I thought I was being smart adding a bit of ground cover to a bare patch—but wow, did it take over fast. Some of these plants spread like they’ve got a mission, and your lawn is their new target.
They’re pretty, sure, but if you’re not careful, they’ll muscle out everything else. I’ve rounded up the ones that grow the fastest and how to keep them in their lane.
Trust me, it’s way easier to love them once you know how to manage their wild side.
1. English Ivy
This classic vine creates a lush carpet in shady spots where grass struggles to grow. Hardy and evergreen, it climbs walls and spreads horizontally with remarkable speed, especially in moist conditions.
Control it by installing deep edging barriers at least 8 inches down. Regular trimming of wandering vines prevents it from climbing trees where it can become destructive. Consider growing it in containers if you’re worried about its invasive tendencies.
2. Creeping Jenny
Bright chartreuse leaves create a stunning contrast against darker plants and hardscapes. This low-growing perennial spreads rapidly in moist areas, forming a mat-like carpet that’s only 2 inches tall.
Contain its enthusiasm by planting in bordered beds or containers. Spring division keeps plants vigorous while controlling their spread. In dry climates, its growth slows considerably, making it less likely to become problematic than in wet regions.
3. Mint
Fragrant and productive, mint seems like a dream plant until you witness its aggressive spreading habit. Underground runners can travel several feet in a single season, popping up new plants far from the original.
Always plant mint in containers sunk into the ground with the rim above soil level. Remove flower heads before they set seed. Regular harvesting actually helps control growth while providing a bounty for cooking, teas, and cocktails.
4. Periwinkle
With glossy evergreen leaves and pretty blue-purple flowers, periwinkle (Vinca minor) thrives in shade where other plants fail. It forms a dense mat that effectively smothers weeds while requiring minimal care.
Prevent unwanted spread by installing plastic barriers 10 inches deep around planting areas. Prune back aggressively after flowering to control growth and encourage density. In northern climates, winter damage naturally limits its spread compared to warmer regions.
5. Creeping Thyme
Perfect for sunny spots, this aromatic herb creates a low carpet that releases its fragrance when walked upon. Tiny purple, pink, or white flowers attract pollinators while the dense growth crowds out weeds.
Unlike some aggressive ground covers, creeping thyme spreads slowly enough to be manageable. Trim edges after flowering to maintain boundaries. Plant in well-draining soil—excessive moisture can cause rot in the center, creating bare patches.
6. Ajuga
Also known as bugleweed, ajuga offers colorful foliage in shades of purple, bronze, and variegated patterns. Spring brings spikes of blue flowers that rise above the leaves, creating a stunning display in shady areas.
Control its spread by dividing plants every 2-3 years and installing physical barriers. Remove flower stalks after blooming to prevent self-seeding. In hot climates, growth naturally slows, making it less aggressive than in cooler regions.
7. Irish Moss
Despite its name, Irish moss isn’t a true moss but a flowering plant that creates a soft, cushiony carpet. The bright green foliage resembles a plush lawn that’s punctuated with tiny white flowers in spring.
Growth is moderately fast but not aggressive compared to other ground covers. Edge with stone or metal barriers to keep it contained. Thin occasionally by dividing clumps to prevent center die-out and maintain its lush appearance.
8. Pachysandra
A classic shade ground cover, pachysandra creates a uniform carpet of glossy, evergreen leaves. Small white flower spikes appear in spring, adding subtle interest to this otherwise low-maintenance plant.
Keep it in bounds by installing deep edging or barriers where it meets lawn areas. Trim outer edges annually with string trimmers or shears. Thin dense patches every few years to rejuvenate growth and prevent fungal issues in humid climates.
9. Sweet Woodruff
Delicate whorls of bright green leaves form an attractive carpet that smells like fresh hay when crushed. Tiny star-shaped white flowers appear in spring, creating a frothy display in woodland gardens.
Contain its spread by installing barriers along garden edges. Pull unwanted seedlings promptly before they establish. In drier climates, growth naturally slows, but in moist woodland settings, annual thinning may be necessary to prevent it from overwhelming smaller plants.
10. Creeping Phlox
Spring brings an explosion of color as this low-growing perennial erupts with pink, purple, blue, or white blooms. The needle-like evergreen foliage forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds and prevents soil erosion on slopes.
Unlike some ground covers, creeping phlox is relatively well-behaved. Trim back after flowering to maintain neat edges and encourage denser growth. Divide congested plants every few years to rejuvenate them and control their spread in the garden.
11. Lamb’s Ear
Velvety silver-gray leaves create a tactile ground cover that children particularly love to touch. The soft foliage forms rosettes that spread gradually through underground runners, creating a drought-tolerant carpet in sunny areas.
Remove flower stalks to prevent self-seeding and maintain a neater appearance. Pull unwanted plants by hand—the shallow roots make this easy. In humid climates, ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf rot, which can create unsightly bare patches.
12. Sedum
Low-growing sedums like ‘Dragon’s Blood’ and ‘Angelina’ form colorful carpets of succulent foliage in sunny, dry areas. Their drought tolerance makes them perfect for poor soils where other plants struggle.
Most spreading sedums are easily controlled by simply pulling unwanted growth. Use as gap fillers between stepping stones or at garden edges. Trim back after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent self-seeding in some varieties.
13. Bishop’s Weed
Also called goutweed, this variegated ground cover brightens shady spots with its white-edged leaves. The rapid growth quickly fills bare areas, even in deep shade where little else grows well.
Never plant this aggressive spreader without barriers! Use metal edging at least 10 inches deep to contain it. Consider growing only in containers if you’re concerned about its invasive nature. Regular mowing of escaped plants eventually weakens and eliminates them.
14. Japanese Honeysuckle
Fragrant flowers and rapid growth make this vine tempting as a ground cover for large areas. The semi-evergreen foliage creates a dense mat that effectively suppresses weeds and prevents erosion on slopes.
Beware—this plant is considered invasive in many regions! Contain with deep barriers and regular pruning of wandering vines. Consider native alternatives like coral honeysuckle instead. Never plant near natural areas where it can escape and damage local ecosystems.
15. Snow-in-Summer
Silvery foliage creates a striking contrast against darker plants, while the late spring display of white flowers resembles a dusting of snow. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in poor soil and full sun.
Growth is manageable in most gardens, especially in regions with hot summers that naturally slow its spread. Remove spent flowers to prevent self-seeding. Trim edges after blooming to maintain boundaries and encourage denser growth in the center of the planting.
16. Yellow Archangel
Silver-splashed leaves create year-round interest in this fast-spreading ground cover. Yellow flowers in spring add to its appeal, while its shade tolerance makes it valuable for difficult spots under trees.
Consider this plant carefully—it’s banned in some regions due to its invasive nature. If you do plant it, use deep barriers and remove flowers before they set seed. Regular edge trimming prevents it from escaping into natural areas where it can displace native species.
17. Lily-of-the-Valley
Fragrant white bell-shaped flowers and lush green leaves make this spring-blooming plant a cottage garden favorite. Underground rhizomes spread steadily, creating dense colonies in shady, moist locations.
Install deep barriers around planting areas to prevent unwanted spread. Dig and divide congested areas every few years. Remember that all parts of this plant are poisonous—consider this if you have children or pets who might be tempted to taste the attractive berries.
18. Creeping Juniper
Perfect for sunny slopes, these low-growing evergreens create a maintenance-free carpet that suppresses weeds and prevents erosion. The blue-green or gold foliage adds year-round color to the landscape.
Unlike many ground covers, junipers spread slowly enough to be easily managed. Prune stray branches to maintain desired shape and size. Their drought tolerance makes them ideal for hot, dry sites where other ground covers might struggle to survive.