English Ivy might be a classic, but let’s be honest—it’s more of a garden bully than a team player. Its rapid spread can choke out other plants, leaving you with a high-maintenance mess. The good news? There are 20 better alternatives—plus 9 more worth considering—that bring coverage and beauty without the chaos.
From flowering ground covers to resilient creepers, these options know how to fill a space while keeping the rest of your garden thriving. It’s time to swap the invasiveness for something smarter and just as stunning.
1. Creeping Thyme
There’s nothing like a fragrant, low-growing beauty that looks as good as it smells. Creeping Thyme does both, covering the ground with tiny purple flowers while releasing a fresh, herbal aroma with every step. Tough and low-maintenance, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for anyone who’s not into constant watering.
Whether filling pathways or softening rock gardens, it adds charm with minimal effort. Bonus? Bees love it, so your garden gets a pop of color and a pollinator-friendly boost all in one.
2. Sweet Woodruff
Soft, green, and full of charm—Sweet Woodruff spreads across the ground like nature’s own lush, leafy carpet, topped with tiny white star-shaped flowers. It thrives in shady spots, filling in spaces with zero fuss.
More than just a pretty face, this plant pulls double duty in herbal teas and potpourri, all while requiring next to no maintenance. Worried about deer turning your garden into a snack bar? Not happening. Its fragrant foliage keeps them away while adding a little woodland magic to your space.
3. Ajuga Reptans
It’s like rolling out a tapestry of blue and green. Ajuga Reptans, with its dark leaves and blue flower spikes, makes an elegant statement. It’s one tough cookie. Thriving in sun to part shade, it offers a unique texture that changes with the seasons.
This ground cover is a fast spreader, ideal for filling large areas quickly. Plus, it’s a haven for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Gardeners love its ability to suppress weeds, making maintenance a breeze.
4. Liriope
Think of a plant that stands tall and proud, yet sprawls elegantly over the ground. Liriope, with its spiky leaves and purple flower clusters, is a versatile garden staple. Adaptable to sun or shade, it’s robust and low-maintenance.
Great for edging paths or borders, it adds architectural interest. In the fall, it rewards you with tiny black berries, bringing a seasonal twist. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your garden’s unsung hero. Its easy-going nature makes it a favorite among busy gardeners.
5. Candytuft
This plant gives you more bang for your buck with its stunning white flowers. Candytuft creates a striking contrast against its dark green foliage. Perfect for rock gardens, it thrives in sunny, well-drained areas.
It’s a perennial that requires minimal fuss but rewards with a long blooming season. An excellent choice for gardeners who love a pop of brightness without the hassle. It’s also drought-tolerant, making it a reliable option for those hot summer days.
6. Lamb’s Ear
As soft as a whisper, this plant invites you to touch its velvety leaves. Lamb’s Ear is known for its silver-gray foliage that creates a lovely muted palette. It’s drought-tolerant and prefers full sun, making it a low-maintenance choice.
Ideal for borders, it brings texture and contrast to your garden. Children love its texture, and gardeners appreciate its ability to thrive in poor soil. Lamb’s Ear offers more than just beauty; it’s practical and resilient.
7. Mondo Grass
It’s like having a grassy floor without the mowing. Mondo Grass lays down a carpet of dark green, slender leaves that sway gently. This plant thrives in shade, making it perfect for those challenging spots.
It’s low-maintenance and grows well in a variety of soil types. Gardeners love its ability to suppress weeds, and its evergreen nature keeps your garden looking fresh year-round. A must-have for those who crave simplicity and elegance.
8. Golden Creeping Jenny
This ground cover is a cascade of golden leaves. Golden Creeping Jenny adds a splash of color with its vibrant yellow-green foliage. Ideal for moist areas, it’s perfect for pond edges or shady spots.
Its trailing habit makes it excellent for containers or hanging baskets. Not just a pretty face, it’s resilient and easy to grow. Gardeners cherish its ability to brighten up even the gloomiest of days with its sunny disposition.
9. Pachysandra
A rich green carpet that stays fresh year-round? Pachysandra has you covered with glossy leaves that thrive in shady spots, making bare patches disappear. This evergreen ground cover loves acidic, well-drained soil and spreads slowly but steadily, keeping your garden looking neat and full.
Gardeners appreciate its low-maintenance nature and weed-suppressing abilities, making it an easy choice for anyone who wants a polished landscape without the hassle.
10. Bugleweed
A splash of color that demands attention. Bugleweed, with its shiny leaves and vibrant flower spikes, is a standout ground cover. Thriving in sun or shade, it’s a fast grower that quickly fills empty spaces.
Its flowers attract bees and butterflies, adding life to your garden. An excellent choice for controlling erosion on slopes, Bugleweed is both effective and beautiful. It’s a plant that knows how to multitask.
11. Creeping Phlox
It’s a floral carpet that even royalty would envy. Creeping Phlox drapes the ground with a blanket of pink, purple, or white blooms. Perfect for sunny slopes or rock gardens, it thrives in well-drained soil.
Its blooms are not just showy; they also attract butterflies. Gardeners love its low-maintenance nature and extended blooming period. A true garden gem that offers beauty with minimal fuss.
12. Sedum
The plant that thrives on neglect. Sedum, with its fleshy leaves and pink flower clusters, is as tough as nails. Ideal for hot, dry areas, it requires minimal water and care.
This succulent ground cover is perfect for rock gardens or containers. Gardeners appreciate its ability to attract pollinators and resist deer. Sedum is a plant that stands up to challenges and comes out blooming.
13. Vinca Minor
A carpet of greenery that adds a touch of elegance. Vinca Minor, with its glossy leaves and blue flowers, is perfect for shady spots. This evergreen spreads easily and requires minimal maintenance.
It thrives in well-drained soil and adapts to various conditions. Gardeners love its ability to suppress weeds and provide year-round interest. Vinca Minor is the epitome of effortless beauty.
14. Irish Moss
A ground cover that could double as nature’s pillow. Irish Moss forms dense, moss-like tufts that are soft to the touch. Thriving in moist, well-drained soil, it’s perfect for cool climates.
Its lush green appearance is ideal for rock gardens or between stepping stones. Gardeners appreciate its low profile and ease of care. It’s a plant that quietly complements your garden while requiring little attention.
15. Epimedium
This plant is like a secret whispered among the trees. Epimedium, with its heart-shaped leaves and delicate flowers, thrives in shade. Ideal for woodland gardens, it prefers well-drained soil and minimal fuss.
Its foliage turns coppery in the fall, adding seasonal interest. Gardeners value its drought tolerance and deer resistance. Epimedium is a plant that offers subtle beauty with a touch of mystery.
16. Ground Morning Glory
A morning treat that never fails to delight. Ground Morning Glory, with its blue flowers, creeps gracefully along the ground. This plant loves the sun and grows well in well-drained soil.
It’s a fast spreader, ideal for covering large areas quickly. Gardeners appreciate its vibrant flowers and ability to attract pollinators. It’s a plant that knows how to make an entrance.
17. Wild Ginger
Beneath the shade lies a plant with secretive charm. Wild Ginger, with its heart-shaped leaves, offers a lush, green cover. Thriving in moist, shaded areas, it’s perfect for woodland gardens.
Its flowers are hidden beneath the leaves, adding an element of surprise. Gardeners love its ability to suppress weeds and its deer resistance. Wild Ginger is a plant that quietly enhances any garden.
18. Bunchberry
Bunchberry, part of the dogwood family, is a charming choice for shaded gardens. Its striking white flowers bloom in spring, followed by vibrant red berries that attract wildlife. The lush green foliage creates an inviting carpet-like effect.
This ground cover thrives in woodland settings, preferring moist, well-drained soil. Not only is it visually appealing, but Bunchberry is also beneficial for local fauna, providing food for birds and insects. To maximize its visual impact, plant Bunchberry in groups.
19. Japanese Spurge
A ground cover that plays well with others. Japanese Spurge, with its glossy leaves, creates a dense, green carpet. Thriving in shade, it’s perfect for underplanting shrubs or trees.
This evergreen spreads slowly, providing a neat and uniform appearance. Gardeners love its low-maintenance nature and weed-suppressing abilities. Japanese Spurge is a plant that offers elegance without effort.
20. Coral Bells
A foliage show that never gets old. Coral Bells, with their vibrant leaves and pink flowers, bring color to any garden. Preferring well-drained soil, they thrive in sun or partial shade.
Perfect for borders or containers, they add a splash of color. Gardeners adore their low-maintenance nature and seasonal interest. Coral Bells is a plant that knows how to steal the spotlight.
21. Barrenwort
This plant brings a touch of elegance to any shady spot. Barrenwort, with its heart-shaped leaves, adds a soft texture. Ideal for woodland gardens, it thrives in well-drained soil.
Its delicate yellow flowers add a splash of color in spring. Gardeners appreciate its drought tolerance and deer resistance. Barrenwort is a plant that offers grace and resilience.
22. Thyme
A herb that pulls double duty as a ground cover. Thyme, with its tiny leaves and pink flowers, is both useful and pretty. Perfect for sunny spots, it thrives in well-drained soil.
Great for filling in gaps, it adds a fragrant touch to your garden. Gardeners love its culinary uses and low-maintenance nature. Thyme is a plant that offers both beauty and practicality.
23. Partridge Berry
Small but full of charm, this woodland gem brings glossy green leaves and bright red berries to shaded spaces. Partridge Berry thrives on forest floors and shaded borders, adding a natural, understated beauty that birds can’t resist.
Its low-growing habit makes it an excellent ground cover, requiring little effort to maintain. Effortlessly elegant yet quietly resilient, it’s the perfect addition to any garden corner that needs a touch of color and life without the fuss.
24. Snow-in-Summer
A ground cover that shimmers under the sun. Snow-in-Summer, with its silver leaves and white flowers, creates a striking display. Perfect for sunny slopes, it thrives in well-drained soil.
It’s a fast spreader, ideal for covering large areas quickly. Gardeners love its drought tolerance and low-maintenance nature. Snow-in-Summer is a plant that offers beauty without the fuss.
25. Periwinkle
A splash of color that adds elegance. Periwinkle, with its glossy leaves and violet flowers, is a garden favorite. Thriving in shade, it’s perfect for underplanting trees or shrubs.
This evergreen spreads easily, providing a lush carpet. Gardeners love its low-maintenance nature and year-round interest. Periwinkle is a plant that offers effortless beauty.
26. Wild Strawberry
Wild Strawberry plants are a delightful ground cover, offering both beauty and edible fruit. Their glossy green leaves are complemented by delicate white flowers in spring, followed by sweet, red strawberries.
This ground cover is perfect for sunny to partially shaded areas, growing well in average garden soil. Wild Strawberry spreads via runners, creating a lush, interconnected network that inhibits weed growth.
27. Blue Star Creeper
Delicate blue flowers scatter across the garden like tiny stars, bringing a soft, whimsical touch to any space. Blue Star Creeper thrives in sun or partial shade, spreading quickly in well-drained soil to fill in gaps with ease. Its low-growing habit makes it perfect for pathways, borders, and rock gardens, creating a seamless, natural look.
With minimal care required, this charming plant blends beauty and function, proving that even the smallest blooms can make a lasting impact.
28. Bronze Dutch Clover
A ground cover that does more than just fill space—Bronze Dutch Clover brings a warm, coppery touch to meadows and borders. Thriving in full sun, it spreads with ease while its tiny white flowers attract pollinators, keeping the garden buzzing with life.
Beyond its good looks, this hardworking plant pulls nitrogen into the soil, making it a natural booster for surrounding plants. Low-maintenance and endlessly useful, it’s proof that some plants know how to get the job done while looking effortlessly stylish.
29. Creeping Charlie
A trailing plant that knows how to get around. Creeping Charlie, with its green leaves and purple flowers, is a garden classic. Thriving in sun or shade, it’s perfect for hanging baskets or ground cover.
It’s a fast grower, ideal for covering large areas. Gardeners appreciate its low-maintenance nature and ability to attract pollinators. Creeping Charlie is a plant that knows how to make an impression.