Tired of re-mulching every season only to watch it fade, blow away, or break down too fast? There’s a better way to keep weeds at bay and moisture in your soil without the constant upkeep. Living ground covers do all that—and look a whole lot better doing it.
These plants spread out and fill space beautifully, giving your garden that lush, established look without the mess of bark or wood chips. They don’t just cover ground—they add texture, movement, and even flowers, all while working quietly in the background.
Once they settle in, most require far less maintenance than traditional mulch. You’ll save time, money, and your weekends, all while helping your garden thrive. Let’s explore 20 gorgeous ground cover options that might just change how you garden for good.
1. Creeping Thyme
Walking on this aromatic ground cover releases a delightful scent that transforms garden pathways into sensory experiences. I planted it between stepping stones three years ago and haven’t had to mulch since.
During summer, tiny purple flowers attract pollinators while creating a carpet-like effect that chokes out weeds naturally. The dense growth habit eliminates spaces where unwanted plants might establish.
Unlike mulch that breaks down yearly, creeping thyme forms a permanent living barrier that stays put even on slight slopes. Hardy in zones 4-9, it thrives in full sun to part shade with minimal watering once established.
2. Sedum ‘Dragon’s Blood’
Red-tinged foliage makes this succulent ground cover visually striking year-round, with an extra show when crimson flowers appear in summer. My dry slope that constantly lost mulch to erosion hasn’t needed attention since planting this tough performer.
The fleshy leaves store water, allowing this plant to thrive through drought conditions that would leave other ground covers crispy. Deer and rabbits typically avoid it, solving multiple garden problems at once.
Fall brings an intensified color display as temperatures drop, creating seasonal interest without additional work. Simply trim back any wandering sections in spring if needed—far less effort than annual mulch replacement.
3. Sweet Woodruff
Dappled shade areas that never seem to keep mulch looking fresh become magical when carpeted with this woodland native. The whorled green leaves create a lush backdrop for delicate white star-shaped flowers that appear in spring.
After adding sweet woodruff under my maple trees, I’ve watched it gradually fill in spaces where nothing else would grow. The slightly vanilla-scented foliage was historically used in potpourris and as a natural air freshener.
Even heavy leaf fall in autumn doesn’t harm this resilient plant—it simply grows through the debris come spring. For challenging spots where mulch constantly needs refreshing, this shade-lover solves problems permanently with virtually no maintenance.
4. Ajuga (Bugleweed)
Dark glossy foliage creates a striking contrast against other garden plants while effectively crowding out weeds better than any bark mulch. The dense mat of leaves stays attractive year-round in most climates, providing constant soil protection.
Spring brings dramatic spikes of blue flowers that rise above the foliage, attracting early pollinators when many other plants haven’t yet bloomed. After installing ajuga around my oak tree, I’ve never needed to refresh mulch or pull weeds in that area again.
Various cultivars offer different leaf colors from deep purple to variegated patterns, allowing design flexibility while maintaining functionality. Hardy in zones 3-9 and tolerant of poor soils, this ground cover thrives where others struggle.
5. Creeping Jenny
Bright chartreuse foliage instantly brightens shady corners while flowing over edges like a living waterfall. After planting it along my garden border, the days of mulch washing away during heavy rains became a distant memory.
Small yellow flowers appear in summer, adding subtle interest without detracting from the vibrant foliage effect. The trailing stems root wherever they touch soil, creating a self-reinforcing network that prevents erosion.
Despite its delicate appearance, this ground cover powers through challenging conditions where bark mulch would simply float away. Just be aware of its vigorous nature—in perfect conditions, occasional trimming keeps it from overstepping boundaries.
6. Lamb’s Ear
Velvety silver leaves create a tactile garden experience while forming a dense weed-suppressing mat that outperforms traditional mulch. The soft fuzzy texture invites touching, making it particularly engaging for children’s gardens or sensory spaces.
Tall purple flower spikes emerge in summer, creating vertical interest above the silvery carpet. Unlike wood mulch that fades and decomposes, the distinctive coloration remains vibrant year after year with zero refreshing needed.
My dry, sunny border hasn’t seen a weed since installing this drought-tolerant performer three seasons ago. The thick growth habit prevents soil erosion while the unique texture adds year-round visual interest that bark chips simply can’t match.
7. Creeping Phlox
Spring erupts in a wave of color when this low-growing perennial blankets the ground with pink, purple, or white blooms. The flower show lasts for weeks, creating impact that seasonal mulch could never achieve while simultaneously suppressing weeds.
Needle-like evergreen foliage maintains coverage year-round, eliminating the bare winter look of mulched beds. Since adding creeping phlox to my front slope, I’ve saved countless hours of mulch refreshing while enjoying a maintenance-free display.
Even after flowering ends, the dense mat continues performing practical functions by preventing soil erosion and conserving moisture. Hardy in zones 3-9, this tough plant handles poor soil and drought once established—perfect for problem areas.
8. Mazus
Tiny lavender flowers with yellow throats create a magical effect in spring and summer, dotting the low green carpet with delightful color. The flat growth habit handles light foot traffic, making it perfect for areas between stepping stones where mulch would quickly scatter.
Unlike wood chips that need constant replenishing, this ground cover spreads gradually to fill spaces while remaining well-behaved. After discovering mazus, I replaced the constantly messy mulch around my garden fountain with this practical alternative.
The semi-evergreen foliage in mild climates provides year-round interest and soil protection. With minimal care requirements and maximum visual appeal, this ground cover delivers benefits that traditional mulch simply cannot match.
9. Dwarf Mondo Grass
Elegant grass-like foliage creates a refined texture that elevates garden designs beyond what simple mulch could achieve. The tidy clumping habit forms a dense carpet that effectively prevents weed germination while maintaining a manicured appearance.
Shade tolerance makes this an exceptional performer under trees where mulch often looks sparse due to root competition. My woodland garden path edges haven’t needed attention since planting this versatile ground cover three years ago.
Unlike mulch that requires annual refreshing, dwarf mondo grass actually improves with age as it gradually fills in. The dark green color provides a sophisticated backdrop that makes other plants pop while performing all the practical functions of traditional mulch.
10. Corsican Mint
Fragrant tiny leaves release an intense minty aroma when brushed against, creating a sensory experience no mulch could provide. The incredibly fine texture forms a solid mat that prevents weeds while looking far more sophisticated than bark chips.
Stepping stones in my herb garden gained new life when surrounded by this aromatic ground cover. Visitors can’t resist touching it to release the refreshing scent—an interactive element traditional mulch lacks entirely.
Though it looks delicate, this tough performer handles light foot traffic and spreads to fill spaces naturally. The bright green color provides visual freshness that remains consistent throughout the growing season, unlike mulch that fades quickly after application.
11. Ornamental Strawberry
Charming white flowers give way to small edible berries, offering both visual appeal and occasional sweet treats throughout summer. The trailing habit works perfectly on slopes where traditional mulch constantly slides down during rainstorms.
The three-part leaves maintain an attractive appearance even when not flowering or fruiting. After struggling with erosion on my garden incline, this practical ground cover solved the problem permanently while adding seasonal interest.
Unlike wood chips that decompose within a year, this perennial solution improves with age as it gradually spreads to fill bare spots. Cold hardy and adaptable, it performs reliably in zones 5-9 with minimal care once established.
12. Irish Moss
Soft cushiony texture creates an almost cloud-like appearance in the garden, forming perfect mounds of bright green that remain attractive year-round. Despite its delicate look, this ground cover effectively prevents weeds while requiring virtually no maintenance.
Tiny white star-shaped flowers appear in spring, adding subtle interest to the already appealing foliage. The areas between my garden pavers transformed completely after replacing constantly disappearing mulch with this practical alternative.
Unlike traditional mulch that breaks down and needs annual replacement, Irish moss forms a permanent living carpet that actually improves with time. The consistent color and texture create a unifying element in garden designs that bark chips simply cannot match.
13. Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Glossy evergreen leaves create year-round structure while pretty blue-purple flowers add seasonal interest in spring. The trailing stems root where they touch soil, creating a self-reinforcing network that prevents erosion far better than any mulch.
Shade tolerance makes this an ideal solution for difficult spots under trees or along north-facing foundations. My woodland garden transformation began with this reliable performer replacing constantly decomposing mulch that never looked fresh for long.
Even in the depths of winter, the shiny foliage maintains an attractive appearance when mulched beds would look bare and neglected. Though vigorous in ideal conditions, regular trimming keeps it in bounds while requiring far less effort than annual mulch application.
14. Dwarf Plumbago
Sky-blue flowers seem to float above the foliage throughout summer and fall, creating months of color that wood mulch could never provide. The spreading habit gradually fills in spaces between larger plants, eliminating the need for constant mulch refreshing.
Fall brings an unexpected bonus when the green leaves transform to brilliant red before dropping for winter. My sunny border hasn’t needed mulch maintenance since installing this versatile ground cover that handles heat and drought with ease.
Unlike traditional mulch that simply sits there, this dynamic plant attracts butterflies and creates seasonal interest through changing colors. Though it disappears in winter in colder zones, it reliably returns each spring to resume its garden-enhancing functions.
15. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos)
Leathery evergreen leaves create year-round structure while naturally adapting to sandy or rocky soils where mulch quickly deteriorates. Small pink bell-shaped flowers in spring give way to bright red berries that attract birds and add winter interest.
Native to many regions, this ground cover supports local ecosystems while performing practical garden functions. My coastal garden bed that constantly lost mulch to wind has remained perfectly covered since planting this resilient native alternative.
The spreading woody stems form a dense mat that effectively blocks weeds while preventing erosion on slopes. Unlike imported mulch that offers no ecological benefits, this plant provides food and habitat for wildlife while requiring virtually no maintenance once established.
16. Rupturewort
Finely textured foliage creates a carpet-like appearance that remains attractive throughout the growing season without the constant refreshing that mulch requires. The tight growth habit effectively eliminates spaces where weeds might establish while conserving soil moisture.
Tolerant of light foot traffic, this ground cover works perfectly between stepping stones or along garden paths where mulch would quickly scatter. After discovering this versatile plant, I replaced the constantly messy mulch around my patio with this practical alternative.
Unlike wood chips that decompose and need annual replacement, rupturewort forms a permanent living solution that actually improves with age. The consistent green color provides a sophisticated backdrop that unifies garden designs while performing all the functions of traditional mulch.
17. Brass Buttons
Feathery foliage in bronze, green, or purple creates visual interest far beyond what plain mulch could achieve. The low-growing habit forms a dense mat that effectively prevents weed germination while maintaining a unique textural element in the garden.
Tiny yellow button-like flowers add subtle charm without overwhelming neighboring plants. My pathway edges transformed from constantly scattered mulch zones to tidy, attractive borders after installing this versatile ground cover.
Unlike bark chips that fade and decompose, the distinctive coloration remains vibrant throughout the growing season. Tolerant of light foot traffic and adaptable to various soil conditions, this practical alternative solves multiple garden problems while enhancing overall design.
18. Alpine Water Fern
Delicate fronds create a distinctive texture unlike any other ground cover, forming a solid mat that effectively suppresses weeds in shady, moist areas. Despite its name, this isn’t actually a fern but a unique flowering plant that thrives where traditional mulch would quickly decompose.
Tiny white flowers appear in summer, adding subtle interest to the already appealing foliage. The challenging wet spot under my downspout transformed from a constant mulch mess to an attractive feature after planting this moisture-loving performer.
Unlike wood chips that float away during heavy rains, this ground cover actually strengthens its hold in wet conditions. The consistent appearance throughout the growing season provides reliable structure in areas where maintaining traditional mulch would require constant attention.
19. Snow-In-Summer
Silvery foliage creates year-round interest while thriving in hot, dry conditions where mulch quickly breaks down and becomes ineffective. The drought tolerance makes this an ideal solution for water-conscious gardens or areas with limited irrigation.
True to its name, a profusion of white flowers blankets the plants in late spring, creating a snow-like effect. My sunny rock garden that constantly needed mulch refreshing hasn’t required attention since installing this heat-loving ground cover.
The spreading habit works perfectly on slopes where traditional mulch would wash away during rainstorms. Unlike wood chips that need annual replacement, this perennial solution improves with age as it gradually fills in bare spots with its attractive silver-green carpet.
20. Carpet Bugle
Rich purple-bronze foliage creates dramatic color that remains consistent throughout the season, unlike mulch that quickly fades to gray. The spreading habit forms a dense mat that completely blocks weed growth while adding unique coloration to garden designs.
Blue-purple flower spikes rise above the foliage in spring, attracting pollinators and adding vertical interest. After struggling to keep mulch looking fresh in my part-shade border, this low-maintenance alternative solved the problem permanently.
Even in winter, the evergreen foliage maintains color in mild climates, providing year-round soil protection. The ability to thrive in challenging conditions where mulch would quickly decompose makes this a practical solution for problem garden areas.