Ground Cover Plants: 560+ Beautiful Choices for Every Garden

Ground cover plants can transform empty garden spaces into colorful, living carpets with very little effort. These low-growing plants spread across soil, soften hard edges, and help create a polished landscape. Some choices thrive in full sun, while others prefer shade beneath trees. Many also work well between stepping stones, along pathways, around shrubs, or beneath larger plants. Whether you want flowering ground covers, evergreen foliage, drought-tolerant varieties, or fast-spreading plants, there are plenty of options to explore. The right plant can also add seasonal interest without overwhelming the rest of your garden. From creeping thyme and sweet woodruff to ajuga and sedum, each option brings a different texture, color, and growth habit.

This complete collection brings together ground cover plants for sunny beds, shady corners, rocky areas, cottage gardens, woodland spaces, and low-maintenance landscapes. You’ll find flowering ground covers, colorful foliage plants, fragrant choices, succulent varieties, and hardy options for challenging spaces. In addition, many selections provide useful alternatives to traditional lawns. Some remain green through much of the year, while others produce beautiful seasonal flowers. If you’re planning a new garden bed, filling bare soil, or simply looking for attractive landscape plants, these ideas can help narrow your choices. Use the lists as inspiration, then check each plant’s growing requirements before planting.

Ground Cover Plants for Sunny Gardens

Sunny spaces offer many opportunities for colorful and vigorous low-growing plants. These ground cover plants enjoy bright conditions and can create dense, attractive layers across open garden beds.

• Creeping Thyme
• Woolly Thyme
• Pink Chintz Thyme
• Red Creeping Thyme
• Blue Star Creeper
• Creeping Jenny
• Basket-of-Gold
• Candytuft
• Creeping Phlox
• Rock Cress
• Sea Thrift
• Snow-in-Summer
• Wallflower
• Moss Phlox
• Aubrieta
• Creeping Speedwell
• Golden Star
• Dianthus
• Creeping Rosemary
• Creeping Oregano
• Creeping Marjoram
• Sedum Angelina
• Sedum Dragon’s Blood
• Sedum Coral Carpet
• Sedum Tricolor
• Sedum Spurium
• Stonecrop
• Ice Plant
• Delosperma Cooperi
• Blue Fescue
• Silver Carpet
• Snow Rose
• Creeping Sage
• Creeping Germander
• Dwarf Lamb’s Ear
• Silver Mound
• Creeping Santolina
• Dwarf Yarrow
• Creeping Daisy
• Prairie Clover
• Sunshine Carpet

Ground Cover Plants for Shady Gardens

Shady areas can feel difficult to plant, but many low-growing species thrive with filtered or limited sunlight. These choices bring texture, color, and seasonal interest beneath trees and around woodland borders.

• Sweet Woodruff
• Wild Ginger
• Bunchberry
• Barrenwort
• Lily of the Valley
• Dead Nettle
• Spotted Dead Nettle
• Creeping Jenny
• Pachysandra
• Japanese Spurge
• Periwinkle
• Vinca Minor
• Epimedium
• Creeping Raspberry
• Foamflower
• Heuchera
• Coral Bells
• Creeping Mazus
• Irish Moss
• Scotch Moss
• Mondo Grass
• Liriope
• Ajuga Burgundy Glow
• Ajuga Chocolate Chip
• Ajuga Black Scallop
• Creeping Forget-Me-Not
• Wild Violet
• Creeping Saxifrage
• Woodland Stonecrop
• Lungwort
• Hellebore
• Dwarf Solomon’s Seal
• Creeping Fern
• Goldenstar
• Bishop’s Cap
• False Lily of the Valley
• Canadian Wild Ginger
• Allegheny Spurge
• Blue-Eyed Grass
• Wild Strawberry
• Partridge Berry

Flowering Ground Cover Plants for Color

Flowering ground covers can turn plain soil into a vibrant garden display. These selections provide blooms in different colors, making them useful for borders, rock gardens, pathways, and decorative beds.

• Creeping Phlox
• Creeping Thyme
• Candytuft
• Aubrieta
• Rock Cress
• Snow-in-Summer
• Moss Phlox
• Creeping Speedwell
• Creeping Bellflower
• Blue Star Creeper
• Creeping Buttercup
• Wild Geranium
• Hardy Geranium
• Cranesbill
• Bunchberry
• Lily of the Valley
• Sweet Woodruff
• Periwinkle
• Creeping Veronica
• Dianthus Firewitch
• Dianthus Bath’s Pink
• Dianthus Tiny Rubies
• Creeping Baby’s Breath
• Sea Thrift
• Pasque Flower
• Creeping Campanula
• Dwarf Aster
• Creeping Goldenrod
• Creeping Cinquefoil
• Creeping Potentilla
• Golden Star
• Mazus Reptans
• Creeping Phacelia
• Blue-Eyed Grass
• Wild Strawberry
• Creeping Buttercup
• Purple Dead Nettle
• White Dead Nettle
• Creeping Speedwell
• Carolina Phlox

Evergreen Ground Cover Plants for Year-Round Interest

Evergreen ground covers help keep garden beds visually appealing when many other plants become dormant. Their foliage provides structure and can reduce the appearance of bare soil during colder months.

• Creeping Juniper
• Blue Star Juniper
• Shore Juniper
• Japanese Spurge
• Pachysandra
• Periwinkle
• English Ivy
• Baltic Ivy
• Wintercreeper
• Bearberry
• Creeping Mahonia
• Mondo Grass
• Liriope
• Scotch Moss
• Irish Moss
• Wall Germander
• Candytuft
• Creeping Thyme
• Woolly Thyme
• Creeping Rosemary
• Rock Cress
• Basket-of-Gold
• Snow-in-Summer
• Lamb’s Ear
• Silver Carpet
• Creeping Cotoneaster
• Bearberry Cotoneaster
• Japanese Forest Grass
• Hens and Chicks
• Creeping Sedum
• Dragon’s Blood Sedum
• Angelina Sedum
• Blue Fescue
• Creeping Wire Vine
• Brass Buttons
• Creeping Mazus
• Golden Creeping Jenny
• Dwarf Mondo Grass
• Creeping Jenny
• Purple Wintercreeper

Fast Growing Ground Cover Plants for Empty Spaces

Fast-spreading plants can quickly fill open areas and create a fuller landscape. However, growth speed matters, so choose varieties that fit the available space and remain manageable in your garden.

• Creeping Jenny
• Ajuga
• Vinca Minor
• Pachysandra
• Sweet Woodruff
• Creeping Phlox
• Creeping Thyme
• Mazus Reptans
• Creeping Raspberry
• Creeping Wire Vine
• Creeping Charlie
• English Ivy
• Wintercreeper
• Liriope
• Mondo Grass
• Creeping Sedum
• Dragon’s Blood Sedum
• Creeping Buttercup
• Wild Strawberry
• Creeping Raspberry
• Blue Star Creeper
• Creeping Speedwell
• Creeping Veronica
• Creeping Goldenrod
• Creeping Potentilla
• Creeping Cinquefoil
• Creeping Bellflower
• Bishop’s Cap
• Wild Ginger
• Dead Nettle
• Creeping Dead Nettle
• Japanese Spurge
• Creeping Jenny Gold
• Ajuga Bronze Beauty
• Ajuga Burgundy Glow
• Ajuga Black Scallop
• Creeping Charlie
• Ground Morning Glory
• Turkish Speedwell
• Creeping Snowberry

Drought Tolerant Ground Cover Plants for Dry Areas

Dry gardens benefit from plants that handle limited moisture once established. These drought-tolerant choices can work especially well in sunny beds, rock gardens, slopes, and water-conscious landscapes.

• Creeping Thyme
• Woolly Thyme
• Creeping Oregano
• Creeping Rosemary
• Sedum Angelina
• Dragon’s Blood Sedum
• Coral Carpet Sedum
• Stonecrop
• Ice Plant
• Delosperma Cooperi
• Blue Fescue
• Lamb’s Ear
• Silver Carpet
• Creeping Juniper
• Shore Juniper
• Blue Star Juniper
• Bearberry
• Rock Cress
• Basket-of-Gold
• Candytuft
• Snow-in-Summer
• Creeping Santolina
• Dwarf Yarrow
• Creeping Germander
• Wall Germander
• Creeping Sage
• Creeping Catmint
• Dwarf Catmint
• Creeping Lavender
• Silver Mound
• Creeping Daisy
• Creeping Potentilla
• Creeping Cinquefoil
• Sea Thrift
• Hens and Chicks
• Sempervivum
• Creeping Yucca
• Partridge Feather
• Blue Chalksticks
• Trailing Ice Plant

Ground Cover Plants for Rock Gardens

Rock gardens need plants that complement stone, gravel, and uneven terrain. Low-growing varieties with compact habits can soften hard surfaces while adding color and texture.

• Rock Cress
• Creeping Thyme
• Woolly Thyme
• Creeping Phlox
• Aubrieta
• Basket-of-Gold
• Snow-in-Summer
• Sea Thrift
• Creeping Speedwell
• Creeping Veronica
• Sedum Angelina
• Dragon’s Blood Sedum
• Coral Carpet Sedum
• Stonecrop
• Ice Plant
• Hens and Chicks
• Blue Star Creeper
• Creeping Jenny
• Dwarf Yarrow
• Creeping Dianthus
• Dwarf Dianthus
• Creeping Potentilla
• Creeping Cinquefoil
• Creeping Bellflower
• Alpine Phlox
• Alpine Aster
• Alpine Forget-Me-Not
• Alpine Speedwell
• Cushion Spurge
• Dwarf Campanula
• Creeping Saxifrage
• Irish Moss
• Scotch Moss
• Brass Buttons
• Blue Fescue
• Silver Carpet
• Dwarf Mondo Grass
• Creeping Germander
• Dwarf Catmint
• Creeping Santolina

Ground Cover Plants for Slopes and Banks

Sloped landscapes often need plants that spread across the soil and create visual continuity. These options can add beauty to banks while reducing the need for constant trimming.

• Creeping Juniper
• Shore Juniper
• Blue Star Juniper
• Creeping Phlox
• Creeping Thyme
• Creeping Jenny
• Vinca Minor
• Pachysandra
• Ajuga
• Sweet Woodruff
• Creeping Raspberry
• Creeping Wire Vine
• Creeping Cotoneaster
• Bearberry
• Creeping Mahonia
• Wintercreeper
• Creeping Rosemary
• Creeping Oregano
• Sedum Angelina
• Dragon’s Blood Sedum
• Ice Plant
• Creeping Potentilla
• Creeping Cinquefoil
• Creeping Goldenrod
• Wild Strawberry
• Creeping Buttercup
• Creeping Veronica
• Creeping Speedwell
• Creeping Bellflower
• Dwarf Yarrow
• Lamb’s Ear
• Creeping Santolina
• Creeping Germander
• Wall Germander
• Blue Fescue
• Creeping Daisy
• Rock Cress
• Basket-of-Gold
• Sea Thrift
• Creeping Cotoneaster

Fragrant Ground Cover Plants for Garden Borders

Fragrant foliage and flowers can make a garden more enjoyable to walk through. These aromatic ground covers work especially well beside paths, patios, seating areas, and sunny borders.

Colorful Foliage Ground Cover Plants for Landscaping

Not every ground cover needs showy flowers to make an impact. Foliage-focused plants can provide striking colors, patterns, and textures throughout the growing season.

• Ajuga Burgundy Glow
• Ajuga Chocolate Chip
• Ajuga Black Scallop
• Ajuga Bronze Beauty
• Creeping Jenny
• Golden Creeping Jenny
• Pachysandra Green Sheen
• Pachysandra Variegata
• Spotted Dead Nettle
• White Nancy
• Pink Pewter
• Lamb’s Ear
• Big Ears Lamb’s Ear
• Silver Carpet
• Blue Star Creeper
• Blue Fescue
• Golden Mondo Grass
• Black Mondo Grass
• Dwarf Mondo Grass
• Liriope Variegata
• Japanese Forest Grass
• Brass Buttons
• Creeping Wire Vine
• Wintercreeper Emerald Gaiety
• Wintercreeper Emerald Gold
• Creeping Juniper
• Blue Star Juniper
• Shore Juniper
• Creeping Mahonia
• Heuchera Palace Purple
• Heuchera Lime Rickey
• Heuchera Caramel
• Heuchera Obsidian
• Creeping Raspberry
• Creeping Cotoneaster
• Bearberry
• Creeping Sedum
• Sedum Tricolor
• Sedum Coral Carpet
• Sedum Angelina

Native Ground Cover Plants for Natural Gardens

Native plants can bring a more natural appearance to landscapes while supporting local garden ecosystems. Always check regional plant lists before choosing species for your area.

• Wild Ginger
• Bunchberry
• Partridge Berry
• Wild Strawberry
• Wild Violet
• Creeping Phlox
• Wild Geranium
• Barren Strawberry
• Foamflower
• Golden Ragwort
• Blue-Eyed Grass
• Creeping Juniper
• Bearberry
• Wintergreen
• Canada Mayflower
• Virginia Creeper
• Allegheny Spurge
• Goldenstar
• Woodland Stonecrop
• Creeping Buttercup
• Wild Columbine
• Creeping Aster
• Creeping Goldenrod
• Pennsylvania Sedge
• Creeping Sedge
• Oak Sedge
• Appalachian Sedge
• Common Blue Violet
• Lanceleaf Violet
• Creeping Snowberry
• Wild Sweet William
• Robin’s Plantain
• Creeping Avens
• Wild Strawberry
• Beach Strawberry
• Sea Thrift
• Creeping Potentilla
• Dwarf Yarrow
• Wild Thyme
• Prairie Smoke

Low Maintenance Ground Cover Plants for Busy Gardeners

Low-maintenance plants can reduce routine garden work while keeping outdoor spaces attractive. Look for varieties that match your soil and climate instead of choosing only by appearance.

• Creeping Thyme
• Creeping Phlox
• Sedum Angelina
• Dragon’s Blood Sedum
• Creeping Juniper
• Blue Star Juniper
• Shore Juniper
• Lamb’s Ear
• Blue Fescue
• Candytuft
• Rock Cress
• Basket-of-Gold
• Snow-in-Summer
• Sea Thrift
• Creeping Potentilla
• Creeping Cinquefoil
• Creeping Santolina
• Creeping Germander
• Wall Germander
• Dwarf Yarrow
• Ice Plant
• Hens and Chicks
• Creeping Oregano
• Creeping Rosemary
• Creeping Jenny
• Ajuga
• Vinca Minor
• Pachysandra
• Liriope
• Mondo Grass
• Creeping Wire Vine
• Bearberry
• Creeping Cotoneaster
• Creeping Mahonia
• Creeping Mazus
• Brass Buttons
• Irish Moss
• Scotch Moss
• Creeping Speedwell
• Creeping Veronica

Ground Cover Plants for Pollinator Friendly Gardens

Pollinator-friendly ground covers can add flowers and nectar sources to garden spaces. Choose bloom times that complement other flowering plants for a longer seasonal display.

• Creeping Thyme
• Creeping Oregano
• Creeping Marjoram
• Creeping Phlox
• Creeping Speedwell
• Creeping Veronica
• Creeping Bellflower
• Creeping Potentilla
• Creeping Cinquefoil
• Creeping Catmint
• Dwarf Catmint
• Creeping Sage
• Creeping Rosemary
• Sweet Alyssum
• Creeping Chamomile
• Roman Chamomile
• Sea Thrift
• Candytuft
• Rock Cress
• Aubrieta
• Basket-of-Gold
• Snow-in-Summer
• Creeping Dianthus
• Dianthus Firewitch
• Creeping Daisy
• Dwarf Yarrow
• Creeping Goldenrod
• Wild Strawberry
• Creeping Buttercup
• Blue Star Creeper
• Golden Star
• Wild Geranium
• Bunchberry
• Foamflower
• Wild Violet
• Creeping Aster
• Creeping Phacelia
• Creeping Lavender
• Dwarf Lavender
• Creeping Thyme Pink

Ground Cover Plants for Cottage and Woodland Gardens

Cottage and woodland gardens often combine relaxed planting with varied textures. These ground covers can help connect flowers, shrubs, trees, and pathways into one cohesive landscape.

• Sweet Woodruff
• Wild Ginger
• Bunchberry
• Partridge Berry
• Wild Strawberry
• Wild Violet
• Foamflower
• Barrenwort
• Epimedium
• Lily of the Valley
• Creeping Phlox
• Wild Geranium
• Cranesbill
• Heuchera
• Coral Bells
• Lungwort
• Dead Nettle
• Spotted Dead Nettle
• White Nancy
• Ajuga
• Pachysandra
• Japanese Spurge
• Periwinkle
• Creeping Raspberry
• Creeping Mazus
• Bishop’s Cap
• Goldenstar
• Woodland Stonecrop
• Creeping Fern
• Dwarf Solomon’s Seal
• Canadian Wild Ginger
• Creeping Snowberry
• Wintergreen
• Canada Mayflower
• Creeping Saxifrage
• Creeping Bellflower
• Blue-Eyed Grass
• Golden Ragwort
• Allegheny Spurge
• Wild Columbine

Choosing Ground Cover Plants for Your Landscape

Start by studying the space before buying plants. Note how much sunlight reaches the area throughout the day. Full-sun beds usually need different plants than shaded woodland corners. Next, check soil drainage and moisture. Some varieties tolerate dry soil, while others prefer consistently moist conditions.

Growth habit also matters. A plant that spreads quickly can fill a large bank efficiently. However, it may become difficult to control in a small border. Therefore, consider mature width before planting. Spacing plants correctly also gives them room to establish without excessive competition.

Think about the visual result you want. Flowering ground covers create seasonal color, while evergreen varieties provide structure. Foliage plants can add contrast without relying on blooms. You can also combine different textures for a more natural appearance.

Finally, check whether a plant is native or invasive in your region. Local extension services and botanical gardens can provide useful guidance. A suitable plant will usually require less correction and maintenance later.

How to Plant and Maintain Ground Cover Plants

Prepare the planting area by removing weeds and unwanted roots first. Improve poor soil when the selected plants require better drainage or additional organic matter. Then place each plant according to its expected mature size.

Water new plants regularly while their roots establish. Afterward, adjust watering based on the species and local weather. Mulching around young plants can help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch slightly away from plant crowns to reduce moisture-related problems.

Pruning needs vary widely. Some spreading plants need occasional trimming, while others remain naturally compact. Remove damaged growth when needed and divide crowded clumps when appropriate.

Watch for signs of stress, pests, or disease. Yellow leaves can have several causes, including poor drainage, watering problems, or nutrient issues. Instead of treating every symptom immediately, inspect the growing conditions first.

FAQs

Which ground cover plants are easiest for beginners?

Creeping thyme, sedum, creeping phlox, and blue star juniper can suit many beginner gardens. Their care needs depend on climate, soil, and sunlight. Always match the plant with its growing requirements.

Which ground cover plants grow well in full sun?

Creeping thyme, sedum, ice plant, creeping phlox, and rock cress often perform well in sunny locations. Good drainage also helps many sun-loving varieties thrive.

Which ground cover plants work well in shade?

Sweet woodruff, wild ginger, pachysandra, ajuga, and epimedium can work well in shady gardens. Filtered light may also suit woodland-style ground cover planting.

Can ground cover plants replace grass?

Some ground covers can replace lawn in suitable areas. However, they do not all tolerate foot traffic. Choose a species specifically suited to the amount of walking the area receives.

How far apart should ground cover plants be planted?

Spacing depends on the mature width and growth speed of each plant. Follow the recommended spacing for the individual species. Closer spacing creates faster coverage but increases the initial plant cost.

Do ground cover plants prevent weeds?

Dense ground covers can reduce open soil where weeds might grow. However, they rarely eliminate weeds completely. Good site preparation and early maintenance remain important.

Are ground cover plants good for slopes?

Many spreading plants work well on slopes and banks. Creeping junipers, sedums, thyme, and certain low-growing shrubs can provide attractive coverage. Choose plants suited to the slope’s sunlight and drainage.

Can I mix different ground cover plants together?

Yes, compatible plants can create a more natural and interesting landscape. Combine varieties with similar sunlight, moisture, and soil requirements. Avoid pairing aggressive spreaders with delicate plants.

Conclusion

The right ground cover plants can turn bare soil into a colorful, textured, and inviting part of your landscape. From flowering thyme and creeping phlox to evergreen junipers and shade-loving sweet woodruff, the choices are remarkably varied. Consider sunlight, moisture, soil, mature size, and maintenance before planting. Also, think about the visual effect you want throughout the seasons. A thoughtful combination can create attractive borders, woodland carpets, rock gardens, and lawn alternatives. Use this collection as inspiration, then verify each plant’s local growing requirements. With the right choices, your garden can become fuller, greener, and easier to enjoy.