50 Best Ground Cover Plants for Every Garden
Sun and shade lovers, drought-tolerant varieties, flowering ground covers, and evergreen options — replace lawn, control erosion, and fill difficult areas with the right plants.
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Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Hardy to zone 4. Spreads 12–18 in/year. Tolerates foot traffic, releases fragrance when walked on, blooms pink-purple in early summer. Plant 12 in apart. Replaces grass between stepping stones. Full sun, excellent drainage. One of the most useful and beautiful ground covers available.
Sedum spurium 'Dragon's Blood'
Evergreen in zones 4–9. Red-tipped leaves that intensify in cold. Pink flowers in summer. Spreads by stolons, covers 1–2 sq ft per plant in first year. Excellent for slopes, between rocks, and hot/dry areas. Plant 12 in apart. Zero irrigation after establishment.
Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)
Woody evergreen shrub spreading 6–8 ft wide, 12–18 in tall. Varieties: 'Blue Chip' (blue-silver), 'Bar Harbor' (blue-green), 'Wiltonii' (Blue Rug, very flat). Stabilizes slopes, zero irrigation after establishment, deer resistant. Hardy to zone 3. Plant 3–4 ft apart.
Delosperma (Ice Plant)
Succulent ground cover with brilliant magenta, orange, or yellow daisy-like flowers. Blooms all summer. Hardy to zone 5 (some varieties to zone 4). Spreads 18–24 in. Full sun, dry, well-drained soil — ideal for rock gardens and hot slopes. Evergreen in mild climates.
Cerastium tomentosum (Snow-in-Summer)
Silver-white foliage with masses of white flowers in late spring. Hardy to zone 3. Spreads aggressively in cool climates — plant where it can roam. Excellent between rocks and stone walls. Drought-tolerant once established. Shear after bloom to keep tidy and compact.
Phlox subulata (Moss Phlox)
Spring-blooming carpet of pink, white, lavender, or red flowers. Evergreen needle-like foliage the rest of the year. Hardy to zone 3. Spreads 18–24 in per plant. Excellent on slopes, rock walls, and edging. Plant 12–18 in apart. Shear lightly after bloom to maintain compact form.
Liriope (Lilyturf)
Grass-like evergreen clumps, 12–18 in tall. Lavender flower spikes in late summer, black berries in fall. Hardy to zone 5. Tolerates heat, drought, and competition from tree roots. 'Muscari' and 'Variegata' are popular cultivars. Plant 12 in apart, spreads slowly. Excellent under trees and in hot, dry areas.
Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)
Fast-spreading rosette plant with bronze, purple, or variegated foliage. Blue flower spikes in spring. Hardy to zone 3. Spreads by runners — 18–24 in/year. Tolerates part shade. 'Chocolate Chip' stays compact; 'Burgundy Glow' is variegated pink/cream. Plant 6–12 in apart for quick coverage.
Lantana camara (Trailing Lantana)
Zones 8–11 perennial, grown as annual in colder climates. Covers large areas quickly (3–4 ft spread) with continuous bloom in yellow, orange, pink, or multicolor from May to frost. Butterfly magnet. Drought-tolerant once established. Excellent for slopes in warm climates.
Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus)
Fine-textured, deep green grass-like ground cover. Hardy to zone 7. Slow-spreading — plant 6 in apart for solid coverage in 2 years. Black mondo grass (O. planiscapus 'Nigrescens') is a dramatic black-leaved variety. Excellent under trees, tolerates dry shade. Virtually maintenance-free once established.
🌲Shade-Tolerant Ground Covers
Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge)
The classic shade ground cover for good reason: spreads steadily, stays 6–8 in tall, year-round evergreen, and smothers weeds once established. Hardy to zone 4. Tolerates deep shade and competition from tree roots. Plant 6–9 in apart. Covers difficult areas where almost nothing else grows.
Vinca minor (Periwinkle)
Evergreen, spreading ground cover with lavender-blue flowers in spring. Hardy to zone 4. Spreads 12–18 in per year by runners. Tolerates deep shade but blooms more in part shade. 'Alba' is white-flowered. Excellent under mature trees. Can become invasive in some regions — check local guidelines.
Epimedium (Barrenwort)
One of the best dry shade ground covers available. Heart-shaped leaves with bronze new growth in spring, yellow/pink/white flowers before leaves emerge. Hardy to zone 4–5. Spreads slowly by rhizomes. Once established, virtually indestructible. Deer resistant. Plant 12 in apart.
Tiarella (Foamflower)
Native woodland plant with delicate white or pink flower spikes in spring. Attractive heart-shaped leaves with deep red markings. Hardy to zone 3. Spreads by stolons — 12–18 in per year in good shade conditions. Part to full shade. Perfect under mature trees with acidic soil.
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
Native shade ground cover with large, heart-shaped leaves that spread slowly to form a dense mat. Hardy to zone 3. Extremely low maintenance — essentially zero once established. Deer resistant. Curious jug-shaped flowers hidden under leaves in spring. Needs moist, humus-rich, acidic soil.
Lamium maculatum (Dead Nettle)
Silver-patterned leaves brighten dark shade. Pink or white flowers in spring. Hardy to zone 3. Fast-spreading — 18–24 in per year. Excellent under shrubs and trees where little else grows. 'White Nancy' (white flowers, silver leaves) and 'Pink Pewter' are popular cultivars. Tolerates dry shade once established.
Hostas (Hosta spp.)
The quintessential shade perennial — grown primarily for dramatic leaf size and color variation. Mini hostas (4 in) to giant (5+ ft wide). Hardy to zone 3. Slowly expand each year. Plant 18–36 in apart depending on variety. Slug-resistant varieties: Sum and Substance, Halcyon, Guacamole. Cut back frost-killed leaves in spring.
Hellebore (Helleborus)
Evergreen perennial with nodding flowers in late winter to early spring — one of the first bloomers. Hardy to zone 4. Self-seeds to form colonies over time. Deer and slug resistant. Tolerates dry shade under deciduous trees. Plant 18 in apart. Low maintenance after establishment — minimal deadheading, minimal watering.
Ferns (Native varieties)
Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) — vase-shaped, spreads by runners, up to 5 ft tall; Autumn fern (Dryopteris) — copper-red new growth, evergreen; Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) — evergreen, native, reliable. All prefer moist shade. Hardy to zone 3–5 depending on variety. Plant 18–24 in apart.
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Delicate white flower-covered ground cover in spring. Whorled leaves smell of fresh hay when dried. Spreads rapidly in moist shade — can cover a large area in 3 years. Hardy to zone 4. Traditional herbal plant. Excellent under deciduous shrubs and trees. Goes dormant in extreme drought.
🏜️Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers
Creeping Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus')
Trailing rosemary drapes over walls and slopes. Reaches 2 ft tall, spreads 4–8 ft wide. Fragrant, edible, blue flowers in late winter/early spring. Hardy to zone 8. Full sun, excellent drainage. Popular in California, Southwest, and Mediterranean climates for slope stabilization and fragrance.
Oregano vulgare (Ornamental Oregano)
Spreading herb that functions as ground cover in hot, dry sites. Fragrant, culinary, and ornamental with purple flowers that attract pollinators. Hardy to zone 5. Spreads 12–18 in per year. Shear in early spring to rejuvenate. Excellent between stepping stones and in rock gardens.
Gazania (Treasure Flower)
Drought-tolerant, sun-loving ground cover with brilliant orange, yellow, red, and multicolor daisy flowers. Zones 9–11 perennial; annual elsewhere. Spreads 12–18 in. Blooms continuously in hot weather. Excellent for coastal gardens, slope stabilization, and hot exposed areas. Closes flowers at night.
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry)
Native evergreen ground cover, extremely drought-tolerant once established. Spreads to 6 ft wide, stays 6–12 in tall. Red berries in fall, white/pink flowers in spring. Hardy to zone 2. Preferred for large-scale naturalistic landscaping, wildlife gardens, and problem slopes in cold, dry climates.
Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Lawn-substitute option: apple-scented, spreads 18 in, releases fragrance when walked on. White daisy flowers if left uncut. Hardy to zone 6. Tolerates light foot traffic and dry conditions. Non-spreading variety 'Treneague' stays neat. Traditional English garden ground cover for herb gardens and formal pathways.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Low-spreading lavender varieties used as ground cover: 'Hidcote' or 'Munstead' planted 18 in apart create a fragrant, flowering carpet in zones 5–9. Full sun, excellent drainage. Deer resistant, attracts pollinators, edible flowers. Shear by one-third after bloom. Woody plant with 8–15 year lifespan.
Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens)
Steel-blue ornamental grass, 18–24 in mounding. Hardy to zone 4. Drought-tolerant, deer resistant. Excellent planted in mass as ground cover or mixed with other drought-tolerant plants. Does not spread aggressively — divide every 3–4 years. Full sun. Eye-catching blue color through all seasons.
Yucca filamentosa (Adam's Needle)
Structural, architectural ground cover for full sun, dry conditions. Sword-shaped leaves in rosette, dramatic white flower spike in summer. Hardy to zone 4. Spreads slowly by offsets. Plant in groups for mass effect. Tolerates road salt and coastal exposure. Nearly indestructible once established.
Salvia x sylvestris (Woodland Sage)
Low-spreading salvia varieties work as ground cover in sunny, dry borders: 'May Night', 'Caradonna'. Hardy to zone 4. Drought-tolerant, deer resistant, pollinator magnet. Plant 18 in apart; spreads slowly. Deadhead after first bloom for rebloom. Shear by half in late summer for fall flush.
Penstemon (Beardtongue)
Western native penstemons spread and reseed in hot, dry, rocky soil — classic drought-tolerant ground cover for the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains region. P. pinifolius (zones 4–9), P. strictus (zones 3–9). Tubular red/blue/purple flowers attract hummingbirds. No irrigation needed after establishment.
🌸Flowering Ground Covers
Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii)
Spreading perennial covered in lavender-blue flower spikes from June through frost if deadheaded. Hardy to zone 4. 'Walker's Low' grows 18–24 in tall, spreads 36 in. Drought-tolerant, deer resistant, pollinator magnet. Plant 24 in apart. Cut back by half after first bloom for extended flowering season.
Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Tough, spreading ground cover with strap-like foliage and dramatic flowers in every color. 'Stella d'Oro' stays compact (12 in); taller varieties spread 24–30 in. Hardy to zone 3. Tolerates drought, poor soil, and full sun. Naturalizes on slopes. Divides easily — free plants every 3–4 years.
Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan)
Native perennial that self-seeds and naturalizes into a ground-covering colony. Golden-yellow flowers from July through September. Hardy to zone 3. Full sun, tolerates poor soil and drought. Plant 18 in apart, let it spread. Excellent for naturalizing slopes, meadow edges, and low-maintenance areas.
Geranium sanguineum (Bloody Cranesbill)
Hardy geranium spreading 18–24 in. Magenta, pink, or white flowers from May through July, sometimes reblooming. Hardy to zone 4. Tolerates part shade and dry conditions. 'Striatum' is pink-veined. Attractive fall foliage as bonus. Low maintenance — divide every 4–5 years to refresh.
Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Coreopsis)
Fine-textured mounding perennial spreading 18–24 in with golden-yellow daisy flowers from June through August. Hardy to zone 3. Drought-tolerant, full sun. 'Moonbeam' is pale yellow; 'Zagreb' is bright gold. Divide every 3 years. No deadheading needed — self-cleaning. Excellent mass-planted as ground cover.
Veronica prostrata (Creeping Speedwell)
Mat-forming perennial with brilliant blue flower spikes in spring. Spreads 12–18 in, stays under 6 in tall. Hardy to zone 4. Tolerates light foot traffic. Full sun to part shade. One of the best low-growing blue-flowered ground covers. Combine with creeping thyme for a fragrant, colorful lawn alternative.
Polygonum aviculare (Silver Fleece Vine)
Fast-spreading ground cover with tiny white flowers covering the plant in late summer and fall. Hardy to zone 4. Vigorous — contains in areas where spread is welcome. 'Painters Palette' has variegated pink and cream leaves. Good for covering unsightly slopes quickly. Needs room to roam.
Oenothera speciosa (Pink Evening Primrose)
Native spreading ground cover with soft pink flowers from May through July. Spreads aggressively by underground runners — use where you want coverage, not in manicured beds. Hardy to zone 5. Full sun, drought-tolerant. Excellent for naturalizing slopes and wildflower borders.
Dianthus deltoides (Maiden Pink)
Spreading mat of blue-green foliage with pink, red, or white flowers in early summer. Hardy to zone 3. Spreads 12–18 in. Fragrant flowers. Full sun, well-drained soil — tolerates poor, rocky soil. Excellent in rock gardens and between stepping stones. Shear after bloom for repeat flowering.
Alchemilla mollis (Lady's Mantle)
Chartreuse-yellow flower sprays over velvety, rounded leaves that hold raindrops like mercury. Hardy to zone 3. Spreads 18–24 in by self-seeding. Part shade preferred; tolerates full sun if moist. Excellent edging and ground cover under roses and shrubs. Shear to ground in midsummer for fresh foliage.
🌿Evergreen & Year-Round Ground Covers
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Vigorous evergreen vine used as ground cover. Hardy to zone 5. Spreads rapidly (4–6 ft/year). Dense coverage under trees where grass won't grow. Note: invasive in many US regions — check local regulations before planting. Where appropriate, one of the most effective ground covers for difficult shade areas.
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
Native evergreen ground cover with white flowers, red berries, and aromatic leaves. Hardy to zone 3. Spreads 6–12 in per year by underground runners. Berries persist through winter, attracting birds. Needs acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5) and part shade. Excellent under acid-loving shrubs.
Sarcococca (Sweet Box)
Evergreen shrub spreading 3–4 ft wide. Tiny white flowers in late winter are intensely fragrant — one of the sweetest winter scents in the garden. Hardy to zone 6. Tolerates deep shade and dry conditions. Slow-spreading. Black berries after flowering. Excellent under trees and in foundation beds.
Cotoneaster dammeri (Bearberry Cotoneaster)
Prostrate evergreen shrub spreads 6–8 ft wide, stays under 12 in tall. White flowers in spring, red berries through winter (bird food). Hardy to zone 5. Drought-tolerant, deer resistant. Excellent for large-scale slope coverage and mass plantings. Plant 3–4 ft apart for 2-year coverage.
Hypericum calycinum (Aaron's Beard)
Semi-evergreen ground cover with large bright yellow flowers in summer. Spreads aggressively by underground runners — use where coverage is needed, not near beds. Hardy to zone 5. Tolerates poor soil, shade, and drought. Cut to ground every 2–3 years to rejuvenate. Good for large, low-maintenance areas.
Microbiota decussata (Siberian Cypress)
Hardy to zone 2 — one of the most cold-hardy evergreen ground covers. Feathery green foliage turns bronze-purple in winter. Spreads 6–8 ft wide. Shade tolerant — unlike most conifers. Deer resistant, extremely low maintenance. Plant 3–4 ft apart for solid coverage. Excellent alternative to creeping juniper in shade.
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Compact clumping perennial with spectacular foliage in caramel, burgundy, lime, silver, and more. Hardy to zone 3–4. Plant 12–18 in apart as a mass-planting ground cover. Delicate flower spikes attract hummingbirds. Tolerates part shade to full shade. Divide every 3–4 years. Some drought tolerance once established.
Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue)
Mounding ornamental grass with steel-blue coloration year-round. Hardy to zone 4. 10–12 in mounds spaced 12–18 in apart create a textured, low-maintenance ground cover. Full sun, excellent drainage, drought-tolerant. Evergreen. Divide every 2–3 years when centers die out. Mass plantings are striking.
Carex (Sedge)
Grass-like evergreen plants for moist to average soil. Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' (variegated, shade, zone 5), Carex flacca (blue-green, drought-tolerant, zone 5), Carex pensylvanica (native, dry shade, zone 3). Spreads slowly. Nearly zero maintenance. Excellent alternative to grass in problem areas.
Thymus pulegioides (Broad-Leaf Thyme)
Spreading thyme variety with larger leaves than creeping thyme. More vigorous spreader — covers 2–3 sq ft in first year. Fragrant, pink-purple bloom in summer. Hardy to zone 4. Tolerates foot traffic, deer resistant, attracts bees. Excellent large-scale ground cover for hot, dry slopes and pathways.
Ground Cover Plants by Condition
Quick-reference guide to the best ground cover for your specific growing conditions.
| Condition | Top Picks | Annual Spread | Height | Hardy Zones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun + Dry | Creeping Thyme, Sedum, Ice Plant | 12–24 in/yr | 3–12 in | 3–11 |
| Shade + Dry | Epimedium, Pachysandra, Vinca | 6–18 in/yr | 4–12 in | 3–9 |
| Sun + Drought | Creeping Rosemary, Bearberry, Lavender | 12–36 in/yr | 6–24 in | 2–11 |
| Flowering Coverage | Catmint, Daylily, Geranium | 18–36 in/yr | 12–24 in | 3–9 |
| Evergreen Year-Round | Cotoneaster, Blue Fescue, Carex | 6–24 in/yr | 6–18 in | 2–9 |
Ground Cover Plants FAQs
What is the fastest-spreading ground cover plant?
Fastest-spreading ground covers: Vinca minor (periwinkle) covers large areas in 2–3 years. Ajuga reptans fills in within 1–2 seasons. Lamium maculatum spreads 18–24 in per year. For slopes: Hypericum calycinum (Aaron's Beard) spreads aggressively. For dry sun: Sedum spurium and creeping juniper cover large areas within 2 years. Fastest of all: invasive species like English ivy — check if legal in your area first.
What ground covers grow in full shade?
Best ground covers for full shade: Pachysandra terminalis (classic, reliable), Epimedium (extremely drought-tolerant dry shade), Vinca minor (aggressive spreader), Wild Ginger (native, slow but permanent), Sweet Woodruff (fragrant, fills in quickly), Lamium maculatum (silver foliage lights up dark areas), Hostas (for leaf texture and variety), and native ferns. For deep dry shade under maples: Epimedium is the top choice — nothing else competes.
What ground covers prevent weeds?
Ground covers prevent weeds by shading out germination and filling space. Most effective weed suppressors once established: Pachysandra (dense canopy), creeping juniper (woody, smothers everything), English ivy (aggressive, dense), Vinca minor, Liriope (grass-like, very dense once filled in). Key: plant densely, mulch between plants for the first 2 years while plants establish, and weed consistently in year 1. By year 2–3, most vigorous ground covers become self-maintaining.
Can ground covers replace lawn?
Yes — with caveats. Ground covers replace lawn beautifully in areas without foot traffic: slopes, under trees, along fence lines, foundation beds. For areas with foot traffic, use foot-traffic-tolerant options: creeping thyme (light traffic), Irish or Scotch moss (light traffic), or dwarf mondo grass. Most ground covers cannot survive regular mowing or heavy foot traffic. They're best for areas where lawn struggles anyway — deep shade, steep slopes, root-filled soil.
How far apart should I plant ground covers?
Spacing guide: Pachysandra, Vinca, Ajuga — 6–9 in for fast coverage, 12 in for budget planting (fills in slower). Epimedium, Hostas — 12–18 in. Daylilies, Liriope, Carex — 12–18 in. Creeping Juniper, Cotoneaster — 3–4 ft (they spread very wide). Catmint, Geranium — 18–24 in. Tighter spacing = faster coverage and less weeding in year 1, but higher plant cost.
Can Yardcast help me choose ground cover plants for my yard?
Yes — upload a photo of any area in your yard and Yardcast AI generates photorealistic designs showing how different ground cover plants would look in your specific space, whether it's a shaded corner, a steep slope, or a sun-baked hillside. Get plant recommendations, spacing guides, and cost estimates instantly.
See Your Ground Cover Design Before You Plant
Upload a photo of your yard and get AI-generated designs showing exactly how different ground covers would look in your specific space — slopes, shade beds, or full-sun areas.
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