produces small white or pinkish flowers in the spring. These flowers are followed by red berries in the fall, adding color and interest to our landscape.
14. Hernaria Glabra
Hernaria glabra, also known as rupturewort, is a versatile ground cover plant. It thrives in sunny areas and can tolerate a range of soil conditions. We find it suitable for suppressing weeds due to its dense, mat-forming growth habit.
This plant grows low to the ground, making it ideal for pathways and rock gardens. It doesn’t require much maintenance once it is established. We can water it occasionally, but it doesn’t need frequent attention.
Rupturewort is also self-seeding, which means it can spread naturally over time. This helps in covering bare patches and preventing weeds from taking hold. We recommend spacing the plants about 12 inches apart to allow them room to grow.
It’s important to plant Hernaria glabra in well-drained soil. It prefers a temperature of around 68°F, which helps the seeds germinate efficiently. We suggest planting it in the fall or starting it indoors for best results.
By choosing Hernaria glabra, we not only get weed control but also a visually appealing green mat that requires minimal upkeep. This makes it a practical choice for many garden spaces.
15. Japanese Spurge
Japanese Spurge, also known as Pachysandra terminalis, is an excellent choice for ground cover. This evergreen perennial thrives in US hardiness zones 5 and above. Its lush, serrated leaves bring year-round greenery and help block weeds.
We find that Japanese Spurge grows best in partial shade to full shade. It’s ideal for locations under trees or shaded corners of the yard. The plant spreads quickly, forming a dense mat of foliage.
This ground cover tolerates different soil conditions, including heavy clay and slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 5.6. It’s also drought-resistant and deer-resistant, making it a hardy addition to our gardens.
One thing to note is that Japanese Spurge can be invasive. It might spread beyond the intended area, so we need to monitor its growth and trim as needed. Despite this, its benefits often outweigh this drawback.
16. Hosta
Hostas are an excellent choice for ground cover in shaded areas of our garden. These plants have large, broad leaves that form dense mounds, effectively crowding out weeds. Their thick foliage blocks sunlight, making it hard for weed seeds to germinate.
We can find Hostas in a variety of colors, including shades of green, blue, and even variegated patterns. They add visual interest to our landscape while keeping weeds at bay.
Hostas are also known for their low maintenance. Once established, they require minimal care. This makes them a practical option for gardeners who want to reduce their weeding efforts.
17. Golden Creeping Jenny
Golden Creeping Jenny, also known as Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’, is a vibrant ground cover with small, rounded leaves. It spreads quickly, forming a dense mat that helps choke out weeds. Best suited for moist areas, Golden Creeping Jenny does well in both sun and partial shade.
Its bright yellow-green foliage adds a cheerful touch to any garden. The plant is low-growing, typically reaching only 2-4 inches high. It can trail over walls or along pathways, creating a lush carpet of color. Its ability to root wherever its stems touch the ground makes it an effective option for ground cover.
Golden Creeping Jenny is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance once established. We find it particularly useful for preventing soil erosion due to its spreading nature. It’s a versatile plant that thrives in various conditions. This makes it a reliable choice for garden use.
Remember to keep an eye on it, though, as its fast growth can sometimes make it a bit invasive. Regular trimming can help manage its spread and keep it looking tidy. This plant can also complement other garden plants due to its contrasting color.
18. Dead Nettle
Dead Nettle, also known as Lamium, is a reliable ground cover that helps prevent weeds. It’s known for its fast growth and ability to spread quickly, making it efficient in choking out unwanted plants.
We find that Dead Nettle thrives in semi-shaded areas. It retains its evergreen nature in regions with mild winters, offering year-round coverage.
The plant produces beautiful flowers, ranging from pink to purple to white. Its variegated leaves add an extra layer of visual interest to our garden spaces.
To keep Dead Nettle looking fresh, we should occasionally trim it back. This keeps the growth dense and ensures it continues to crowd out weeds effectively.
Dead Nettle is low-maintenance. It can grow in various soil types, provided the drainage is good. This makes it a versatile choice for many landscapes.
19. Barrenwort
Barrenwort, also known as Epimedium, is a hardy perennial ground cover. It does well in dry shade and is perfect for filling in tough spots under trees or shrubs. This plant is well-known for its heart-shaped leaves and delicate flowers.
We appreciate Barrenwort for its low-maintenance qualities. It grows best in well-drained soil and can handle drought once established. Adding leaf mold or humus helps it thrive by retaining moisture.
Barrenwort’s flowers look like tiny bishop’s hats and appear in the spring. The blooms add a charming touch to any garden. This plant also forms a dense mat of foliage, which makes it effective at suppressing weeds.
For those interested in propagation, Barrenwort can be grown from seeds, divisions, or by transplanting. Keep in mind, that seeds need to be sown fresh for the best germination rates. Dividing clumps every few years will help keep the plant healthy.
By incorporating Barrenwort into our gardens, we combine beauty with practicality. Its ability to thrive in difficult conditions while preventing weeds makes it a valuable addition to any landscape.
20. Ajuga
Ajuga, also known as Bugleweed, is one of our top picks for ground cover plants. This plant is a perennial favorite because it spreads quickly and forms a dense mat that weeds find hard to penetrate.
Ajuga’s glossy leaves come in various shades such as green, bronze, and chocolate-brown. During the summer, it produces small spikes of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers.
This plant is great for shady areas where other plants may struggle. It tolerates a wide range of soil types, making it versatile for different garden settings.
Ajuga grows low to the ground, usually not higher than a few centimeters. Its ability to root along the stem makes it excellent for covering large areas efficiently.
This plant is also easy to maintain. Once established, it requires minimal care and can thrive with little watering. This makes Ajuga an ideal choice for those looking to reduce their garden maintenance tasks.
In addition to preventing weeds, Ajuga adds a beautiful texture and color to our gardens, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
21. Epimedium
Epimedium, also known as barrenwort, is a fantastic ground cover plant for gardeners looking to prevent weeds. It’s adaptable to different soil types but thrives best in cool, moist, and well-drained conditions.
This plant is known for its drought tolerance. While it prefers shade, it can handle full sun depending on the variety. Epimedium does well in USDA Zones 5-9.
Adding leaf mold or humus to the soil can help retain moisture and improve soil structure. Epimedium’s leaves create a dense mat that prevents weeds from sprouting and taking over.
In spring, this plant blooms with small, colorful flowers that add beauty to our garden while keeping it low-maintenance. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round ground cover, ensuring our garden remains weed-free and visually appealing throughout the seasons.
22. Vinca Minor
Vinca Minor, also known as periwinkle, is an excellent choice for a ground cover to prevent weeds. This plant is hardy and can thrive in various conditions. We often see Vinca Minor flourishing in both sunny and shady areas. Its glossy, dark green leaves add a touch of elegance year-round.
In spring, Vinca Minor produces charming blue or white flowers. These blooms appear in abundance and then sporadically throughout the summer, adding consistent beauty to our gardens.
One of the main benefits of Vinca Minor is its rapid growth. This plant can quickly spread to cover large areas, filling in empty patches that might otherwise be taken over by weeds. Vinca Minor requires minimal maintenance. It tolerates drought well and doesn’t need frequent watering once established.
To keep this plant in check, we can trim it back in early spring. Cutting it down to 4 to 6 inches tall helps control its growth and spread. Vinca Minor is also quite low-growing, which means we don’t have to worry about mowing it to keep it looking neat. This feature makes it a convenient and effective ground cover option.
