Filling in those bare patches can transform a patchy yard into a lush tapestry of texture and color! I know how frustrating it is to spot unsightly gaps between perennials or around stepping stones—especially when weeds seize those vacancies. Ground covers swoop in like green superheroes, suppressing weeds, conserving moisture, and adding seasonal interest without demanding constant care.
In this list, we’ll explore ten fantastic ground covers—each with its own native origins, growth habits, and notes on invasiveness (or lack thereof). You’ll also discover how these spreading plants invite beneficial wildlife—like solitary bees nesting in cool mulch under low foliage or ladybugs sheltering in dense mats—turning every bare spot into a bustling microhabitat. Let’s dive into these verdant carpet-makers and pick the perfect match for your garden’s needs!
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet woodruff hails from the shady woodlands of central and southern Europe, where its delicate whorls carpet the forest floor in spring. This noninvasive perennial forms low mounds of tiny, star-shaped leaves that exude a sweet, hay-like fragrance when crushed—perfect for shady patches under trees!
Early in the season, clusters of white, four-petaled flowers attract hoverflies and small solitary bees, which often nest in the loose soil beneath the foliage. As the season warms, the foliage persists, suppressing weeds and keeping soil cool. I love tucking it under ferns—its soft scent feels like an invitation to linger in your garden’s cooler corners!
Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Native to Europe, ajuga—also known as bugleweed—spreads via runners to create a dense mat of glossy, bronze-tinged leaves. In spring, its cobalt-blue flower spikes rise just above the foliage, creating a striking contrast that draws bumblebees and honeybees in search of early nectar.
While ajuga can naturalize vigorously in moist, shady beds, it rarely becomes invasive in well-tended gardens. Its creeping habit blocks weeds effectively, and its evergreen leaves provide year-round coverage. I sprinkle new runners into bare spots, and within weeks, they root and fill every nook, making ajuga one of my go-to ground covers!
Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)
Corsican mint is a petite powerhouse from Mediterranean regions. These teeny, round leaves form a supple carpet that releases a minty aroma underfoot, perfect between pavers or around stepping stones! Gentle purple flowers appear in summer, attracting native solitary bees that sometimes nest in the crevices beneath the dense mat.
Because it stays under two inches tall and isn’t aggressive like some mint species, Corsican mint is noninvasive in most home gardens. I adore how each step gives a little waft of mint—transforming a simple walkway into an aromatic journey through a sunlit Mediterranean courtyard!
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping thyme, native to Europe and North Africa, spreads wide on thin stems crowned with tiny, fragrant leaves. In early summer, it erupts in a carpet of pink, lavender, or white blossoms that beckon butterflies and honeybees. Their hovering visits often lead to nesting in nearby rock crevices or bare soil patches.
Highly drought-tolerant once established and noninvasive, creeping thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. It’s ideal for filling gravel paths or bare sunny spots. I revel in soft, cushiony thyme under my feet—plus, it’s an edible ground cover that flavors soups and stews!
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny, originally from Europe, brightens shaded or sunny areas with its chartreuse, coin-shaped leaves. Its rapid habit fills ground quickly, and in late spring, tiny yellow flowers attract hoverflies and syrphid flies, whose larvae prey on aphids in nearby beds.
While it can be vigorous in moist soils, Creeping Jenny seldom becomes invasive if kept in check by edging or occasional thinning. I love using it to soften pond edges or cascade over retaining walls—its fountain-like spread adds both color and life to water features!
Sedum (Sedum spurium)
Two-row stonecrop, native to Russia and northern Europe, forms a tight mat of succulent leaves that ranges from green to burgundy, depending on sun exposure. In midsummer, clusters of starry pink blooms open, inviting butterflies and solitary bees to sip nectar and sometimes nest in nearby ground litter.
Sedum spurium is noninvasive, drought-tolerant, and thrives in hot, sunny spots with lean, well-drained soil. I often plant it in rock gardens or bare slopes—its fleshy foliage and rosy flowers create a living mosaic that dances in the sunlight!
Mazus (Mazus reptans)
Originating from Asia’s mountainous regions, Mazus reptans is a tender perennial that quickly covers bare ground with glossy leaves and snapdragon-like flowers in blue, purple, or white. Blooming in late spring, it draws small bees and hummingbird moths, which nest in sheltered crevices under its foliage.
Mazus isn’t invasive, but its swift spread makes it perfect for filling gaps between stepping stones or along garden edges. Its semi-evergreen habit keeps soil covered into winter, and I love the cheerful, low-growing blooms that carpet my paths like living tiles!
Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Lamb’s ear, native to central Asia, boasts fuzzy, silver-green leaves that feel as soft as velvet. It forms low clumps that quickly edge beds or fill sparsely planted areas. In early summer, tall spikes of pink flowers emerge, attracting native bees that sometimes nest in nearby rodent burrows or hollow stems.
While well-behaved in most gardens, lamb’s ear benefits from good airflow to prevent mildew. Its woolly foliage provides year-round texture and suppresses weeds, making it a delight in sunny, well-drained spots. I find its tactile leaves irresistible—perfect for sensory gardens or kids’ touch trails!
Vinca Minor (Vinca minor)
Vinca minor, or periwinkle, hails from Europe and offers evergreen ground cover with glossy leaves and violet-blue flowers in spring and sporadically through summer. These blossoms attract bees and occasionally small butterflies, which nest in nearby leaf litter.
Though vinca can naturalize in shaded woodlands, it rarely becomes invasive in cultivated gardens when borders are monitored. Its dense mat suppresses weeds and stays green year-round. I plant vinca under shrubs where other plants struggle, and its gentle blooms light up dark corners beautifully!
Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)
Native to Japan and China, pachysandra forms a thick evergreen carpet of glossy leaves that thrives in deep shade. In early spring, frothy white flower spikes emerge, attracting tiny hoverflies and midges, which sometimes make nests in the mulch beneath.
Noninvasive in most regions, pachysandra is perfect for underplanting beneath trees or along north-facing walls. Its resilience to foot traffic makes it useful near pathways, and I appreciate how it maintains a neat, green presence even when little else will grow in the shade!
