If you want to add color and life to your garden while attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, flowering ground covers are the way to go. These beauties don’t just look great—they create a natural habitat for pollinators to visit.
Whether you’re looking to fill in gaps or add some texture, these ground covers will turn your garden into a pollinator’s paradise. From vibrant blooms to delicate fragrances, each one offers something special.
Let’s take a look at 20 flowering ground covers that’ll help you bring the magic of hummingbirds and butterflies right to your backyard!
1. Creeping Phlox
Ever notice how a carpet of flowers can instantly elevate a garden’s charm? Creeping Phlox is the perfect example, flaunting a cascade of pink, purple, and white blooms. This ground-hugging plant spreads effortlessly, creating a colorful tapestry that entices pollinators. As it blankets the soil, it fills spaces with vibrant hues and an irresistible allure.
Gardeners love its ability to suppress weeds while offering a nectar-rich buffet. With a low-maintenance nature, Creeping Phlox is ideal for those wanting beauty without the fuss. It’s a springtime favorite, ensuring your garden comes alive each year.
2. Ajuga (Bugleweed)
In the world of ground covers, Ajuga is a standout with its striking deep blue flowers and bronze foliage. This plant’s beauty isn’t just skin-deep; it’s a robust performer in shady spots. Ideal for filling those tricky areas under trees, Ajuga doesn’t shy away from the limelight.
Its ability to attract butterflies while thriving in less-than-ideal conditions makes it a gardener’s ally. The low-growing rosettes are a delightful sight, spreading quickly and forming dense mats. With minimal care, Ajuga offers reliable charm and ecological benefits.
3. Candytuft
When it comes to brightening a rock garden or border, Candytuft is a top contender. This evergreen ground cover boasts radiant white blooms that gleam in the sunlight, creating an eye-catching display. It’s not just a pretty face; its flowers are a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds.
Candytuft’s ability to thrive in well-drained soil makes it perfect for slopes and rocky areas. It requires little attention, rewarding gardeners with a burst of color year after year. The combination of beauty and resilience makes Candytuft a garden staple.
4. Creeping Thyme
Who knew a culinary herb could also be a garden star? Creeping Thyme delights with its tiny purple flowers and aromatic foliage. This petite ground cover thrives in sunny spots, spreading between stepping stones and along pathways.
Its low profile and fragrant nature make it a sensory delight, inviting butterflies with its nectar-rich blooms. Beyond its ornamental appeal, Creeping Thyme is drought-tolerant, offering a practical solution for eco-friendly gardening. A charming and functional addition, it’s perfect for any garden.
5. Sweet Alyssum
It’s amazing how something so small can have such a big impact. Sweet Alyssum, with its tiny white or purple flowers, creates a delicate, cloud-like effect in garden beds. This ground cover is a favorite among pollinators, offering a sweet fragrance that invites hummingbirds and butterflies alike.
Versatile in nature, Sweet Alyssum thrives in various conditions, from borders to containers. Its ability to reseed ensures a continuous display of blooms. For those seeking a fragrant and visually pleasing garden, Sweet Alyssum is a must-have.
6. Lilyturf (Liriope)
Hidden gems often surprise us with their versatility, like Lilyturf. Known for its grass-like foliage and spiky purple blooms, this ground cover can handle shade with style. Liriope’s elegant presence adds texture and color to underplantings and shaded borders.
Pollinators, especially butterflies, find its flowers irresistible, making it a lively addition to any garden. Lilyturf’s adaptability to different soil types and low-maintenance needs make it a gardener’s delight. Its foliage remains attractive year-round, offering visual interest even when not in bloom.
7. Veronica (Speedwell)
Ever thought about what gives a garden its magic touch? Veronica, or Speedwell, could be the answer with its striking blue or purple spikes. This ground cover spreads quickly, forming carpets that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Veronica’s vibrant blooms make it an excellent choice for rock gardens and borders. Its robust nature means it can thrive in various conditions, offering a splash of color with minimal effort. As a pollinator-friendly plant, it plays an essential role in creating a lively, buzzing garden.
8. Mazus
Gardeners love a plant that knows how to multitask, like Mazus. This charming ground cover, with its petite lavender flowers, is perfect for filling gaps between stepping stones. Its low-growing nature and quick spread make it a go-to for creating seamless garden paths.
Mazus is a magnet for butterflies, offering them a delightful landing pad amidst its blooms. It’s resilient and can handle foot traffic, making it ideal for high-use areas. With minimal fuss, Mazus provides a lush green carpet adorned with delicate flowers.
9. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
The unsung heroes of garden design are often those hiding in the shadows, like Heuchera. Known for its stunning foliage in a range of colors, Coral Bells also offers charming, coral-colored flowers. These delicate blooms are a treat for butterflies, adding life to shaded areas.
Heuchera’s versatility extends to its ability to thrive in various conditions, making it a landscape favorite. Its evergreen leaves provide year-round interest, creating a dynamic garden display. For those looking to add texture and color, Heuchera is an essential pick.
10. Houttuynia
Sometimes, it’s the unexpected that truly captivates, like Houttuynia. This ground cover is appreciated for its unique, variegated foliage that adds a splash of color to gardens. Its small white flowers are subtle yet effective in attracting butterflies.
Houttuynia thrives in moist conditions, making it perfect for water garden edges. It’s adaptable and can handle a variety of environments, offering versatility to gardeners. Beyond its visual appeal, this plant provides a dynamic backdrop to any garden setup.
11. Barrenwort (Epimedium)
In the underworld of shade-loving plants, Barrenwort stands out with grace. Its delicate flowers and heart-shaped leaves add charm to shaded woodland gardens. As an early bloomer, its blossoms signal the arrival of spring and attract butterflies.
Barrenwort’s ability to thrive in dry, shady areas makes it a valuable addition to challenging spots. Its foliage remains attractive throughout the year, providing consistent beauty. For those seeking an enchanting ground cover for shaded areas, Barrenwort is a top choice.
12. Lamium (Dead Nettle)
Variety is the spice of gardening, and Lamium offers just that with its silver-tinged leaves and pink or white blooms. Often referred to as Dead Nettle, this ground cover is perfect for brightening shady spots. Its flowers are a favorite among butterflies, providing nectar in less sunny areas.
Lamium is easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Its ability to cover ground quickly ensures a lush, green backdrop throughout the year. For a pop of color and texture, Lamium is a delightful option.
13. Dianthus
When a pop of color is needed, Dianthus steps up to the plate. Known for its sweet fragrance and fringed pink or red blooms, this ground cover is a feast for the senses. Hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to its vibrant flowers, ensuring a lively garden scene.
Dianthus thrives in sunny borders and rock gardens, where well-drained soil is abundant. Its compact growth habit and prolific blooming make it a gardener’s favorite. For a fragrant and visually appealing addition, Dianthus delivers on all fronts.
14. Snow-in-Summer
For a touch of elegance, look no further than Snow-in-Summer. This ground cover features a frothy display of white flowers set against silvery foliage. Its blooms cascade gracefully over rocks and edges, creating a snowy effect in early summer.
Butterflies find its flowers inviting, adding a lively element to the serene scene. Snow-in-Summer is resilient, thriving in poor soil and full sun. Its drought-tolerant nature makes it an easy-care option for gardeners seeking beauty with minimal maintenance.
15. Golden Creeping Jenny
When the garden needs a splash of sunshine, Golden Creeping Jenny delivers with its vibrant, yellow-gold leaves. This ground cover creates a striking contrast against darker foliage, brightening any landscape.
It thrives in moist conditions and can handle partial shade, making it versatile for various garden settings. Butterflies are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers, enlivening the garden with their presence. Golden Creeping Jenny is perfect for gardeners looking to add color and texture with ease.
16. Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Gardeners searching for a reliable performer often turn to Vinca Minor. Also known as Periwinkle, this ground cover features glossy green leaves and periwinkle-blue flowers. Its blooms are a charming sight, especially under the dappled shade of trees.
Vinca Minor spreads quickly, forming dense mats that suppress weeds effectively. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round interest, adding texture and depth to garden beds. For a dependable and attractive ground cover, Vinca Minor is a top choice.
17. Brunnera (Siberian Bugloss)
Elegance in the garden is often understated, like with Brunnera. Known for its heart-shaped leaves and delicate blue flowers, this ground cover adds a touch of whimsy to shaded areas. Its blooms resemble forget-me-nots, attracting butterflies to its sweet offerings.
Thriving in woodland gardens, Brunnera provides greenery and charm with little effort. Its ability to withstand shade and moist conditions makes it a versatile choice for challenging spots. For a graceful and enchanting garden, Brunnera is a must-have.
18. Chrysogonum (Green and Gold)
In the dance of color and contrast, Chrysogonum plays its part beautifully. Known as Green and Gold, this ground cover features vibrant, golden-yellow flowers and lush green leaves. Its blooms are a cheerful sight, offering nectar to visiting butterflies.
Chrysogonum thrives in shaded environments, creating a lively carpet of color. Its ability to adapt to various soil conditions makes it a gardener’s ally. For those seeking to add brightness to darker corners, Chrysogonum is an excellent choice.
19. Thyme-leaved Speedwell
Every garden benefits from a touch of subtle charm, like that of Thyme-leaved Speedwell. This ground cover features small, blue flowers that spread elegantly in sunny spots and rock gardens. Hummingbirds and butterflies are frequent visitors, drawn to its delicate blossoms.
Despite its dainty appearance, this plant is robust and thrives in challenging conditions. With its low-growing habit and quick spread, it offers a lush, floral carpet with minimal maintenance. For those in search of a resilient and beautiful ground cover, Thyme-leaved Speedwell is ideal.
20. Wintercreeper (Euonymus Fortunei)
Wintercreeper brings year-round charm to your garden with its evergreen foliage that shifts to beautiful hues of red, purple, and yellow in the fall.
While its small flowers may not be showy, they still attract a variety of butterflies and pollinators, adding a touch of magic to your garden.
This versatile ground cover thrives in both sunny and partially shaded areas, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of garden settings. It’s quick to spread, creating a lush carpet that’s low-maintenance and reliable.