Complete Gardening
Transforming a yard into a lush, weed-free haven requires the right ground covers. As each of these 19 plants took root, my yard was not only protected from invasive weeds but also transformed into a vibrant tapestry of textures and colors. These winning plants have proven to be both beautiful and practical, offering a remarkable solution to keep unwanted growth at bay. Whether you’re battling stubborn weeds or simply beautifying your landscape, these ground covers stand out as champions in the garden. Discover the unique charm and benefits of each one, as they have truly changed my yard.
1. Creeping Thyme
Imagine a carpet of tiny, aromatic leaves that burst into vibrant purple blooms. Creeping Thyme doesn’t just smell delightful; it triumphs over weeds with its dense growth. Perfect for sunny spots, this resilient plant thrives even in challenging soils. Its low profile and spreading habit make it an ideal choice for rock gardens and pathways. What’s more, it’s drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering. As a bonus, Creeping Thyme attracts bees and butterflies, bringing your garden to life with gentle movements and natural pollinators. A true multitasker, it enhances both beauty and biodiversity.
2. Irish Moss
With its soft, cushiony texture, Irish Moss creates a lush ground cover that feels like walking on clouds. Ideal for shaded areas, it provides a tranquil green backdrop throughout the year. This low-growing plant spreads beautifully, forming a seamless blanket that suppresses weeds effectively. The tiny white flowers that appear in spring add a touch of elegance. Irish Moss thrives in moist, well-drained soil, making it a perfect choice for gardens that need a touch of lushness and serenity. It’s not just a plant; it’s a soothing visual and tactile experience.
3. Sedum Acre
Sedum Acre, known for its vibrant yellow star-like flowers, brings a splash of sunshine to any garden. Its ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils makes it a natural winner against weeds. This succulent ground cover stays low and spreads efficiently, requiring minimal maintenance. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round appeal, while its resistance to drought and pests adds to its hardiness. Whether you plant it in full sun or partial shade, Sedum Acre promises to keep your landscape bright and lively. It’s a steadfast ally in the battle against weeds.
4. Ajuga Reptans
Ajuga Reptans, often called Bugleweed, brings drama to the ground with its striking blue flower spikes. Its foliage varies from green to purple, creating a dynamic visual in any landscape. This plant thrives in shady spots and quickly forms a dense mat that smothers weeds. Beyond its beauty, Ajuga Reptans is a powerhouse, resilient to varied growing conditions. It’s easy to plant and even easier to care for, making it a favorite among gardeners looking for low-maintenance solutions. Its vibrant presence is both a visual delight and a practical choice.
5. Vinca Minor
Known as Lesser Periwinkle, Vinca Minor is a classic choice for effortless ground coverage. Its glossy, evergreen leaves provide a year-round green canvas, while its periwinkle blue flowers add seasonal interest. This tough ground cover thrives in both sun and shade, proving its versatility across different garden spots. Vinca Minor grows rapidly, creating a dense mat that effectively suppresses weeds. Its timeless beauty and robust nature make it an enduring favorite among gardeners. Whether under a tree or across a sunlit bed, it brings elegance and control.
6. Liriope Spicata
Liriope Spicata, commonly known as Creeping Lilyturf, offers both form and function. Its grass-like leaves and purple flower spikes add vertical interest, while its spreading nature ensures excellent ground coverage. This plant thrives in a variety of conditions, from sun to shade, and is remarkably easy to grow. As it establishes, Liriope Spicata forms a dense mat that effectively prevents weed growth. It’s a versatile choice, perfect for edging paths or filling large areas with minimal maintenance. Its adaptability and elegance make it a garden staple.
7. Pachysandra Terminalis
Pachysandra Terminalis, or Japanese Spurge, is a staple in shaded gardens, renowned for its lush, evergreen foliage. This plant forms a dense, weed-smothering mat that thrives under trees and in low-light areas. Its small white flowers, though modest, add a subtle charm in spring. Pachysandra is resilient, withstanding both drought and poor soil conditions, making it an easy-care option for gardeners. Its enduring beauty and practicality make it a top choice for ground cover, seamlessly filling spaces where other plants may struggle.
8. Lamb’s Ear
The velvety leaves of Lamb’s Ear invite touch, offering a unique tactile experience. Its striking gray-green foliage stands out in any garden, forming a soft, dense mat. This ground cover thrives in sunny, well-drained areas, proving both decorative and functional as it suppresses weeds effectively. Lamb’s Ear requires minimal care and is drought-resistant, making it a practical choice for low-maintenance gardens. Its distinctive appearance and ease of growth make it a favorite for sensory gardens, adding texture and interest.
9. Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny, with its vibrant yellow-green leaves, brings a splash of color to any garden. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for cascading over walls or containers, where it creates a vivid contrast. This plant grows rapidly, forming a dense mat that suppresses weeds efficiently. Thriving in moist soil and able to tolerate both sun and partial shade, Creeping Jenny is as versatile as it is beautiful. Its bold appearance and rapid growth make it a standout choice for gardeners seeking vibrant ground coverage.
10. Sweet Woodruff
Sweet Woodruff enchants with its dainty white flowers and whorled green leaves. Ideal for shaded areas, it forms a dense carpet that suppresses weeds efficiently. Its sweet scent, reminiscent of fresh hay, enhances its charm. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil, providing a lush, green cover throughout the season. Sweet Woodruff’s quaint appearance and pleasant fragrance make it a delightful addition to any garden, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical ground coverage. It’s a gentle, enchanting presence in any shaded landscape.
11. Ground Morning Glory
Ground Morning Glory, with its delicate blue flowers and lush green foliage, adds a touch of elegance to sunny garden spots. This vigorous grower quickly forms a dense mat, effectively controlling weeds while providing stunning visual appeal. Its blooms, though fleeting, bring daily charm and freshness. Thriving in well-drained soil, Ground Morning Glory is both hardy and easy to manage, making it a popular choice for gardeners. Its rapid growth and beautiful blooms offer a delightful way to brighten up any space.
12. Dichondra Repens
Dichondra Repens, often referred to as Kidney Weed, creates a seamless green carpet with its small, round leaves. Perfect for sunny or lightly shaded areas, it spreads quickly, forming a dense mat that chokes out weeds effortlessly. This plant is both hardy and resilient, requiring minimal care once established. Its low-growing nature and lush appearance make it an attractive alternative to traditional grasses. Whether used in lawns or as a decorative ground cover, Dichondra Repens provides a fresh, vibrant look to any garden.
13. Clover (Trifolium Repens)
Clover, with its trifoliate leaves and occasional white flowers, offers a soft, natural ground cover that’s both beautiful and functional. This hardy plant thrives in various conditions, from sunlit lawns to shaded garden corners. Its ability to fix nitrogen enhances soil fertility, benefiting nearby plants. Clover forms a thick mat that suppresses weeds effectively, reducing the need for chemical controls. Its lush green spread and ecological benefits make it a sustainable choice for eco-conscious gardeners seeking a natural, low-maintenance ground cover.
14. Herniaria Glabra
Herniaria Glabra, or Rupturewort, showcases tiny, bright green leaves forming a dense mat that’s tough enough to withstand foot traffic. It thrives in sunny, well-drained areas and is incredibly drought-tolerant, making it a resilient choice for low-maintenance gardens. This plant’s small yellow flowers add a subtle touch of beauty without overshadowing its functionality. Herniaria Glabra is ideal for those seeking a hardy ground cover that offers both visual appeal and practical weed control, providing a seamless green layer that endures.
15. Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon Japonicus)
Mondo Grass, with its dark green, arching leaves, brings a sleek, uniform look to any garden. Often used as a border plant, its dense growth effectively suppresses weeds while adding texture and depth. Thriving in both sun and shade, Mondo Grass is adaptable and easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round appeal, making it a reliable choice for those seeking consistent beauty. Mondo Grass’s elegant appearance and versatility make it a garden favorite for many.
16. Blue Star Creeper
Blue Star Creeper enchants with its petite blue flowers that seem to twinkle across the garden floor. This low-growing ground cover is perfect for filling spaces between stepping stones or as a lush lawn alternative. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, forming a dense mat that effectively keeps weeds at bay. Despite its delicate appearance, Blue Star Creeper is hardy, requiring minimal care. Its charming blooms and resilient nature make it an appealing choice for those seeking beauty and practicality in their garden design.
17. Ice Plant (Delosperma)
The Ice Plant dazzles with its bright pink flowers and succulent, fleshy leaves that shimmer under the sun. Perfect for dry garden slopes, it thrives in well-drained soil, offering both beauty and resilience. This ground cover spreads rapidly, forming a dense mat that holds weeds at bay. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance needs make it an ideal choice for xeriscaping. The Ice Plant’s vivid blooms add a splash of color, transforming barren areas into vibrant landscapes. It’s a true testament to nature’s brilliance and adaptability.
18. Silver Carpet (Dymondia Margaretae)
Silver Carpet, named for its silvery-green foliage, offers a striking contrast to traditional greenery. This ground cover is perfect for sunny, dry areas, forming a dense mat that suppresses weeds with ease. Its small, yellow flowers add a whimsical touch, complementing its unique leaf color. Silver Carpet requires minimal water and thrives in well-drained soil, making it a sustainable choice for eco-conscious gardeners. Its distinctive appearance and resilience make it a standout option for those seeking both beauty and practicality in their garden.
19. Woolly Thyme
Woolly Thyme is a charming addition to any garden, with its soft, gray-green foliage forming a dense carpet. This plant not only crowds out weeds but also delights with small pink flowers.
Its drought-tolerant nature makes it ideal for areas with dry conditions. Woolly Thyme’s gentle texture invites you to walk barefoot, feeling its softness underfoot.
Did you know? This aromatic herb releases a pleasant scent when stepped on, adding an extra sensory experience to your garden. Perfect for rock gardens and between stepping stones, it adds visual and aromatic appeal.