Best Ground Cover Champions: Plants That Suppress Weeds & Build Soil

Introduction to Ground Cover Plants

Ground cover plants are an essential component of any garden, particularly in areas with poor soil, high foot traffic, or where maintaining a traditional lawn is challenging. These low-growing plants are often chosen for their ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, including full sun, partial shade, and moist soil. They are highly versatile and can be used to create a dense mat of foliage that effectively suppresses weeds and builds soil health.

One of the biggest advantages of ground cover plants is their low maintenance nature. Once established, they require minimal care while performing crucial functions such as preventing erosion, retaining soil moisture, and even acting as living mulch. They can also thrive beneath trees, making them ideal for shaded areas. Their aesthetic appeal is also notable, as they come in a range of colors and textures—green leaves, chartreuse foliage, silvery blue foliage, and even colorful flowers.

Some popular ground cover plants include Japanese forest grass, creeping thyme, and creeping phlox, each bringing its unique attributes to the garden. For example, creeping thyme forms a fragrant carpet that can withstand light foot traffic, while creeping phlox adds a flower carpet of bright flowers in spring. Flowering ground cover plants not only suppress weeds but also enhance the visual appeal of your garden with their vibrant blooms.

Benefits of Ground Covers

1. Weed Suppression

One of the primary reasons gardeners choose ground cover plants is their ability to smother weeds. By forming a dense, spreading mat, ground covers block sunlight from reaching weed seeds, thereby preventing their germination.

Additionally, plants like Creeping Jenny and Stonecrop are effective in smothering weeds by forming dense mats that inhibit their growth.

2. Soil Conservation

Ground cover plants help control erosion by stabilizing soil with their root systems. They also retain moisture, reducing the risk of soil compaction and degradation. Ground covers can form a lush and dense green carpet, providing both visual appeal and functional benefits in shaded areas. This makes them particularly useful in rock gardens, woodland gardens, and on steep slopes where well-drained soil is essential to prevent dampness and promote healthy growth.

3. Aesthetic Appeal

Ground covers are available in various colors and textures, from evergreen foliage to fragrant flowers. Whether you prefer purple flowers, pink flowers, or tiny white flowers, ground covers can add visual interest throughout the growing seasons, including early spring, late spring, and early summer. Many ground covers also feature vibrant blue flowers, such as lavender and creeping phlox, which thrive in specific growing conditions. These plants often have attractive foliage and clusters or spikes of small flowers that enhance the garden’s visual interest in different seasons. Additionally, some ground covers are long blooming, like ice plant and carpet roses, providing extended periods of vibrant blooms throughout the warm seasons.

4. Wildlife Support

Many ground covers, like creeping thyme and ice plant, produce fragrant flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Additionally, the foliage can provide habitat for small wildlife, making your garden more biodiverse. Creeping Thyme, in particular, is known for its fragrant foliage, which not only adds to the garden’s sensory appeal but also serves practical purposes like weed suppression and foot traffic tolerance. These ground covers can also enrich the soil and support other plants, enhancing the overall health and beauty of your garden.

5. Maintenance and Durability

Ideal for low-maintenance gardening, ground covers like mondo grass and dead nettle can survive neglect and thrive even in challenging conditions, including dry shade and shady areas. Many of these ground covers are also heat tolerant, making them perfect for sunny and arid environments. By incorporating more plants, you can fill difficult spaces, suppress weeds, and create a lush garden environment with less maintenance.

Types of Low Maintenance Ground Covers

Ground Cover Plant	Sun Exposure	Soil Type	Flower Color	Special Feature	Height (inches tall)
Creeping Thyme	Full Sun	Well-Drained	Purple, Light Pink	Fragrant Flowers	2 – 3 inches tall
Creeping Phlox	Full Sun	Poor Soil	Bright Colors	Drought Resistant	4 – 6 inches tall
Creeping Sedum	Full Sun	Well-Drained	Yellow, Pink	Succulent Foliage	3 – 6 inches tall
Dead Nettle	Partial Shade	Moist Soil	White, Purple	Deer Resistant	6 – 12 inches tall
Mondo Grass	Full Shade	Poor Soil	Dark Green	Drought Tolerant	6 – 12 inches tall

Some ground covers, such as Dead Nettle and Mondo Grass, can thrive in morning sun, making them versatile options for various garden conditions.

Best Ground Cover Options

Ground cover plants are an excellent way to add beauty and functionality to any garden or landscape. They come in a wide range of colors, textures, and growth habits, making them suitable for various conditions, including full sun, partial shade, and even deep shade.

One popular option is Creeping Thyme, a drought-tolerant and deer-resistant plant that forms a fragrant carpet of purple or light pink flowers. It’s perfect for sunny areas and can even handle light foot traffic. Another great choice is Japanese Forest Grass, known for its beautiful chartreuse foliage that thrives in partial shade.

For areas with poor soil, consider using Sedum or Ice Plant. Both are low-maintenance and can thrive in challenging conditions. Sedum offers succulent foliage and colorful blooms, while Ice Plant dazzles with its bright, daisy-like flowers.

When choosing a ground cover, consider factors such as sun exposure, soil type, and desired level of maintenance to ensure the best results. With the right selection, you can create a stunning and functional landscape that requires minimal upkeep.

Ground Cover for Challenging Areas

Full Sun Areas

For areas exposed to full sun, consider hardy options like creeping thyme, blue rug, or ice plant. These heat tolerant plants are drought tolerant and can withstand intense sunlight.

Additionally, ground covers like creeping thyme can be planted between stepping stones, providing a resilient and attractive option for garden paths.

Partial Shade

In spots with limited sunlight, dead nettle and Japanese forest grass are excellent choices. They can thrive in moist soil and tolerate part shade. Ground covers like Irish moss are particularly suitable for dark corners, forming a lush carpet of foliage in areas where other plants might struggle. Additionally, Japanese forest grass prefers shade but can tolerate some direct sunlight, making it a versatile choice for gardens with varied light exposure.

High Foot Traffic

When selecting ground covers for light foot traffic areas, choose durable options like creeping thyme and creeping phlox. These plants can withstand occasional trampling while maintaining their decorative appeal. Ground covers are also excellent for filling tight spaces, such as gaps between stepping stones and shaded areas. When planted in groups, these species not only thrive in various conditions but also create visually appealing displays that enhance garden landscapes.

Problematic Soil

If the soil quality is poor, opt for creeping sedum or mondo grass, both of which are tolerant of challenging growing conditions. These plants grow well even in problematic soil, making them ideal for difficult areas in your garden. Additionally, while they prefer shade, they can also benefit from exposure to morning sun, which provides gentle light without the harshness of the afternoon sun.

Groundcover Plants for Erosion Control

Groundcover plants are an effective way to control erosion on slopes, hills, and other areas prone to soil loss. They help to hold the soil in place, preventing it from being washed or blown away, and can also reduce the risk of landslides and other erosion-related problems.

One excellent option for erosion control is Creeping Juniper, which has a dense, mat-like growth habit that stabilizes soil effectively. Another great choice is Mondo Grass, a fast-growing evergreen perennial that forms a thick, dense mat to keep soil in place.

Creeping Phlox is another fantastic option, with its low-growing, spreading habit and vibrant purple flowers in the spring. Vinca minor, with its blue-purple flowers, is also a reliable choice for erosion control, providing beautiful ground cover throughout the growing season.

When using groundcover plants for erosion control, it’s essential to choose plants that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions. Plant them densely enough to provide adequate coverage, and ensure regular maintenance, such as watering and fertilizing, to keep them healthy and effective. With the right groundcover plants, you can protect your landscape from erosion while adding beauty and biodiversity.

Planting and Maintaining Ground Covers

To establish your ground covers successfully, follow these steps:

1. Plant in spring or fall for optimal root establishment.

2. Water regularly during the first few months.

3. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

4. Plant in groups to create visually appealing displays and enhance garden landscapes.

5. Prune as needed to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged foliage.

6. Use ground covers to prevent weeds and reduce maintenance efforts.

Conclusion

Choosing the right ground cover plants can transform your garden into a vibrant, low-maintenance landscape. Ground covers can serve as a lawn substitute, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits. Whether you’re looking to enhance soil health or simply add aesthetic appeal, ground covers offer a versatile solution for suppressing weeds.

Explore more about ground cover plants on The Spruce and learn how to incorporate them effectively into your garden. For more insights into gardening techniques, visit our Gardening Tips Page.