Complete Gardening
If you’re tired of constantly battling weeds in your garden, it’s time to consider planting ground covers that not only add beauty but also serve as natural weed suppressors.
These low-growing, spreading plants create dense mats of foliage that leave little room for weeds to take root, making them an excellent alternative to traditional lawns.
Here’s a roundup of 15 fantastic ground covers that will help keep your garden weed-free and looking stunning.
1. Creeping Mazus (Mazus reptans)
Creeping Mazus is an excellent choice for areas that receive some foot traffic. This resilient ground cover grows 1-2 inches tall and forms a dense carpet of bright green foliage.
In late spring, it produces bluish-purple flowers that attract bees. Creeping Mazus is easy to grow, cold-tolerant, and highly effective at keeping weeds at bay.
2. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans ‘Valfredda’)
Bugleweed, especially the ‘Chocolate Chip’ variety, is a fantastic ground cover for partial to full shade areas. It grows to about 3 inches tall and spreads quickly, forming a dense mat of chocolate-colored foliage with burgundy accents.
In spring, it produces purple flowers that add a pop of color to the garden. Bugleweed is resilient, low-maintenance, and very effective at choking out weeds.
3. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping Thyme is a delightful, aromatic ground cover that thrives in sunny locations.
It grows only 2-3 inches tall and forms a dense mat of foliage, making it difficult for weeds to emerge. In addition to its weed-suppressing qualities, Creeping Thyme produces vibrant magenta flowers in summer, which attract pollinators like butterflies.
It’s also drought-tolerant and perfect for high-traffic areas, releasing a pleasant scent when stepped on.
4. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subdulata)
Creeping Phlox is an excellent choice for sunny areas where you want to prevent weeds and enjoy a burst of color. The ‘Candy Stripe’ variety features star-shaped, pink-and-white flowers in spring, creating a vibrant carpet of color.
This ground cover grows 4-6 inches tall and is drought-tolerant, making it ideal for slopes or rock gardens. Its dense foliage also helps prevent soil erosion.
5. Creeping Speedwell ‘Georgia Blue’ (Veronica umbrosa)
Creeping Speedwell is a tough, semi-evergreen ground cover that grows well in full sun to partial shade.
It forms a mat of foliage that’s about 4-6 inches tall and effectively crowds out weeds. ‘Georgia Blue’ is particularly striking, with its brilliant blue flowers that bloom from spring through summer.
This plant is pest-resistant and easy to maintain, making it a great choice for weed control.
6. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet Woodruff is a charming ground cover that thrives in partial to full shade. Growing up to 6 inches tall, it forms a dense mat of whirling, lance-shaped leaves that effectively suppress weeds.
In spring and summer, it produces small, fragrant white flowers. Sweet Woodruff is easy to grow, requires little maintenance, and is particularly well-suited for shaded garden areas.
7. Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’)
Creeping Juniper is a robust, evergreen ground cover that thrives in full sun. It forms a dense mat of blue-green foliage that spreads up to 8 feet wide, effectively preventing weed growth.
This plant is incredibly low-maintenance, requiring no mowing or pruning, and is perfect for covering large areas or slopes.
8. Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima)
Sea Thrift is a slow-growing ground cover that’s perfect for smaller areas. Growing 3-6 inches tall, it has grassy, evergreen foliage and produces bubble-gum pink flowers in late spring and early summer.
‘Victor Reiter’ is particularly suited for coastal areas and rock gardens, where it can prevent weeds and add a splash of color.
9. Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
Wild Ginger is a shade-loving ground cover that forms dense colonies through underground rhizomes. Growing up to 6 inches tall, it has glossy, heart-shaped leaves that create a thick mat, making it difficult for weeds to establish themselves.
Wild Ginger is native to the eastern United States and is particularly well-suited for moist, shaded areas.
10. Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea)
For a touch of drama in your garden, consider ‘Black Taffeta’ Coral Bells. This ground cover grows 10 inches to 1 foot tall and features deep purple, ruffled leaves.
It thrives in partial shade and produces delicate pink flowers in spring. While slightly taller than other ground covers, its dense foliage is highly effective at suppressing weeds.
11. Ice Plant (Delosperma hybrida)
Ice Plant is perfect for hot, dry climates where other ground covers might struggle. The ‘Fire Spinner’ variety grows 2-3 inches tall and spreads quickly, forming a dense mat of succulent foliage.
Its vibrant orange and pink flowers are a highlight in spring and early summer. Ice Plant is drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and thrives in well-drained, sunny locations.
12. Dead Nettle (Lamium maculatum)
Dead Nettle is a hardy ground cover that does well in partial to full shade. The variety ‘Beacon Silver’ grows 6-8 inches tall and features pale green leaves with a dark green edge, creating a striking contrast.
This plant produces small purple flowers in late spring and sporadically throughout summer. Dead Nettle is low-maintenance and effective at preventing weed growth.
13. Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
Lungwort is a semi-evergreen ground cover that’s perfect for shady areas. The variety ‘Shrimps on the Barbie’ grows up to 10 inches tall and features dense foliage with green leaves adorned with silver splotches.
In early spring, it produces clusters of pink flowers that attract pollinators. Lungwort is slow to spread but forms a thick mat that effectively prevents weeds.
14. Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
Irish Moss is a low-growing ground cover that creates a lush, green carpet in your garden. Growing only 1-2 inches tall, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires minimal maintenance.
Irish Moss blooms sporadically with small, white flowers, and its dense foliage is highly effective at preventing weed growth.
15. Mondo Grass ‘Nigrescens’ (Ophiopogon planiscapus)
For a unique and dramatic ground cover, consider ‘Nigrescens’ Mondo Grass. This plant grows 6-8 inches tall and features deep purple, almost black, grass-like leaves. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and forms dense clumps that suppress weeds.
Mondo Grass is drought-tolerant and disease-resistant, making it a low-maintenance option for your garden.
Replacing your lawn with one of these beautiful, weed-suppressing ground covers is a great way to reduce maintenance while enhancing your garden’s appearance.
With patience and the right choice of plants, you can create a lush, weed-free landscape that will bring you joy for years to come.
Each of these ground covers offers unique benefits, so consider your garden’s specific conditions and needs when making your selection.