Tired of pulling weeds every weekend? The right ground cover can do the work for you while filling your yard with color. These low-growing plants spread fast, thrive in many conditions, and bloom so beautifully that weeds do not stand a chance. Whether you have sun, shade, dry soil, or slopes, there is a plant here that fits the bill. Here are some of the best flowering ground covers that outgrow weeds and brighten up your space.
1. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Creeping Phlox is a colorful ground cover that blooms in spring with a carpet of pink, purple, or white flowers. It grows low to the ground and forms a thick mat that keeps weeds from growing. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It works well on slopes or rock gardens. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and easy to maintain. The flowers also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
2. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny is a fast-growing ground cover known for its chartreuse foliage and small yellow blooms. It spreads quickly, forming a dense mat that helps block out weeds. This plant grows best in moist, well-drained soil and can handle partial shade to full sun. In warm climates, it stays green year-round. In colder areas, it may die back in winter but returns in spring. It is often used along borders or cascading over walls.
3. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet Woodruff is a shade-loving plant with tiny white flowers that bloom in spring. It has fragrant leaves and grows well under trees or in wooded areas. The plant spreads by underground stems and quickly covers bare soil, which helps prevent weeds. It prefers moist, rich soil but can tolerate some dryness. Sweet Woodruff also stays green throughout much of the year in mild climates.
4. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga is a tough ground cover that spreads fast and blooms in spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers. Its leaves come in shades of green, burgundy, or variegated forms. Ajuga grows well in sun or shade and forms dense mats that block sunlight from reaching weed seeds. It prefers well-drained soil but can adapt to various conditions. This plant also handles foot traffic fairly well.
5. Dead Nettle (Lamium maculatum)
Dead Nettle is a colorful, shade-tolerant ground cover with silver-patterned leaves and pink, purple, or white flowers. It spreads quickly and forms a thick cover that stops weeds from growing. Dead Nettle prefers moist, well-drained soil but can adapt to dry spots. It is great for woodland gardens or shady corners. The plant stays attractive throughout the growing season.
6. Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi)
Ice Plant is a drought-tolerant ground cover with bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or yellow. It thrives in full sun and sandy or rocky soil. The plant forms a low-growing mat that spreads quickly and helps prevent weeds. Its fleshy leaves store water, making it perfect for dry climates. Ice Plant also adds color through most of the summer.
7. Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
Candytuft is an evergreen ground cover that produces clusters of white flowers in early spring. It grows well in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. This plant forms a compact mat that keeps weeds at bay. After blooming, its glossy green leaves remain attractive. Candytuft works well in borders, rock gardens, or even containers. It is low-maintenance and reliable year after year.
8. Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)
Woolly Thyme is a soft, low-growing herb with fuzzy gray-green leaves and small purple flowers. It thrives in full sun and dry, well-drained soil. This plant forms a dense mat that can handle light foot traffic and smothers weeds. It works well between stepping stones or along garden paths. Woolly Thyme also adds a pleasant scent when touched or brushed against.
9. Bugleweed (Ajuga genevensis)
Bugleweed is a tough, spreading ground cover that sends up short spikes of blue or purple flowers in spring. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade but can also handle sun. The plant grows close to the ground and forms a thick mat that outcompetes weeds. It is often used under shrubs or in hard-to-mow areas. The leaves can be green or bronze, adding color even when not in bloom.
10. Lithodora (Lithodora diffusa)
Lithodora is a low-growing evergreen with bright blue flowers that bloom from spring into early summer. It prefers full sun and acidic, well-drained soil. This plant forms a tight mat that keeps weeds from getting established. It works well in rock gardens or along garden edges. Lithodora also adds evergreen interest during the cooler months.
11. Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)
Blue Star Creeper is a tiny plant that forms a thick carpet of green leaves topped with star-shaped blue flowers. It grows well in full sun or light shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. This plant spreads quickly and can even handle light foot traffic. It works great between pavers or as a lawn alternative. Its dense growth helps keep weeds away.
12. Yellow Alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis)
Yellow Alyssum is a spring bloomer with clusters of bright yellow flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. This plant spreads quickly and forms a mound that spills over walls or garden edges. It crowds out weeds by covering bare ground. Yellow Alyssum works well in dry areas and rock gardens. The blooms attract early pollinators, too.
13. Moss Pink (Phlox subulata 'Rosea')
Moss Pink is a variety of Creeping Phlox known for its rose-colored blooms. It forms a thick, flowering mat that blooms in spring and blocks weeds. This plant likes full sun and well-drained soil. It spreads slowly at first but fills in nicely over time. Moss Pink adds early-season color and works well on slopes or along pathways. It is also drought-tolerant once established.
14. Rock Cress (Arabis caucasica)
Rock Cress is a tough, low-growing perennial that blooms with white or pink flowers in spring. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. This plant spreads quickly and covers the ground with a dense mat that stops weeds. Rock Cress is ideal for slopes, rock gardens, or edging. It needs little care and holds up well in dry areas.
15. Veronica (Veronica prostrata)
Veronica prostrata is a creeping perennial with bright blue flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. The plant forms a dense, spreading mat that keeps weeds from sprouting. It also adds color and texture to borders or rock gardens. Veronica is drought-tolerant and easy to grow once established.
16. Sedum (Sedum spurium)
Sedum spurium is a low-growing succulent that spreads easily and blooms in pink, red, or white. It thrives in poor, dry soil and full sun. This plant stores water in its leaves, making it perfect for hot, dry spots. Sedum forms a thick mat that blocks weeds and adds year-round interest. It is great for slopes, borders, or even containers.
17. Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)
Snow-in-Summer is a fast-spreading plant with silvery leaves and white flowers that bloom in late spring. It thrives in full sun and dry, well-drained soil. This ground cover quickly forms a dense carpet that crowds out weeds. It is perfect for rock gardens, slopes, or along pathways. The silver foliage stays attractive even when not in bloom.
18. Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Vinca Minor is a popular evergreen ground cover with shiny leaves and blue or purple flowers. It grows in sun or shade and spreads through trailing stems that root as they go. This plant forms a thick mat that blocks out weeds. It works well under trees, on slopes, or in hard-to-mow areas. Vinca Minor is very low-maintenance once established.
19. Coreopsis (Coreopsis auriculata 'Nana')
Coreopsis 'Nana' is a compact variety that produces bright yellow flowers in late spring and summer. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. This plant forms a low mound that spreads slowly, helping to crowd out weeds. It is ideal for borders, slopes, or mixed with other low growers. Coreopsis is also loved by pollinators and is easy to grow.
20. Helianthemum (Sun Rose)
Sun Rose is a spreading ground cover with small, colorful flowers that bloom in late spring and summer. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. This plant forms a low, evergreen mat that helps keep weeds from growing. It is perfect for rock gardens or dry areas. Sun Rose needs little water once established and adds long-lasting color.
21. Mazus (Mazus reptans)
Mazus is a fast-growing ground cover with small purple or blue flowers that bloom in spring and summer. It grows well in moist soil and partial shade but can also handle sun. The plant spreads quickly and forms a tight mat that chokes out weeds. It is great between stepping stones or as a lawn alternative. Mazus also handles light foot traffic well.
22. Chrysogonum (Green and Gold)
Chrysogonum is a native ground cover with yellow daisy-like flowers and green, fuzzy leaves. It grows well in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. This plant spreads by runners and forms a dense cover that prevents weeds. It is perfect for woodland gardens or shady borders. Green and Gold also blooms on and off throughout the growing season.
23. Soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides)
Soapwort is a trailing plant with small pink flowers that bloom in late spring. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. The plant spreads easily and covers ground quickly, making it useful for weed control. Soapwort is often seen spilling over rocks or walls. It is also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Once planted, it fills in empty spaces fast.
24. Hardy Geranium (Geranium sanguineum)
Hardy Geranium is a perennial with magenta or pink flowers and deeply cut leaves. It grows well in sun or partial shade and tolerates a range of soils. The plant forms a spreading mound that helps block weeds. It blooms from late spring into summer and often reblooms in fall. Hardy Geranium is easy to grow and adds color to garden edges or borders.
25. Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)
Purple Heart is a bold ground cover with deep purple leaves and small pink flowers. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. The plant spreads by trailing stems that root as they grow. It forms a thick mat that keeps weeds away. Purple Heart is often used in warm climates as a colorful accent in borders or containers.
Ground Covers That Do the Hard Work for You
Choosing the right ground cover can make gardening easier and more rewarding. These plants do more than just bloom beautifully. They spread fast, cover bare spots, and stop weeds before they start. With so many options, you can find one that fits your space, whether it is sunny, shady, dry, or damp. From soft textures to bold colors, these ground covers offer both beauty and purpose. Plant them once and enjoy a garden that stays full and neat with less effort.
Are these restricted to certain zones . I live in southern Louisiana
Thank you. I think I need them all. The grass in my biggest bed comes close to defeating me.
I really enjoyed this article. I’ve been looking for a ground cover for a very steep bumpy slope. That’s nearly impossible to mow. And debating between the Vinca Minor and Lithodora. The growing zones would have been helpful however, I can do the research on that. I hope they’re good for my zone three. Thank you.
Are they also prone to leave the flower bed borders and spread to the grass? If so, how would you prevent that?