Welcome to the whimsical world of flowering ground covers that both hummingbirds and butterflies adore!
As an avid gardener, I’ve often found myself marveling at the delightful dance of these creatures as they flit from bloom to bloom. There’s something utterly captivating about watching a hummingbird hover, its wings a blur, while a kaleidoscope of butterflies adds a splash of color to the scene.
It’s like having a live nature documentary right in your backyard!
So, let’s embark on this botanical journey together and discover 22 enchanting ground covers that promise to turn your garden into a buzzing paradise.
1. Creeping Thyme
Creeping Thyme is a charming ground cover that spreads like a vibrant carpet of tiny purple blooms. These aromatic flowers not only add a splash of color but also release a delightful fragrance underfoot. It’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate a low-maintenance garden.
Butterflies find its nectar irresistible, and hummingbirds are drawn to its vibrant hues. Planting Creeping Thyme in sunny spots will ensure it flourishes, providing a sanctuary for these winged visitors. Embrace this delightful herb and watch your garden come alive with fluttering activity!
2. Phlox Subulata
Phlox Subulata, or Moss Phlox, is a stunning ground cover with a profusion of pink and white blooms. Its vibrant colors create a dazzling display in any garden, attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds with their sweet fragrance.
This hardy plant thrives in rocky or sandy soils, making it perfect for rock gardens. Its spreading habit provides excellent coverage, reducing weed growth. Plant Phlox Subulata and enjoy the lively dance of butterflies and hummingbirds enjoying its nectar-rich flowers.
3. Ajuga Reptans
Ajuga Reptans, commonly known as Bugleweed, features deep blue flower spikes that create a striking contrast against its glossy foliage. This ground cover is perfect for adding a splash of color to shaded areas of your garden.
Hummingbirds and butterflies are naturally attracted to its nectar-rich blooms, making it a beneficial addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. Easy to grow and maintain, Ajuga Reptans will quickly establish itself, providing a lush carpet that supports a thriving ecosystem.
4. Lamium Maculatum
Lamium Maculatum, or Spotted Deadnettle, offers a delightful mix of variegated leaves and tiny pink flowers. Its unique foliage adds texture and interest to any garden, while its blooms provide a reliable nectar source.
This ground cover thrives in shaded areas, where it can form dense mats that suppress weeds. Butterflies and hummingbirds can’t resist its sweet nectar, making it an excellent choice for attracting wildlife. Embrace Lamium Maculatum and enjoy a garden buzzing with activity!
5. Sedum Spurium
Sedum Spurium, also known as Two-row Stonecrop, is a resilient ground cover with striking red star-shaped flowers. Its succulent leaves provide a unique texture, while its blooms are a magnet for pollinators.
This drought-tolerant plant thrives in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for eco-friendly gardens. Both hummingbirds and butterflies flock to its vibrant blooms, eager to sip its nectar. Incorporate Sedum Spurium into your garden for a low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly option that dazzles.
6. Mazus Reptans
Mazus Reptans, or Creeping Mazus, is a fast-spreading ground cover with charming blue and white flowers. This delightful plant creates a colorful mat that adds visual interest to any garden.
Its lovely blooms are a favorite among butterflies and hummingbirds, who visit frequently to indulge in its sweet nectar. Ideal for damp areas, Mazus Reptans is easy to care for and provides a beautiful backdrop for your garden’s visitors. Choose this ground cover for a vibrant and lively garden display.
7. Dianthus Deltoides
Dianthus Deltoides, or Maiden Pink, is a vibrant ground cover with striking pink blooms that captivate both butterflies and hummingbirds. These small, fragrant flowers are a delightful addition to any garden setting.
This hardy plant thrives in well-drained soils, spreading quickly to form a colorful carpet. Its nectar-rich blooms are a surefire way to attract wildlife, adding movement and life to your outdoor space. Plant Dianthus Deltoides for a garden that buzzes with beauty and activity.
8. Aubrieta Deltoidea
Aubrieta Deltoidea, known as Rock Cress, offers a cascade of purple blooms that spill gracefully over rocks and borders. Its vibrant flowers are irresistible to both hummingbirds and butterflies.
This ground cover thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soils. It’s perfect for rock gardens or as edging along pathways. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a favorite among gardeners seeking beauty with ease. Choose Aubrieta Deltoidea for a garden that delights and attracts with its vivid display.
9. Herniaria Glabra
Herniaria Glabra, also known as Rupturewort, forms a dense green carpet adorned with tiny yellow flowers. This resilient ground cover is perfect for adding a splash of cheer to your garden.
Butterflies and hummingbirds are naturally drawn to its bright blooms, which provide a reliable nectar source. Herniaria Glabra thrives in sunny locations and tolerates foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for pathways or open spaces. Add this plant to your landscape for a garden teeming with life.
10. Pratia Pedunculata
Pratia Pedunculata, or Trailing Blue Star, is a charming ground cover with small blue star-shaped flowers. Its dainty blooms create a serene atmosphere in any garden setting.
This low-growing plant is perfect for filling gaps between stepping stones or as edging for borders. Butterflies and hummingbirds frequent its flowers, drawn by their sweet nectar. Choose Pratia Pedunculata for a garden that invites these winged visitors to linger and enjoy the floral feast.
11. Lysimachia Nummularia
Lysimachia Nummularia, commonly known as Creeping Jenny, showcases bright yellow flowers that add a touch of sunshine to any garden. This vigorous ground cover is known for its lush, trailing foliage.
Hummingbirds and butterflies are captivated by its vibrant blooms, often seen flitting among them. Ideal for moist conditions, Creeping Jenny thrives in both sun and partial shade. Plant this delightful ground cover for a garden filled with color and buzzing activity.
12. Campanula Portenschlagiana
Campanula Portenschlagiana, or Dalmatian Bellflower, offers a stunning display of violet bell-shaped flowers. Its delicate blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies.
This hardy ground cover thrives in various soil conditions, making it a versatile choice for garden borders or rockeries. Its cascading habit creates a beautiful effect, adding both height and texture. Incorporate Campanula Portenschlagiana for a garden that brims with life and color.
13. Vinca Minor
Vinca Minor, or Lesser Periwinkle, is a beloved ground cover with glossy leaves and vibrant periwinkle flowers. Its charming blooms are a favorite among hummingbirds and butterflies.
This evergreen plant thrives in shade, where its dense foliage suppresses weeds. It’s perfect for covering large areas or stabilizing slopes. Vinca Minor’s low-maintenance nature makes it a popular choice for gardeners seeking beauty with minimal effort. Add this plant to your garden for year-round interest and wildlife attraction.
14. Pachysandra Terminalis
Pachysandra Terminalis, or Japanese Spurge, is a classic ground cover with glossy leaves and white flower spikes. Its understated elegance adds a touch of class to shaded areas.
Butterflies are drawn to its blooms, while its dense foliage creates a lush green carpet. This plant thrives in low-light environments, making it ideal for underplanting trees or filling shaded borders. Choose Pachysandra Terminalis for a garden that epitomizes grace and tranquility.
15. Liriope Muscari
Liriope Muscari, known as Lilyturf, is a versatile ground cover with tall lavender flower spikes. Its striking appearance makes it a focal point in any landscape.
Hummingbirds and butterflies frequent its blooms, drawn by their nectar-rich offerings. This plant thrives in a range of conditions, from full sun to deep shade, providing year-round interest with its evergreen foliage. Add Liriope Muscari to your garden for a dynamic and lively display.
16. Tiarella Cordifolia
Tiarella Cordifolia, or Foamflower, presents delicate white flower clusters that resemble frothy clouds. Its unique blooms attract both hummingbirds and butterflies.
This ground cover thrives in shady spots, where it forms lush mats that suppress weeds. Its attractive foliage adds texture and interest throughout the growing season. Plant Tiarella Cordifolia for a garden that charms with its ethereal beauty and draws in wildlife.
17. Hypericum Calycinum
Hypericum Calycinum, or St. John’s Wort, is a robust ground cover with large, cheerful yellow flowers. Its vibrant blooms are a beacon for butterflies and hummingbirds.
This plant thrives in a variety of soil conditions, offering versatility in garden design. Its dense growth suppresses weeds, making it a practical choice for low-maintenance landscapes. Choose Hypericum Calycinum for a garden that bursts with color and life.
18. Ceratostigma Plumbaginoides
Ceratostigma Plumbaginoides, or Leadwort, dazzles with its deep blue flowers and fiery red autumn foliage. Its striking appearance makes it a standout in any garden setting.
Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to its vibrant blooms, which provide a rich source of nectar. This ground cover thrives in both sun and partial shade, adapting well to various soil types. Plant Ceratostigma Plumbaginoides for a garden that captivates through the seasons.
19. Epimedium Grandiflorum
Epimedium Grandiflorum, or Barrenwort, showcases heart-shaped leaves and delicate pink flowers. Its enchanting blooms are a favorite among butterflies and hummingbirds.
This ground cover thrives in shaded areas, where it forms a dense carpet that adds charm and beauty. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, making it a valuable addition to woodland gardens. Choose Epimedium Grandiflorum for a garden that enchants with its delicate grace.
20. Viola Odorata
Viola Odorata, or Sweet Violet, is a fragrant ground cover with charming violet blooms. Its delightful scent attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds.
This plant thrives in partial shade, where it creates a lush carpet of greenery. Its blooms provide a early source of nectar, supporting pollinators as they emerge in spring. Plant Viola Odorata for a garden that delights the senses and supports wildlife.
21. Thymus Serpyllum
Thymus Serpyllum, or Wild Thyme, offers a carpet of tiny pink flowers that enchant both hummingbirds and butterflies. Its aromatic blooms add a sensory delight to any garden.
This hardy ground cover thrives in sunny locations, where it spreads to form a fragrant mat. Its blooms provide a rich source of nectar, attracting a wide variety of pollinators. Choose Thymus Serpyllum for a garden that buzzes with life and fragrance.