Do you have problem areas in your garden? It could be that spot under a tree where the soil is dry or a slope with erosion. Groundcovers are a living mulch that can fill these tricky spots with colorful blooms and unique texture. They also control weeds and help your garden stand out. Like any planting, the right groundcover depends on your site conditions.
How To Use Groundcover Plants
Years ago, my family put in stepping stones in our backyard. Between the stones, we had wood mulch that kept the weeds in check. After a couple of years, the wood mulch became thin, and small weeds began to grow around the stones. Instead of adding mulch, we wanted to add flowers, so we planted creeping thyme. This low-growing plant smells so good and gives us light pink flowers each summer (The bees also love it!). No matter your conditions, there’s a groundcover that can work for you.
Consider using groundcovers in these areas:
- Top of a rock or retaining wall
- New or empty landscape beds
- Between newly planted shrubs
- Under mature trees or other shaded areas
- Between patio or stepping stones
- Rock or gravel gardens
- Driveway edges or along sidewalks
More gardeners are using groundcovers to replace areas of lawn. This allows you to add natives and create a natural look in areas where the grass won’t grow. If you have a steep slope, groundcovers can reduce erosion as their roots take hold of the soil.
Groundcovers have a spreading habit, and some can be very aggressive in the right spot. One example is vinca or lily of the valley, which can take over a bed if there’s no barrier in place, like a patio, driveway, or wall. The aggressive plants are suitable for large areas but should be used with caution. Other groundcovers will spread slowly and usually don’t need extra control. A few examples are wintergreen, wild ginger, and lady’s mantle. Another factor that impacts the spreading rate is soil moisture. The plants often spread quicker in areas with moist soil, which can be good or bad. Plants will usually spread slower in dry areas, especially under trees.
Groundcovers are great for controlling weeds, but not until they’re established. After all, the plants are small for a couple of years. But once they’re grown, groundcovers can live for decades and don’t need replacing. These plants create a thick canopy, making it hard for weed seeds to emerge and grow. In college, I did a project to understand how groundcovers impact weeds. Part of the study was seeing which plants block the most light to prevent weeds, and the top results were Nepeta, lady’s mantle, and creeping phlox. These plants also have beautiful flowers and fragrance.
Another way to reduce weeds is by planting multiple types of groundcovers. In a shade garden, that could be sweet woodruff and hostas or geraniums and ferns. Creeping phlox and creeping thyme do well together in sunny areas. I’ve grown many groundcovers, but my favorite is Rozanne Geranium. This plant flowers from early July until the first hard freeze (Mid-late October) in southern Wisconsin.
What Groundcover Plants Should You Choose
Groundcovers range from 1-4′ tall, allowing you to mix them for a stunning look. They also help you add transition zones to a landscape and define the borders between a lawn and garden bed.
Consider these groundcovers for different areas in sun or shade:
Groundcover To Plant In Sunny Areas
Creeping Phlox: When you see a carpet of blooms in spring, it’s probably creeping phlox. The small pink, purple, or white flowers cover the whole plant and stand out among the early-season landscape. They don’t spread quickly, so consider mixing different varieties to have several colors side by side.
Creeping Thyme: We often think of thyme as an herb, but it’s ornamental too. Pinkish-red flowers cover the plant in early summer, and the leaves remain green into winter. This plant doesn’t mind being walked on, and it’s a nice addition to rock gardens and tight spaces.
Dianthus: The pink blooms cover this plant in early summer, then give way to silvery blue foliage. It’s an excellent choice for sunny, dry areas.
Nepeta: One of the toughest and most beautiful perennials you can grow. It stands up to drought and deer while attracting loads of bees. The main bloom period is late spring-early summer, but it keeps producing some blooms until fall. My family planted drifts of Nepeta after visiting a lavender farm since the purple flowers resemble lavender.
Sedum: Sedum comes in many forms, from upright to low growing. Some are green, while others have multi-colored foliage. One example is Sunsparkler® Dream Dazzler, which has pink, white, and purple new foliage with hot pink edges. It’s one of the best plants for dry soil and is super hardy.
Groundcover To Plant In Shaded Areas
Ferns: These plants thrive in moist areas and gradually spread over time. My favorite is the maidenhair fern, which has a unique and delicate form. Most of the common fern species are native to the eastern U.S.
Geranium: The main highlight of these plants is the purple, pink, or white blooms. They will spread from 1-3′ wide depending on the variety. They also have deep green foliage that creates a carpet of green from spring to fall. Note: These are different than the red annual geraniums.
Pachysandra: With shiny evergreen leaves, pachysandra stands out in winter. It’s a slow spreader, durable, and good for large areas.
Sweet Woodruff: This short plant has much to offer, from the white blooms to the whorled leaves. It forms a carpet that can fill large areas, especially in moist sites.
Vinca: Vinca will fill a large space over time and does best when planted by itself. It has evergreen foliage and attractive deep blue flowers in spring. As you plan for spring, think of ways to fill those gaps in the garden with groundcovers.
Wintergreen: This lesser-known plant has glossy green leaves and bright red berries. It also thrives in acidic soil and remains green all winter.
Other Reading Recommendations
- Selecting Shrubs for Colorful Foliage
- An Easy Guide For Planting Trees & Shrubs
- Succulent Care Made Simple
- Choosing The Right Vine For The Right Space
- Cutting Flower Garden: Planning, Maintenance, & Preserving
At Jung Seed Co, we strive to be your go-to guide for all your gardening needs. Our YouTube channel The Garden Doctor by Dick Zondag is where he provides gardening tips for all levels of gardeners. When you need reliable gardening advice, turn to the trusted experts at Jung.
View our new catalog online or browse our website for your gardening favorites. To receive info on new products, exclusive deals, and specials, be sure to sign up for our weekly email. Join our Facebook page, to discuss all things gardening!
About the Author: Matthew Olson is a professional horticulturist and garden writer. He has a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from UW-River Falls and is a certified professional with the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association. His enthusiasm for plants and the outdoors brought him to the green industry. He regularly writes articles about gardening for both gardeners and industry professionals. He can be reached at matt@mattolsonhorticulture.com.