Top Ground Cover Plants for Your Garden

Top Ground Cover Plants for Your Garden

Ground cover plants are the unsung heroes of gardening. They fill gaps, suppress weeds, and lend texture and color to spaces that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Over the years, I've learned that the right ground cover can transform a space from “meh” to magnificent. Whether you’re dealing with shady corners, sun-soaked slopes, or tricky spots in between, there’s a ground cover to fit your needs.

1. Creeping Thyme: Fragrant and Functional

Creeping thyme is as hardworking as it is beautiful. Its low, dense growth habit keeps weeds at bay, while its fragrant leaves release a delightful aroma when brushed against.

I planted creeping thyme between stepping stones along a garden path, and now it’s one of my favorite features. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for those dry spots where nothing else seems to grow.

2. Sweet Woodruff: The Shade-Lover

If you’ve got a shady area that feels impossible to fill, sweet woodruff might be your answer. This plant’s delicate, star-shaped flowers and lush green foliage brighten up even the dimmest corners.

I’ve had success using it as an underplanting beneath mature trees. It thrives in moist, fertile soil but seems unbothered by periods of neglect—a true win for gardeners with busy schedules.

3. Sedum: A Sun-Loving Superstar

For dry, sunny areas, sedum (also called stonecrop) is a standout choice. There are countless varieties, but they all share one thing: resilience.

In my rock garden, sedum sprawls beautifully between boulders, thriving with almost no attention. Their fleshy, colorful leaves and late-season blooms make them a standout in any garden design.

4. Ajuga: A Pop of Purple

Ajuga, also known as bugleweed, offers a burst of color with its rich, purple-toned foliage and bright blue flower spikes in spring. It’s a vigorous grower, so be prepared to keep it in check.

I like to use ajuga in shaded spots where I need a splash of drama. My tip? Plant it where its color will contrast with surrounding greenery for maximum impact.

5. Hosta: The Classic Shade Champion

Hostas are a perennial favorite for a reason (pun intended). Their large, textured leaves come in an endless variety of greens, blues, and variegated patterns.

In one of my clients’ gardens, a mass planting of hostas turned a boring, shaded side yard into a lush, inviting oasis. Pair them with ferns for a woodland feel.

6. Ice Plant: Low-Maintenance Beauty

Ice plant is an easy choice for those who need drought tolerance with a side of wow factor. Its succulent leaves glisten in the sun, and the bright, daisy-like flowers bloom all summer long.

My ice plants have turned a rocky slope into a vibrant showcase. They thrive in sandy soil and full sun, asking only for good drainage to keep them happy.

7. Bearberry: Evergreen Elegance

Bearberry, or kinnikinnick, is a low-growing evergreen that does double duty: it provides year-round greenery and tiny red berries in the fall (a favorite of birds).

It’s perfect for acidic soils, like those under pine trees. I’ve used bearberry to stabilize a hillside, and it’s been rock-solid (literally) as both a soil holder and a pleasant ground cover.

8. Dichondra: A Soft Carpet

If you’re after a lush, velvety carpet, dichondra might just steal your heart. Its tiny, round leaves form a dense mat that invites bare feet.

I’ve seen dichondra used as a lawn alternative in small spaces. It’s surprisingly durable and thrives in partial shade to full sun, but be warned: it does need regular watering to look its best.

Why Ground Covers Deserve More Attention

“Choosing the right ground cover can reduce maintenance time by up to 50%.”

Think about that. Less weeding, less watering, and more beauty. That’s the magic of ground cover plants.

Plus, they’re an eco-friendly choice. By reducing bare soil, these plants help prevent erosion, retain moisture, and provide habitats for pollinators.

Tips for Planting Ground Covers

• Space them wisely: Most ground covers spread quickly, so give them room to grow.
• Match the plant to the site: Consider light, soil, and moisture conditions before choosing.
• Keep them in check: Some species are aggressive spreaders, so regular pruning might be needed.

Ground cover plants might not get as much attention as showy roses or towering trees, but they’re the glue that holds a garden together. Treat them well, and they’ll reward you tenfold.

As you consider adding ground cover plants to your garden, remember they are much more than just a filler. These plants work wonders in suppressing weeds, retaining moisture, and adding texture and color to your garden. From the soft, lush carpet of Creeping Thyme to the vibrant blooms of Sedum, each choice adds its own charm.

Ground cover plants are adaptively hardy, often thriving in places where other plants struggle. Consider the sunlight and soil conditions of your garden when choosing the right one. For shady spots, Sweet Woodruff or Periwinkle can bring life to otherwise barren areas. Sunny areas may welcome the radiant sea of Stonecrop or resilient Bugleweed.

The beauty of these low growers is in their simplicity and efficiency. Gardening is about finding harmony, and with the right ground cover plants, you can achieve a garden that is both beautiful and sustainable. Let them weave magic beneath your taller plants, creating an ecosystem that thrives together.