Are you tired of mowing lawns in your yard? I know I was! After reading this post, I found myself and my garden a great solution — ground cover plants. They aren’t expensive and don’t need high-maintenance sod. Instead, they are an easy-care, environmentally-friendly groundcover that I absolutely love.
So, if you are seeking a solution for a problem area or simply want to upgrade your garden to a new level, these hardy ground cover plants below are great alternatives. In my opinion, they are some of the best ideas for any homeowner.
Ground cover plants are low-growing plants that serve many different purposes both in your garden and in the landscape. They offer both beauty and function, giving a yard color and attracting vital pollinators to your backyard. At the same time, they simultaneously help to fight weeds and control erosion. I personally think they are a must-have for any outdoor space.
They limit weed growth, stabilize slopes, and add interest and texture to your yard. They not only give a gentle and soft ground to walk on but also can spread the scent and massage your toes well. For these good reasons, I believe these hardy ground cover plants are all-around problem-solvers to your gardening and landscaping problems.
#1 Asiatic Jasmine — A Lush Green Carpet for Your Garden
Source: Fast-growing-trees
I absolutely love Asiatic Jasmine because it is a vining evergreen that produces small dark green, glossy leaves forming a beautiful mat. In my garden, it displays tiny white, yellow, or pink flowers in spring, which I find absolutely charming. If you want a low-maintenance groundcover that looks elegant all year round, I highly recommend this one.
#2 Creeping Phlox — A Burst of Spring Colors I Adore
Source: Thespruce
In my experience, Creeping Phlox shows off a thick mat of pink, lavender, or purple flowers in early spring that never fails to impress me. I always make sure to plant it in full sun because that is where it blooms best. If you want a colorful groundcover that signals the arrival of spring, this is my top pick.
#3 Lamb’s Ear — Soft Silver Foliage I Can’t Resist
Source: Amazon
I am fascinated by Lamb’s Ear because it offers fuzzy, silver-green foliage that gives the plant its adorable name. In my opinion, it is a tough survivor that can tolerate poor soil and high heat without complaining. If you need a resilient groundcover with a unique texture, I think this is a fantastic choice.
#4 Creeping Jenny — My Go-To for Sun or Shade
Source: Creeklinehouse
I find Creeping Jenny incredibly versatile because it does well both in full sun and part shade in my garden. It favors growing in medium to wet soil, which makes it perfect for those tricky spots in my yard. If you are looking for a adaptable perennial, I personally recommend giving this one a try.
#5 English Ivy — A Vigorous Spreader I Keep in Check
Source: Hirts
I have learned that English Ivy is quite invasive because its vine spreads quickly and easily. To control its growth, I simply prune it whenever it creeps into unwanted areas. If you want a fast-growing groundcover and don’t mind a little maintenance, I think this could work well for you.
#6 Sedum — My Favorite Drought-Resistant Succulent
Source: Realsimple
I am a big fan of Sedum because it is a tough succulent that offers tons of varieties and is extremely drought resistant. In my garden, it is easy to grow in full sun and requires almost no attention. If you want a hassle-free groundcover that thrives in hot, dry conditions, I highly suggest Sedum.
#7 Miniature Brass Buttons — A Shade-Loving Mat I Treasure
Source: Littleprinceplants
I appreciate Miniature Brass Buttons because it creates a thick mat through a combination of above and below ground runners. In my experience, it grows exceptionally well in the shade where other plants struggle. If you have a shady corner that needs covering, I think this is an excellent option.
#8 Creeping Thyme — My Aromatic Choice for Any Spot
Source: Gardeningknowhow
I love how Creeping Thyme can grow almost anywhere and produces dozens of small, delicate flowers. It is great for dry soil and I have even tucked it into rock gardens and stair crevices with amazing results. If you want a fragrant, versatile groundcover, I personally believe this is a winner.
#9 Wild Ginger — A Fragrant Heart-Shaped Beauty I Enjoy
Source: Jswbotanicalart
I am always impressed by Wild Ginger because it shows off a fragrant mat of bright green, heart-shaped foliage. In my garden, it gives a stunning look for covering slopes or for edging pathways. If you want a groundcover that combines beauty and aroma, I strongly recommend this one.
#10 Dwarf Mondo Grass — My Drought-Resistant Carpet
Source: Bloodfive
I find Dwarf Mondo Grass provides a sort of natural carpet beneath with dense dark green blades that I find very soothing. This plant is drought-resistant and does well in both sun and shade in my experience. If you need a reliable, grass-like groundcover, I think you will love this option.
#11 Roman Chamomile — My Pretty Lawn Alternative
Source: Outsidepride
I adore Roman Chamomile because it can create a pretty lawn with tiny pretty flowers that brighten up my yard. The plant is low-maintenance and thrives in a sunny location, but I have also found it does well in part shade. If you want a charming, easy-care groundcover, I suggest trying this one.
#12 Moss — My No-Mow Border Solution
Source: Thegardenglove
I think Moss creates a beautiful border, especially in Japanese-style gardens that I find very peaceful. The best part is that it requires no mowing at all, which saves me so much time. If you want a serene, maintenance-free groundcover, I believe Moss is a perfect choice.
#13 Hardy Ice Plant — My Evergreen Daisy-Like Favorite
Source: New Hope Nursery
I am impressed by Hardy Ice Plant because it provides an evergreen groundcover with daisy-like flowers that cheer up my garden. It grows well in zones from 5 to 11, which makes it suitable for many climates. If you want a colorful, hardy groundcover, I highly recommend this beautiful plant.
#14 Vinca Minor — My Dense Mat with Dainty Flowers
Source: Thespruce
I love how Vinca Minor puts down roots from spreading shoots to form a dense mat in my garden. It features dainty foliage and deep blue or purple flowers that I find absolutely lovely. If you want a vigorous groundcover with charming blooms, I think this is an excellent pick.
#15 Geraniums — My Shade-Loving Violet-Blue Beauty
Source: Lovethegarden
I enjoy Geraniums because they create a mound of stems and the icing on top are the plant’s violet-blue flowers. This plant prefers shade and needs very little care, which is perfect for my busy schedule. If you want a colorful, low-maintenance groundcover, I suggest giving Geraniums a try.
#16 Ajuga — My Matting Ground Cover with Spiky Blooms
Source: Picfair
I find Ajuga to be a wonderful matting ground cover that spreads quickly in my garden. In early summer, it sends up spikes of blue, lavender, or pink flowers that I find very attractive. If you want a fast-spreading groundcover with colorful blooms, I personally recommend Ajuga.
