Have you ever stared at a patch of dirt in your garden and thought, This is where the magic should happen, but instead, it’s just… empty?
Yep, I’ve been there too. Eyeing those bare spots and wishing for something lush to take over. Then I discovered the magic of ground covers.
These little green wonders don’t just fill in the gaps; they bring texture, color, and life to your garden. It’s like adding a cozy blanket to your garden, and trust me, my plants and I have never been happier.
1. Creeping Thyme
Imagine stepping outside to the aroma of fresh herbs. That’s the charm of creeping thyme, a ground cover that releases a pleasant scent when walked upon.
It’s perfect for planting between stepping stones or along garden paths. With its tiny purple flowers, creeping thyme not only fills space but also attracts pollinators.
This hardy plant can withstand light foot traffic while spreading beautifully. Plus, it’s low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it a gardener’s dream.
2. Irish Moss
I first discovered Irish moss when my shady garden spot refused to grow grass. That bare patch was driving me crazy, so I decided to try something new.
Irish moss was a game-changer. It transformed the area into a soft green carpet, even in the shade! It’s incredibly low-maintenance, thriving with minimal care.
No more bare spots, and I get to enjoy its plush look all year round. If you’re struggling with tricky spots in your garden, Irish moss is a simple and beautiful solution!
3. Sedum
Thick, fleshy leaves are the hallmark of sedum. This succulent ground cover is perfect for sunny areas and can tolerate poor soil conditions.
Its star-shaped flowers add a touch of color and charm to any garden space. Sedum is not only easy to grow but also incredibly resilient.
It can withstand drought and harsh weather, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens or borders. Plus, it requires little to no maintenance, freeing up your time for other gardening pursuits.
4. Ajuga
A splash of blue amidst greenery can be captivating. Ajuga offers just that with its blue flower spikes.
Known for its speedy spread, this ground cover can quickly fill in large areas, providing a lush underlayer in your garden. Ajuga’s glossy leaves come in various shades, adding an extra dimension to its appeal.
It’s perfect for shady areas and can thrive under trees where many plants struggle. This hardy perennial is also deer-resistant, making it a practical choice for many gardeners.
5. Sweet Woodruff
The gentle fragrance of sweet woodruff is a delight in any shaded corner. This ground cover produces small white blooms and whorled leaves that spread gently over the ground.
It’s perfect for adding a touch of elegance to shaded garden spots. Sweet woodruff thrives under trees and in other shady areas where many plants falter.
Its low-growing habit makes it an excellent choice for covering bare soil and preventing weed growth. Plus, it’s known for its ability to deter pests, adding functionality to its beauty.
6. Lamb’s Ear
Soft and velvety to the touch, lamb’s ear is a sensory delight. This ground cover’s silvery-gray leaves create a stunning contrast in the garden and are a favorite among children who love their texture.
Not only does lamb’s ear add visual interest, but it also thrives in full sun and poor soils.
It’s a resilient plant that requires minimal watering and is relatively low-maintenance, making it perfect for those seeking beauty with less effort.
7. Vinca Minor
The evergreen leaves of Vinca minor are a gardener’s ally in maintaining year-round greenery. This ground cover produces charming periwinkle blue flowers.
Vinca minor is an excellent choice for erosion control on slopes and can adapt to both sunny and shaded areas.
Its ability to spread without becoming invasive makes it a popular option for gardeners looking for a reliable ground cover.
8. Clover
The luck of the Irish might just be in your garden with clover as a ground cover. Known for its small white flowers and lush green foliage, clover is an excellent choice for replacing traditional lawns.
One of the remarkable things about clover is its nitrogen-fixing ability, which enriches the soil as it grows. This means less need for fertilizers and a healthier garden.
Plus, clover is drought-resistant and can withstand light foot traffic, making it both practical and eco-friendly.
9. Barrenwort
A soft whisper of leaves greets you with barrenwort. Known for its heart-shaped foliage and delicate, spidery blooms, this ground cover adds a whimsical touch to shaded areas.
Barrenwort is particularly valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in dry, shady spots. The leaves often take on a reddish hue in autumn, providing seasonal interest.
It’s a superb choice for gardeners looking to add a bit of flair to their shaded beds.
10. Pachysandra
A friend of mine was struggling with her garden’s shady areas, where nothing seemed to grow. She tried everything, but the space remained bare and uninviting.
Then, she discovered Pachysandra, and it was like magic. In no time, the glossy green leaves filled in beautifully, even under the dense shade of her trees.
She couldn’t believe how easy it was. And it also helped keep the weeds at bay! Now, her garden feels like a lush oasis with practically no effort.
11. Blue Star Creeper
Envision a sky of stars on the ground. Blue Star Creeper is aptly named for its delicate blue blooms that appear like tiny stars amidst its green foliage.
It’s an ideal choice for filling gaps in pathways or between stepping stones. Blue Star Creeper is not only visually appealing but also highly durable.
It tolerates foot traffic and can spread quickly, requiring little care once established. This hardy ground cover is perfect for gardeners looking to add a touch of celestial charm.
12. Creeping Jenny
Golden tendrils cascade across the landscape with Creeping Jenny. Known for its bright yellow-green leaves, this ground cover brings a pop of color to any garden space.
Creeping Jenny thrives in moist areas and can even tolerate waterlogged soils, making it ideal for around ponds or water features.
Its sprawling nature allows it to fill spaces quickly, though it may need some control to prevent it from taking over. It’s a cheerful addition to any garden.
13. Bugleweed
I remember visiting a garden last spring, and I couldn’t help but admire the purple spikes of Bugleweed. It added a beautiful contrast to the rest of greenery.
People often chose it for its low maintenance, and I could see why. It is thriving in the moist soil without much effort. The way it blooms make the whole space feel even more lively and colorful!
14. Corsican Mint
Tiny leaves pack a powerful punch with Corsican mint. This aromatic ground cover releases a refreshing scent when disturbed, making it a pleasant addition to any garden path.
Corsican mint thrives in shady, moist areas and is known for its ability to fill spaces with its low-growing mat.
It’s perfect for use between stepping stones or in herb gardens, offering both visual appeal and delightful fragrance. However, it requires regular watering to stay lush and healthy.
15. Liriope
Grass-like leaves sway gently, revealing Liriope’s charm. Often mistaken for ornamental grass, Liriope provides both structure and softness in the landscape.
With its lavender flower spikes, Liriope adds a subtle pop of color. It’s versatile, thriving in sun or shade, and is perfect for borders or as an edging plant.
Liriope is hardy and low-maintenance, appealing to gardeners who appreciate beauty without the fuss.
16. Mazus
The splash of color on the ground can be quite striking. Mazus, with its small purple flowers, offers just that while forming a thick green carpet.
Mazus is a fast-spreading ground cover that’s perfect for garden paths or as a lawn alternative. It thrives in moist, well-draining soil and can handle light foot traffic.
This low-maintenance plant requires little more than regular watering to keep it lush and vibrant.
17. Brass Buttons
A sea of tiny yellow buttons decorates the garden floor. Brass buttons provide both texture and color to garden spaces with their unique fern-like foliage.
This ground cover is perfect for areas with poor soil conditions, as it’s highly adaptable and easy to grow. Brass buttons are particularly eye-catching in rock gardens or as an edging plant.
They require minimal care, making them a great addition for gardeners seeking low-effort beauty.
18. Golden Creeping Jenny
Have you ever walked through your garden and wished for something that could instantly brighten up a dull corner? That’s exactly what Golden Creeping Jenny does!
With its yellow-green leaves, it brings a burst of sunshine to even the shadiest spots. I’ve seen it work wonders around water features, where its cascading tendrils seem to dance in the breeze.
The best part? It spreads fast, giving you quick coverage—but do you think it might need a little control to keep it from taking over?
19. Snow-in-Summer
A blanket of white flowers can be a stunning sight. Snow-in-Summer delivers with its bright blooms and silvery foliage, creating a striking contrast in any sunny garden.
This ground cover is ideal for slopes or rocky areas, as it thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Its ability to spread rapidly makes it perfect for covering large areas quickly.
Snow-in-Summer is also drought-tolerant, requiring little maintenance once established.
20. Dead Nettle
The intriguing foliage of Dead Nettle can add interest to any shaded garden spot. Its variegated leaves and small pink flowers bring a touch of elegance to the undergrowth.
This ground cover thrives in shady areas and is perfect for planting under trees or in woodland gardens. Dead Nettle is easy to care for and provides excellent coverage, preventing weeds from taking hold.
21. Strawberry Begonia
A hint of strawberries in the garden without the fruit. Strawberry Begonia offers charming round leaves and pink blooms, adding whimsy to shaded areas.
This ground cover thrives in humid environments and is well-suited for containers or as an underplanting in the garden.
Its ability to spread easily makes it a favorite for filling gaps, providing lush coverage that’s both beautiful and practical.
22. Creeping Phlox
A cascade of colors over rocks can be truly captivating. Creeping Phlox, with its lush blooms, offers a display on slopes and rocky areas.
This ground cover flourishes in sunny spots and well-drained soil, making it ideal for rock gardens or as a border plant.
Its mat-forming habit provides excellent coverage, and its colorful flowers are a springtime highlight. Creeping Phlox is a beautiful addition that requires minimal care once established.