While roses steal the spotlight with their stunning blooms, the right ground cover can enhance their beauty and ensure your garden thrives. These 30 best ground covers not only complement the vibrant hues of your roses but also help with moisture retention, weed suppression, and soil health. Whether you’re looking for a fragrant backdrop, vibrant color, or low-maintenance greenery, these ground covers will elevate your garden to new heights of elegance. Dive in to discover which ones will bring out the best in your roses and create a truly stunning garden display!
1. Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme is a low-growing, fragrant herb that forms a dense mat of tiny purple flowers in early summer. It’s an excellent ground cover for sunny areas and thrives in well-drained soil.
This hardy plant is drought-tolerant once established and requires very little maintenance, making it ideal for busy gardeners. It spreads quickly but doesn’t overtake other plants, ensuring your roses remain the focal point.
Creeping thyme complements roses by adding a fragrant, soft carpet beneath them. Its tiny flowers attract pollinators like bees, which benefit both the thyme and nearby roses, boosting the health of your entire garden.
2. Irish Moss
Irish Moss is a vibrant, moss-like ground cover that forms a thick, rich green mat. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and does well in partial to full shade, though it can tolerate some sun.
This ground cover prefers cool, humid environments and needs regular watering to keep it lush and green. It doesn’t grow too tall, making it a perfect partner for roses without overshadowing them.
Irish Moss complements roses beautifully with its lush, soft texture. It helps retain moisture around your rose plants and suppresses weeds, making your rose garden even more stunning.
3. Clover
Clover is a fast-growing, low-maintenance ground cover with three-leaf clusters, often seen in shades of green, though some varieties feature red and purple hues. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Clover is naturally drought-tolerant and fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving the soil quality for your other plants, including roses. It can handle light foot traffic, which makes it a functional and attractive addition to the garden.
Clover’s soft, green foliage pairs wonderfully with roses, as it adds a rich texture and keeps weeds at bay. Plus, its tiny white flowers attract pollinators, supporting the overall health of your garden.
4. Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny is a charming ground cover known for its vibrant green to golden foliage and tiny yellow flowers. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate both sun and partial shade.
This perennial spreads quickly, covering the ground with a lush carpet of small, rounded leaves. While it’s relatively low-maintenance, Creeping Jenny does appreciate occasional watering during dry spells.
Creeping Jenny makes an excellent companion for roses by creating a lovely contrast of color beneath the vibrant blooms. Its bright green to golden hues enhance the richness of your rose garden, while its spreading nature helps prevent weeds.
5. Lamium
Lamium, also known as deadnettle, is a fast-growing, shade-loving ground cover that produces small, purple, pink, or white flowers in spring. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun with some extra watering.
This low-maintenance plant quickly fills in spaces and can handle light foot traffic. It’s perfect for areas where roses need a little more ground coverage, especially in shadier parts of your garden.
Lamium complements roses by adding a vibrant burst of color underneath their blooms. The spreading foliage helps retain moisture and prevents weeds from competing with your roses for nutrients.
6. Sweet Woodruff
Sweet Woodruff is a fragrant ground cover that forms dense mats of lush green foliage with tiny white flowers in spring. It thrives in shady, moist spots and prefers cool, well-drained soil.
This plant requires little care once established and spreads gradually, so it won’t overwhelm nearby plants. It thrives under the shade of taller plants, making it ideal for pairing with roses in partially shaded areas.
Sweet Woodruff complements roses with its fresh, pleasant fragrance and beautiful white flowers. Its dense growth suppresses weeds and retains moisture, keeping the soil around your roses rich and healthy.
7. Ground Morning Glory
Ground Morning Glory is a fast-growing ground cover that produces beautiful purple or blue funnel-shaped flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy soil, making it perfect for sunny garden beds.
This low-maintenance plant can handle moderate drought and spreads quickly to fill in spaces. Its creeping habit makes it a fantastic choice for covering large areas under roses.
Ground Morning Glory adds a splash of color and a trailing effect beneath your roses, enhancing their beauty. The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, benefiting both the roses and the rest of the garden.
8. Sedum
Sedum, or “stonecrop,” is a drought-tolerant ground cover that produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, yellow, or white. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for xeriscaping or dry gardens.
Sedum requires minimal care and grows well in poor soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. It can withstand heat and drought, so it pairs well with roses in hotter climates.
Sedum’s thick, succulent foliage contrasts beautifully with the delicate petals of roses, creating an attractive, textured landscape. Its flowers attract pollinators, benefiting the overall ecosystem in your garden.
9. Ajuga
Ajuga, also known as Bugleweed, is a low-growing perennial that produces spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers in late spring. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, moist soil.
This hardy plant spreads quickly, forming a dense carpet of colorful foliage in shades of green, bronze, or purple. It’s relatively easy to care for and requires minimal watering once established.
Ajuga complements roses by providing a rich, colorful base that enhances the beauty of rose blossoms. Its spreading nature helps keep weeds at bay and adds texture to your garden while keeping the soil healthy.
10. Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia)
Chameleon Plant is a fast-spreading perennial known for its vibrant foliage in shades of green, red, and yellow. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and does well in both full sun and partial shade.
This plant is quite hardy and drought-tolerant once established, though it appreciates regular watering during dry periods. Be aware, as it can spread aggressively, so it’s best planted in controlled spaces.
Chameleon Plant complements roses by adding a beautiful, colorful ground layer that contrasts well with the vivid blooms. Its spreading habit fills in the spaces beneath roses, providing a dynamic backdrop for their flowers.
11. Periwinkle (Vinca Minor)
Periwinkle, or Vinca Minor, is a low-growing, evergreen ground cover that produces lovely, blue or purple flowers in early spring. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, moist soil.
Once established, it requires little care and can handle moderate drought. It grows quickly and is ideal for filling in spaces under roses or along garden edges.
Periwinkle complements roses by providing a soft, lush green backdrop with vibrant flowers that highlight the beauty of the rose blossoms. Its dense foliage also helps prevent weed growth around your roses.
12. Hostas
Hostas are shade-loving, perennial plants known for their lush, textured leaves in shades of green, blue, and yellow. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and are perfect for shaded areas of your garden.
Hostas appreciate regular watering, especially during dry periods, and benefit from occasional mulching to keep their roots cool. They are low-maintenance and great for creating a soft, layered effect in the garden.
Hostas complement roses by adding an elegant contrast of textured foliage and vibrant flowers. Their shade tolerance makes them perfect for planting alongside roses that may need some protection from harsh midday sun.
13. Dusty Miller
Dusty Miller is an attractive, silvery ground cover that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It features soft, silvery-white leaves that create a stunning contrast in any garden.
This hardy plant requires little water once established, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. It can also tolerate heat and drought, so it pairs well with roses in sunny garden spots.
Dusty Miller complements roses by providing a silvery backdrop that allows rose blooms to stand out. Its soft, woolly texture adds a layer of interest to the landscape, making it a fantastic companion plant.
14. Bergenia
Bergenia, also known as “elephant ears,” is a perennial that forms a dense mat of large, leathery leaves and produces clusters of pink or white flowers in early spring. It prefers partial to full shade and well-drained, fertile soil.
Bergenia is a hardy plant that requires minimal care once established and is perfect for shaded garden areas or alongside roses in more protected spots.
Bergenia complements roses by providing large, glossy foliage that creates a beautiful contrast with the delicate petals of rose blooms. It helps retain moisture in the soil, ensuring your roses stay hydrated.
15. Dianthus
Dianthus, also known as “pinks,” is a fragrant, low-growing perennial with beautiful, fringed flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
This plant needs regular watering but is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Dianthus benefits from occasional deadheading to encourage new blooms throughout the season.
Dianthus complements roses with its vibrant, fragrant flowers that create a lovely contrast against the rich colors of rose petals. Its compact size ensures that it doesn’t overpower the roses but provides a beautiful ground cover.
16. Creeping Phlox
Creeping Phlox is a low-growing perennial that produces vibrant pink, purple, and white flowers in early spring. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil.
This ground cover requires regular watering and benefits from occasional deadheading to encourage continued blooming. Creeping Phlox spreads quickly and forms a dense carpet, ideal for filling in spaces beneath roses.
It complements roses with a soft layer of colorful blooms that contrast beautifully with the rich petals of rose flowers. Its vibrant colors attract pollinators and create a striking, multi-textured display.
17. Snow-in-Summer
Snow-in-Summer is a fast-spreading, low-growing ground cover that features silver-green foliage and white flowers that bloom in late spring. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Once established, Snow-in-Summer requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardeners. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand heat, thriving in the same conditions as many rose varieties.
This ground cover complements roses by adding a soft, silvery backdrop that enhances the color of rose blooms. It’s perfect for creating a shimmering, dreamy landscape beneath your roses.
18. Red Creeping Thyme
Red Creeping Thyme is a fragrant, low-growing herb that produces tiny, red to pink flowers in early summer. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a perfect companion for sun-loving roses.
This plant is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal watering. It grows slowly but steadily, forming a dense mat that helps prevent weed growth around your roses.
Red Creeping Thyme complements roses by adding a subtle, aromatic fragrance to your garden. The contrast between its tiny red blooms and the larger, colorful roses creates a stunning visual effect.
19. Blue Star Creeper
Blue Star Creeper is a delicate ground cover that produces small, star-shaped blue flowers in spring and summer. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil.
This low-maintenance plant spreads quickly, forming a dense, soft carpet that fills in the space beneath your roses. It’s perfect for sunny or partially shaded garden areas.
Blue Star Creeper complements roses by adding a soft, blue carpet of blooms that perfectly contrasts with the bright colors of the roses. It also attracts pollinators, benefiting the health of your rose plants.
20. Woolly Thyme
Woolly Thyme is a fragrant, low-growing herb with soft, woolly gray-green leaves and tiny purple flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for sunny gardens and rose beds.
This hardy plant is drought-tolerant and grows slowly but steadily, forming a dense mat that keeps weeds at bay. Woolly Thyme needs minimal care and is perfect for low-maintenance gardeners.
Woolly Thyme complements roses by creating a fragrant, silvery backdrop that enhances the beauty of the rose blooms. Its low-growing nature allows the roses to shine while providing additional texture to your garden.
21. Basket-of-Gold
Basket-of-Gold is a perennial with vibrant, golden-yellow flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent addition to sunny rose gardens.
This low-maintenance plant is drought-tolerant once established, and it thrives in poor soil, making it perfect for areas where roses might need extra support.
Basket-of-Gold complements roses by offering a stunning contrast of golden flowers beneath the vibrant rose blooms. Its bold, bright color enhances the overall beauty of your garden while keeping the ground covered and free from weeds.
22. Creeping Charlie
Creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy, is a fast-growing ground cover with small, scalloped leaves and purple flowers. It thrives in partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil, though it prefers more moisture.
This perennial spreads quickly, making it perfect for filling in the space around your roses. However, it can be aggressive, so it’s best to control its growth.
Creeping Charlie complements roses by providing lush, green foliage and a vibrant pop of color when it blooms. Its creeping nature keeps the ground covered and prevents weeds from competing with your roses for nutrients.
23. Liriope
Liriope, or “Monkey Grass,” is a perennial grass-like plant that forms dense clumps of green or variegated foliage and spikes of purple flowers in late summer. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, moist soil.
Liriope is drought-tolerant once established, and its low-maintenance nature makes it perfect for garden beds with roses. It also tolerates a wide range of soil types.
Liriope complements roses by adding a graceful, textural contrast to their colorful blooms. Its long, arching leaves help create a soft transition between the ground and taller rose plants, adding depth to your garden.
24. Nasturtium
Nasturtium is a fast-growing, annual ground cover that produces vibrant flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent companion plant for roses.
This plant is easy to grow from seed and is relatively low-maintenance. It also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can benefit your roses.
Nasturtium complements roses by adding a bold pop of color and a touch of whimsy to your garden. Its sprawling habit and vibrant blooms provide a dynamic backdrop to your rose display while keeping the ground covered.
25. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra)
Pachysandra, or Japanese Spurge, is a low-growing evergreen ground cover with glossy, dark green leaves and small white flowers in spring. It thrives in full to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
This plant is perfect for shaded areas where roses need a little extra protection from the sun. Once established, Pachysandra is very low-maintenance and helps retain moisture in the soil.
Pachysandra complements roses by providing a dense, evergreen carpet that contrasts beautifully with the vivid colors of your rose blooms. Its shade tolerance ensures your roses get the protection they need in more sheltered areas of your garden.
26. Wintergreen
Wintergreen is a fragrant evergreen ground cover that features glossy green leaves and small, white to pinkish flowers. It thrives in shady, acidic soil and needs regular watering to keep the soil moist.
This slow-growing plant is ideal for shaded garden areas, and once established, it requires minimal care. Wintergreen also has aromatic leaves that add a pleasant scent to your garden.
Wintergreen complements roses by creating a soft, evergreen ground cover that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant blooms of your roses. Its creeping nature prevents weeds and adds texture beneath the rose plants.
27. Lavender Cotton
Lavender Cotton, also known as Santolina, is a compact evergreen shrub that produces aromatic, gray-green foliage and small, yellow flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for sunny rose gardens.
This drought-tolerant plant requires little water once established, and its fuzzy, silvery leaves create a beautiful contrast with the bright blooms of roses.
Lavender Cotton complements roses by providing a soft, silvery backdrop that enhances the beauty of the rose blooms. It’s ideal for adding texture and contrast to your garden while keeping the soil around your roses well-drained.
28. Carpathian Bellflower
Carpathian Bellflower is a low-growing perennial that produces beautiful blue, purple, or white bell-shaped flowers. It thrives in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil and prefers full sun to partial shade.
This hardy plant requires minimal care, needing only regular watering during dry periods. Once established, it spreads gradually, making it a great choice for covering the ground beneath your roses.
Carpathian Bellflower complements roses by offering a soft carpet of blue or purple flowers that beautifully contrast with the rose blooms. Its low-maintenance nature and beautiful flowers create an elegant addition to your garden.
29. Prostrate Rosemary
Prostrate Rosemary is a trailing, aromatic herb that produces small, lavender-blue flowers in early spring. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, slightly sandy soil.
This low-maintenance plant is drought-tolerant once established and spreads quickly to cover the ground. Prostrate Rosemary also has fragrant foliage, which adds a lovely scent to the garden.
Prostrate Rosemary complements roses by providing a fragrant, evergreen carpet that contrasts beautifully with the vivid rose blooms. It also helps deter pests and improves the overall health of your rose garden.
30. Sea Thrift (Armeria)
Sea Thrift, or Armeria, is a hardy, low-growing perennial that forms clumps of narrow, grass-like foliage and vibrant pink or white flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy soil.
This drought-tolerant plant is perfect for coastal or dry gardens, and it requires little care once established. Sea Thrift is ideal for planting around roses to create a beautiful, colorful border.
Sea Thrift complements roses by providing a colorful, low-growing ground cover that doesn’t compete with the roses for attention but enhances their beauty with its vibrant blooms.