Ground cover plants are low-growing, spreading plants that are used to cover large areas of ground in gardens and landscapes. These plants are typically used in areas where grass is difficult to grow, such as on slopes or in shady areas, and they offer many benefits compared to traditional lawns. Ground cover plants are low maintenance, fast-growing, and attractive, and they help to reduce soil erosion and conserve moisture.
We have selected 25 different options for you, differing in size, height, shape, and color of flowers. But what unites them is that they are quite easy to care for. Let’s find out about them!
Characteristics of Good Ground Cover Plants
Ground cover plants are an ideal choice for covering large areas of ground in gardens and landscapes. These plants offer several key benefits that make them stand out from other ground covers and lawns. In this section, we will explore some of the key characteristics of good ground cover plants:
Low Maintenance
Good ground cover plants are low maintenance, meaning that they require minimal attention and care. This is especially important for busy homeowners who do not have a lot of time to devote to maintaining their garden. Ground cover plants typically require less water, fertilizer, and pruning than traditional lawns, making them a more cost-effective and convenient option for many people.
Fast Growth
Ground cover plants are also known for their fast growth, which allows them to spread and fill in gaps quickly. This is especially important for areas where grass is difficult to grow, such as on slopes or in shady areas. With fast growth, ground cover plants can quickly provide a lush, green coverage that can enhance the look of any garden or landscape.
Tolerance to a Variety of Climates and Conditions
Another key characteristic of good ground cover plants is their ability to tolerate a variety of climates and growing conditions. This is important for gardeners who live in areas with varying weather patterns and soil types. Ground cover plants are able to thrive in a range of temperatures, humidity levels, and soil types, making them a versatile option for many different landscapes.
Attractive Appearance
Finally, ground cover plants are known for their attractive appearance. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and can add interest and texture to any garden or outdoor space. From bright yellow foliage and blue or purple flowers, to lush green moss and fragrant herbs, there is a ground cover plant that will suit any style and taste.
25 Best Ground Cover Plants for Full Sun
1. White Alyssum
This drought-resistant ground cover is a good option to complement empty areas of your garden where flowers or other plants are not yet growing. It tolerates heat well and grows well in full sun, and is not picky about leaving. And small white flowers will be an excellent decoration for any landscape.
2. Lily of the Valley
This incredibly cute fragrant ground cover is pretty easy to care for. It is best planted in partial shade, such as near lush bushes or trees, but it can also tolerate the morning sun just fine. Note that this is a fairly fast-spreading ground cover so it’s best to keep it under control.
3. Creeping Mazus
This drought-tolerant ground-cover plant grows well in full sun. You can see small cute blue flowers during the flowering period, which begins in mid-spring. It is not picky about leaving.
4. Chamaemelum Nobile
Many gardeners adore this ground cover for its low maintenance and full sun love. You can plant both annuals and perennials. The only thing to remember is to do regular pruning if you don’t want this heat-tolerant ground cover to spill over into your entire yard. Either way, its charming flowers will add comfort to any garden.
5. Thyme Blossoms
This full sun perennial ground cover is not only the perfect decoration for your garden but also a delicious addition to your meals. How about a refreshing homemade lemonade in the sultry heat with a sprig of thyme that you can grab straight from your yard? Sounds tempting! A nice bonus: the plant is not whimsical to care for, and you will not have any problems with growing!
6. Candytuft
Incredibly interesting, this ground cover for sunny areas is very popular due to its clusters of crisp white flowers and its simple maintenance requirements. If you choose to plant it in your garden, keep in mind that it needs well-drained soil to grow better.
7. Cerastium Tomentosum
The drought-tolerant ground cover, which resembles snow drifts with its snow-white flowers, will be a wonderful decorative addition to your garden. This perennial, as a rule, begins to bloom in early summer and does not like high humidity. But it grows well in shallow rocky soil.
8. Epimedium
This perennial looks like ground foliage in beautiful reds. When it blooms, which usually happens in early spring, you can observe beautiful flowers that resemble fairy wings in their appearance. It is frost-hardy, perfectly tolerates arid conditions, but prefers partial shade.
9. Sedum “Dragon’s Blood”
This hardy plant got its interesting name for its bright red color. This is a great option for those who want to observe such beauty all year round. It grows well in full sun and does not require complex maintenance. This is a great option as a rock garden ground cover.
10. Sempervivum Tectorum
This sun-loving ground cover will brighten your garden with interesting colors of green, red, and blue flowers during the blooming season. Despite the great variety of cultivars, none of them will grow taller than 10 inches in height. They are frost-resistant, caring for them does not require much effort.
11. Ajuga
This perennial plant can be a great alternative to a low-growing lawn for almost any climate. Will be a great decoration for any garden thanks to its chocolate, bronze, and dark green glossy leaves. And during the summer months, you can see small pink, purple, white, and blue flowers. Grows well in full sun.
12. Periwinkle
Periwinkle belongs to an evergreen perennial ground cover with a height of 4-6 in. It is very unpretentious, grows quickly, forming a dense carpet of dark green color. During the flowering period, decorate your garden with beautiful five-leafed blue and purple flowers.
13. Ivy
Ivy is a ground cover that grows well in full sun. Evergreen creeping vine can grow both vertically and spread over the soil. The main thing for the plant is sufficient soil moisture. Possesses not very high frost resistance.
14. Aubrieta
Cold-resistant perennial up to 6 inches high, requiring frequent watering, sunny areas, and nutritious soils. Grown by sowing seeds in a permanent place, since it does not tolerate transplants. It blooms from May to July, adorning the landscape with bright purple flowers.
15. Anemone Canadensis
These ground cover perennials will brighten your garden with small white flowers during flowering. Grows well in full sun and moist soil. It is typically less than two feet tall, making it a great option for your backyard.
16. Bromeliads
A great option if you are looking for tropical ground cover plants. Thanks to its interesting shapes and unusual colors, this plant will adorn any garden. Loves full sun, tolerates drought well, and multiplies easily by division.
17. Antennaria
An interesting ground cover for sandy soil will be an unusual decoration for your garden. The light pink buds of this plant resemble the pads of a cat’s paws, for which many gardeners are especially fond. They are resistant to drought, do not require complex care. And during the flowering period, it attracts many beautiful butterflies.
18. Delosperma
The undersized fast-growing ground cover will brighten the garden with gorgeous flowers that open up in the sun and close in the shade. Depending on the variety, the flowers can be white, orange, or bright purple.
19. Pincushion Moss
If you are looking for moss ground cover for full sun then this is what you need! This species stands out for its good drought tolerance. Planting it in your backyard will give you gorgeous green carpets that are easy to maintain. We advise you to see for yourself the attractiveness of this plant.
20. Dianthus
What you might find in your grandmother’s garden, Dianthus is the oldest centuries-old plant with a mild vanilla scent. Its leaves resemble petals that have been cut with scissors. And this beautiful ground cover varies in size from a little to two feet in height. For this plant to bloom better, it must be placed in a sunny place.
21. Black Mondo Grass
Quite an extravagant option, but insanely beautiful nonetheless. It is an evergreen perennial that loves full sun. Despite its unusual appearance, it is quite easy to care for it.
22. Oregano
This plant forms thick clumps of foliage. During sunny summer days, this green grass blooms with small pretty flowers that attract pollinating insects of different species. You can prune the plant from time to time to control the height.
23. Creeping Phlox
Amazingly beautiful flowers that shimmer in different shades, depending on the variety. The most common are blue, pink, magenta, white, and light blue. Grows well in full sun and is drought tolerant.
24. Sea Thrift
A perennial plant, and which few have heard. Nevertheless, it is very cute. It has small attractive mounds with grassy foliage, as well as tiny flowers in the shape of a ball. These flowers appear from the end of spring or the beginning of summer. The plant loves the full sun.
25. Mondo Grass
This cute glossy plant can be found anywhere but is especially popular in the southern states. Mondo Grass grows in small groups and needs full sun and moist soil.
Considerations when Choosing Ground Cover Plants
Ground cover plants offer many benefits, but choosing the right one for your specific needs can be a challenge. With so many options to choose from, it is important to consider a few key factors before making a decision. In this section, we will explore some of the most important considerations when choosing ground cover plants:
Climate
The climate in your area is a critical factor when choosing ground cover plants. Some plants are better suited to hot, dry climates, while others thrive in cool, damp environments. Before selecting a ground cover plant, it is important to research the best options for your local climate. This will help ensure that the plant you choose will be able to grow and thrive in your area.
Sunlight
Another important consideration is the amount of sunlight that your garden or landscape receives. Some ground cover plants prefer full sun, while others thrive in shady areas. Before choosing a ground cover plant, it is important to assess the amount of sunlight that your garden receives throughout the day and select a plant that is well-suited to your specific conditions.
Soil Type
Soil type is another important factor to consider when choosing ground cover plants. Different plants have different requirements for soil type, such as sandy soil, loamy soil, or clay soil. Before selecting a ground cover plant, it is important to determine the type of soil that is present in your garden and choose a plant that will be able to grow well in these conditions.
Maintenance Requirements
It is also important to consider the maintenance requirements of different ground cover plants. Some plants require more water and fertilization than others, and some may need to be pruned regularly to maintain their shape and size. Before selecting a ground cover plant, it is important to research the maintenance requirements for each option and choose a plant that will fit well into your schedule and routine.
Aesthetic Considerations
Finally, it is important to consider the aesthetic appeal of different ground cover plants. There are many different colors, shapes, and textures to choose from, so it is important to select a plant that will complement the look and feel of your garden or landscape. Whether you prefer bright colors, lush green foliage, or fragrant herbs, there is a ground cover plant that will meet your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ground cover plants are a valuable addition to any garden or landscape, providing a low-maintenance, fast-growing, and attractive alternative to traditional lawns.
By choosing the right ground cover plant for your specific needs, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that will enhance the look of your home and provide many years of enjoyment.
Whether you prefer colorful flowers, lush green foliage, or fragrant herbs, there is a ground cover plant that will meet your needs. So why not experiment with different ground cover plants and find the best fit for your garden today!