4. California Poppy<\/h2>\n
California poppies (Eschscholzia californica<\/em>) may look delicate with the lacy foliage and paper-thin flower petals, but they are far from it.<\/p>\n Drive along the Pacific Coast and you\u2019ll see them growing wild along roadsides and in other challenging spots.<\/p>\n In my neighborhood, California poppies are a popular choice for growing along sidewalks where the sprinklers don\u2019t reach.<\/p>\n The plants grow up to 16 inches tall when in bloom and will spread as far as you let them in Zones 5 to 10. Though they bloom all summer, the foliage is dense enough that it suppresses weeds from spring through fall.<\/p>\n \u2018Thai Silk\u2019 California Poppy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The species plant, native to western North America, features flowers in a lovely orange hue, but you can find red, pink, or yellow cultivars.<\/p>\n One of my favorites is \u2018Thai Silk,\u2019 with sheer pink blossoms that truly do resemble ruffles of silk.<\/p>\n You can purchase a packet of \u2018Thai Silk\u2019 seeds at Eden Brothers<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn more about growing California poppies here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Clover is extraordinarily useful in the garden. While it might not be the prettiest option out there, though I\u2019d argue it can be absolutely stunning, clover is one of those plants that gives back to the soil rather than just taking nutrients from it.<\/p>\n That\u2019s because clover is a legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil. Since nitrogen is the main nutrient lacking in most gardens, we typically rely on fertilizers to replenish it. Or you can use clover.<\/p>\n I first learned about using clover as a cover crop<\/a><\/strong> when I drove regularly through the agricultural fields of western Oregon, where farmers grow alfalfa and orchard hay.<\/p>\n During summer, the fields were full of tall grass, but in the fallow season, farmers planted clover seed. When crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum<\/em>) blooms, it creates one of the most beautiful sights imaginable.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the strategy: plant clover to fill spots usually occupied by flowering annuals. The clover will enrich the soil with nitrogen while suppressing weeds that like to try and take over when there aren\u2019t other plants around.<\/p>\n Crimson clover is my favorite because it\u2019s an annual, so it grows quickly but won\u2019t stick around when I\u2019m ready to plant something else.<\/p>\n Crimson Clover<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Because it grows up to three feet tall, though usually more like a foot, it\u2019s tall enough to smother any weed.<\/p>\n You can find crimson clover seeds available at Botanical Interests<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Red clover (T. pratense<\/em>) is another great option. Just chop it up and work it into the soil when (and if) you want to get rid of it. Or let it stick around and please all the pollinators.<\/p>\n You can find red clover seeds available at High Mowing Seeds<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n White clover (T. repens<\/em>) is also a popular choice as a lawn replacement and is a bee magnet.<\/p>\n High Mowing Seeds<\/a><\/strong> also carries this one.<\/p>\n Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera<\/em>, P. subulata<\/em>) forms dense matts of medium green leaves absolutely covered in vivid flowers.<\/p>\n The plants grow about six inches tall and 24 inches wide with flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, and white, or in multiple colors.<\/p>\n These plants are native to the Appalachian region, so they\u2019re a good option if you\u2019re focused on growing natives in Zones 5 to 9. P. subulata<\/em> is hardy to Zone 3.<\/p>\n \u2018Candy Stripe\u2019 Creeping Phlox<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Just provide good drainage and watch creeping phlox push out the weeds.<\/p>\n \u2018Candy Stripe\u2019 is an adorable cultivar with white and pink striped flowers.<\/p>\n You can find \u2018Candy Stripe\u2019 plants available at Burpee<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn more about growing creeping phlox here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Creeping thyme (Thymus praecox <\/em>and T. serpyllum<\/em>) is one of my favorite options for smothering weeds. It\u2019s one of those plants that is just endlessly versatile. Like its cousin common thyme<\/a><\/strong>, the creeping variety is also edible.<\/p>\n The plants can tolerate foot traffic, making it a good lawn replacement or pathway option. The sweet, citrusy perfume is always welcome.<\/p>\n Creeping Thyme<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Creeping thyme forms a dense ground cover that effectively crowds out weeds and gently pushes its way through the garden without becoming aggressive.<\/p>\n It tolerates some shade and blooms with cheerful purple flowers.<\/p>\n You can find creeping thyme seeds available at Eden Brothers<\/a><\/strong> in a variety of packet sizes.<\/p>\n Read our guide to growing creeping thyme<\/a><\/strong> next!<\/p>\n The genus name Dianthus<\/em> comes from the Greek dios<\/em> meaning \u201cdivine\u201d and anthos<\/em> meaning \u201cflowers\u201d \u2013 literally \u201cdivine flowers.\u201d<\/p>\n That\u2019s quite a lofty reputation for these petite plants, but when you see the carpet of white, lilac, red, and pink flowers, you\u2019ll understand.<\/p>\n The plants grow up to two feet tall with dense green foliage that blocks out all of the potential weeds. They thrive in Zones 3 to 9 and look glorious in any garden.<\/p>\n \u2018Firewitch\u2019 Dianthus<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n You can\u2019t go wrong with any of the Dianthus<\/em> species, from carnations<\/a><\/strong> to sweet williams<\/a><\/strong>, but the German hybrid \u2018Firewitch\u2019 is a classic choice that always thrills with its bright rose-colored blossoms.<\/p>\n You can find \u2018Firewitch\u2019 plants in one-gallon containers available at Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn more about growing dianthus here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Green-and-gold aka goldenstar (Chrysogonum virginianum<\/em>) lives up to its name with its carpet of ovate green leaves and golden star-shaped flowers.<\/p>\n The hairy foliage has crenate margins that look like little scallops, giving the whole plant extra visual interest, livening up dark spots where flowering plants rarely dare to go.<\/p>\n It will politely spread in Zones 5 to 9 in deep or partial shade, smothering out the weeds in those hard-to-reach areas.<\/p>\n It can be hard to find plants that flower in the shade and even harder to find ones that bloom during the cold months of winter and into early spring.<\/p>\n That\u2019s one of the reasons that lenten roses or hellebores (Helleborus<\/em> spp.) are so popular. But you can also use them to shade out weeds.<\/p>\n Plant hellebores close together in Zones 4 to 9 and the 18-inch-tall plants will prevent unwelcome weeds from popping up underneath.<\/p>\n Pink Frost Hellebore<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The gorgeous blossoms will keep on blooming weeks and weeks in mid to late winter. Any type of hellebore will work, but there are a few really special options available.<\/p>\n I especially love \u2018Pink Frost.\u2019 The flowers start out as burgundy buds that open up as bright pink blooms before maturing to deep pink.<\/p>\n You can find \u2018Pink Frost\u2019 in six-inch containers available from Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn more about hellebores here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n If there\u2019s a more cheerful sight than a patch of ice plants, also known as Livingstone daisies (Dorotheanthus bellidiformis<\/em>), I don\u2019t know what it is.<\/p>\n The red, white, yellow, orange, pink, purple, and fuchsia blossoms crown thick, succulent leaves. They only grow to about nine inches tall but can spread as far as they can find lots of sun and dry, sandy soil.<\/p>\n Ice Plant Daisies<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Several plants share the name \u201cice plant,\u201d but this particular species earns its moniker from the enchanting effect of flowers that appear dusted with ice crystals.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a tender perennial in Zones 9 to 11, but thrives as an annual in any climate.<\/p>\n You can find seeds in a variety of packet sizes available at Eden Brothers<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis<\/em>) is an aggressive spreader, which can be good or bad, depending on where you live.<\/p>\n In some areas, this species is listed as invasive, in others, it is just aggressive enough to crowd out weeds while filling the garden with foot-tall leaves and stalks of sweet, fragrant blossoms.<\/p>\n These are tough plants that can grow anywhere with good drainage in Zones 2 to 9 so long as they don\u2019t receive too much sun. No wonder lily of the valley is such a popular solution for shady areas.<\/p>\n Pink Lily of the Valley<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n In addition to the classic bell-shaped blossoms, there are pink varieties that you can mix in with the white ones adding charm.<\/p>\n You can find bare root plants in packets of two, four, or eight available at Eden Brothers<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn more about lily of the valley here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Lobelias (Lobelia<\/em> spp.) put on a show during the cooler months with blossoms that can range from pale lavender to deep purple.<\/p>\n Some cultivars will bloom nonstop from spring through frost, so you won\u2019t have to deal with weeds at all while enjoying the colorful display.<\/p>\n Most species are perennials in Zones 10 and 11 but grown as annuals elsewhere.<\/p>\n \u2018Blue Carpet\u2019 is an L. erinus<\/em> cultivar that grows just six inches tall and spreads as far as you let it \u2013 without becoming invasive.<\/p>\n \u2018Blue Carpet\u2019 Lobelia<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n In bloom, the plants are absolutely covered in blue-purple flowers and you can hardly see the foliage underneath!<\/p>\n You can find \u2018Blue Carpet\u2019 seeds available at Eden Brothers<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Check out our guide to growing lobelia<\/a><\/strong> to learn more.<\/p>\n Marigolds (Tagetes<\/em> spp.) should have a place in every single garden, as far as I\u2019m concerned.<\/p>\n They\u2019ve been proven to keep certain pests out of the garden<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 that alone should earn them a spot.<\/p>\n But the dense growth habit of many varieties also makes them perfect for suppressing weeds. Oh yeah, and they add incomparable color to the garden!<\/p>\n Marigolds are self-sowing annuals which return to the garden year after year in Zones 2 to 10.<\/p>\n Happy Days Mix Marigolds<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n There are so many options available. For a classic look, the Happy Days Mix has cheerful red and orange ruffled flowers.<\/p>\n You can find 150 seeds available at Burpee<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u2018Naughty Marietta\u2019 is a French marigold (T. patula<\/em>)<\/a><\/strong> with single yellow flowers that have red centers. You can find seeds available at Botanical Interests<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Or if you love the look of African marigolds (T. erecta<\/em>)<\/a><\/strong>, \u2018Pinwheel\u2019 is sure to draw attention. It has deep maroon and bright yellow blossoms.<\/p>\n \u2018Pinwheel\u2019 African Marigold<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Purchase seeds in a variety of packet sizes at High Mowing Seeds<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Read our guide to growing marigolds here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n As I mentioned, nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus<\/em>) are considered a nuisance in some areas, though the species isn\u2019t actually listed as invasive.<\/p>\n If you are gardening in Zones 9 to 11, it\u2019s possible that the plants may wander into areas you don\u2019t want them to.<\/p>\n Outside of these regions, nasturtiums are grown as annuals as they can\u2019t tolerate freezing temperatures. I like to grow nasturtiums in my herb garden to fill in bare patches and crowd out weeds \u2013 while also preventing my chickens from damaging the herbs!<\/p>\n The vines spread cheerfully, creating a thick carpet on the ground, with flowers that last all summer to first frost.<\/p>\n \u2018Alaska\u2019 Nasturtiums<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n There are lots of color options, but my favorite is the cheery orange of \u2018Alaska.\u2019<\/p>\n This cultivar is a dwarf option that spreads about 18 inches.<\/p>\n Head to True Leaf Market<\/a><\/strong> to purchase seeds in a variety of packet sizes.<\/p>\n Learn more about how to grow nasturtiums here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n I admit to being a bit close-minded about passionflowers (Passiflora edulis<\/em>). I\u2019ve always grown mine up arbors, fences, or other supports.<\/p>\n But then one day while chatting with my neighbor, I realized he had filled his garden beds with passionflower vines as ground cover.<\/p>\n When I asked why he chose to grow them that way, he explained that as he\u2019d aged, he couldn\u2019t keep up with weeding, but the dense vines suppressed the unwanted plants.<\/p>\n The funky, alien-like flowers are just a huge bonus! You can find varieties that thrive in Zones 8 to 11, though you can successfully grow them in Zone 7 with winter protection. Some will even reward you with flavorful fruits that are a real delicacy.<\/p>\n \u2018Possum Purple\u2019 Passionflower<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Possum Purple\u2019 is a perfect option if you want flowers and edible fruit. It blooms all summer and into the fall, followed by sweet, citrusy fruits.<\/p>\n You can find \u2018Possum Purple\u2019 in #5 containers available at Nature Hills Nursery<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Our guide to growing passionflower<\/a><\/strong> has more information.<\/p>\n Soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides<\/em>) produces a riot of brilliant pink wildflowers that pollinators can\u2019t resist.<\/p>\n It has naturalized across Europe and parts of the US, so some gardeners might classify it as a weed.<\/p>\n Soapwort<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n But for those who love these 18-inch-tall plants with their even taller spikes of blossoms, soapwort effectively suppresses unwanted plants.<\/p>\n This cheerfully spreading perennial thrives in alkaline soil in Zones 2 to 8.<\/p>\n You can find soapwort seeds at Eden Brothers<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Strawflowers (Xerochrysum bracteatum<\/em>) are frost-tender annuals that produce blankets of chrysanthemum-like blossoms in white, yellow, pink, red, burgundy, gold, and orange that last for months at a time.<\/p>\n Depending on the cultivar, the flowers may be several inches in diameter on plants that grow two to three feet tall, effectively shading out weeds.<\/p>\n \u2018King Size Silvery Rose\u2019 Strawflowers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n They make excellent cut flowers in addition to providing weed control.<\/p>\n I\u2019m personally partial to the large, silvery-pink flowers on \u2018King Size Silvery Rose.\u2019 You can find packets of seeds available at Botanical Interests<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn more about growing strawflowers<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve got a quick anecdote for you. My grandma had creeping Jenny and turfgrass that would constantly intermingle in her garden.<\/p>\n She wanted me to keep the two separate, and it was a constant battle \u2013 one would move in, then the other would push back.<\/p>\n But over the years, the neighbor\u2019s sweet woodruff (Galium odorata<\/em>) started sneaking into the yard.<\/p>\n It shoved out all the creeping Jenny, pushed the turfgrass back, and even started creeping into the ivy.<\/p>\n I didn\u2019t have to worry about pulling weeds wherever it grew. In other words, sweet woodruff won\u2019t let anything keep it down, not even weeds. The eight-inch stems are covered in delicate white flowers.<\/p>\n Sweet Woodruff<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s not considered invasive anywhere in the US, so while it spreads aggressively, sweet woodruff stays manageable.<\/p>\n I used to dig up patches and transplant them to problem areas in my own yard \u2013 under bushes and trees where only weeds would grow. It spread happily in these spots but never tried to take over.<\/p>\n Sweet woodruff grows readily in Zones 4 to 9 and you can pick up plants at Nature Hills<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/California-Poppy-Thai-Silk-Rose.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n5. Clover<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Crimson-Clover-Cover-Crop.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n6. Creeping Phlox<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Candy-Stripe-Creeping-Phlox.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n7. Creeping Thyme<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Creeping-Thyme.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n8. Dianthus<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Firewitch-Dianthus.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n9. Green-and-Gold<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Yellow-Goldenstar-Flowers.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n10. Hellebore<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gold-Collection-Pink-Frost-Hellebore.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n11. Ice Plant<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Ice-Plant-Livingstone-Daisy.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n12. Lily of the Valley<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Pink-Lily-of-the-Valley.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n13. Lobelia<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Lobelia-Blue-Carpet.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n14. Marigold<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Happy-Days-Marigolds.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Pinwheel-Marigold.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n15. Nasturtium<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Alaska-Gold-Nasturtium.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n16. Passionflower<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Possum-Purple-Passionflower.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n17. Soapwort<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Soapwort-Seeds.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n18. Strawflower<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/King-Size-Silvery-Rose-Strawflowers.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n19. Sweet Woodruff<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sweet-Woodruff.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n