Ground Cover Plants: Best Choices and How to Plant Them
Ground cover plants transform empty garden spaces into attractive carpets of greenery and flowers. They help reduce weeds, protect exposed soil from drying and erosion, and bring colour to areas where ordinary lawns struggle. Beneath trees, beside pathways or across sunny slopes, the right varieties can create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape. Choosing suitable species and preparing the planting area carefully are the secrets to a healthy, long-lasting display.
Why Choose Ground Cover for Your Garden?
A living carpet offers several advantages over bare earth. Dense foliage shades the surface, slows moisture loss and helps prevent weed seeds from germinating. Established plants can also soften hard landscaping and connect different garden features.
The best ground cover depends on sunlight, moisture, climate and the intended use. Some varieties form compact cushions, while others spread through runners or stems that root along the ground.
Choose restrained varieties for small borders and more vigorous selections for larger spaces. Remember that some spreading species can become invasive, so check local recommendations before planting.
Ground Cover Plants for Full Sun
Sunny areas with freely draining soil are ideal for many flowering and drought-tolerant perennials. These varieties often require little additional watering after establishment.
Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme produces aromatic foliage and small pink or purple flowers that attract pollinators. It enjoys warm positions, excellent drainage and relatively poor soil. Established plants tolerate occasional light foot traffic, making them attractive between paving stones.
Creeping Phlox
Moss phlox, Phlox subulata, forms spreading cushions covered with colourful spring blossoms. It is particularly effective in a rock garden, along a sunny bank or over the edge of a raised bed.
Sedum and Hardy Geranium
Low-growing sedum varieties have fleshy leaves that store water and tolerate dry conditions. Hardy geraniums provide decorative foliage and seasonal flowers, with different species suited to sunny or lightly shaded locations.
Combine varieties with different flowering periods to maintain colour and texture throughout the growing season.
Choosing Ground Cover for Shade
Shady corners beneath trees or beside buildings need plants adapted to lower light levels. Ground cover for shade should also be selected according to moisture availability, since tree roots can make sheltered areas surprisingly dry.
Ajuga and Pachysandra
Ajuga, also known as bugleweed, develops decorative leaves and short spikes of blue flowers. It grows well in partial shade and spreads through surface runners.
Pachysandra creates a dense mat of glossy leaves in sheltered areas. It prefers humus-rich, reasonably moist ground and can provide a consistent green appearance throughout the year.
Periwinkle, Bergenia and Ferns
Periwinkle offers trailing stems and attractive blue or violet flowers. It can spread aggressively in some regions, so avoid planting it near sensitive natural habitats.
Bergenia produces broad decorative leaves and spring flowers, while small ferns provide delicate texture in cool, sheltered locations.
For mixed shade, combine plants with contrasting leaf shapes rather than relying entirely on flowers.
Evergreen Ground Cover for Year-Round Interest
An evergreen ground cover helps maintain garden structure during winter, when many flowering perennials lose their leaves.
Depending on the climate, suitable options include certain sedums, pachysandra, bergenia and selected creeping shrubs. Some retain their foliage completely, while others become less attractive during severe frost.
Choose hardy varieties appropriate for your region and avoid assuming that all evergreen plants tolerate the same temperatures.
Combining evergreen foliage with deciduous flowering species creates a balanced display that changes naturally through the seasons.
How to Plant Ground Cover
Successful planting begins with careful preparation. Remove existing grass, perennial weeds and persistent roots before introducing young plants.
Loosen compacted soil and improve its structure where necessary. Add mature compost for moisture-loving species, but avoid enriching dry-loving varieties excessively.
Arrange plants across the area before digging individual planting holes. Position them at their original nursery depth and allow sufficient space for mature growth.
Typical spacing ranges from approximately 20 to 45 cm, although the correct distance depends on the variety and desired coverage speed.
Water thoroughly after planting. Apply a light layer of mulch between plants to reduce moisture loss and limit weed growth while the new planting establishes.
A low growing ground cover may take one or two seasons to form a continuous carpet. Closer spacing produces faster coverage but can increase competition and maintenance requirements.
Ground Cover Between Pavers and on Slopes
Low plants can soften the edges of a pathway and create attractive green spaces between stepping stones. Choose compact species that tolerate the expected level of traffic.
For areas with regular walking, install durable paving rather than relying on delicate plants to withstand repeated pressure.
On a slope or bank, ground-cover vegetation helps hold the surface together and reduce runoff after heavy rain. Select species with well-developed root systems suited to the site.
On steep slopes, temporary erosion-control materials may be necessary until the roots establish. Plants alone may not stabilise seriously unstable ground.
Watering and Maintenance
During the first growing season, water regularly during dry weather. Young plants need dependable moisture while their roots spread into surrounding soil.
Remove emerging weeds promptly before they compete with the new planting. Maintain a thin layer of mulch between plants until the foliage closes the gaps.
Once established, most suitable varieties require less frequent watering. However, their needs still depend on rainfall, soil type and exposure.
Some spreading plants benefit from occasional trimming to keep pathways clear and prevent them from overwhelming neighbouring flowers.
Where coverage becomes too dense, divide established clumps or remove unwanted runners. This also provides healthy planting material for other areas.
How to Create a Balanced Garden Carpet
Combining different plant heights, textures and seasonal colours makes a planted area more attractive. Use low creeping species near path edges and slightly taller varieties behind them.
Avoid mixing aggressive spreaders with delicate, slow-growing plants. Their competition may eventually reduce the diversity of the display.
Consider flower colour, winter appearance, drainage and maintenance needs before finalising the planting design.
Enjoy Beautiful Ground Cover Year After Year
Well-chosen ground-cover varieties can transform difficult garden spaces into attractive, practical planting areas. With proper soil preparation, suitable spacing and regular care during establishment, they gradually create dense, colourful carpets that need relatively little maintenance.
Explore our collection of perennial plants and choose beautiful varieties for sunny borders, shaded corners, pathways and rock gardens.
