Groundcover plants can reduce exposed soil, soften slopes, replace struggling lawn, and limit weed pressure—but none is completely maintenance-free. The easiest choice is the plant that matches the site: light, moisture, drainage, soil, mature spread, and the amount of foot traffic or deer pressure it will receive.
Groundcover plants can reduce exposed soil, soften slopes, replace struggling lawn, and limit weed pressure—but none is completely maintenance-free. The easiest choice is the plant that matches the site: light, moisture, drainage, soil, mature spread, and the amount of foot traffic or deer pressure it will receive.
Use the checklist below before buying plants, then choose from these 15 relatively easy groundcovers. Most will need regular watering and weed control while they establish, especially during the first season or two.
How to choose the right groundcover
- Light: Record whether the area receives full sun, part shade, full shade, or deep shade. Part shade generally means about three to six hours of sunlight; full shade means less than three hours of direct sun. Deep shade receives almost no direct sunlight.
- Moisture: Identify whether the soil is dry, average, consistently moist, or periodically wet.
- Drainage: Dig or observe after rain. If water lingers around the roots, avoid plants that require sharply drained soil.
- Soil: Texture, pH, organic matter, and nutrient levels all affect performance. Before converting lawn or installing a large bed, consider a soil-testing laboratory or a regional mail-in soil test so amendments are based on actual conditions.
- Hardiness: Use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map as a first screening tool, then check the plant tag and a reliable local profile. A zone rating is not a guarantee, particularly where drainage, winter wind, summer heat, or soil moisture differs from the plant’s preferred conditions.
- Mature spread: Check the plant’s width, not just the size of the nursery pot. A creeping juniper or vigorous groundcover may eventually cover far more area than a small bed can accommodate.
- Site pressure: Account for deer, occasional foot traffic, salt, drought, slopes, and competition from established tree roots.
Best groundcovers for sunny, relatively dry sites
These choices generally prefer full sun and soil that drains well. They are useful along paths, in rock gardens, on sunny banks, and in places where turf becomes thin or difficult to mow.
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- COVERAGE: 20,000 seeds of creeping thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) provide extensive ground coverage for gardens, pathways, and landscaping areas
- PERENNIAL GROWTH: Hardy flowering plant returns year after year, creating a dense, low-growing mat of fragrant foliage and delicate purple blooms
- VERSATILE PLANTING: Ideal for rock gardens, between stepping stones, lawn alternative, or as an attractive border plant that helps suppress weeds
- GROWING SPECIFICATIONS: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, reaches 2-4 inches in height, and spreads up to 18 inches per plant
1. Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum and related selections)
Creeping thyme is a very low, aromatic groundcover that works especially well between stepping stones, along path edges, and in small sunny beds. Give it full sun and sharply drained soil; wet, heavy ground is more likely to cause trouble than a dry site.
It is a good choice where a low-growing planting can tolerate occasional steps, but it is not a substitute for a regularly used walkway. Keep the area weed-free while the plants spread, and avoid burying the crowns under a thick layer of mulch.
2. Moss phlox or creeping phlox (Phlox subulata)
Moss phlox forms a dense mat and produces a conspicuous spring display. It is suited to full sun, rocky or sandy soil, and other sites that are relatively poor but well drained. Once established, it can tolerate drought better than many thirstier groundcovers.
It is commonly listed as hardy in USDA Zones 3–9, but local winter exposure and summer conditions still matter. Make sure the plant is Phlox subulata; other phlox species have different growth habits and site preferences.
3. White stonecrop (Sedum album)
White stonecrop is a low succulent groundcover for sunny, dry, well-drained locations. Its small foliage and flowers suit rock gardens, edging, gravelly beds, and slopes where ordinary groundcovers may rot.
Use it where water drains promptly. A sunny location is not enough if the soil remains saturated after rain or irrigation.
4. Two-row stonecrop (Sedum spurium)
Two-row stonecrop spreads into a low mat and adds colorful foliage along with small flowers. It is another strong option for sunny, drought-prone areas, rock gardens, borders, and modest slopes.
Its tolerance for dry conditions does not mean it wants constant moisture. Avoid overwatering and improve drainage before planting if water stands in the bed.
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5. Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
Candytuft is a compact flowering groundcover with evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage, depending on the climate and winter conditions. It fits well at the front of a border, in a rock garden, or on a small sunny bank.
Plant it in full sun with well-drained soil. It is better for defined beds and smaller areas than for covering a broad, unmanaged slope.
6. Creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)
Creeping juniper is an evergreen, woody groundcover for sunny, well-drained sites. Its spreading habit makes it useful on broad slopes, banks, and areas where year-round structure is valuable.
Rank #2
- Quick Germination: Surface-sow purple rockcress flower seeds; light required. Sprouts in 10–14 days at 60–65°F. Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost — garden seed planting, great seeds for planting.
- Sun & Soil Fit: Rock cress plant loves full sun or part sun and very well-drained soil. Keep seedlings moist; established plants prefer dry. Durable ground cover flower —pairs with ground cover seeds.
- Compact, Cascading Habit: Aubrieta plants form low mats 6 inches tall with a trailing edge. Space 6–12 inches apart. A fit for rock garden plants, perfect among low growing perennials.
- Late-Spring Color: Aubrieta rockcress blooms second season from perennial flower seed, coating stones with purple. Prune after flowering to half size—fit for flower seeds perennial outdoor plantings.
- Wide Range Hardy: Suited to USDA 3–10 across most U.S. regions; deer resistant. Use rock garden seeds and flowering ground cover seeds for walls and paths; handy seed packets for gifting or storage.
Measure carefully before planting. Mature cultivars can spread substantially, making them a poor fit for a narrow bed beside a walkway or foundation. Select a cultivar by its eventual width and height rather than by the size of the container at installation.
Shopping for sunny groundcovers
For a small thyme planting, creeping thyme seeds may be an option, although starter plants can provide more predictable initial coverage. Availability, cultivar, seller quality, and growing instructions vary, so confirm that the material is appropriate for your climate and intended site. Seed is not equally practical for every groundcover on this list.
Best groundcovers for shade, woodland edges, and moister soil
These plants are useful beneath trees, around shrubs, and in lawn areas where limited sunlight or root competition makes turf unreliable. “Shade” does not automatically mean “wet”: check the actual moisture and drainage conditions before planting.
7. Pennsylvania sedge or sun sedge (Carex pensylvanica)
Pennsylvania sedge is a fine-textured North American sedge that can grow from full sun to full shade and in average to dry soil. It is particularly appealing beneath trees when the desired effect is a soft, lawn-like carpet rather than a broad-leaved ornamental mat.
It is not a universal turf replacement in every climate or for every use. Confirm that the local conditions and maintenance expectations fit the sedge, especially if the area receives regular traffic or must tolerate close mowing.
8. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Bugleweed fills space quickly and offers colorful foliage with spring flowers. It can grow in full sun to full shade and tolerates dry soil once established, giving it more flexibility than many shade groundcovers.
That vigor requires management. Install a defined edge, inspect the planting periodically, and remove runners that move beyond the intended bed. A fast-filling groundcover is not automatically a good choice beside natural areas or neighboring properties.
9. Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet woodruff is a fragrant woodland groundcover suited to part shade and adaptable soil. It can create a natural-looking planting beneath trees and shrubs where grass struggles because of low light.
Water it during establishment, particularly under mature trees whose roots compete for moisture. Check its spreading habit before using it in a confined bed, and keep it within its intended planting area.
10. Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
Japanese spurge, often called Japanese pachysandra, is an evergreen groundcover for light to dense shade. Its glossy foliage and spring flowers make it a familiar underplanting for shrubs and trees, and it can spread into a substantial bed over time.
Because it is a vigorous spreader and may be considered problematic in some regions, check your state or local invasive-plant guidance before installing it. Do not assume that a plant commonly sold at garden centers is environmentally appropriate everywhere.
11. Barren strawberry (Waldsteinia ternata)
Barren strawberry is a low, tidy groundcover for full sun to part shade with adaptable soil requirements. It can be useful when you want a spreading mat but prefer an alternative to some of the more notorious invasive groundcovers.
Rank #3
- Versatility in Landscaping: Alyssum, particularly sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima), is widely used in gardens for its low-growing, spreading habit. It's excellent for borders, rock gardens, hanging baskets, and as ground cover because it forms a dense mat of foliage and flowers.
- Fragrance: One of the most distinctive features of alyssum is its sweet, honey-like fragrance, which is particularly strong in the evening, attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. This makes it not only a visual but also an aromatic addition to gardens.
- Color Range: While white alyssum is the most common, varieties also come in shades of pink, purple, and even yellow. These colors make alyssum versatile for different color schemes in garden design.
- Ease of Growth: Alyssum is known for being easy to grow. It's an annual in many regions but can behave as a perennial in milder climates. It prefers full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and can tolerate drought once established, making it low-maintenance.
- Pollinator Friendly: Alyssum flowers are not just ornamental; they play a significant role in supporting pollinators. They provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem. Additionally, some varieties are known to attract hoverflies, which are natural predators of aphids, thereby offering natural pest control.
Use it where the mature spread suits the bed, and confirm local availability. As with any plant, performance will depend on drainage, moisture, and competition from nearby roots.
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Canadian wild ginger is a native woodland groundcover for part to full shade. It prefers evenly moist soil but can tolerate some dryness, making it useful beneath established trees if the planting is monitored during drought.
It is a strong candidate for a naturalistic woodland edge where broad foliage is desirable. Water newly installed plants regularly until their roots are established, and do not confuse shade tolerance with drought tolerance during the first season.
13. Mazus (Mazus reptans)
Mazus is a very low groundcover for full sun to part shade and medium-to-wet soil. It can work in small areas, between stepping stones, around water-tolerant beds, and in rain-garden settings.
It tolerates foot traffic and infrequent mowing better than many ornamental groundcovers, but it is still best for light, occasional use rather than a primary walkway. Its low habit also makes weed control important until it knits together.
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Common bearberry is a prostrate, evergreen native shrub with persistent leaves and red berries. It is best for sunny or lightly shaded sites with acidic, sharply drained soil.
Do not use it as a general-purpose solution for damp clay or poorly drained ground. It can also be difficult to find at ordinary garden centers, so a regional native-plant nursery may be a more realistic source.
15. Allegheny pachysandra (Pachysandra procumbens)
Allegheny pachysandra is a native woodland alternative to Japanese pachysandra in appropriate parts of the eastern United States. It is suited to shaded, naturalistic plantings where a native groundcover fits the local climate and soil.
Availability and performance are regional. Verify that it is native or appropriate for your location, and match the planting site to its moisture, shade, and soil requirements rather than treating it as a universal replacement for turf.
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How to establish a groundcover successfully
1. Remove existing competition
Groundcovers do not instantly suppress weeds. Remove existing turf and perennial weeds before planting, or suppress them thoroughly using a site-appropriate preparation method. Persistent roots and rhizomes left in the bed can compete with new plants and reappear through the groundcover.
2. Plan the mature coverage
Measure the planting area and compare its square footage with the mature width of the selected plant. Follow the spacing on the nursery tag or a reliable plant profile. Closer spacing fills the area sooner but raises the initial plant cost; wider spacing costs less at installation but leaves more exposed soil and gives weeds a longer head start.
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- AWARD-WINNING GENEROUS QUANTITY: Get an abundant amount of high-quality American seeds to illustrate this award-winning variety in your garden. These fresh, Non-GMO, heirloom, and open-pollinated seeds are the essential element for the best start, adaptability, and high yields.
- COLORFUL GROUNDCOVER MASTERPIECE: This perennial, mega-decorative plant forms dense mounds of exquisite flora. A multitude of delicate, deep-purple flowers creates a rich color tapestry with a sweet fragrance and lush texture that enlivens any landscape.
- GRAVITY-DEFYING ROCKCRESS: This energetic, spreading plant shines in challenging spots. It thrives where others fail—in nooks, crannies between stones, and behind retaining walls. It cascades beautifully down vertical surfaces, creating a "living canvas" effect.
- ALL-LEVEL COLOR FILLER: Featuring enhanced blooming potential, it quickly covers large areas with a charming, soft glow. Even after the flowering season, the plant boasts attractive waves of gray-green foliage that stay decorative throughout the year.
- ROCK GARDEN REVIVAL: The vivid contrast of blue-violet flowers against rough stone textures elevates your garden's overall aesthetic. These seeds offer stunning variations for cascading rockeries, alpine gardens, and borders with a long-term blooming perspective.
Do not assume that one flat covers a fixed area. Plug size, container size, cultivar, spacing, and the desired finished density all change the calculation.
3. Water during establishment
Water newly installed groundcovers regularly during the first season or two, adjusting for rainfall, soil type, temperature, and plant requirements. Pay special attention beneath mature trees: established roots can remove moisture from the upper soil faster than new groundcover roots can replace it.
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After establishment, many of the sunny choices need less supplemental water, while woodland plants generally perform best with more consistent moisture. Even drought-tolerant plants may need irrigation during prolonged heat or drought.
4. Keep weeds under control until the plants knit together
Inspect the bed frequently during the establishment period. Pull or remove weeds before they flower and set seed, taking care not to disturb shallow groundcover roots. A light layer of mulch between plants can help, but keep mulch away from the crowns and stems. Thick mulch piled over crowns can cause rot and reduce airflow.
5. Maintain an edge
Define the boundary between the groundcover and lawn, paths, driveways, or natural areas. This is particularly important for bugleweed, sweet woodruff, Japanese spurge, and other vigorous spreaders. Edging makes routine maintenance easier and helps prevent plants from moving into places where they are difficult to remove.
6. Match foot traffic to the plant
Creeping thyme and mazus can tolerate limited or occasional foot traffic, while most groundcovers should be treated as ornamental surfaces rather than paths. If people regularly walk through the area, use stepping stones or a properly constructed walkway and let the plants frame the route.
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Popular spreading groundcovers are not environmentally neutral in every region. Plants such as periwinkle, wintercreeper, and English ivy can invade woodlands or become problematic under local conditions. They are not included among the 15 recommendations above as blanket solutions, but their example illustrates why a regional check matters.
Before planting an aggressive or fast-spreading groundcover, consult your state or local extension office, native-plant society, or invasive-plant list. Restrictions and risk ratings vary by location. Also consider whether the bed borders a woodland, stream, conservation area, or neighboring property where escaped runners could be difficult to control.
For woodland sites, Pennsylvania sedge, Canadian wild ginger, and Allegheny pachysandra may offer better ecological fits where they are native or regionally appropriate. Native does not mean maintenance-free: new plants still need watering, weed control, and suitable soil. It does mean the plant may be a better match for local wildlife, climate, and growing conditions—and may reduce the risk of introducing a problematic ornamental.
Quick selection guide
| Site condition | Good starting choices | Important caution |
|---|---|---|
| Full sun, sharply drained soil | Creeping thyme, white stonecrop, two-row stonecrop | Avoid persistently wet soil. |
| Sunny rocky or sandy bank | Moss phlox, candytuft, creeping juniper | Check mature spread, especially for juniper. |
| Shade beneath trees | Canadian wild ginger, Pennsylvania sedge, Allegheny pachysandra | Water during establishment and drought. |
| Fast coverage in sun or shade | Bugleweed | Edge and monitor its spread. |
| Fragrant woodland planting | Sweet woodruff | Confirm that its spreading habit suits the site. |
| Medium-to-wet small area | Mazus | Best for light foot traffic, not a heavily used path. |
| Acidic, sharply drained site | Common bearberry | Availability may be limited. |
The most successful groundcover installation begins with site assessment, not a plant list. Choose a plant that matches the light, moisture, drainage, and mature spread, then budget for watering and weeding until the planting fills in. That approach produces a more durable bed and avoids replacing plants that were never suited to the site.
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Creeping thyme, moss phlox, white stonecrop, and two-row stonecrop are strong starting choices for full sun and well-drained soil. Creeping juniper is useful for a larger slope, while candytuft suits smaller beds and borders.
What is the easiest groundcover for a sunny, dry area?
Pennsylvania sedge, Canadian wild ginger, sweet woodruff, Japanese spurge, and Allegheny pachysandra can work beneath trees, depending on local conditions. New plants still need watering because established tree roots compete for moisture.
What groundcover grows well under trees?
No. Groundcovers can reduce exposed soil and weed pressure after they knit together, but the bed must be cleared or suppressed before planting and weeded during establishment.
Do groundcovers eliminate weeds?
Creeping thyme and mazus tolerate occasional light foot traffic better than many groundcovers. For regular traffic, install stepping stones or a walkway rather than relying on ornamental plants as the walking surface.
Can I walk on groundcover plants?
No. Some popular plants, including periwinkle, wintercreeper, and English ivy, can invade natural areas or become problematic in certain regions. Check local extension and invasive-plant guidance before planting an aggressive spreader.
Are all spreading groundcovers safe to plant?
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: For sunny, dry ground, start with creeping thyme, moss phlox, or stonecrop. For shade, consider Pennsylvania sedge, Canadian wild ginger, mazus, or a regionally appropriate native. Prepare the bed, check mature spread, water during establishment, and verify invasive-plant guidance before installing vigorous spreaders.
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