Weeds are nightmare for gardeners! They rob resources like water, sunlight and nutrients from your plants.
Apart from occupying your valuable gardening space, weeds harbor pest’s growth that can stunt plant growth.
Off-course, you can use herbicides, but there are more natural ways to get rid of weeds.
Growing ground cover plants will not just suppress weed growth; it prevents soil erosion and transforms your landscape.
These low-maintenance plants are considered best way to add aromatic and vibrant colors to your leftover garden space.
Creeping Jenny, Ice Plant, Sweet Woodruff, Coral Bells, Wild Ginger, Bugleweed, Hardy Geraniums, and Irish Moss are few prominent ground cover plants that can prevent weed growth.
Benefits of Ground Cover Plants
Ground cover plants are low-growing, spreading plants that fill in gaps in your garden and carpet the soil with attractive foliage, flowers, or both. Unlike traditional lawn grass, these plants offer a diverse array of colors, textures, and heights, creating a dynamic and functional layer in the landscape.
One of the primary benefits of ground covers is their ability to suppress weed growth. By forming a dense mat over the soil, these plants outcompete weeds for essential resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients—making it hard for unwanted invaders to take root.
Ground cover plants also help in preventing soil erosion. Their sprawling roots hold the soil firmly in place, especially on slopes or areas prone to runoff. This stabilizes the landscape and improves long-term soil health.
Another major perk is their low-maintenance nature. Most ground covers require minimal watering, trimming, or fertilizing once established. Many are drought-tolerant and can thrive in areas where grass struggles to grow.
Beyond practicality, ground covers are also decorative. From the golden hues of Creeping Jenny to the soft greens of Irish Moss, they bring life and color to empty patches, walkways, and shady corners—turning dull spaces into lush green beds.
25 Best Ground Cover Plants
If you’re tired of weeding and looking for a beautiful yet functional solution, ground cover plants might be your garden’s new best friend. These plants don’t just add charm—they work hard too. Whether you’re filling in awkward spaces, covering slopes, or replacing high-maintenance lawns, there’s a ground cover plant suited for every purpose and condition.
In this guide, we’ll explore 25 of the best ground cover plants—ranging from sun-lovers to shade dwellers, and evergreens to seasonal bloomers. No matter your gardening zone or landscape design, there’s a ground cover here to beautify your yard while keeping weeds at bay.
1. Nepeta
Nepeta is a fast-spreading perennial that acts as a natural weed barrier thanks to its dense, low-lying foliage.
As it matures, it forms a thick, fragrant mat of silver-green leaves and soft lavender-blue flowers that choke out weeds by shading the soil and limiting available space for invasive plants to grow.
Its strong scent also helps deter certain pests, making it doubly beneficial in the garden.
Nepeta thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil and is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it a fantastic option for dry or rocky areas where grass struggles to grow.
Plant it in the spring or early fall, and space clumps about 18–24 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
It’s hardy in USDA Zones 3–9 and requires minimal maintenance—occasional pruning keeps it tidy and encourages re-blooming.
2. Creeping Thyme
Creeping Thyme is a fragrant, mat-forming herb that works wonders in weed suppression. Its dense, evergreen foliage quickly spreads over open soil, creating a living mulch that blocks light and space needed by weeds to thrive.
When it blooms, it produces a carpet of tiny purple or pink flowers that attract pollinators and add a burst of color to pathways and borders.
This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil, thriving even in poor, rocky conditions. It’s highly drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal care once established.
Creeping Thyme is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9 and makes an excellent ground cover between stepping stones or as a lawn alternative. Plant it in spring, spacing 12–18 inches apart, and enjoy its soft texture and pleasant aroma.
3. Sweet Woodruff
Sweet Woodruff forms a lush carpet of whorled green leaves topped with tiny white star-like flowers in spring.
It naturally deters weeds with its thick coverage, especially in shaded areas where other plants may struggle. Its fresh, hay-like scent adds a pleasant fragrance, and it’s often used as a natural moth repellent.
It grows best in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Sweet Woodruff is perfect for woodland gardens or under trees and is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8.
Once planted, it spreads steadily, requiring little maintenance beyond occasional thinning if it becomes too aggressive.
4. Dead Nettle (Lamium)
Dead Nettle is an excellent ground cover for shady spots, producing attractive foliage with silver or variegated patterns that outcompete weeds by forming a dense, light-blocking mat.
Its small purple, pink, or white flowers bloom throughout the growing season, providing visual interest and pollinator value.
It grows well in partial to full shade and thrives in moist, well-draining soil. Dead Nettle is suitable for USDA Zones 3–8 and works well in woodland gardens, under shrubs, or in difficult corners. It requires little more than occasional trimming to keep it neat and prevent excessive spreading.
5. Sedum
Sedum is a low-growing succulent that forms tight clusters of fleshy leaves, ideal for suppressing weeds in dry, sunny spaces.
Its water-storing capabilities and shallow root system allow it to thrive in tough conditions while keeping soil cool and shaded, making it difficult for weeds to germinate.
It grows best in full sun and sandy or rocky, well-drained soil. Sedum is highly drought-resistant and requires almost no maintenance. Hardy in USDA Zones 3–9, it’s great for rock gardens, slopes, and borders. Many varieties also bloom with star-shaped flowers in summer, adding bonus beauty.
6. Lamb’s Ears
Lamb’s Ears earns its name from its soft, fuzzy, silvery leaves that form a thick, velvety blanket over the soil. This dense matting blocks sunlight and space that weeds need to grow, making it a decorative and effective weed deterrent.
Its silvery foliage adds contrast in the garden, and occasional purple flower spikes add vertical interest.
Lamb’s Ears thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought and heat once established. It prefers drier conditions and doesn’t do well in high humidity or wet soils. Hardy in USDA Zones 4–9, it makes an excellent edging plant or filler in sunny garden beds.
7. Creeping Phlox
Creeping Phlox forms a vibrant carpet of flowers in spring, ranging from pink and purple to white and blue.
Its dense, needle-like foliage covers the ground year-round, crowding out weeds with its vigorous spreading habit. When in bloom, it’s not only a weed deterrent but a show-stopping floral ground cover.
It grows best in full sun and well-draining soil, tolerating sandy or rocky conditions. Creeping Phlox is drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal maintenance. Ideal for slopes, rock gardens, or front borders, it’s hardy in USDA Zones 3–9 and should be planted in early spring or fall.
Also Read: 10 Big Leaf Houseplants for Your Indoor Jungle
8. Epimedium (Barrenwort)
Epimedium is a shade-loving ground cover that forms clumping, heart-shaped leaves which expand into a weed-smothering layer.
It’s especially useful under trees or in dry shade, where it naturally prevents weed growth with its dense foliage and early-season flowers in delicate hues of yellow, pink, or purple.
It prefers partial to full shade and tolerates dry, poor soils once established. Epimedium is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9 and has a slow but steady spreading habit. It requires very little maintenance and can be cut back in late winter to encourage fresh new growth in spring.
9. Mondo Grass
Mondo Grass, though grass-like in appearance, is a hardy perennial that spreads slowly by underground rhizomes. Its tufts of dark green, strappy leaves grow close together, creating a thick mat that suffocates weeds and fills in bare garden patches with a tidy, low-maintenance look.
It tolerates full sun to full shade but grows best in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Mondo Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10 and is often used for edging pathways, planting under trees, or creating evergreen ground cover in tricky spots.
10. Amethyst in Snow
Amethyst in Snow offers more than just weed control—it provides striking contrast with white petals and deep amethyst centers. Its spreading clumps create a dense root system that inhibits weed growth, especially in borders and open spaces where its bold blooms can shine.
It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. Hardy in USDA Zones 3–8, this perennial wildflower-style ground cover adds color, pollinator appeal, and weed control all in one. Plant in spring or fall and allow 12–18 inches between plants for spreading.
11. Oregano
Oregano isn’t just a kitchen staple—it’s also a fantastic ground cover that suppresses weeds with its low, spreading habit and fragrant leaves. Its quick-growing foliage forms a thick blanket over soil, outcompeting weeds while offering the added benefit of culinary use.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is quite drought-tolerant once established. Oregano is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10 and makes an excellent choice for herb gardens, borders, and between stepping stones. Cut it back occasionally to encourage dense growth and prevent flowering if you prefer more leaf production.
12. Lavender
Lavender offers beauty, fragrance, and function. With its silvery-green leaves and spikes of purple blooms, it creates a visually appealing ground cover that repels pests and smothers weeds with its dense, woody stems. Plus, its natural oils deter deer and rabbits.
Lavender thrives in full sun and dry, well-drained soil. It prefers a more alkaline pH and should not be overwatered.
Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9, lavender is perfect for borders, slopes, and dry landscapes. Space plants about 12–18 inches apart and prune after flowering to keep the shape compact.
Also Read: 19 Best Lavender Companion Plants to Grow in Garden
13. Irish Moss
Irish Moss creates a lush, soft carpet of bright green that spreads low and dense, eliminating weed growth by denying light and space. It forms a smooth, cushion-like cover that’s perfect for filling cracks, edging paths, or adding softness around stones.
It prefers partial shade to full sun in cooler climates and moist, well-drained soil. Irish Moss is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8 and needs regular moisture, especially during dry spells. It’s ideal for cool, damp spots where other ground covers might fail.
14. Ajuga (Bugleweed)
Ajuga is a vigorous ground cover that forms dense mats of glossy leaves in shades of green, bronze, or purple. In spring, it sends up short spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers that pollinators love. Its aggressive spread smothers weeds effectively.
It prefers part shade but can tolerate full sun with enough moisture. Ajuga grows best in moist, well-drained soil and is hardy in USDA Zones 3–10. Plant it where its quick spread won’t interfere with other delicate plants, such as under trees or along shady paths.
Also Read: 12 Plants that Deter Spider Mites
15. Basket-of-Gold
This sunny ground cover gets its name from its brilliant yellow spring blooms. Basket-of-Gold forms low, dense mounds of gray-green foliage that spread quickly, shading the soil and leaving no room for weeds to emerge.
It loves full sun and dry, well-drained soil, making it ideal for rock gardens, slopes, or borders. Hardy in USDA Zones 3–7, it’s drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soils. Prune after flowering to keep it neat and encourage more blooms the next year.
16. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum is a charming, fragrant ground cover that forms a delicate but weed-blocking mat of white, pink, or purple flowers. Though low-growing, its density and fast growth keep weeds at bay, and it continuously blooms in cooler weather.
It prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, thriving in cooler seasons or coastal areas. Often treated as an annual in cooler zones, it’s hardy as a perennial in USDA Zones 9–11. It reseeds easily and is a favorite for borders, hanging baskets, and between pavers.
17. Chamomile
Chamomile’s ferny, apple-scented foliage and small daisy-like flowers create a soft, spreading mat that naturally discourages weeds. As it grows, it forms a living mulch that shades the soil and releases compounds that may suppress weed seeds.
It prefers full sun and light, well-drained soil. German chamomile is typically grown as an annual, while Roman chamomile is a low-growing perennial hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. It works well in herb gardens or as a ground cover along garden paths.
Also Read: 18 Houseplants with Red and Green Leaves
18. Thrift (Armeria maritima)
Thrift forms neat, grassy clumps that bloom with globe-shaped pink or purple flowers in spring. It grows in tight rosettes that expand gradually, filling in gaps and making it tough for weeds to take hold.
This plant thrives in full sun and sandy, well-drained soils—especially coastal or rocky areas. Thrift is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8 and works wonderfully in borders, rock gardens, or along pathways. Once established, it’s both drought- and salt-tolerant.
19. Dianthus
Dianthus brings both color and weed suppression to your garden with its low, mounding growth habit and fragrant blooms. Its evergreen foliage forms dense mats that minimize weed invasion, and its pink, white, or red flowers bloom through spring and summer.
It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in USDA Zones 3–9. Deadheading spent blooms encourages continued flowering. Ideal for borders and edges, Dianthus is also deer-resistant and tolerant of heat once established.
20. Wall Germander
Wall Germander is a compact, woody perennial with small aromatic leaves and lavender-pink summer flowers. Its tight-growing habit creates a structured, low hedge that prevents weeds from establishing beneath or between its foliage.
It prefers full sun and dry, well-drained soil, especially in Mediterranean-style or xeriscape gardens. Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9, it’s drought-tolerant and attracts bees while resisting deer and rabbits. Trim regularly to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
21. Aronia (Groundcover Chokeberry)
Dwarf Aronia varieties make excellent ground covers with glossy green leaves, spring flowers, and brilliant red fall foliage. Their dense, shrubby spread prevents weeds while adding multi-season beauty to the landscape.
They grow well in full sun to part shade and adapt to various soils, though they prefer moist, well-drained conditions. Hardy in USDA Zones 3–8, Aronia is also prized for its edible berries and resistance to pests and diseases.
22. Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny spreads quickly with vibrant chartreuse or golden-green leaves that cascade over edges and blanket the ground. It out competes weeds by forming a low, dense mat, especially in moist or shaded areas.
It grows in sun to part shade and prefers moist, rich soil but can adapt to various conditions. Hardy in USDA Zones 3–9, it’s excellent for containers, borders, or wet areas. Monitor its spread, as it can become aggressive if not managed.
23. Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley spreads via underground rhizomes to form dense colonies of lush green leaves and sweet-scented white bell flowers. It naturally prevents weeds by forming a thick carpet, particularly in shady areas.
It prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil. Hardy in USDA Zones 3–9, it’s ideal under trees or in woodland gardens. Be mindful—it can spread rapidly and is toxic if ingested, so plant with care around pets or children.
24. Ferns
Many fern species, such as Lady Fern and Ostrich Fern, form spreading clumps that provide excellent ground coverage in shaded areas. Their leafy fronds block sunlight and help retain soil moisture while deterring weed growth underneath.
Ferns generally thrive in full to partial shade with moist, humus-rich, well-draining soil. Most are hardy in USDA Zones 3–8, depending on the species. They’re perfect for woodland edges, under trees, and shaded borders where other plants won’t grow.
25. Microbiota Decussata
Siberian Cypress is a low-growing, evergreen conifer that creates a spreading mat of feathery green foliage that turns bronze in winter. It provides year-round weed suppression in colder climates, where few other ground covers thrive.
It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA Zones 2–7, it’s ideal for slopes, rock gardens, or under tall shrubs. Once established, it needs little care and offers year-round texture and color.
Conclusion
Weeds don’t stand a chance when your garden is armed with the right ground cover plants.
These hardworking, low-maintenance spreaders not only crowd out unwanted invaders by blocking light and space—they also protect your soil, reduce erosion, and add texture, fragrance, and color to your landscape.
Whether you’re dealing with a dry slope, a shady nook, or a sunny border, there’s a ground cover plant suited to the job.
By choosing the right varieties for your conditions, you can build a healthier, more resilient garden that naturally stays weed-free—all without relying on chemicals or constant pulling.
Let nature do the heavy lifting, one spreading stem at a time.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting
