Ground covers are often the unsung heroes of the garden, quietly filling in spaces and providing that all-important green carpet. But what if your ground cover could also put on a spectacular fall show? There’s nothing quite like seeing a sea of color at ground level, turning an otherwise plain space into an autumn masterpiece! I know how challenging it can be to find the right plant that provides both function and beauty, especially when you’re dealing with tricky spots like under trees or along pathways. That’s why I’m excited to share with you some of my favorite ground covers that come alive with vibrant colors in the fall.
Not only do these ground covers provide stunning fall foliage, but they also bring so many other benefits to your garden. From suppressing weeds to providing habitat for insects and small creatures, these plants do it all while looking fabulous! And, of course, I’ve made sure to include options that are easy to care for and won’t become invasive nightmares. Let’s explore these beautiful ground covers that will make your fall garden pop with color!
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny is a cheerful little ground cover that truly lights up in the fall! Native to Europe, this plant forms a low-growing mat of rounded leaves that turn a brilliant shade of gold or even bright red when the temperatures drop. I absolutely love how its vibrant color spills over the edges of containers or winds its way through rock gardens. It’s also fantastic for filling in gaps between stepping stones or brightening up shady corners.
While Creeping Jenny is a joy to behold, it does have a reputation for being a bit of a garden wanderer. In some regions, it can be considered invasive, so make sure to check local guidelines before planting it in the ground. If you’re worried, try growing it in containers or defined areas to keep it contained. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. Plus, its flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making it a great addition to a wildlife-friendly garden!
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Bearberry is another fantastic ground cover that offers a stunning fall display. Native to North America, this low-growing, evergreen plant has leathery, dark green leaves that turn a striking shade of red or burgundy in the fall. It’s perfect for sunny, dry spots where other plants might struggle, like slopes or sandy areas. I love how Bearberry spreads to create a dense mat, suppressing weeds and providing a vibrant splash of color through the colder months.
Beyond its beautiful foliage, Bearberry is a wonderful plant for wildlife. Its small, bell-shaped flowers in spring attract bees, and its bright red berries in late summer are a favorite snack for birds and small mammals. Bearberry prefers full sun and well-drained, acidic soils. It’s not considered invasive, so you can plant it freely without worry. Plus, it’s drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance option for those hard-to-fill spots in your garden!
Purple Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei ‘Coloratus’)
Purple Wintercreeper is a versatile ground cover that brings a gorgeous splash of color to the fall garden. Native to East Asia, this tough, low-growing plant has glossy green leaves that turn a deep purple or burgundy as the weather cools. I find it perfect for adding year-round interest to a garden bed or along a retaining wall. It can also be grown as a climbing vine if you want to cover a fence or trellis with its stunning fall color!
However, a word of caution: Purple Wintercreeper can be considered invasive in some areas, particularly in the eastern United States, due to its vigorous growth habit. It’s essential to check local guidelines before planting it. If you’re in a region where it’s safe to grow, it’s an excellent choice for erosion control on slopes or adding texture to your landscape. It’s also relatively low-maintenance and tolerant of a wide range of soil types and light conditions.
Hosta (Hosta spp.)
Hostas might not be the first plant that comes to mind when you think of fall color, but trust me, they deserve a spot on this list! Native to East Asia, these shade-loving perennials are famous for their lush, broad leaves that turn shades of gold, yellow, or even a soft, buttery white in the fall. I adore using Hostas in shady spots under trees or along the north side of the house, where their fall transformation can really brighten things up.
In addition to their stunning foliage, Hostas are wonderful for attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds when they bloom in the summer. They’re also relatively easy to care for, thriving in a range of soil types as long as they have plenty of moisture. Hostas are not considered invasive, so you can plant them freely. However, do watch out for slugs and deer, which are known to munch on their tender leaves. But with a little care, these plants can provide a lush, colorful ground cover that lasts well into autumn!
Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Bugleweed, or Ajuga, is a lovely ground cover that adds a burst of color to the garden all year long, but especially in the fall. Native to Europe, this low-growing perennial forms a dense mat of glossy, dark green leaves that often turn bronze, purple, or burgundy as the weather cools. I find it’s perfect for filling in shady spots where other ground covers might struggle, and it looks fantastic spilling over the edge of a garden path or border.
Bugleweed is also great for attracting pollinators, thanks to its spikes of blue flowers in the spring. It thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. While it’s not considered invasive, it can spread quite quickly, so it’s best suited for areas where you want to cover a lot of ground. If you’re looking for a ground cover that offers both vibrant fall color and lovely spring blooms, Bugleweed is an excellent choice!
These ground covers will add a splash of color to your fall garden and provide many benefits, from suppressing weeds to supporting local wildlife. I hope you find a new favorite among them that will make your garden sing with color throughout the autumn season!
