Exploring the vibrant world of ground cover plants can transform your sun-drenched garden into a lively tapestry of color and texture.
Each plant on this list thrives in full sun, bringing its unique charm and resilience to your outdoor space.
1. Creeping Thyme
Imagine a plant that forms a lush carpet of green adorned with tiny purple flowers, and you’ll picture Creeping Thyme. This hardy ground cover is perfect for sunny spots, where its aromatic leaves release a pleasant scent with every step.
Not only does it add visual interest, but Creeping Thyme also tolerates drought, making it a sustainable choice. Its low-growing nature makes it an excellent filler between stepping stones or along garden paths, where it softens the hard edges of stones with its delicate foliage.
A truly versatile addition, it can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, ensuring that it remains an evergreen beauty throughout the seasons.
2. Sedum
Thick leaves and bright blooms characterize a plant that isn’t just beautiful but also incredibly adaptable. Sedum, with its succulent properties, is a fantastic ground cover for sunny areas.
Its ability to store water makes it exceptionally drought-tolerant, reducing your garden maintenance efforts. Sedum’s star-shaped flowers attract pollinators, adding an ecological benefit to its aesthetic appeal.
This plant can withstand poor soil conditions, making it a resilient choice for challenging garden spots. Whether you want a plant that sprawls or stays compact, Sedum offers versatility to fit your landscaping needs.
3. Ice Plant
A burst of color that can withstand the sun’s intensity might sound too good to be true, but the Ice Plant is just that. Known for its daisy-like flowers in vivid shades, it brings an exotic touch to any garden.
Its succulent leaves store water, allowing it to thrive in dry conditions and full sun without wilting. The Ice Plant is particularly suited for rock gardens or sunny slopes, where its sprawling nature covers ground quickly.
Whether you’re seeking vibrant color or minimal water usage, this plant provides both, making it a gardener’s favorite for sunny terrains.
4. Creeping Jenny
Imagine strands of green pearls cascading across your garden floor, and you’ll envision the vibrant Creeping Jenny. Its round leaves create a lush mat that thrives in sunny areas.
Perfect for those looking to add a touch of brightness, this plant’s chartreuse leaves practically glow under the sun. It’s especially beautiful when draped over walls or allowed to cascade from containers.
Creeping Jenny prefers moist soil, making it an ideal ground cover near water features where it can absorb excess moisture and reduce erosion, enhancing your garden’s sustainability.
5. Ajuga
A tapestry of deep purple and blue hues that can handle the sun is a rare find, exemplified by Ajuga. This ground cover plant offers year-round interest with its colorful foliage and seasonal flower spikes.
Ajuga’s ability to thrive in various light conditions, including full sun, makes it versatile for any garden. Its dense, low-growing habit helps prevent weed growth, offering both beauty and practicality.
For those looking to add a dramatic splash of color, Ajuga’s rich tones can create an eye-catching display, especially when paired with lighter-colored plants for contrast.
6. Hens and Chicks
Rosette formations reminiscent of floral arrangements make this plant a unique ground cover choice. Known as Hens and Chicks, this succulent loves basking in full sun, showcasing its thick, fleshy leaves.
It’s a low-maintenance option perfect for gardens that receive ample sunlight and have rocky or sandy soil. Each rosette, resembling a flower, has its ‘chicks’ that spread out to create a dense mat.
Ideal for rock gardens and dry landscapes, Hens and Chicks bring an interesting texture to garden beds, enhancing visual appeal with minimal effort.
7. Lamb’s Ear
Soft and velvety leaves are not something you’d expect from a sun-loving plant, yet Lamb’s Ear defies this expectation. This ground cover is known for its silvery, fuzzy foliage that adds a tactile element to your garden.
Lamb’s Ear thrives in full sun, providing a unique contrast to more traditional green plants. Its low water requirements make it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.
This plant can serve as a beautiful border or fill empty spaces with its lush texture, offering both visual and tactile appeal that invites you to touch and admire.
8. Snow-in-Summer
A cascade of white blooms that seem to sprinkle the ground like fresh snow is the hallmark of Snow-in-Summer. This plant thrives under the sun, creating a stunning white and silver contrast with its flowers and foliage.
Its ability to spread quickly makes it ideal for covering large areas or slopes. Snow-in-Summer’s drought tolerance is an added benefit, ensuring it remains vibrant with minimal watering.
For gardeners seeking an easy-to-care-for plant that offers dramatic visual impact, this ground cover is a brilliant choice, bringing brightness and elegance to sun-drenched spaces.
9. Evergreen Candytuft
Picture a plant that remains beautiful and green year-round, and you have Evergreen Candytuft. Its dark green foliage sets the stage for a spring display of pure white flowers.
This plant excels in full sun, providing a crisp, clean look to borders and edges. Its compact growth habit helps define garden paths or accentuate rock gardens.
Evergreen Candytuft is not only visually appealing but also practical, as it requires little maintenance once established. A perfect choice for those seeking a tidy and perennial ground cover for sunny areas.
10. Creeping Phlox
Vibrant carpets of color that seem to float atop green foliage describe the allure of Creeping Phlox. This ground cover plant is renowned for its dazzling spring display of pink, purple, or white flowers.
Creeping Phlox thrives in sunny locations, where its dense mat of foliage helps prevent soil erosion. It’s perfect for planting along slopes or rock gardens.
For gardeners looking to create a striking visual impact with minimal care, Creeping Phlox offers a solution that’s not only beautiful but also beneficial for maintaining healthy soil.
11. Dymondia
A lush carpet that can withstand foot traffic while thriving in the sun sounds ideal, doesn’t it? Dymondia offers just that with its narrow, green leaves and silver underside.
This ground cover plant is excellent for sunny areas, particularly as a resilient lawn alternative. Its dense growth helps suppress weeds, offering both aesthetic and practical benefits.
Dymondia’s drought tolerance and low maintenance needs make it an attractive choice for eco-friendly gardeners seeking to reduce water usage while maintaining a lush, green appearance.
12. Bearberry
Glossy green leaves and bright red berries characterize a plant that’s as functional as it is attractive. Bearberry is a sun-loving ground cover that excels in poor soils.
Its sprawling habit and drought tolerance make it ideal for covering rocky slopes or sandy areas. The berries, though inedible, add a splash of color that lasts through winter.
For those looking to enhance their garden’s ecological value, Bearberry provides shelter and food for wildlife while reducing erosion, making it a versatile and sustainable choice.
13. Blue Star Creeper
Small blue stars scattered across a green carpet create a delicate yet striking garden feature. Blue Star Creeper is a charming ground cover that thrives in sunny conditions.
Its dense growth pattern helps suppress weeds, while its tiny flowers add a touch of whimsy to pathways and garden beds. Despite its delicate appearance, it is quite hardy and tolerates foot traffic.
For those seeking a versatile plant that adds subtle beauty without overwhelming the senses, Blue Star Creeper is a delightful choice that can enhance any sunlit area.
14. Lithodora
Bright blue flowers set against a backdrop of evergreen foliage make Lithodora a standout choice for sunny gardens. This ground cover plant offers an intense splash of color in spring and summer.
Lithodora thrives in well-drained soil, making it suitable for rock gardens or borders. Its low-growing habit creates a dense mat that suppresses weeds and reduces maintenance needs.
A favorite for those who love bold colors, Lithodora provides a vivid accent that can transform any garden space into a lively and inviting environment.
15. Basket of Gold
Golden blooms that look like they belong in a treasure chest can be found in the aptly named Basket of Gold. This perennial ground cover thrives in sunny spots, offering a bright splash of color.
Its drought-tolerant nature makes it ideal for rock gardens or dry slopes, where its dense foliage helps prevent soil erosion. Basket of Gold’s cheerful flowers attract pollinators, enhancing your garden’s biodiversity.
For gardeners seeking a vibrant, low-maintenance plant that adds warmth and vitality to their landscape, Basket of Gold is an excellent choice.
16. Creeping Juniper
Imagine a landscape carpeted with blue-green foliage that remains lush year-round. Creeping Juniper offers just that, making it a popular ground cover for sunny areas.
Its needle-like leaves and sprawling habit provide excellent erosion control on slopes and hillsides. Creeping Juniper is highly adaptable to various soil types, thriving even in poor, sandy conditions.
For those seeking a hardy, evergreen ground cover that requires little maintenance, Creeping Juniper is an ideal choice, offering both beauty and functionality to any garden.
17. Woolly Thyme
Soft and fuzzy underfoot, yet tough and resilient in the sun, Woolly Thyme is a unique ground cover option. Its silvery leaves create a soft, inviting appearance in bright garden spaces.
Woolly Thyme is drought-tolerant and thrives in well-drained soil, making it perfect for rock gardens or between stepping stones. Its low-growing nature helps suppress weeds while creating a lush, carpet-like effect.
For gardeners seeking a plant that’s both visually appealing and easy to care for, Woolly Thyme offers a delightful combination of beauty and practicality.
18. Sweet Woodruff
A plant that exudes a gentle fragrance while boasting delicate white flowers is Sweet Woodruff. This ground cover thrives in sunny areas, creating a lush carpet of green.
Its whorled leaves and star-shaped blooms add a whimsical touch to garden beds or borders. Sweet Woodruff is also known for its ability to deter pests, making it a practical choice for maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem.
For those looking to combine fragrant beauty with functionality, Sweet Woodruff offers an enchanting option that’s as useful as it is pretty.
19. Ceratostigma
Bright blue flowers that contrast beautifully with red-tinted foliage make Ceratostigma a captivating choice for sunny gardens. This ground cover plant delights with its seasonal color changes.
Ceratostigma thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, offering a low-maintenance option for gardeners seeking vibrant hues. Its ability to attract pollinators adds ecological value to its visual appeal.
For those who enjoy the dynamic play of colors in their garden, Ceratostigma provides a lively solution that evolves with the seasons, enhancing your outdoor space.
20. Irish Moss
A lush green carpet that requires minimal care sounds like the dream of any gardener. Irish Moss offers exactly that, with its vibrant, moss-like appearance.
This ground cover thrives in sunny areas, bringing a soft, cushiony texture to garden paths or rock gardens. Despite its delicate looks, Irish Moss is quite hardy, tolerating foot traffic and various soil conditions.
For those seeking a reliable ground cover that adds a touch of green elegance, Irish Moss is a superb choice that keeps your garden lively and inviting.
21. Artemisia
Silvery foliage that glistens under the sun offers a unique aesthetic not often found in ground covers. Artemisia brings this distinctive look to any garden setting.
This plant thrives in sunny, well-drained environments, making it ideal for borders or as a backdrop to more colorful plants. Its aromatic leaves deter pests, providing a natural solution for garden maintenance.
For gardeners seeking a hardy, visually striking plant that requires minimal care, Artemisia offers a perfect blend of beauty and resilience.
22. Dwarf Mondo Grass
Grass-like foliage that remains compact and tidy is the hallmark of Dwarf Mondo Grass. This ground cover plant thrives in sunny areas, providing a neat and uniform appearance.
Its slow-growing nature requires minimal maintenance, making it perfect for garden borders or between stepping stones. Despite its delicate appearance, Dwarf Mondo Grass is hardy and can withstand various soil conditions.
For those seeking a low-profile, evergreen ground cover, Dwarf Mondo Grass offers a versatile solution that enhances the structure and beauty of any garden space.
23. Ground Morning Glory
Trailing stems adorned with vivid blue flowers characterize the charming Ground Morning Glory. This ground cover thrives in sunny areas, bringing a touch of whimsy to your garden.
Its ability to spread quickly makes it perfect for covering large areas or cascading over walls and containers. Ground Morning Glory’s drought tolerance reduces maintenance, making it an ideal choice for busy gardeners.
For those looking to add a splash of color with minimal effort, this plant offers a delightful option that brightens any sun-drenched space with its cheerful blooms.
24. Thrift
Ball-shaped flowers that dance in the breeze bring a playful touch to any garden. Known as Thrift, this ground cover plant thrives in sunny areas.
Its compact growth habit and grass-like foliage create a neat appearance, perfect for borders or rock gardens. Thrift is drought-tolerant, reducing the need for constant watering, which makes it a sustainable choice.
For gardeners seeking a cheerful plant that adds charm and resilience to their landscape, Thrift is a delightful choice that offers beauty with minimal care.
25. Corsican Mint
Tiny leaves that release a refreshing scent when walked upon describe the unique charm of Corsican Mint. This ground cover thrives in sunny spots, creating a fragrant carpet of green.
Its dense growth helps suppress weeds, while its small purple flowers add a pop of color. Corsican Mint is also known for its culinary uses, providing fresh mint leaves for teas and desserts.
For those seeking a multifunctional plant that combines fragrance, beauty, and utility, Corsican Mint offers an inviting solution that enhances any garden space.
26. Heuchera
Ruffled leaves in a variety of colors make Heuchera a versatile choice for adding texture to sunny gardens. This ground cover plant provides year-round interest with its vibrant foliage.
Heuchera thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it suitable for borders or container gardens. Its ability to attract pollinators adds ecological value to its beauty.
For gardeners seeking a plant that offers both aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits, Heuchera delivers a captivating display that enriches any landscape.
27. Dragon’s Blood Sedum
Red-tinged leaves that transform with the seasons bring a dynamic quality to any garden. Dragon’s Blood Sedum, with its stunning foliage, thrives in sunny areas.
This succulent ground cover is drought-tolerant, requiring minimal care. Its star-shaped yellow flowers add a cheerful touch, attracting pollinators and enhancing garden biodiversity.
For those seeking a vibrant plant that evolves with the seasons, Dragon’s Blood Sedum offers a resilient and colorful option that livens up any sun-drenched space.
28. Caterpillar Phacelia
Coiled flower spikes reminiscent of caterpillars create an intriguing visual feature in the garden. Caterpillar Phacelia thrives in sunny spots, adding a whimsical touch with its fern-like foliage.
Its ability to attract beneficial insects makes it a valuable addition to any garden ecosystem. Caterpillar Phacelia is drought-tolerant, reducing water usage while maintaining a lush appearance.
For gardeners seeking a unique and functional plant, this ground cover offers an engaging option that supports biodiversity and enhances the visual appeal of sunny gardens.
29. Rock Cress
Delicate blossoms that sway gently in the breeze add an enchanting quality to any landscape. Rock Cress, with its charming pink and purple flowers, thrives in sunny areas.
Its ability to grow in rocky soil makes it ideal for rock gardens or slopes. Rock Cress’s compact growth helps prevent erosion, providing both beauty and functionality.
For those seeking a low-maintenance plant that offers a soft, colorful touch, Rock Cress is an excellent choice that brightens garden spaces with its delightful blooms.