Complete Gardening
Transform your garden into a lush oasis while keeping weeds at bay with these vibrant blooming ground covers. Each plant not only offers visual appeal but also serves as a natural weed suppressant. Discover 25 extraordinary ground covers that will enhance your landscape with color and texture while doing the hard work of crowding out unwanted growth. Perfect for gardeners seeking natural beauty and utility, these ground covers will provide you with both elegance and practicality. Let’s explore these wonderful options and find the perfect fit for your garden.
1. Creeping Thyme
Imagine a carpet of vibrant purple blooms beneath your feet. Creeping Thyme is not just a feast for the eyes, but also a fragrant delight. Its dense growth habit makes it an exceptional choice for suppressing weeds.
This low-growing wonder thrives in sunny spots, adding a touch of elegance with minimal maintenance. Perfect for filling gaps between stepping stones, it releases a pleasant aroma when walked on.
Fun fact: Creeping Thyme is beloved by bees, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to support local pollinators.
2. Sedum ‘Dragon’s Blood’
Sedum ‘Dragon’s Blood’ is a showstopper with its deep red foliage and starry flowers. As autumn approaches, its leaves turn a fiery crimson, offering a seasonal spectacle.
This hardy ground cover thrives in poor soil, making it a resilient choice for rocky areas or slopes. Its succulent nature means it requires little water, perfect for dry gardens.
Did you know? Sedum was historically used in folk medicine for its purported healing properties, though today it’s more celebrated for its ornamental value.
3. Ajuga ‘Chocolate Chip’
With a name as delightful as its appearance, Ajuga ‘Chocolate Chip’ is a charming addition to any shaded spot. Its petite leaves form a glossy mat, punctuated by blue flower spikes.
This vigorous grower is ideal for suppressing those pesky weeds, thanks to its dense foliage. It’s perfect for adding texture under trees or in woodland gardens.
A quirky trait: Ajuga’s leaves can sometimes take on a chocolate hue, especially in cooler temperatures, adding to its unique appeal.
4. Irish Moss
Soft, lush, and enchanting, Irish Moss creates a smooth green carpet that’s hard to resist touching. Its tiny white flowers add a sprinkle of charm to its rich emerald appearance.
Ideal for moist, shaded areas, it provides a serene backdrop, effortlessly crowding out weeds. Its low maintenance nature is perfect for busy gardeners.
Fun tidbit: Despite its name, Irish Moss isn’t a true moss. It’s a flowering plant, making it a versatile choice for various garden themes.
5. Liriope muscari
Liriope muscari, often referred to as Lilyturf, is a robust ground cover with grass-like foliage and striking purple flower spikes. It brings a sense of movement to any space.
This plant thrives in semi-shaded to shaded areas, offering a reliable solution for weed suppression. With minimal water needs, it’s both practical and beautiful.
Did you know? In some cultures, Liriope’s tubers are used in traditional medicine, although it’s primarily appreciated for its ornamental charm today.
6. Vinca Minor
Vinca Minor is a classic choice for those seeking enduring beauty. Its glossy evergreen leaves provide year-round coverage, while periwinkle blue flowers offer seasonal interest.
This hardy plant excels in shady conditions, making it ideal for underplanting or covering large areas. Its vigorous growth effectively controls weeds.
Interesting fact: Also known as periwinkle, Vinca Minor symbolizes eternal love and faithfulness, making it a poetic addition to any garden.
7. Sweet Woodruff
Sweet Woodruff captivates with its whorled leaves and clusters of delicate white flowers. It’s perfect for creating a lush carpet in woodland gardens.
Thriving in shaded, moist environments, it’s both beautiful and functional, effectively suppressing weed growth. Its fresh scent adds another layer of appeal.
Quick fact: Traditionally, Sweet Woodruff was used in herbal medicine and as a fragrance for linens, highlighting its multifaceted nature.
8. Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s Ear offers more than just its intriguing name. Its soft, silvery leaves create a tactile experience, making it a favorite among gardeners.
This sun-loving plant provides excellent ground coverage with its dense, low-growing habit. Its purple flowers add a subtle pop of color.
Trivia: Historically, Lamb’s Ear was used as a wound dressing due to its absorbent leaves. Today, it’s cherished for its unique texture and weed-suppressing abilities.
9. Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny, with its bright yellow-green foliage, brings a cheerful splash of color to any garden. Its cascading habit makes it perfect for walls or containers.
This hardy plant thrives in sun to partial shade, offering a vibrant solution for suppressing weeds. Its rapid growth ensures full coverage quickly.
Fun fact: Also known as Moneywort, Creeping Jenny is often associated with good fortune, making it both a practical and symbolic choice for gardeners.
10. Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’
Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’, commonly known as Golden Creeping Jenny, dazzles with its golden leaves and small yellow flowers. It’s a standout in moist garden beds or near water features.
Its quick-spreading nature ensures effective weed suppression, while its vivid color brightens any space. It thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Did you know? Its name ‘Aurea’ refers to its golden hue, making it a radiant choice for various landscape designs.
11. Bugleweed
Bugleweed, or Ajuga reptans, is a versatile ground cover known for its glossy leaves and striking blue flower spikes. It’s a favorite for adding color to shaded areas.
This plant forms a dense mat, making it highly effective against weeds. Its vibrant flowers attract bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity.
Interesting note: Bugleweed was once used in herbal remedies for its supposed calming effects, though today it’s primarily valued for its aesthetic appeal.
12. Golden Sedum
Golden Sedum brings sunshine to gardens with its bright yellow foliage and starry yellow flowers. It’s a resilient choice for rocky slopes or dry areas.
This succulent thrives in full sun, requiring minimal water while providing excellent ground coverage. Its cheery color adds warmth and charm.
Did you know? Sedum’s drought-tolerant nature has made it a popular choice for green roofs, offering both beauty and environmental benefits.
13. Mazus Reptans
Mazus Reptans, with its lush green foliage and delicate violet flowers, creates a picturesque scene in moist gardens or paths.
This low-growing perennial thrives in damp conditions, quickly forming a thick mat that discourages weeds. Its small blooms add a touch of whimsy.
Fun fact: Native to the Himalayas, Mazus Reptans is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, making it a reliable garden choice.
14. Pachysandra Terminalis
Pachysandra Terminalis, with its glossy green leaves, forms a lush carpet that’s perfect for shaded woodland areas. Its small white flowers add subtle charm.
This evergreen plant provides year-round interest and is an excellent ground cover for suppressing weeds in difficult-to-grow areas.
Fun tidbit: Pachysandra’s name is derived from Greek, meaning thick and stamens, referring to its flower structure.
15. Sagina Subulata
Sagina Subulata, known as Scotch Moss, offers a vibrant green alternative to traditional mosses. Its dense foliage is accented with tiny white flowers.
Perfect for sunny spots, it forms a tight, weed-resistant carpet. It’s especially striking in rock gardens or between stepping stones.
Did you know? Despite its name, Scotch Moss isn’t a true moss. It’s a flowering plant, beloved for its lush appearance and practicality.
16. Purple Heart
Purple Heart, with its striking purple foliage, adds drama and color to any garden setting. Its small pink flowers provide a charming contrast.
This hardy plant thrives in full sun, forming a dense mat that effectively suppresses weeds. It’s a standout choice for borders or containers.
Interesting note: Purple Heart is also known as Tradescantia pallida, and it’s often grown indoors as a houseplant due to its vibrant color and easy care.
17. Blue Star Creeper
Blue Star Creeper enchants with its tiny blue flowers scattered across lush green foliage. It’s perfect for sunny pathways or garden edges.
This fast-spreading ground cover is ideal for filling gaps, creating a seamless, weed-resistant carpet. Its delicate blooms add a touch of magic.
Did you know? Despite its delicate appearance, Blue Star Creeper is tough and can withstand foot traffic, making it great for high-traffic areas.
18. Phlox Subulata
Phlox Subulata, or moss phlox, creates a vibrant carpet of pink flowers in spring. Its cascading habit makes it perfect for rock walls or slopes.
This sun-loving perennial spreads quickly, providing excellent weed control. Its colorful blooms attract butterflies, enhancing garden life.
Fun fact: Phlox is derived from the Greek word for flame, inspired by its bright and fiery appearance during peak bloom.
19. Heuchera
Heuchera, also known as coral bells, captivates with its ruffled foliage and delicate coral flowers. It’s a versatile choice for shaded garden borders.
This perennial forms a dense clump, effectively suppressing weeds while adding texture. Its flowers attract pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity.
Did you know? Heuchera was named after Johann von Heucher, an 18th-century German physician and botanist, celebrating its rich botanical history.
20. Epimedium
Epimedium, with its heart-shaped leaves and delicate yellow flowers, thrives in shaded woodland settings. It’s a perfect choice for adding elegance to underplanting.
This plant forms a dense mat, providing excellent weed suppression. Its foliage often takes on a red tint in fall, adding seasonal interest.
Fun tidbit: Often called barrenwort, Epimedium has a history of use in traditional medicine, though it’s now more widely valued for its garden appeal.
21. Alchemilla Mollis
Alchemilla Mollis, also known as Lady’s Mantle, offers soft green leaves and chartreuse flowers. It adds texture and a splash of color to garden beds.
This plant thrives in partial shade, forming a dense cover that helps suppress weeds. Its leaves catch raindrops, adding a touch of magic to rainy days.
Did you know? Alchemilla Mollis was historically used in alchemy, believed to have magical properties due to the dew collected on its leaves.
22. Dichondra Repens
Dichondra Repens creates a lush, lawn-like appearance with its dense green leaves. It’s an ideal alternative to traditional grass.
This ground cover thrives in sunny areas, offering a soft, low-maintenance carpet that resists weeds. It’s perfect for those seeking a unique lawn.
Fun fact: Often called kidney weed due to the shape of its leaves, Dichondra Repens is a popular choice for eco-friendly lawns.
23. Cerastium Tomentosum
Cerastium Tomentosum, known as Snow-in-Summer, dazzles with silvery foliage and a profusion of white flowers. It’s perfect for rocky areas or sunny slopes.
This hardy perennial forms a thick mat, crowding out weeds and adding a cooling effect with its silvery leaves. Its flowers resemble a fresh snowfall.
Did you know? Despite its delicate name, Snow-in-Summer is tough and drought-resistant, making it a practical choice for challenging garden spots.
24. Creeping Raspberry (Rubus pentalobus)
Creeping Raspberry, known for its glossy leaves and small white blooms, adds an exotic touch to gardens. Its lush foliage spreads quickly, creating a dense mat that effectively suppresses weeds. This ground cover is a hardy choice, thriving in both sun and shade.
With minimal maintenance, Creeping Raspberry produces vibrant red berries, adding seasonal interest. Its resilience makes it perfect for covering large areas or difficult spots in the garden.
Did you know? The berries are not just ornamental but also edible, offering a unique blend of beauty and utility to your garden.
25. Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)
Corsican Mint is a charming choice for those who love fragrance and texture. Its tiny, glossy leaves form a soft carpet that releases a delightful minty aroma when trodden upon. Ideal for shaded areas, it keeps weeds at bay while adding sensory delight.
This delicate herb is perfect for planting between stepping stones or in rock gardens. Despite its dainty appearance, Corsican Mint is surprisingly robust, enduring foot traffic with ease.
Fun fact: Corsican Mint is a key ingredient in the creation of Crème de Menthe, a popular mint-flavored liqueur.