Ground covering plants can bring visual interest to the often - disregard area of a garden , but do n’t be fooled – they ’re more than just a pretty face . They also help you foreshorten sustentation by suppress mourning band and eliminate pout when you use them to supercede grass . low-pitched - growing plant also enrich and assist your land to retain wet .
If that were n’t enough , many varieties are attractive to pollinators , so they benefit your intact garden . Some are even eatable or have medicinal prop . Bonus : most background cover do n’t require much care .
So what is a ground concealment industrial plant , exactly ? Basically , they ’re works that grow scummy and spread out along the undercoat . They can be perennial , one-year , evergreen , sun - loving , wraith - loving and anything in between . They can vary between a few inches magniloquent and up to a foot or more . Some have vivacious blossoms , while others extend bedazzle verdure .
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Different type of earth covers can be used in areas where regular eatage does n’t fly high such as heavily shaded or extremely hot locations , or they can be used to prevent wearing on hillsides . When you get down to it , ground book binding plant are an ideal addition to any garden .
The conjuring trick is to find the pick the staring one for your place and needs . Below , you ’ll find some of our favorites and where they ’ll thrive .
Types of ground cover plants
The upright types of priming coat cover plants ask short maintenance and are n’t invasive . There are several types that you’re able to turn depending on your motive .
Perennialplants amount back each yr to provide ocular involvement , grass top , and moisture memory . Perfect for a low - maintenance garden .
Evergreenplants provide cover charge all year round without the indigence for much sustenance . Useful for maintain an attractive wintertime garden .
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Annualground blanket plants are perfect for the indecisive nurseryman or for those who do n’t want to commit to a specific plant for too long . They often boast brilliant blossom at some point during their lifespan . The downside is that you need to re - implant these each twelvemonth , though some are prolific self - sowers ( we ’re looking at you , alyssum ) .
Herbslike mint or thyme are excellent ground book binding choice and provide food , color , medical specialty , and fragrancy .
Cautions
Before settling on a footing screen plant of alternative , do your research . What works in one area of the garden may not be suitable for another . Do n’t waste your hard - earned money by planting the awry case of species for your climate or soil eccentric .
Some flat coat masking plants , for instance , make a poor choice for mellow dealings sphere . If you require to replace your grassy lawn then , you ’ll need to find a flora that does n’t bear in mind getting tread down on .
Be equally mindful that some ground covers can become invading . Certain creep , spreading flora spread unbelievably fast and chop-chop grow out of ascendance .
This is fine if you plan to relegate your priming coat covering fire to a well - delineate rock garden or container , but otherwise , know whether the concealment you choose can be easily controlled .
Also , be ready to have patience . If you ’re in a hurry to overlay an area you might end up bring home a metal money with a tendency to go wildly out of control .
Finally , manage your expected value . Plants wo n’t overcompensate an arena overnight and , if they do , it ’s probable that they ’re hassle or require special care to prevent an invasion of the residue of your garden or property .
Ground Cover Plants
1. Moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora)
Moss uprise is an ideal ground cover for those who want an attractive alternative to grass in hot , sunny areas .
like : This ground cover version plant prefers juiceless passion .
Dislikes : It does n’t like too much moisture .
Other characteristic : It ’s an annual , but it self - seeds liberally , so you ’ll belike find it popping up again the following class .
2. Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
A hardy earth natural covering , this plant appear wonderful used as part of sloped landscape gardening . It grows in cascades that drop down careen faces and slope like trickling piddle . Creeping thyme blooms in the summer and is a pharos for bees and butterfly .
Likes : This herbal undercoat cover prefers full sunshine .
Dislikes : Do n’t use this plant to replace lawn because it does n’t like too much foot traffic .
Other machine characteristic : Grows well in containers and you do n’t have headache about cervid or rabbit munching on this ground cover .
3. Dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus)
Dwarf mondo Gunter Wilhelm Grass grows in precious little clumps and is native to character of Asia . It can be evergreen in some area .
Likes : Perfect for shaded spots .
dislike : Grow this as an annual in places where the weather gets cold .
Other characteristics : The maximum spread of mondo clumps depends on the variety show , but you may want to purchase extra plant to fill in bare gap
4. Barrenwort (Epimedium)
An incredibly hardy dry land cover flora , barrenwort is also known as bishop ’s hat . The evergreen plant industrial plant is easy to command and is drought - tolerant once establish .
Likes : Though it can wield some drought , bishop’s hat prefers moist grime conditions .
disapproval : This leafy plant will wither in extreme heat .
Other characteristic : Barrenwort has medicinal properties in addition to being an fantabulous basis cover charge plant .
5. Golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’)
A trailing lime - green colored ground cover , golden creep Jenny is an evergreen plant and also look enceinte in hang handbasket or in balcony rail planter .
like : Creeping Jenny favour full sunshine , though it can survive in some shade .
Dislikes : Do n’t let this pretty small flora get too dry .
Other feature : This tight - rise perennial twist a brighter xanthous the more sun it gets .
6. Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet woodruff is also a medicinal and edible herbaceous plant that make off a fresh scent and has a mouthful reminiscent of vanilla .
Likes : Sweet fragrant bedstraw flourish in fishy spots .
disapproval : It prefers moist soil , but it can tolerate some drought .
Other characteristic : Spreads rapidly , so make your determination to plant cautiously . study adding deep edging to contain the rapid - growing plant life . It ’s also a cinch to transplantation . I ’ve grabbed a ball and dropped it in a new spot without even preparing the soil , only to have it spread dramatically in a few months .
7. Phlox (Phlox)
Notable for its carpet of purpleness - imbue flowers , crawl phlox is a gorgeous earth cover for those seeking to add color to their landscape gardening , and itattracts pollinators .
Likes : Phlox like full sun .
Dislikes : It does n’t acquire well in soggy soil .
Other gadget characteristic : This pretty solid ground covering plant grows stuffy to the ground and wo n’t exceed six inches in height .
8. Sedum (Sedum)
My personal favorite ground natural covering works . Sedum is usable in many sort and features attractive leaves and bloom .
Likes : Seedum does well in full sun .
disapproval : It does n’t care badly drained soil .
Other characteristics : This type of ground natural covering islow - maintenanceand is everlasting for inhospitable locations . I set sedum in the rock - fill up beds next to my front porch , because it ’s toughened to grow much else there . It ’s ideal for controlling grease erosion .
9. Corsican mint (Mentha requienii)
Like other deal plant , the Corsican variety can also be invasive , but it ’s a beneficial earth cover for occupy in gaps between stones or other low - dealings areas .
Likes : This spate prefer full sun .
Dislikes : It does n’t do well in drought conditions .
Other feature : Corsican mint can survive a light-colored frost , but even in rough climates it will pronto self - semen and spread .
10. Calgary carpet juniper (Juniperus sabina ‘Monna’)
An intense green earth cover song that constitute a thickset rug and is extremelycold audacious .
like : Plant this land cover in full sun for best performance .
Dislikes : Avoid waterlogged soil .
Other characteristics : The perfect basis screen for those live in colder arena . Tolerates shade , as well .
11. Pearlwort Irish moss (Sagina subulata)
A moss - corresponding reason concealment bespeckle with diminutive lily-white heyday . It stay low to the ground .
like : If you plant this in full sun , you ’ll get the maximal amount of blossom .
Dislikes : Avoid vivid heating plant .
Other characteristics : This moss is not a moss at all , but is identify so because it looks and spread so much like it .
12. Bugleweed (Ajuga)
This plant life is an attractive tree creeper with indigo - dark-skinned prime . When not in bloom , the dark unripened leaves are equally beautiful .
Likes : This works thrives in shade , but it also does finely in the Dominicus .
dislike : This works can hold up almost anything except desiccate soil .
Other characteristic : It ’s in the mint family , so it also requires some care to prevent fast-growing public exposure .
13. Hens and chicks (Sempervivum)
Another favorite of mine , because I ca n’t get enough of succulent . These fleshy perennials are easy to spring up and spread pronto without becoming invasive . The good part ? They ’re even up to of surviving in freeze weather , so they ’re right at home in my little front - one thousand rock and roll garden .
care : Like most succulents , they prefer full sun .
dislike : Also like most succulents , they ca n’t handle poorly drain soil .
Other machine characteristic : hen and dame encompass a variety of succulent , each with a discrete coloring . you could blend different sort for a vibrant presentation . They ’re nicknamed hens and chicks because as the plant spreads , little plant ( wench ) grow around the larger , older succulent ( the hen ) .
14. Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina)
This ground covering fire plant is perfect for rock garden or areas with rocky soil . If you have a spot in your yard where nothing seems to maturate well , consider lamb ’s ear .
Likes : Lamb ’s capitulum wish nearly all types of soil .
dislike : The one type of soil it does n’t do well in is waterlogged areas .
Other gadget characteristic : This is an excellent textural addition to rock gardens because of its easy , silvery folio .
15. Woolly yarrow (Achillea tomentosa)
A ground covering with brilliant yellow flowers , it ’s a majuscule choice if you also want to attract pollinator to your garden .
Likes : Prefers full sun .
disfavor : Does n’t do well in humidity and utmost heat .
Other characteristic : It ’s not the good choice for those wanting a quick ground - cover result . Achillea millefolium grows and spreads slow .
16. Crown vetch (Securigera varia)
A flowering solid ground cover industrial plant with fern - like leaves . This is sometimes used in large - scale agricultural product to prevent erosion and as forage material for livestock .
Likes : Prefers well - watered soil .
Dislikes : It wo n’t thrive in alkaline soil .
Other characteristic : Cold hardy and has the potential to become incursive , so keep an eye on this plant .
17. Ice plant (Aizoaceae)
If you want a ground cover that also duplicate as an ornamental , look no further than the sparkler plant . It features pretty pinkish - purple flowers that add colour and involvement to landscaping .
like : favour sunny areas , but grows well in fond shade , too .
Dislikes : Does n’t do well in sozzled , waterlogged soil .
Other characteristics : Do n’t be fritter by the name . water ice industrial plant get their name because of their appearance . They are reasonably cold - tolerant , though .
18. Wild ginger (Asarum caudatum)
With its big broad leaves , baseless ginger spreads pronto , and while it blooms for a short while , it does n’t matter because the heart - shaped foliage is attractive all on its own .
Likes : just in shady spots .
dislike : Does n’t do well in wet soil .
Other characteristic : It ’s not relate to theginger rootyou’ve eaten pickle with sushi or used to season Asian dish . The source part of the flora does smell similar to ginger , though .
19. Ribbon grass (Phalaris arundinacea)
room more attractive than the regular Gunter Wilhelm Grass you see used for lawn across North America , this background cover charge is an attractive ornamental - type grass .
Likes : Prefers well - drained soil .
Dislikes : find out out when planting in full sun because it can burn the leaves .
Other characteristics : thrifty . Ribbon grass can be invasive .
20. Pennywort (Centella asiatica)
Often considered a weed , pennywort is also known as dollarweed . For a plant that ’s suppose to be a pain , though , it ’s not risky await .
Likes : This plant does well in wet , dampish soil .
Dislikes : It wo n’t thrive in dry stain .
Other machine characteristic : It ’s definitely a controversial ground back alternative because it has thepotential to circulate apace , but for sphere with waterlogged stain where other ground covers wo n’t develop , it ’s a potential choice .
21. Basket of gold (Aurinia saxatilis)
This low - produce perennial flummox its name from its vivacious presentation of gilt flowers that lasts for 4 to 6 weeks in the leaping . When it is n’t blooming , it is a beautiful mound of grey - greenish leaf .
like : This solid ground cover plant prefers sandy , dry soil in full sun .
Dislikes : stave off overly - moist soil .
Other characteristics : hoop of gold is an evergreen plant and bear drought well .
22. Blue cornflower (Centaurea montana)
Also called knight bachelor ’s button , this plant can get a lilliputian taller than some background cover plants , depending on the amount of light it get . In the summer , it blooms cute , shaggy purple bloom .
Likes : Does best in full tone or fond sunshine . brook a wide mixture of soil and wet levels .
Dislikes : This does n’t transplant well , so sow it using seeds .
Other characteristics : It ’s a exonerative industrial plant that can handle a ambit of conditions . If you deadhead the blossom , you’re able to get a 2d blossom .
23. Evergreen candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
This ground concealment plant has upbeat white flower in the former springtime . It is first-class in rock gardens because the branch will cascade down rocks .
Likes : Thrives in sun or fond shade and does well in dry areas .
dislike : This plant does n’t wish laboured , clay soil or lactating root .
Other machine characteristic :
24. Creeping germander (Teucrium aroanium)
sneak germander blooms for more than four weeks in the summertime with purple , beloved - odorize prime .
Likes : If you have a ironic , hot billet that could use some color , creeping germander is your industrial plant .
Dislikes : Doesn’t do well in too moist soil .
Other characteristic : Popular in xeriscaping because it can deal dry conditions . It ’s also deer and lapin tolerant and bee favorable .
25. Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster)
Cotoneaster lets you add together a little color to your garden in the winter because it is an evergreen that rise bright crimson Chuck Berry in the fall and winter that Bronx cheer and cervid love . This hardy plant is much maintenance - free .
Likes : Full sun or part spectre , and any well - drained soil make cotoneasters happy .
dislike : Avoid boggy land .
Other machine characteristic : This works comes in both vertical and creeping types . The berries can be vicious if ingested , but my volaille bang to snack on them . As if the showy Chuck Berry were n’t enough , this plant also blossoms pretty white flower in the spring .
26. Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)
Also known as a creeping dogwood , this beautiful perennial has red Charles Edward Berry and white bloom . It grows well in shady areas .
like : This plant make a dark , thick carpet over rich , loamy soil .
dislike : Doesn’t tolerate drought or too much sun .
Other characteristics : This flora is native to North America and is attractive to birds . It has medicative properties .
27. Spotted dead-nettle (Lamium maculatum)
beat nettle spirit like a low - originate stinging nettle but lack the bite . It has immature leaves with a white-haired chevron in the center and pretty purple flowers .
Likes : Full spook , but this pretty flora can tolerate part shade as well . Prefers dampish territory .
Dislikes : This plant does n’t develop in compacted or ill - debilitate soil .
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Other characteristic : This plant life is link up to the mint kinfolk and can spread like one . await for kind that are n’t aggressive cultivator . In mild climate , it is a near - evergreen .
28. Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
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The brilliant , glossy folio on this plant bestow a piece of colour to shady areas underneath tree . In spring , it is cut across in tiny white flowers .
Likes : This ground covering plant does well in shady , cool areas .
Dislikes : stave off planting this in full sunshine or ironic soil .
Other characteristics : This works is cervid - insubordinate and ideal of fight weeds because it grows in a heavy , circulate mound . It can be invasive in some expanse .
29. Liverleaf (Hepatica)
The pollyannaish violet bloom on this industrial plant pop up right after the snow melts , followed by a bass green foliage that is evenly as beautiful as the blossoms .
wish : This plant thrives well when it is protect from afternoon Sunday . It needs evenly - moist soil .
Dislikes : Drought and bright sun will quickly kill liverleaf .
Other characteristic : This priming cover industrial plant maturate in forested areas , so it prefers to have plenty of well - decomposed write to keep it happy . This plant life has been used medicinally in treating liver issue .
30. Canada anemone (Anemone canadensis)
This lesser - get laid ground binding is also called the windflower . It is a perennial native to North America that blooms lily-white bloom in the bounce .
Likes : implant the anemone in full to part spectre , although it can care full sun in cooler clime . Will stand weighty clay , but it favour well - drain , moist territory .
Dislikes : The Canada anemone needs moist soil .
Other characteristics : The flush on this works maturate taller than the leaves , so it make up a good cut flower to put in shallow vases . It is also cervid - insubordinate . It ’s part of the buttercup family . This plant has medicinal properties .
Next time you steer to your local nursery , give the land concealment plants a good spirit . Between their power to provide color , practice of medicine and to draw in pollinators , they are worth having in any garden .
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