Tired of that endless stretch of grass and looking for something more vibrant and eco-friendly? Ground cover plants are your go-to solution! These low-growing wonders not only add texture and color to landscapes but also help retain moisture and reduce weed growth.
Let’s explore an exciting array of 30 ground cover plants perfect for transforming your garden into a lush paradise.
1. Creeping Thyme
Imagine a fragrant carpet underfoot, where each step releases a burst of earthy aroma. Creeping thyme, a delightful herb, grows close to the ground, spreading joy with its tiny purple blossoms.
To thrive, it asks for little more than well-draining soil and ample sunshine. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between drinks, and watch it thrive.
2. Sedum Spurium
Bold yet charming, Sedum Spurium bursts with succulent foliage and starry blooms. This mat-forming beauty is a trusty ground cover that endures dry spells with ease.
Place it in a sunny spot, and let the magic unfold without much fuss. Minimal water and sandy soil are all it needs to flourish.
3. Irish Moss
Soft and lush, Irish Moss weaves a fairy-tale landscape, turning ordinary grounds into enchanting scenes. Its petite white flowers add a whimsical touch to the lush greenery beneath.
This mossy wonder loves shade and moist soil, thriving best in cooler climates. Keep the soil damp, and it’ll reward you with enduring beauty.
4. Ajuga Reptans
Dramatic and bold, Ajuga Reptans paints the ground with its dark-hued foliage and vivid blue blooms. This versatile plant creates a striking contrast in shady corners.
Favoring part-shade and moist soil, it grows effortlessly with little intervention. Trim occasionally to keep its vigor in check and tidy.
5. Clover
Simple yet charming, clover brings a soft touch with its trifoliate leaves and dainty pink blossoms. It’s a classic choice for covering large areas quickly and naturally.
Clover thrives in sunny spots and adapts to various soil types. Regular mowing encourages dense growth and keeps the weeds at bay.
6. Liriope
Graceful and easy-going, Liriope adds elegance with its grass-like leaves and purple flower spikes. This evergreen perennial creates a refined look in any garden.
Tolerant of shade and sun, it adapts well to different conditions. Water moderately and trim back in early spring for a fresh start.
7. Sweet Woodruff
Ethereal and fragrant, Sweet Woodruff casts a spell with its whorled leaves and starry white flowers. This shade-loving plant fills spaces with grace and light fragrance.
Thriving in moist, shady areas, it needs little care once established. Keep it hydrated, and let it weave its magic naturally.
8. Vinca Minor
Vinca Minor, also known as periwinkle, offers glossy leaves and charming blue flowers that attract attention. Its trailing habit makes it ideal for covering difficult areas.
It thrives in partial shade, preferring well-drained soils. Prune occasionally to encourage fuller growth and prevent unwanted spread.
9. Helleborus
Known as the Lenten rose, Helleborus blooms when few others dare, with nodding pink flowers and leathery leaves. It’s an elegant choice for adding winter interest.
Plant it in part-shade with rich, well-drained soil, and it’ll flourish without fuss. Mulch annually to retain moisture and enrich the soil.
10. Creeping Jenny
Golden and lively, Creeping Jenny cascades in a carpet of vibrant foliage, adding brightness to any space. It’s perfect for softening the edges of paths and ponds.
Thriving in sun to partial shade, it favors moist soil but tolerates occasional dryness. Trim back to control its enthusiastic spread.
11. Bugleweed
Diverse and hardy, Bugleweed spreads quickly, covering ground with glossy foliage and blue flower spikes. It’s a captivating choice for filling empty spots.
Preferring shade to part-shade, it doesn’t demand much care. Simply enjoy its resilient beauty and occasional blooms.
12. Lamb’s Ear
Soft to the touch, Lamb’s Ear offers silvery foliage that invites gentle caresses. It’s a plant that charms both sight and touch.
Ideal for sunny, dry spots, it requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Prune the flower spikes to keep the leaves lush and soft.
13. Mazus
Delightfully compact, Mazus sprinkles the ground with tiny purple flowers that bring a smile. It’s a cheerful ground cover that brightens spaces effortlessly.
It enjoys full sun to part shade, thriving in moist, well-drained soil. Let it spread freely, and watch it fill gaps with joy.
14. Wild Ginger
Rich and lush, Wild Ginger spreads its heart-shaped leaves across woodland floors, hiding tiny brown flowers beneath. It’s a secretive plant with understated charm.
Favoring shade and moist, rich soil, it grows with little need for intervention. Enjoy the subtlety of its ground-hugging grace.
15. Pachysandra
Robust and reliable, Pachysandra offers shiny leaves that create a polished look under trees and shaded areas. Its small white flowers add delicate interest.
This plant prefers shade and consistently moist, well-drained soil. Allow it to establish, and it will require minimal maintenance thereafter.
16. Stonecrop
Bold and resilient, Stonecrop thrives in rocky landscapes, showcasing fleshy leaves and starry blooms. It’s a popular choice for adding color to rock gardens.
Give it full sun and well-drained soil, and it will flourish without much care. Allow it to trail over rocks and watch its stunning display.
17. Bishop’s Weed
Lush and spreading, Bishop’s Weed offers variegated foliage that lights up shady corners. It’s an excellent choice for adding texture and interest.
It grows best in shaded areas with moist soil, requiring little attention once established. Keep its spread in check by regular trimming.
18. Periwinkle
Graceful and persistent, Periwinkle spreads its glossy leaves and soft violet flowers across the ground. It’s a charming choice for difficult-to-cover areas.
Thriving in shade and well-drained soil, it requires minimal care. Clip back runners to maintain a tidy appearance and dense growth.
19. Snow-in-Summer
Striking and elegant, Snow-in-Summer blankets the ground with silvery foliage and white blossoms. It’s a captivating plant that thrives in sunny spots.
Preferring well-drained soil, it asks for little more than occasional watering. Let it spill over rocks for a picturesque display.
20. Golden Hakone Grass
Graceful and flowing, Golden Hakone Grass offers arching yellow leaves that dance in the breeze. It’s perfect for adding movement and color to shaded areas.
It thrives in part to full shade, enjoying moist, well-drained soil. Trim back in early spring to encourage fresh growth and vibrancy.
21. Monkey Grass
Tough and versatile, Monkey Grass forms a dense mat with its dark green, grass-like foliage. It’s an excellent choice for borders and pathways.
Thriving in various conditions, it requires minimal care once established. Clip the edges for a neat appearance and let it do the rest.
22. Barrenwort
Delicate yet tenacious, Barrenwort graces the ground with heart-shaped leaves and soft pink flowers. It’s a charming addition to shaded garden spaces.
It thrives in shade with moist, well-drained soil, needing little care once settled. Enjoy its beauty and resilience year-round.
23. Japanese Spurge
Classic and refined, Japanese Spurge spreads with glossy leaves, offering a polished look under trees. Its small white flowers add grace and charm.
Preferring shade and well-drained soil, it requires minimal maintenance once established. Allow it to fill areas with its lush presence.
24. Blue Star Creeper
Tiny and enchanting, Blue Star Creeper offers a carpet of small blue flowers that dance in the sun. It’s a delicate ground cover that charms effortlessly.
Thriving in sun to partial shade, it enjoys moist, well-drained soil. Let it wander freely, creating a soft and inviting landscape.
25. Creeping Phlox
Vibrant and abundant, Creeping Phlox covers the ground with colorful blossoms, heralding spring’s arrival. It’s a breathtaking sight in any garden.
It flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil, asking for little more than space to spread. Provide occasional watering during dry spells, and enjoy the show.
26. Epimedium
Intriguing and delicate, Epimedium offers heart-shaped leaves and dainty yellow flowers that sway in the breeze. It’s a perfect choice for adding subtle beauty to shady areas.
Thriving in part-shade with well-drained soil, it requires minimal care. Trim back old foliage in spring to reveal fresh growth.
27. Yellow Archangel
Bold and bright, Yellow Archangel spreads its variegated leaves and yellow blooms across shaded grounds. It’s a vivacious choice for adding color to dark corners.
Preferring shade and moist soil, it grows with little intervention. Trim back to control its enthusiastic spread and appreciate its cheerful presence.
28. Creeping Raspberry
Rustic and robust, Creeping Raspberry offers textured leaves and small white flowers, adding interest to landscapes. It’s a wonderful choice for adding texture to sunny spots.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it grows with minimal care. Allow it to trail freely, creating an inviting, textured ground cover.
29. Deadnettle
Lush and lively, Deadnettle spreads silver-tinged leaves and purple flowers generously. It’s an attractive choice for filling shaded areas with grace.
It thrives in shade and moist soil, requiring little care once settled. Trim occasionally to keep it looking fresh and vibrant.
30. Dragon’s Blood Sedum
Dramatic and bold, Dragon’s Blood Sedum showcases red-tinted leaves and small pink flowers that captivate the eye. It’s a striking addition to sunny gardens.
Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, it thrives with little attention. Allow it to cascade over rocks for a vibrant display.