For a lush carpet of colorful ground cover in your garden, you’ll want to select the right flowering plants early in the season. Ground cover flowers thrive when planted in spring, giving them time to spread and establish before summer heat arrives. Be sure to check each plant’s sunlight and soil requirements. In warmer areas, some ground covers may bloom continuously, while in cooler regions they’ll provide seasonal color. Your local garden center can offer guidance on the best options for your climate.
Here are the top 10 flowers for creating beautiful ground cover in your garden.
Thyme
Perennial herbs like thyme are great for drought-prone locations since they require little maintenance and grow well in well-drained soil. For this herb to continue growing and tasting well, it needs full sun. Thyme is an essential component of pollination since it draws butterflies and bees. Pollinators are drawn to it, yet it is resistant to deer and rabbits, keeping them from eating it. Usually appearing in early summer, the purple blooms persist for several weeks.
Creeping Jenny
Renowned for its ability to cover large areas of ground with rich foliage, creeping Jenny flowers mostly in late spring and early summer. This perennial is adaptable to many garden locations because it grows best in well-drained soil and likes partial to full sunlight. It needs to be watered frequently to keep the soil moist, particularly during dry seasons. Its low maintenance requirements—occasional trimming to restrain its spread—make it a sensible option for gardeners looking for low-maintenance foliage.
Sedum
Perennial sedum flowers from mid-summer to fall, providing a long season of visual pleasure. This resistant plant is quite drought-tolerant because it likes well-drained soil and grows well in full light. Sedum comes in a variety of colors, from pink to red and yellow, so it can blend in perfectly with a lot of different garden themes. Sedum also draws pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, which improves the environment in gardens. There are certain species that can withstand USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9.
Bugleweed
Perennial bugleweed is normally found in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 10. While regular watering is necessary because it enjoys moist, well-drained soil, it can endure occasional dry spells. In full to partial sunlight, bugleweed grows nicely in a variety of garden locations. It often blooms for several weeks in late spring, drawing butterflies and bees with its nectar and eye-catching spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers.
Periwinkle
Vinca, also referred to as periwinkle, grows best in full sun but may also take little shade. Being a perennial in hardiness zones 4 through 9, it may adapt to a variety of conditions. The flower is available in a range of hues, such as purple, pink, and white. Once established, it requires little care and is drought-tolerant. Well-drained soil is preferred by periwinkle because it promotes healthier development and longer bloom times.
Creeping Phlox
Perennial creeping phlox grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9. It blooms in early spring, typically from April to May, offering a colorful ground cover. This low-maintenance plant, which comes in pink, purple, white, and blue hues, likes well-drained soil. For best development, creeping phlox needs full sun, however it can also withstand little shade. It is a useful addition to any garden because pollinators like bees and butterflies are known to be drawn to its vivid blossoms.
Sweet Woodruff
The perennial herb sweet woodruff usually blooms in late spring or early summer. It is perfect for woodland gardens since it can grow in full to partial shade. This plant requires frequent watering, especially during dry spells, and enjoys moist, well-drained soil. Sweet Woodruff is particularly resistant to deer, which makes it a sensible option for locations where these animals are common. Its tiny white blossoms, which resemble stars, also give off a soft, pleasant scent that gives the yard a touch of elegance.
Lamb’s Ear
Known more for its velvety, silvery foliage than its tiny purple blossoms, Lamb’s Ear is a perennial plant. It can be used in a variety of garden settings because it likes well-drained soil and full sun over partial shade. Once planted, it requires little irrigation and is hardy in zones 4–8. Deer and rabbits are generally deterred by its fuzzy texture, making it a practical choice for gardens prone to wildlife disturbances.
Chamomile
The flowering season of chamomile usually lasts from late spring to early autumn, providing gardeners with an extended display of beauty. This herbaceous plant grows best in full light and prefers well-drained soil. Chamomile is a low-maintenance alternative because it can withstand drought and requires just moderate watering. Its lovely scent enhances the biodiversity of the area by drawing pollinators like bees and butterflies to gardens and lending a calming character to them.
Dead Nettle
The perennial plant dead nettle often blooms in late spring or early summer. It needs well-drained soil and can grow in shade that ranges from moderate to full. Dead Nettle is low maintenance and ideal for anyone seeking low-maintenance plants because, once established, it needs very little watering. Because of its resistance to deer and rabbits, gardeners in locations where these animals are present sometimes choose to plant this flower.