Complete Gardening
Explore a selection of 20 flowering ground covers that not only fill bare spots with vibrant beauty but also produce delicious fruits. From strawberries to kiwis, these plants offer both aesthetic appeal and culinary delight.
Ideal for gardeners looking to enhance their landscape with fruitful rewards, these ground covers are versatile and easy to grow.
Whether you have a small garden space or vast landscape, these options bring life and flavor to any area. Enjoy the combination of lovely blossoms and tasty harvests from these remarkable ground covers.
1. Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)
Strawberries are a delightful ground cover with cheerful white blooms that transform into sweet, red berries. These plants spread easily, creating a lush carpet of green foliage.
Perfect for filling empty garden spaces, they also provide a tasty treat for fresh eating or desserts. Consider planting them along pathways or in containers for easy access to their juicy fruits.
They thrive in sunny locations and need regular watering to produce the best yield. Strawberries are not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate, making them a favorite in many gardens.
2. Beach Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis)
Beach strawberries thrive in coastal settings, offering glossy green leaves and pale pink flowers. These plants produce juicy, aromatic fruit that delights both the eye and palate. Their low-growing nature makes them ideal for sandy soils and coastal gardens.
This strawberry variety is resilient to salty air and strong winds, ensuring lush growth in challenging conditions. Beach strawberries are perfect for ground cover in seaside landscapes, providing a burst of color and flavor.
Plant them where they can bask in full sun for the best fruit production, and enjoy their fragrant harvest.
3. Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
Cranberries are bog-loving ground covers known for their delicate pink flowers and tart, red berries. They are ideal for creating a lush, carpet-like effect in wet areas. These plants are not only attractive but also valuable for making jams or sauces.
Cranberries require acidic, well-drained soil to thrive. They are perfect for planting near ponds or in bog gardens. With careful management, cranberries can provide ample yields of nutritious berries.
Their combination of beauty and practicality makes them a fantastic addition to any garden seeking both aesthetics and produce.
4. Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)
Lingonberries are hardy evergreen ground covers producing bright red, tangy berries. These plants are a staple in Scandinavian cuisine and are admired for their vibrant appearance and resilient nature.
Lingonberries grow well in acidic soils and can tolerate cold climates, making them perfect for northern gardens. Their berries are excellent for making preserves and pair well with savory dishes.
They require minimal maintenance and can spread to form a dense cover. Lingonberries offer both ornamental beauty and a delicious harvest, making them a valuable addition to any garden.
5. Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)
Lowbush blueberries are native ground covers known for their small, bell-shaped flowers and sweet blueberries. They form dense mats, offering beauty and bounty to any garden space.
These plants thrive in acidic, well-drained soils and are ideal for naturalizing in woodland gardens. Their berries are nutritious and perfect for eating fresh or in baked goods.
Lowbush blueberries provide seasonal interest with their lovely fall foliage, making them a versatile choice. They are a wonderful option for gardeners looking to attract wildlife while enjoying a tasty harvest.
6. Wild Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtilloides)
Wild blueberries add a burst of flavor and color to any garden space. These low-spreading plants are known for their flavorful berries and delicate, pinkish flowers. They are an excellent choice for natural ground cover.
Wild blueberries thrive in well-drained, acidic soils and require minimal care. They are perfect for gardeners looking to add a touch of wilderness to their landscapes.
The berries are a treat for fresh eating and can be used in various culinary creations. Wild blueberries offer a delightful combination of beauty and bountiful harvest.
7. Cape Gooseberry / Ground Cherry (Physalis peruviana)
Cape gooseberries, also known as ground cherries, are ornamental ground covers known for their papery husks and golden, tangy berries. These plants bring an exotic touch to gardens with their striking appearance.
Cape gooseberries thrive in full sun and well-drained soils, producing bountiful harvests with minimal care. Their berries are excellent for fresh eating or making chutneys.
These plants are perfect for gardeners seeking something unique and flavorful. Cape gooseberries add both beauty and culinary interest, making them a prized addition to any landscape.
8. Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Oregon grape is a spiky, evergreen ground cover displaying clusters of yellow flowers followed by tart, edible blue berries. This plant is known for its ornamental value and practical uses.
Oregon grapes are adaptable, thriving in various soil types and lighting conditions. They are perfect for adding structure and color to shady garden areas. The berries can be used for making jams or jellies, offering both visual appeal and a tangy treat.
Oregon grape’s resilience and beauty make it a valuable addition to ornamental and edible landscapes alike.
9. Alpine Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)
Alpine strawberries offer a wild, irresistible flavor packed into tiny berries. These plants form dense mats, making them excellent ground covers. Their small, white flowers are a charming sight, adding beauty to any landscape.
These strawberries are perfect for those with limited space, as they don’t sprawl like their larger relatives. They do well in partial shade, making them versatile for various garden spots.
Enjoy their intense flavor fresh off the plant or use them in culinary creations. Alpine strawberries are a must-have for berry enthusiasts seeking unique taste experiences.
10. Trailing Blackberry (Dwarf Cultivar of Rubus spp.)
Trailing blackberries are low-growing varieties that form sprawling mats, producing sweet, juicy fruits. These plants are excellent for covering large areas with lush foliage and abundant berries.
They thrive in sunny spots and require well-drained soil to flourish. Trailing blackberries are perfect for creating edible landscapes, providing a delicious harvest of berries for fresh eating or preserves.
Their vigorous growth and bountiful yield make them a favorite among gardeners. These plants offer a combination of beauty and productivity, making them a versatile choice for any garden.
11. Dwarf Red Currant (Ribes rubrum)
Dwarf red currants are compact shrubs that spread gracefully, offering clusters of tart, ruby-red currants. These plants are well-suited for small gardens or containers, providing beauty and bounty in limited spaces.
Red currants thrive in well-drained soils and perform best in sunny to partially shaded areas. They are perfect for making jellies, sauces, or fresh fruit enjoyment.
Dwarf red currants add both ornamental value and culinary delight, making them a favorite among gardeners. Their vibrant berries and compact growth make them a versatile addition to any landscape.
12. Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea)
Buffaloberries are native shrubs known for their dense ground cover and small, tangy red berries. These plants are rich in vitamin C and offer a unique taste experience.
Buffaloberries thrive in well-drained, sandy soils and are perfect for naturalizing in prairie landscapes. Their berries are excellent for making preserves or adding a tangy kick to dishes.
These shrubs are hardy and low-maintenance, making them ideal for gardeners seeking resilience and productivity. Buffaloberries offer both ornamental and nutritional value, enhancing any garden with their presence.
13. Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila)
Sand cherries are hardy, spreading plants with delicate blossoms and small, flavorful fruits. These plants thrive in sandy soils, making them ideal for challenging landscapes.
Sand cherries offer both beauty and a bountiful harvest, with their attractive flowers and tasty cherries. They are perfect for adding color and productivity to gardens with poor soil conditions.
These plants require minimal care and can tolerate drought, making them a reliable choice for low-maintenance gardens. Sand cherries provide both ornamental and edible benefits, making them a valuable addition to any garden.
14. Beach Plum (Prunus maritima)
Beach plums are low, spreading shrubs known for their fragrant blossoms and small plums. These plants are well-suited for coastal areas, thriving in sandy soils and salty air.
Beach plums offer both beauty and a bountiful harvest, with their attractive flowers and tasty plums. They are perfect for making jams or preserves, providing a delicious addition to any pantry.
Beach plums require minimal care and can tolerate harsh conditions, making them a reliable choice for coastal gardens. Their combination of resilience and productivity makes them a valuable addition to any landscape.
15. Dwarf Jostaberry (Hybrid Ribes spp.)
Dwarf jostaberries are a cross between black currants and gooseberries, offering tart, uniquely flavored berries. These compact plants provide a dense ground cover with both ornamental and culinary value.
Jostaberries thrive in well-drained soils and can grow in sunny to partially shaded areas. Their berries are perfect for making jams or sauces, providing a distinctive taste experience.
Dwarf jostaberries are low-maintenance and hardy, making them ideal for gardeners seeking unique flavors and easy care. Their vibrant berries and lush foliage make them a standout choice for any garden.
16. Dwarf Raspberry (Trailing Cultivar of Rubus idaeus)
Dwarf raspberries are low-growing varieties that cascade gracefully over walls or ground, yielding sweet, delicate berries. These plants are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any landscape.
They thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil, ensuring bountiful harvests with minimal care. Dwarf raspberries are ideal for creating edible landscapes, providing a delicious treat for fresh eating or desserts.
Their compact growth and sweet berries make them a favorite among gardeners. These plants offer a combination of beauty and productivity, enhancing any garden with their presence.
17. Dwarf Crabapple (Groundcover Cultivar of Malus spp.)
Dwarf crabapples are groundcover cultivars selected for their compact habit and ornamental flowers. These plants bear small, tangy apples suitable for fresh eating or culinary use.
Crabapples thrive in sunny locations and require well-drained soil to flourish. They are perfect for adding a splash of color to gardens with their vibrant blooms and fruit.
Dwarf crabapples offer both beauty and a bountiful harvest, making them a valuable addition to any landscape. Their resilience and ornamental value make them a favorite among gardeners seeking unique and productive plants.
18. Groundcover Muscadine Grape (Low-Growing Vitis rotundifolia)
Groundcover muscadine grapes are heat-tolerant vines that spread as ground covers, producing robust, sweet grapes. These plants are perfect for creating edible landscapes with their abundant fruit.
Muscadines thrive in warm climates and require well-drained soil to flourish. They are ideal for making wine or enjoying fresh from the vine. Groundcover muscadines offer both beauty and a bountiful harvest, making them a favorite among gardeners.
Their vigorous growth and delicious grapes make them a versatile choice for any garden. These plants enhance any landscape with their presence and productivity.
19. Dwarf Mulberry (Low-Growing Morus spp.)
Dwarf mulberries are compact, spreading plants known for their luscious, sweet berries. These low-growing plants serve as attractive, edible ground covers, offering both beauty and bounty.
Mulberries thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil, ensuring bountiful harvests with minimal care. They are perfect for creating edible landscapes, providing a delicious treat for fresh eating or preserves.
Dwarf mulberries offer both ornamental and nutritional value, making them a valuable addition to any garden. Their combination of beauty and productivity enhances any landscape with their presence.
20. Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta)
Hardy kiwis are vigorous, low-growing vines that can be trained as ground covers. These plants bear small, smooth, and sweet kiwi fruits, offering both beauty and bounty to any garden.
Kiwis thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil, ensuring robust growth and a plentiful harvest. They are perfect for creating edible landscapes, providing a unique fruit experience for fresh eating or culinary use.
Hardy kiwis offer both ornamental and nutritional value, making them a favorite among gardeners. Their combination of beauty and productivity enhances any landscape with their presence.