If you’re anything like me, you know the quiet charm of white flowers scattered across your garden floor. Ground cover plants with white blooms bring a sense of calm to busy gardens while solving those tricky bare spots that always seem to collect weeds.
But which white-flowering ground covers actually work well in real gardens? And how do you choose the right ones that won’t take over everything else?
Read on…spoiler alert: THESE SIX OPTIONS WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER!
1. Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme makes a low-growing carpet that springs to life with clusters of tiny pink or white flowers from late spring through mid-summer. Growing just 2-3 inches tall, this low-maintenance perennial spreads steadily but isn’t aggressive.
The evergreen foliage comes in shades of dark green to silver-gray and releases a gentle aroma when brushed against. Plant it between stepping stones or along garden borders in zones 4-9.
Most varieties tolerate drought once established and thrive in full sun. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone. Consider these white-flowering varieties: ‘Snowdrift,’ ‘Albus,’ and ‘White Creeping.’ Best in well-draining soil and handles poor soil conditions with ease.
2. Snow-in-Summer
Living up to its charming name, Snow-in-Summer creates a carpet of silvery-white blooms during late spring and early summer. This hardy perennial (zones 3-7) spreads quickly via underground runners, forming dense mats of silver-gray foliage that keep their color year-round.
Plants reach 6-8 inches tall and spread indefinitely when happy. Thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, displaying excellent drought tolerance once established.
While the standard Cerastium tomentosum is most common, look for improved cultivars like ‘Yo-Yo’ with compact growth or ‘Silver Carpet’ with extra-woolly leaves.
Heat and humidity can be challenging in southern regions, but plants excel in cooler northern gardens.
3. Candytuft
Low-growing Candytuft forms dense cascading mats of bright green foliage that hug the ground and look fresh all year. A hardy perennial in zones 3-9, it stays tidy and compact, reaching just 6-8 inches tall with a spread up to 24 inches.
The pure white flower clusters bloom prolifically in early spring, sometimes offering a second flush in fall. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil – this tough plant handles drought once established.
Popular varieties include ‘Autumn Snow’ with extended blooming, ‘Snowflake’ for dense growth, and ‘Little Ice’ which is compact and neat. Watch out for root rot in poorly draining soils.
4. White Alyssum
Low-growing and sweetly fragrant, White Alyssum forms dense carpets of tiny blooms that spill over garden edges and fill empty spaces between stepping stones.
A hardy annual in zones 3-10, it self-seeds easily and blooms spring through fall. The flowers attract beneficial pollinators while their honey-like scent fills the air.
Popular varieties include ‘Snow Princess’ with pure white flowers, ‘Easter Bonnet’ featuring compact mounds, and ‘Snow Carpet’ offering good heat tolerance.
Grows best in full sun with well-draining soil, though it can handle part shade. Drought resistant once established and adapts well to both cool and warm climates. Disease resistant and rarely bothered by pests.
5. Saxifraga
Saxifraga forms thick mats of evergreen foliage, creating a carpet-like ground cover that’s perfect for rock gardens and border edges. The spring-blooming flowers rise on slender stems above mossy green leaves, producing clusters of small white or pink blossoms.
A hardy perennial that thrives in zones 4-8, Saxifraga prefers partial shade and well-draining soil. Common varieties include the white-flowering ‘Schneeteppich,’ the compact ‘Peter Pan,’ and the silvery-leaved ‘Silver Cushion.’
These plants show good resistance to deer and rabbits, though they may struggle in hot, humid climates. Most varieties stay low to the ground, reaching only 4-6 inches in height.
6. Sweet Woodruff
Sweet Woodruff spreads quickly to create a soft carpet of bright green whorled leaves that stay attractive throughout the growing season. The star-shaped white flowers appear in spring, offering a light vanilla fragrance that intensifies when the leaves are dried.
Growing 6-8 inches tall, this hardy perennial thrives in zones 4-8 and performs well in partial to full shade. Sweet Woodruff prefers moist, well-drained soil but can handle dry conditions once established.
The plant shows good resistance to deer and rabbits. While the species is most common, you’ll find ‘Variegata’ with cream-edged leaves and ‘Alba’ featuring pure white blooms.