Tired of spending your weekends pulling weeds? Join the club! Fighting these garden invaders can feel like a never-ending battle that takes the joy out of gardening.
That’s where ground covers come to the rescue. These hard-working plants spread across soil, forming living mulch that naturally blocks weeds from taking root. They’re practical problem-solvers that can save you time, energy, and backaches.
Plus, many ground covers look good year-round and need very little care once established. In this post, I’ll share 10 easy-to-grow ground covers that help keep weeds at bay while adding some nice color and texture to your garden.
These options work well in different growing conditions, so you’re sure to find something that fits your garden’s needs.
How to Choose the Right Ground Cover for Your Garden
Climate considerations: Choose ground covers that are well-suited to your local climate, including temperature ranges and rainfall patterns. Consider factors such as winter hardiness and drought tolerance to ensure your selected plants can thrive in your specific environment.
Soil type and pH: Different ground covers prefer different soil conditions, so it’s essential to match your plant choice with your garden’s soil type and pH level. Conduct a soil test to determine your soil’s characteristics and select ground covers that will flourish in those conditions.
Sun exposure: Assess the amount of sunlight your garden receives throughout the day and choose ground covers that match those light conditions. Some plants thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade or even deep shade, so be sure to select varieties that will perform well in your garden’s specific light environment.
Growth rate and spread: Consider how quickly the ground cover grows and how far it spreads to ensure it fits your garden’s needs and maintenance preferences. Fast-growing varieties can quickly fill in bare areas but may require more frequent pruning, while slower-growing options might take longer to establish but typically need less maintenance.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
A low-growing perennial ground cover that forms dense mats of tiny, fragrant leaves. Creeping thyme thrives in zones 4-9 and spreads steadily over the years, growing just 2-3 inches tall.
The small pink, purple, or white flowers bloom from early to mid-summer, attracting bees and butterflies. Plants are drought-tolerant once established and perform best in full sun with well-drained soil.
Notable varieties include ‘Coccineus’ with dark pink flowers, ‘Pink Chintz’ with salmon-pink blooms, and ‘Elfin’ with its extra-compact growth. Disease resistant and tolerates moderate foot traffic, making it ideal between stepping stones or in rock gardens.
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet Woodruff makes a perfect groundcover for shady spots, producing tiny white star-shaped flowers in spring above neat whorls of green leaves. This hardy perennial (zones 4-8) grows just 6-8 inches tall and spreads slowly but steadily through woodland gardens.
The leaves have a sweet, hay-like fragrance when dried. Plant in partial to full shade in rich, moist soil – though it tolerates dry conditions once established. Heat can be tough on Sweet Woodruff, so northern gardens are ideal.
Common varieties include the standard species with bright green leaves, ‘Emerald Carpet’ with darker foliage, and ‘Snow White’ featuring extra-large blooms. Disease and pest resistant.
Bishop’s Weed (Aegopodium podagraria)
Bishop’s weed is a fast-growing perennial ground cover that spreads aggressively through underground runners. The most popular varieties showcase variegated leaves in cream and green patterns, adding light to shady spots.
The plant produces small white flowers in early summer that resemble Queen Anne’s Lace. Popular cultivars include ‘Snow on the Mountain’ with white-edged leaves and ‘Variegata’ showing cream-colored patterns.
This tough plant adapts well to various conditions but prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Highly resistant to deer, rabbits, and drought once established. Hardy in zones 4-8, it can become invasive in ideal conditions, so plant with caution.
Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
A low-growing ground cover that spreads quickly and forms dense mats of evergreen foliage. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) is a perennial that thrives in zones 3-8, where it blooms from late spring through early summer with spiky purple-blue flowers.
The leaves come in several colors – ‘Bronze Beauty’ features chocolate-purple foliage, ‘Burgundy Glow’ shows off tricolored leaves in silver, pink and green, while ‘Dixie Chip’ maintains compact variegated cream and green growth.
This tough plant handles foot traffic well and resists deer and rabbits. Grows best in partial shade with moist soil but adapts to full sun in cooler regions. Can become aggressive in ideal conditions.
Periwinkle (Vinca Minor)
Hardy perennial vines that stay green year-round in zones 4-9, with spreading growth that creates thick ground cover. Small purple-blue or white flowers bloom from spring through fall atop glossy, dark green leaves.
Major varieties include ‘Bowles,’ with larger purple flowers, ‘Alba’ with pure white blooms, and ‘Illumination’ featuring green and gold variegated foliage. Plants tolerate drought once established and resist deer browsing.
Grows best in partial to full shade and prefers well-draining soil. Disease resistant and adaptable to most climates, though growth slows in intense heat. Makes an excellent choice for shady areas where grass struggles.
Pachysandra
Ground-covering pachysandra spreads slowly but steadily to create thick carpets of evergreen foliage in shady areas. This reliable perennial grows 6-8 inches tall and works well under trees or along walkways.
Small white flower spikes appear in early spring, though the glossy green leaves are the main attraction. Popular varieties include ‘Green Carpet’ with dense growth, ‘Silver Edge’ featuring white-margined leaves, and ‘Variegata’ with cream-colored splashes.
Deer and rabbit resistant. Grows best in rich, well-draining soil with regular moisture. Handles deep shade better than most plants. Hardy in zones 4-8. Heat tolerant once established.
Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Lamb’s Ear lets you add texture to gardens with its fuzzy, silvery-green leaves that are soft as velvet to the touch. This tough perennial spreads steadily through zones 4-8, staying low to the ground at 12-18 inches tall.
Purple flower spikes appear in early summer, though many gardeners remove them to focus on the foliage. Plants thrive in full sun to part shade and handle drought like a champ once established.
Big Ears (Stachys byzantina ‘Helene von Stein’) has extra-large leaves, while ‘Silver Carpet’ stays compact and rarely flowers. Both resist deer and rabbits but can struggle in humid climates where leaves may rot.
Stonecrop (Sedum)
Stonecrop’s thick, fleshy leaves come in various shades, from blue-green to burgundy, making excellent ground cover or rock garden additions. This hardy perennial, growing in zones 3-9, handles poor soil and drought with ease.
Pink, red or white star-shaped flowers bloom from late summer into fall, attracting bees and butterflies. Popular varieties include ‘Autumn Joy’ with its salmon-pink blooms, ‘Blue Spruce’ featuring silvery-blue needle-like foliage, and ‘Dragon’s Blood’ with deep red flowers and burgundy leaves.
Thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, showing good heat tolerance once established. Disease resistant and low maintenance, sedums are perfect for gardeners who want reliable plants without fuss.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Looking for a ground cover that spreads quickly and reliably? Creeping Jenny offers bright green or golden leaves that form a dense carpet only 2 inches tall. This hardy perennial thrives in zones 3-8 and performs well in both sun and partial shade.
Small yellow flowers appear in early summer, adding extra interest. The plant spreads steadily through trailing stems that root where they touch soil. Handles wet conditions without complaint but also tolerates dry spells once established.
Popular varieties include ‘Aurea’ with golden foliage, ‘Green’ with emerald leaves, and ‘Goldilocks’ featuring chartreuse coloring. Best suited for areas with moderate summer temperatures, as intense heat can cause leaf scorch.
Houttuynia
A hardy ground cover perennial known for its heart-shaped leaves and ability to spread quickly in moist areas. The foliage comes in green with cream variegation or splashes of red and copper, making it an interesting addition to shady spots.
White flowers appear in late spring through summer. Plant grows best in zones 4-10 and prefers consistent moisture, though it can handle some drought once established. Does well in part shade to full sun in cooler regions.
Popular varieties include ‘Chameleon’ with multicolored leaves, ‘Flore Pleno’ with double flowers, and ‘Gold Heart’ featuring golden-yellow variegation. Note that this plant can spread aggressively in ideal conditions.