If you’re anything like me, you’ve dealt with those bare patches in your garden that just refuse to look good no matter what you try. Ground cover plants can be the answer to these problem areas, filling in spaces with greenery without much fuss.
But what if you need those empty spots covered quickly, and don’t have months to wait for slow-growing plants to spread?
Read on…spoiler alert: THESE FAST GROWERS ARE ABOUT TO SAVE YOUR GARDEN!
1. Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme spreads low and fast across the ground, reaching just 2-4 inches tall. This hardy perennial produces tiny fragrant leaves and masses of small flowers in pink, purple, or white from late spring through summer.
Perfect for planting between stepping stones or softening the edges of walkways. Grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, with good drought tolerance once established.
The evergreen foliage releases a pleasant herbal scent when walked on. Disease resistant and deer proof, it thrives in zones 4-9. Popular varieties include ‘Pink Chintz’ with salmon-pink blooms, ‘Coccineus’ with bright magenta flowers, and ‘Albus’ featuring pure white blossoms.
2. Irish Moss
Irish moss forms a dense, carpet-like mat of tiny green leaves that stays low to the ground. This hardy perennial thrives in zones 4-8 and reaches just 1-2 inches tall.
The foliage maintains its rich green color throughout the growing season, with small white flowers appearing in late spring. Popular varieties include Sagina subulata ‘Aurea’ with golden-green leaves and the traditional green Sagina subulata.
Though it prefers partial shade and consistently moist soil, Irish moss can handle some sun in cooler climates.
It’s particularly well-suited for planting between stepping stones or in rock gardens. Resistant to deer and rabbit damage, but may struggle in hot, humid climates.
3. Bishop’s Weed
Bishop’s weed spreads rapidly through underground runners, making it an excellent choice for difficult growing conditions. The variegated leaves feature green and white patterns that brighten shady areas.
Growing 12-18 inches tall, this hardy perennial thrives in zones 4-9 and maintains its foliage year-round in mild climates. Purple-white flower clusters appear in early summer, attracting pollinators.
While it can tolerate full sun in cool regions, partial shade is ideal in warmer areas. Popular varieties include ‘Snow on the Mountain’ with cream-edged leaves and ‘Variegata’ with white-marbled foliage.
Once established, it’s drought tolerant and deer resistant. Note: Can be aggressive, so plant where spreading won’t be an issue.
4. Ajuga (Bugleweed)
A tough-as-nails perennial ground cover that spreads quickly through runners to form dense mats of foliage. Growing 4-6 inches tall, ajuga thrives in zones 3-9 and stays evergreen in mild climates.
The leaves come in shades ranging from deep green to burgundy to variegated patterns, depending on the variety.
Popular cultivars include ‘Burgundy Glow’ with tricolored leaves, ‘Black Scallop’ with glossy purple-black foliage, and ‘Chocolate Chip’ with smaller bronze-tinted leaves.
Short spikes of blue-purple flowers appear in late spring. Tolerates poor soil, drought, and shade but grows best with regular water. Disease resistant and deer rarely browse it.
5. Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny spreads quickly along the ground, forming a mat of round, bright green leaves about 2 inches wide. This perennial ground cover stays low, reaching just 2-4 inches tall, but can spread several feet wide.
Small yellow flowers appear in early summer. Plants thrive in both sun and part shade, though the golden varieties show best color in full sun.
Handles wet soil well and won’t mind getting stepped on occasionally. Hardy in zones 3-9. Look for golden-leaved ‘Aurea’ and lime-green ‘Green Flash.’ In warm regions, growth may need to be kept in check as plants can spread aggressively.
6. Pachysandra
Pachysandra forms a dense carpet of glossy evergreen leaves that spread steadily through shady areas. Growing 6-8 inches tall, this perennial ground cover performs well in zones 4-8 and stays green year-round in most regions.
The tiny white flower spikes appear in early spring but remain fairly inconspicuous. Common varieties include Pachysandra terminalis with medium green leaves and ‘Green Carpet’ with more compact growth.
The Japanese variety features larger leaves with silver variegation. Plants resist deer and rabbits, tolerate poor soil, and thrive in partial to full shade. While they prefer steady moisture, established plants handle periods of drought.
7. Lamb’s Ear
Growing just 6-8 inches tall, Lamb’s Ear creates a dense mat of soft, fuzzy silver-gray leaves that kids love to touch. This drought-tolerant perennial spreads steadily but isn’t aggressive, making it perfect for filling spaces between stepping stones or along walkways.
Purple flower spikes appear in early summer, though some gardeners remove them to focus on the foliage. Performs best in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating poor soils and hot conditions.
Hardy in zones 4-8. Common varieties include ‘Big Ears’ with extra-large leaves, ‘Silver Carpet’ which rarely flowers, and ‘Helene von Stein’ known for its drought resistance and tidy growth habit.
8. Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff spreads quickly to form dense mats of bright green, star-shaped leaves that grow in whorls around upright stems. The tiny white flowers appear in late spring, giving off a pleasant vanilla-like fragrance.
This shade-loving perennial stays short, reaching only 6-8 inches tall, making it perfect for woodland gardens and areas under trees. Hardy in zones 4-8, sweet woodruff grows best in cool, moist soil but can handle dry conditions once established.
Popular varieties include ‘Alba’ with pure white blooms, ‘Emerald’ with glossy leaves, and ‘Variegata’ featuring cream-edged foliage. Disease resistant and rarely bothered by deer or rabbits.
9. Periwinkle (Vinca Minor)
Periwinkle grows well in both sun and shade, making it a reliable choice for challenging spots in the garden. This perennial spreads quickly via trailing stems, forming a dense mat of glossy green leaves that stay attractive year-round.
Small blue-purple flowers appear in spring and continue blooming into fall. Common varieties include ‘Bowles’ with large blue flowers, ‘Alba’ featuring white blooms, and ‘Variegata’ with cream-edged leaves.
Drought tolerant once established and resistant to deer and rabbits. Grows best in well-draining soil with moderate moisture. Heat tolerant and hardy in zones 4-9.
Disease resistant and low maintenance, though can become aggressive in ideal conditions.
10. Sedum (Stonecrop)
A low-maintenance perennial that thrives in zones 3-9, sedum forms thick mats of fleshy leaves that spread steadily across the ground. The foliage ranges from blue-green to burgundy, staying attractive through all four seasons.
Small star-shaped flowers in pink, yellow or white appear in late summer, attracting butterflies and bees. Sedum handles poor soil, drought, and intense heat like a champ.
Most varieties grow best in full sun but can manage part shade. Popular choices include ‘Dragon’s Blood’ with deep red leaves, ‘Tricolor’ featuring green, pink and white variegation, and ‘Blue Spruce’ with silvery-blue needlelike foliage. Deer and rabbit resistant.
11. Liriope (Lily Turf)
Liriope makes a reliable ground cover that thrives in zones 5-10. Growing 12-18 inches tall, this perennial grass-like plant spreads steadily through underground stems.
The arching leaves come in shades of green to variegated gold, staying fresh-looking year-round in mild climates. Small purple or white flower spikes appear in late summer, followed by black berries.
Popular varieties include ‘Big Blue’ with deep green leaves, ‘Silvery Sunproof’ featuring striped foliage, and ‘Monroe White’ with pure white blooms. Handles drought, deer, and poor soil like a champ.
Grows best in part shade but tolerates full sun in cooler regions. Perfect for slopes and under trees where grass struggles.
12. Dead Nettle (Lamium)
Dead nettle spreads quickly across the ground, forming dense mats of foliage that stay green year-round in mild climates. The variegated leaves feature silvery patterns that light up shaded areas.
Purple-pink or white flowers appear in spring and continue blooming through early summer. This low-maintenance perennial grows 6-8 inches tall and thrives in partial to full shade.
It’s hardy in zones 4-8 and handles drought once established. The plants aren’t bothered by deer or rabbits.
Common varieties include ‘White Nancy’ with white flowers and silver-frosted leaves, ‘Purple Dragon’ with deep purple blooms, and ‘Shell Pink’ featuring soft pink flowers.
13. Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma)
Native to Australia and New Zealand, Blue Star Creeper forms a dense mat of tiny round leaves that stays under 2 inches tall. The tiny star-shaped flowers appear in spring and summer, creating a carpet of pale blue blooms.
This low-maintenance perennial thrives in zones 5-9 and handles both full sun and partial shade. While it prefers moist, well-draining soil, it tolerates drought once established.
The plant spreads quickly but isn’t aggressive, making it perfect between stepping stones or as a lawn substitute.
Common varieties include ‘Isabella’ with darker blue flowers, ‘Alba’ featuring white blooms, and ‘Heavenly Blue’ with sky-blue petals. Maintains color through light frost and resists deer browsing.
14. Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium)
Snow-in-Summer lives up to its name with masses of pure white flowers that blanket the silvery-gray foliage in late spring through early summer. This fast-spreading perennial ground cover reaches just 6-8 inches tall and thrives in poor, dry soils.
The fuzzy leaves stay attractive year-round in zones 3-7, making it perfect for rock gardens and sunny slopes. While it prefers full sun, it can handle partial shade in hot climates.
Popular varieties include ‘Columnae’ with extra-woolly foliage, ‘Silver Carpet’ for its compact habit, and ‘Yoyo’ featuring larger flowers. Deer resistant and drought tolerant once established, it’s an easy-care choice for difficult spots.
15. Dragon’s Blood Sedum (Sedum spurium)
Growing just 4-6 inches tall, Dragon’s Blood sedum forms a dense mat of burgundy-red leaves that spread quickly across the ground. This tough perennial thrives in zones 3-9 and handles both heat and drought with ease.
Small pink flowers appear in late summer, creating a nice contrast against the colorful foliage. Popular varieties include ‘Schorbuser Blut’ with deep red leaves, ‘Purple Emperor’ featuring purple-black foliage, and ‘Ruby Glow’ with rose-pink blooms.
Plant in full sun for best color development, though it tolerates partial shade. Grows well in poor soil and rarely needs maintenance. Disease resistant and deer rarely bother it.
16. Brass Buttons (Leptinella)
Brass Buttons forms a dense mat of tiny, fern-like leaves that spreads quickly across the ground. This perennial ground cover grows just 2-3 inches tall and features bronze-purple to dark green foliage depending on sun exposure.
Small yellow button-like flowers appear in late spring, giving the plant its common name. Grows best in zones 5-10 and prefers cool, moist conditions but can handle some drought once established.
Plant performs well in full sun to part shade. Look for varieties like ‘Platt’s Black’ with near-black leaves or ‘Minima’ with its extra-compact growth habit. Highly resistant to deer and rabbit damage.
17. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
Japanese spurge forms a dense mat of glossy, dark green leaves that spread steadily via underground runners. This shade-loving ground cover reaches 6-8 inches tall and maintains its evergreen foliage year-round in zones 4-8.
Small white flower spikes appear in spring, though the plant is mainly grown for its reliable foliage cover. Popular varieties include ‘Green Carpet’ with compact growth, ‘Silver Edge’ featuring white-margined leaves, and ‘Variegata’ showing cream and green patterns.
Japanese spurge handles poor soil and drought once established, but prefers rich, well-draining soil. Disease-resistant and deer-resistant, it grows best in partial to full shade and provides excellent erosion control on slopes.
18. Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus)
Growing just 3-4 inches tall, dwarf mondo grass spreads slowly to form a dense carpet of narrow, grass-like leaves. The dark green or black-green foliage stays attractive year-round in most regions.
Small purple-white flowers appear in summer, followed by dark berries. This shade-loving perennial performs well under trees and between stepping stones. While it prefers moist, well-drained soil, it handles drought once established.
Best suited for zones 6-11. Popular varieties include ‘Gyoku-ryu’ with its extra-fine leaves, ‘Nippon’ with deeper green color, and ‘Little Nina’ with compact growth. Resists deer and rabbits well, though snails may occasionally feed on young plants.
19. Mazus (Mazus reptans)
Low-growing mazus forms a dense mat of small green leaves that stay under 2 inches tall. This hardy perennial spreads steadily but isn’t aggressive, making it perfect between stepping stones or as a lawn alternative.
Masses of little snapdragon-like flowers appear in spring, typically in purple-blue or white depending on the variety. The blooms hover just above the foliage, creating a carpet of color.
Mazus handles light foot traffic and grows best in moist, well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Hardy in zones 5-8, it’s drought tolerant once established.
Popular varieties include Mazus reptans with purple flowers and Mazus pumilus featuring white blooms.
I’m so stupid with plants and I have a “rough” garden that needs a few ground covers. This website has helped me no end. Can’t wait to get to the nursery.