Groundcovers:39 Low Maintenance Groundcovers Plants

Let’s talk about groundcovers. Honestly, groundcovers plants are the quiet workhorses of your garden, and I’m not sure they get enough credit for what they do. They’re like that reliable friend who always shows up when you need them, never demanding attention but doing the heavy lifting. Think lush carpets of creeping thyme or the ever popular vinca, silently weaving their magic to prevent weeds, conserve moisture, and even provide some drama with their gorgeous blooms.

Interested to turn your garden into a showstopper while keeping your life simple. Add groundcovers to suppress weeds, fill bare spots, walkable beautiful garden and fragrance. Honestly, it’s hard to find anything that does as much with so little fuss. Once you realize how easy they are to care for. Lets explore Groundcovers.

Creeping Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 4-9
• Height: 2-3 inches tall
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Landscaping, Weed Control, Walkable Groundcover (Foot Traffic)

Creeping Thyme is a fragrant and low-growing perennial that forms a dense mat of aromatic foliage. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, a perfect groundcover for sunny areas. The small purple or pink flowers bloom in late spring to summer and attract pollinators. Ideal for use between stepping stones or as an ornamental groundcover, it also resists weeds due to its dense growth and can handle light foot traffic without damage.

 Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia Nummularia)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 3-9
• Height: 2-4 inches tall
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Europe and Temperate Asia
• Toxic to Pets: Safe to Humans and Pets
• Best For: Landscaping, Shady Areas, Erosion Control

Creeping Jenny commonly known as moneywort is a fast-growing perennial with bright, chartreuse foliage that forms a low, spreading mat. Most of the cultivars are not recommended because it becomes invasive. Only, yellow cultivar is less aggressive and suitable as ornamental growing. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils (sandy, loam nd and clay) and is perfect for shady areas or near water features. The small yellow flowers bloom in late spring add a delicate touch to its striking foliage. This plant is excellent for erosion control, adds a lush carpet of greenery and is a popular choice for filling in bare spots under trees or along garden borders and can be planted with tulips, daffodils, roses, shrubs & daylilies.

Ajuga (Ajuga Reptans)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 3-10
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: North-western Africa, Europe and and western Asia
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Landscaping, Shady Areas, Groundcover for Edging

Ajuga is a fast-growing perennial that works well in shady areas where grass might struggle. It is known with other common names as bugle, blue bugle, bugleherb, bugleweed, carpetweed, carpet bugleweed, and common bugle. With its deep green to purple foliage and spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers, this creeping plant is excellent for covering bare ground, filling gaps in borders, or softening the edges of containers and pathways.

Ajuga reptans pairs beautifully with spring bulbs, early perennials, ornamental grasses, and hardy geraniums. It spreads quickly and helps suppress weeds, making it a great option for garden beds or around trees. Ajuga does well in both dry and moist soils.

Sedum (Sedum spp.)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 3-9
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: North America
• Toxic to Pets: Most varieties are non-toxic
• Best For: Landscaping, Drought-Tolerant, Weed Control

Sedum, also called “Stonecrop,” is a hardy, drought-tolerant flowering plant with 600 species belongs to the family Crassulaceae. Its clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers, usually in pink or yellow, bloom in late summer and attract pollinators. Two popular varieties are Sedum sieboldii and Sedum lineare. Sedum prefers well-drained soil neutral to slightly alkaline and full sun. It serves a perfect groundcover for dry areas or even green roofs. Once established, it requires minimal care and is great for weed control due to its dense growth.

Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma Fluviatilis)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 6-9
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Australia
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Walkable Groundcover, Landscaping, Pathways

Blue Star Creeper is a low-growing herbaceous perennial flowering plant that forms a dense carpet of tiny, green leaves, which are complemented by small, star-like blue flowers during the warmer months. Thriving in partial shade or dappled sunlight, Blue Star Creeper prefers moist soil and tolerates light foot traffic. Its shade tolerance makes it ideal for planting beneath taller plants, and it naturally grows in damp environments like creek edges, granite outcrops, or wet depressions.

Irish Moss (Sagina Subulata)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 4-8
• Height: 2 inches tall
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Central Europe
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Walkable Groundcover, Ornamental Lawns, Between Stones

Despite its name, Irish Moss is not a moss but a perennial that resembles the lush, soft texture of moss. It forms a dense, bright green mat and produces small white flowers in late spring. Irish Moss prefers cool, moist environments and is ideal for planting between stones or as a low-maintenance lawn substitute in shaded areas. It’s tolerant of foot traffic, a great choice for areas where you want a living, soft surface underfoot.

Pachysandra (Pachysandra Terminalis)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 4-9
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: SE North America
• Toxic to Pets: Yes (mild toxicity)
• Best For: Shady Areas, Landscaping, Groundcover for Under Trees

Pachysandra is an evergreen groundcover that thrives in shaded or partially shaded areas. It forms a dense carpet of glossy, dark green leaves and produces small white flowers in the spring. It’s perfect for planting under trees or in woodland gardens where other plants struggle to grow. Japanese Pachysandra is notorious for its aggressive spreading nature that can quickly overrun the intended garden boundaries. Pachysandra is highly effective in weed suppression and is a low-maintenance plant.

Bergenia (Bergenia Cordifolia)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• Common Names: Pigsqueak, elephant’s ears and  large rockfoil
• USDA Hardy Zones: 4-9
• Maintenance: Medium
• Native to: Asia
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Shady Areas, Ornamental Landscaping, Moist Soil

Bergenia, often called Elephant’s Ear for its large leathery leaves (10″ long by 8″ wide) and pigsqueak due to the sound produced when two leaves are rubbed together. Bergenia cordifolia forms a dense, gradually spreading cluster of foliage that grows up to 12 inches tall. The leaves take on a purplish-bronze hue during the winter months. In April, clusters of small, deep pink flowers bloom on sturdy stems that rise up to 16 inches.

This perennial is suitable for shaded or partially shaded areas and thrives in moist, well-drained soil. It’s a good choice for creating an ornamental groundcover in gardens where you want bold texture and seasonal color. While it requires a bit more maintenance compared to other groundcovers (pruning and watering).

Vinca Minor (Vinca Minor)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 4-9
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Europe
• Toxic to Pets: Yes
• Best For: Landscaping, Shady Areas, Groundcover for Borders

Vinca Minor, or Lesser Periwinkle, is a hardy perennial with evergreen foliage that thrives in both full sun and partial shade. This plant tolerates deep shade. Plant produces purple, blue, or white flowers in the spring and add color to shaded or woodland gardens. Vinca spreads quickly, making it an excellent choice for filling in bare spaces or as a groundcover beneath trees and shrubs.

Periwinkle is used for treating diarrhea, throat ailments, tonsillitis, vaginal discharge, chest pain, high blood pressure, sore throat, swelling and intestinal pain.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 3-9
• Maintenance: Medium
• Native to: Asia/North America
• Toxic to Pets: Yes (moderately toxic)
• Best For: Landscaping, Groundcover for Sunny Areas, Weed Control

Daylilies are a classic choice for low-maintenance landscaping. Their grassy foliage forms a dense mat that serves excellent weed suppression. Each plant produces an abundance of vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in summer, available in many colors including yellow, orange, red, and purple. Daylilies are perfect for sunny locations and can tolerate drought once established. Though they require some attention in terms of division every few years, they are otherwise easy-care and provide long-lasting beauty.

Creeping Juniper (Juniperus Horizontalis)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 3-9
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: North America
• Toxic to Pets: Yes (toxic if ingested)
• Best For: Landscaping, Groundcover for Sunny Areas, Erosion Control

Creeping Juniper or creeping cedar is a low growing shrubby plant that belongs to the family Cupressaceae. It has scale-like green leaves that change to a purple color in the winter. Interestingly, plant grows horizontally across the ground rather than vertically and branches can spread to form a dense mat up to 10 feet wide. The ideal time to plant it is in the spring, though fall is also a suitable option.

Juniperus Horizontalis can adapt to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy. It performs best in full sun conditions. This hardy plant is excellent for preventing soil erosion on slopes or hillsides. While low-maintenance, drought-tolerant and cold tolerant, Creeping Juniper can be a good option used in tough areas.

Mazus (Mazus Reptans)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 5-8
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Asia
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Groundcover for Pathways, Landscaping, Shaded Areas

Creeping Mazus is a fast-growing perennial groundcover that forms a dense, spreading carpet of lush green foliage. It thrives in temperate climates and ideal for filling in gaps between stepping stones or as a lawn substitute in low-traffic areas. The plant produces small, purple or white flowers in the spring, which attract bees and butterflies.

It adapts well to various soil types and thrives in partial to full sun, though it can tolerate light shade.

Liriope (Liriope Muscari): Perennial Flowering Ground Cover

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 4-10
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Asia
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Landscaping, Shady Areas, Groundcover for Borders

Liriope, commonly known as big blue lilyturf, lilyturf, border grass, monkey grass, is a perennial flowering ground cover plant that grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic, and humus-rich soil. It has dark green, grass-like foliage and produces purple or white flower spikes in late summer or early fall. Liriope is ideal for planting in shady or partially shaded areas, a popular choice for garden borders, under trees, or as a lawn substitute. It is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and suppress weeds due to its dense growth habit.

Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon Japonicus)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 6-10
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Japan, China
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Landscaping, Low Borders, Shady Areas

Mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) is a hardy, low-maintenance ornamental grass plant that’s popular in landscaping and as groundcover. This perennial plant forms a dense, grass-like mat and a good choice for adding texture and a subtle, evergreen contrast to shady areas or low garden borders. Typically grows 6–12 inches tall and Small, lavender or white bell-shaped flowers that bloom in summer, often hidden among the foliage. It also works well in pots for patios or balconies.

Sweet Woodruff (Galium Odoratum): Perennial Flowering Ground Cover

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 4-9
• Height: 8 inches at maturity
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Europe, Asia and North Africa
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Shady Areas, Groundcover for Woodland Gardens

Sweet Woodruff is a fragrant, fast-growing perennial groundcover that prefers moist, rich soil in partial to full shade. Its small white flowers bloom in late spring, and the foliage has a sweet, hay-like scent when dried. Sweet Woodruff is a great option for creating a lush, green carpet in shaded areas, particularly in woodland gardens or along the edges of shaded walkways. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established and can spread quickly to fill in large areas.

A symbol of humility, Sweet Woodruff was also thought to bring success in battle when carried by medieval soldiers. 

Creeping Charlie (Glechoma Hederacea)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 2-12
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: British Isles
• Toxic to Pets: Yes
• Best For: Groundcover for Shady Areas, Landscaping, Weed Control

Glechoma Hederacea known with many names as ground Ivy gill-over-the-ground, creeping charlie, alehoof, tunhoof, catsfoot, field balm, and run-away-robin is a fast-growing perennial that forms a dense carpet of green foliage. It produces small purple flowers in the spring and is commonly found in shady or partially shaded areas. Creeping Charlie is good for filling in bare spots or underplanting in garden beds. Though it’s easy to care for, it can become invasive in some areas. Its fast growth makes it a good option for weed control in shaded areas.

Creeping Phlox (Phlox Stolonifera): Perennial Flowering Ground Cover

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 4-9
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: North America
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Landscaping, Ornamental Groundcover, Full Sun

Native to the eastern United States, creeping phlox is a low-growing, perennial groundcover that blooms with vibrant flowers in spring in red, lavender, pink, white, or bluish purple. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, a perfect addition to sunny garden beds, slopes, or rocky areas. Creeping Phlox trailing growth habit and dense foliage can suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion.

Woolly Thyme (Thymus Pseudolanuginosus)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 4-7
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Europe and Asia
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Landscaping, Groundcover for Pathways, Low Foot Traffic

Woolly Thyme is a low-growing herb plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Plants reach rarely to the height of 12 inches and woolly thyme ground cover emits a pleasant fragrance. In late spring to summer, it produces small pink or purple flowers that attract pollinators. This groundcover is slowly spreading in nature, hardy for hot, sunny locations and tolerates dry conditions.

Is wooly thyme the same as creeping thyme?

No, They are different. Creeping thyme is known as Thymus serpyllum, and wooly thyme is Thymus praecox subsp. britannicus, or Thymus pseudolanuginosus.

Houttuynia (Houttuynia Cordata)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 5-11
• Maintenance: Medium
• Native to: Southeast Asia
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Landscaping, Moist Areas, Groundcover for Wetlands

Houttuynia, or Chameleon Plant, is a fast-spreading perennial known for its heart-shaped leaves, which change color throughout the season from green to red and yellow. Houttuynia Cordata has been called with many names as fish mint, fish leaf, rainbow plant, chameleon plant, heart leaf, fish wort, or Chinese lizard tail. This specie is widely used as culinary herb and also has medicinal benefits.

It grows in wide range of soils and can tolerate up to 2 inches of standing water over the crowns. It produces small, white, spiky flowers in late spring and early summer. Though Houttuynia is easy to grow, it can be invasive if given an open space in gardens and difficult to eradicate, so it may need to be restrained by soil barriers or fixed structures.

Sedum “Dragon’s Blood”

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 3-8
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Caucasus, Iran and Turkey
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Landscaping, Drought-Tolerant, Groundcover for Full Sun

Sedum “Dragon’s Blood” is a low-maintenance succulent groundcover that forms a dense mat of reddish-green leaves. This plant grows best in well drained soil and bright sun but it can tolerate partial shade, drought and performs well in poor soils. In late summer, it produces clusters of bright pink flowers that provide contrast against its dark foliage. It spreads quickly, suppress weeds and good plant in containers, pathways, parking strips and much more.

Creeping Mint (Mentha Requienii)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 6a-9b
• Height: 1-3 inches tall
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Corsica, Sardinia, and Montecristo Island
• Toxic to Pets: Not completely safe
• Best For: Groundcover for Aromatic Landscaping, Weed Control

Native to Corsica, Sardinia, and Montecristo, it thrives in USDA zones 6a–9b but can self-seed in colder areas, surviving as an annual in zone 6 and beyond. This plant spreads through creeping stems, forming a dense mat of greenery, making it an excellent ground cover. Creeping Mint is a fragrant, low-growing perennial that produces small purple flowers In late spring to early summer, adding visual appeal.

This herb is commonly used for its aromatic leaves, which release a fresh minty scent when crushed. It’s effective at suppressing weeds due to its dense growth and is perfect for creating a fragrant garden or edible landscape.

Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium Tomentosum): Perennial Flowering Ground Cover

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 3-10
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Europe
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Landscaping, Sunny Areas, Groundcover for Dry Soil

Native to the alpine regions of Europe, Cerastium tomentosum is a hardy perennial flowering groundcover that forms a dense mat of silvery-green foliage, accented by small, white flowers that bloom profusely in late spring and early summer. This groundcover is perfect for sunny, dry areas, such as rock gardens or along pathways. Snow-in-Summer thrives in poor, well-drained soil and is highly drought-tolerant once established. Its attractive foliage and bright flowers add both color and texture to any landscape.

Snow-in-summer is a popular choice for garden parties, weddings, and memorial services and it symbolizes purity and peace.

Lamium (Lamium Maculatum): Deer Resistant Ground Cover

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 4-8
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Europe, western Asia and Northern Africa
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Shady Areas, Groundcover for Under Trees, Weed Control, Deer Resistant

Lamium, commonly called Purple Deadnettle, is a hardy perennial that thrives in shady areas, good for planting under trees or in woodland gardens. It has attractive silver-marked foliage, which contrasts beautifully with its pink, purple, or white flowers. Lamium is a fast-growing groundcover that spreads quickly and is excellent at suppressing weeds. It’s low-maintenance, drought-tolerant and deer resistant.

Deadnettle has the history of medicinal uses to treat as diuretic, anti-allergic and other ailments.

Wild Ginger (Asarum Canadense)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 3-7
• Height: 8 to 10 inches
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Eastern and Midwestern United States and Canada
• Toxic to Pets: Yes
• Best For: Groundcover for Shady Areas, Woodland Gardens

Wild Ginger is a perennial that excels in shady, moist environments. It forms a dense carpet of heart-shaped leaves and produces unique, hidden, brownish flowers near the base of the plant in early spring. Unlike the culinary ginger which provides health many benefits, the wild ginger is toxic and damages kidneys if ingested.

Wild Ginger is ideal for woodland gardens, where it can thrive in the dappled sunlight beneath trees. It’s easy to care for and also has antibiotic properties.

Is wild ginger invasive?

No, wild ginger is not aggressive in nature.

Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia Fragarioides)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 5-9
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: North America
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Landscaping, Shady Areas, Low-Maintenance Groundcover

Barren Strawberry is a low-growing perennial that resembles a strawberry plant, with bright green foliage and small yellow flowers that bloom in early spring. It’s a hardy groundcover both for sun and partial shade and works well in woodland gardens or as an edging plant. This ornamental plant grows upto height 2-3 inches and produce inedible strawberries.

Barren strawberry prefers average soil enriched with organic matter.

Is barren strawberry aggressive?

Not aggressive in nature.

Creeping Raspberry (Rubus Pentalobus)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 6-9
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Taiwan
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Landscaping, Groundcover for Sunny Areas, Low-Maintenance Weed Control

Rubus Pentalobusis a hardy perennial with dark green, glossy foliage that spreads quickly to form a dense mat. Known as creeping raspberry, crinkle-leaf creeper, or Taiwanese creeping bramble, it produces small white flowers in late spring, followed by red, raspberry-like fruits that are edible but not very sweet. Creeping Raspberry serves as groundcover for sunny areas, and it’s effective at suppressing weeds due to its fast growth. Though it can be invasive, it’s perfect for filling in bare spots or slopes and requires little maintenance once established.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Kinnikinnick )

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 3-8
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: North America, Canada
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Landscaping, Erosion Control, Groundcover for Rocky Soils

Kinnikinnick, also known as Bearberry or Red Bearberry, is a low-growing evergreen shrub that forms a thick mat of leathery, dark green leaves. It produces clusters of small white or pink flowers in spring, followed by red berries that attract wildlife. This groundcover is suitable for both sunny to partially shaded areas and is excellent for rocky or sandy soils. Kinnikinnick is drought-tolerant, requires little care and good choice for erosion control on slopes or hillsides.

Spurge (Euphorbia Myrsinites)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 4-8
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Southeastern Europe
• Toxic to Pets: Yes
• Best For: Landscaping, Groundcover for Dry Soils, Rock Gardens

Spurge is a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance perennial succulent that forms a dense mat of bluish-green, succulent leaves. Commonly known as myrtle spurge, blue spurge, donkeytail spurge, or broad-leaved glaucous-spurge, it blooms with small, yellow-green flowers that add a unique touch to landscape in the spring. This groundcover is well-suited for sunny, dry spots, an ideal choice for rock gardens and a hollow topped wall.

Spurge has more than 2,000 species. The plants can be annuals or biennials, though the majority are perennials. Many species are succulents that resemble cacti. These plants produce toxic milky latex when cut, that is poisonous to humans and animals.

Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 3-9
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: North America, Europe and Asia
• Toxic to Pets: Yes
• Best For: Landscaping, Drought-Tolerant Groundcover, Pollinator Gardens

Yarrow is a hardy perennial known for its fern-like foliage and clusters of vibrant flowers that come in a range of colors, including white, pink, yellow, and red. It grows well in full sun and well-drained soil, slightly acidic but it can flourish in sandy, loamy, or even slightly clay-based soils. Yarrow can be grown in open areas, lawns, trailsides, roadsides, fields, meadows and attracts pollinators (bees and butterflies).

I do advise to pair yarrow plant with with Lavender and Echinacea for stunning garden display.

Yarrow is named after the Greek hero Achilles, who famously used the plant to treat the battle wounds of his soldiers.

Heuchera (Heuchera spp.)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 4-9
• Maintenance: Medium
• Native to: Russian Far East and North America
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Landscaping, Shady Areas, Ornamental Groundcover

Heuchera, also known as Coral Bells and alumroot, is a popular evergreen perennial is a genus of about 55 species that thrive in partial or dappled shade. It has striking foliage in shades of purple, red, or silver and produces delicate spikes of tiny flowers in early summer. Coral Bells is good to go for shaded areas under trees or along garden borders and can be used as an ornamental groundcover.

Back in dates, Coral Bells were used to treat wounds and stop bleeding because of their astringent qualities by the native people.

Lamb’s Ear (Stachys Byzantina)

• Annuals or Perennials: Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 4-8
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Armenia, Iran, and Turkey
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Landscaping, Dry Soils, Textural Groundcover

Lamb’s Ear also called woolly hedgenettle, is a soft, silvery perennial flowering plant that is grown in temperate regions as ornamental plant. Originally valued for its medicinal uses, its soft, velvety leaves were used to soothe sore throats, reduce inflammation, and antiseptic dressings for wounds. In late spring, it produces spikes of small pink to purple flowers that are adored by pollinators. Lamb’s ear prefers slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soil and grows best in full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Lamb’s Ear is ideal for sunny, dry areas and is particularly well-suited to rock gardens or pathways. Its drought tolerant, low-maintenance and good as ground cover with fast growing nature.

Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia Maritima):Annual Ground Cover

• Annuals or Perennials: Annual or short lived Perennial
• USDA Hardy Zones: 5-9
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Mediterranean
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Landscaping, Groundcover for Sunny Areas, Border Plants

Lobularia Maritima also called as Sweet Alyssum, Alyssum or sweet alison is a low-growing annual groundcover that produces small, fragrant flowers in white, pink, or purple. It forms a dense mat that spreads quickly and is perfect for filling in garden borders, hanging baskets, or as a seasonal filler in flower beds. Alyssum thrives in full sun with at least six hours of full sun and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. It’s low-maintenance and attracts pollinators, bees and butterflies.

Annual Phlox (Phlox Drummondii): Annual Flowering Ground Cover

• Annuals or Perennials: Annual
• USDA Hardy Zones: 3-9
• Maintenance: Medium
• Native to: Texas
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Ornamental Groundcover, Pollinator Gardens, Full Sun Areas

Annual Phlox is a vibrant, fast-growing annual flowering groundcover with brightly colored blooms in shades of pink, red, magenta, white, and purple. It is a popular showy plant in the southeastern United States. It’s ideal for filling in garden beds or creating a colorful carpet of flowers in sunny spots. Phlox is particularly good for attracting butterflies and other pollinators.

All the varieties of phlox are not edible. Garden phlox is used in dishes.

Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense)

• Annuals or Perennials: Annual (or short-lived perennial)
• USDA Hardy Zones: 3a-9b
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Europe, Asia and Northwest Africa
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Groundcover for Erosion Control, Soil Improvement, Pollinator Gardens

Red Clover is an annual herb of bean family (herbaceae) that quickly spreads to form a dense carpet of green. It blooms with pinkish-red flowers in late spring to early summer, attracting bees and beneficial insects. Red Clover is also used as a cover crop to improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, but it can also be used as a groundcover for erosion control. It grows best in full sun or partial shade and is drought-tolerant.

Red clover has a long history of use in traditional medicine, where it was used to treat variety of ailments, including asthma, whooping cough, cancer, and gout. In modern times, red clover extracts have gained prominence for their potential benefits in alleviating menopause symptoms, helping to manage high cholesterol levels and osteoporosis.

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum Majus)

• Annuals or Perennials: Annual
• USDA Hardy Zones: 9-11
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: South and Central America
• Toxic to Pets: Safe for Dogs and cats
• Best For: Ornamental Groundcover, Edible Landscaping, Full Sun

Nasturtium is a fast-growing annual that produces vibrant flowers in shades of orange, red, and yellow. It has a trailing habit and is ideal for groundcover, hanging baskets, under trees, vegetable gardens and along garden edges. The foliage is also edible and has a peppery flavor. Nasturtiums can grow in 3-6 hours of sun and well drained soil slightly acidic soil with a neutral pH (6–8). Planted with roses and in vegetables gardens, they attract hoverflies, which will destroy aphids.

Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea Batatas):Annual Ground Cover

• Annuals or Perennials: Annual
• USDA Hardy Zones: 9-11 (treated as an annual in colder zones)
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: Central and South America
• Toxic to Pets: Yes
• Best For: Ornamental Groundcover, Full Sun, Hanging Baskets

Sweet Potato Vine is a vigorous annual ground cover vine that produces lush, heart-shaped leaves in shades of green, purple, or bronze. It is commonly used as an ornamental groundcover particularly under the trees or in containers, hanging baskets or as a trailing plant in gardens. It grows best in full sun with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day and is drought-tolerant. Sweet Potato Vine is low-maintenance and will spread quickly to cover large areas.

Portulaca (Moss Rose) (Portulaca Grandiflora)

• Annuals or Perennials: Annual
• USDA Hardy Zones: 2-11
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: southern Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Groundcover for Sunny Areas, Hot Dry Conditions, Seasonal Color

Portulaca, also known as Moss Rose, is a drought-tolerant & heat tolerant annual groundcover that forms a thick, colorful mat of succulent leaves and vibrant flowers in shades of pink, orange, yellow, and red. It thrives in full sun and is performs well in rocky and sandy soils. Portulaca requires little maintenance its fast-growing nature makes it ideal for filling in gaps or adding a splash of color to garden beds, containers, or rock gardens.

Torenia (Wishbone Flower) (Torenia Fournieri)

• Annuals or Perennials: Annual
• USDA Hardy Zones: 2-11
• Maintenance: Medium
• Native to: Tropical Asia, Africa and America
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Shaded Areas, Groundcover for Borders, Ornamental Use

Torenia, also called Wishbone Flower & known for calming properties and subtle, sweet flavor is a low-growing annual that produces colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. It thrives in partial to full shade and in well-draining, rich, loamy soil. Torenia is used as a bedding plant or groundcover in shady spots under trees or shrubs. Other annuals like pansies, coleus, violas and impatiens are good companion plants of Torenia.

Petunia (Petunia spp.)

• Annuals or Perennials: Annual
• USDA Hardy Zones: 9-11
• Maintenance: Low
• Native to: South America
• Toxic to Pets: No
• Best For: Groundcover for Sunny Areas, Border Plants, Seasonal Color

Petunia is a genus of 20 species of flowering plants that can be used as groundcovers because of their prolific blooms and vibrant colors. They come in a wide range of hues, from deep purples and reds to pastels and whites. Besides ground covers, they are good to be planted in containers, slopes, banks, raised beds and hanging baskets.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between annual and perennial groundcovers?

• Annual groundcovers complete their life cycle in one growing season, meaning they sprout, grow, flower, and die within the same year. They are often used to quickly cover areas or to add seasonal color.
• Perennial groundcovers, on the other hand, live for multiple years. They come back year after year, making them a great investment for long-term coverage and low-maintenance landscaping.

Q: What are the best ground cover plants?

Some of the best ground cover plants are creeping jenny, sedum, periwinkle, ivy, creeping thyme, ajuga, creeping phlox and blue Star Creeper.

What is low-maintenance ground cover you can walk on?

Low maintenance ground covers you can walk on are:

• Creeping thyme.
• Irish moss.
• Corsican mint.
• Woolly thyme.
• Blue star creeper.
• Mazus.
• Clover.

Conclusion

Groundcovers are a worth addition to any garden, whether you’re aiming for beautiful landscaping, soil erosion control, or a low-maintenance solution to cover bare spots. With a variety of perennials and annuals to choose from, groundcovers are available for almost every condition, from sunny hillsides to shady spots under trees.

These plants provide benefits like stunning appeal, weeds control, erosion prevention, and wildlife attraction.

Choose plants that will thrive in your specific garden conditions to ensure lasting beauty and functionality.

Get Ready to transform your landscape.

Happy gardening! 🌿🌸