Ground cover plants are an excellent choice for gardeners looking to fill bare spots, control erosion, or add texture to their landscape. These low-growing plants spread quickly, covering the soil and providing visual interest while preventing weeds. Whether you’re looking for ground cover plants for full sun, shade, or specific conditions, this guide will introduce you to some of the best ground cover plants and how to care for them.
What Are Ground Cover Plants?
Ground cover plants are low-growing plants that spread horizontally across the ground. They create a dense mat of foliage, helping to reduce soil erosion, retain moisture, and suppress weed growth. From flowering varieties to evergreen options, there is a wide selection of ground cover plants for various garden conditions, whether in sunny or shaded areas.
Benefits of Ground Cover Plants
1. Weed Control
Ground cover plants are natural weed suppressors. Their dense foliage blocks sunlight from reaching the soil, preventing weeds from germinating.
2. Soil Erosion Prevention
By covering the ground, these plants reduce the impact of rain and wind on the soil, helping to prevent erosion in sloped areas.
3. Moisture Retention
Ground cover plants help the soil retain moisture by shading it, reducing water evaporation. This is especially beneficial in areas prone to drought.
4. Visual Appeal
They add texture, color, and interest to your garden. With various options ranging from flowering plants to evergreens, ground cover plants can transform the look of your landscape.
Types of Ground Cover Plants
There are many varieties of ground cover plants available, each suited to different climates and garden conditions. Here are some of the best ground cover plants for various environments.
1. Sedum Ground Cover Plants
Sedum is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that thrives in well-drained soils. Its succulent leaves and star-shaped flowers make it an attractive choice for rock gardens or xeriscaping. Sedum ground cover plants are low-maintenance and ideal for areas with poor soil where other plants struggle to thrive.
Best Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil
Popular Varieties: Sedum ‘Angelina’, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
Ideal Use: Rock gardens, dry areas, and slopes
2. Ice Plant Ground Cover
Ice plant (Delosperma cooperi) is another low-growing, succulent ground cover that is well-known for its dazzling, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and yellow. It’s drought-resistant and thrives in hot, sunny conditions, making it perfect for dry, sunny gardens.
Best Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil
Popular Varieties: ‘Fire Spinner’, ‘Table Mountain’
Ideal Use: Coastal gardens, dry landscapes, rock gardens
3. Ground Cover Plants for Full Sun
When choosing ground cover plants for full sun, it’s important to select varieties that can withstand hot, sunny conditions. Plants such as creeping thyme, sedum, and ice plant are excellent choices. These sun-loving ground covers thrive in direct sunlight and are great for filling in sunny areas of your garden.
Popular Varieties: Creeping thyme, creeping Jenny, blue star creeper
Ideal Use: Full-sun garden beds, pathways, rock gardens
4. Juniper Ground Cover Plants
Juniper ground cover plants are evergreen, low-growing shrubs that spread outwards to create a dense mat of foliage. They are perfect for erosion control on slopes or in dry areas. The juniper ground cover plants are drought-tolerant and thrive in a range of soil types, making them an easy-to-care-for option for gardeners.
Best Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil
Popular Varieties: Blue Rug Juniper, Blue Star Juniper
Ideal Use: Slopes, erosion control, large areas that need ground cover
5. Best Ground Cover Plants for Shade
If you’re gardening in a shaded area, it’s essential to choose ground cover plants that can thrive with less sunlight. Shade-tolerant varieties such as pachysandra, ivy, and hostas are excellent choices. These plants will fill in the shaded areas of your garden, adding texture and preventing weeds from taking over.
Popular Varieties: Pachysandra, English ivy, lamium
Ideal Use: Woodland gardens, under trees, shaded flower beds
6. Creeping Ground Cover Plants
Creeping ground cover plants are perfect for filling in gaps between stones in pathways or for use in rock gardens. Plants like creeping thyme and creeping Jenny spread horizontally, creating a low, thick mat of foliage. These plants are ideal for areas where you want to add texture without height.
Popular Varieties: Creeping thyme, creeping Jenny, blue star creeper
Ideal Use: Pathways, between stones, rock gardens
7. Jasmine Ground Cover Plants
Jasmine isn’t just a fragrant climbing plant; certain varieties, like Asiatic jasmine, make excellent ground cover plants. These plants have small, glossy leaves and can spread rapidly across large areas, creating a lush carpet of greenery. In addition, jasmine ground cover plants produce beautiful, fragrant flowers that add visual appeal to your garden.
Best Conditions: Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil
Popular Varieties: Asiatic jasmine, Dwarf jasmine
Ideal Use: Large garden areas, borders, slopes
Planting and Care Tips for Ground Cover Plants
1. Soil Preparation
Before planting your ground cover plants, it’s essential to prepare the soil. Make sure it’s well-draining, and if you’re planting in a shady area, consider adding organic matter like compost to improve soil quality.
2. Watering
Most ground cover plants are drought-tolerant once established, but they will need regular watering while they’re getting settled. Make sure to water deeply to encourage deep root growth.
3. Fertilizing
While ground cover plants don’t need heavy fertilization, adding a slow-release fertilizer in the spring can encourage healthier growth and more vibrant foliage.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
1. Weed Growth
Even though ground cover plants help suppress weeds, you may still experience some weed growth. Mulch around the plants to help keep weeds at bay.
2. Overgrowth
Some ground cover plants can spread too quickly and take over areas where you don’t want them. Regular pruning and trimming can help keep them under control.
FAQs on Ground Cover Plants
1. What are the best ground cover plants for full sun?
Plants like sedum, ice plant, and creeping thyme are great for full sun areas. They thrive in bright conditions and are drought-tolerant.
2. Which ground cover plants are best for shade?
Pachysandra, ivy, and hostas are some of the best ground cover plants for shaded areas.
3. How often should I water ground cover plants?
Water newly planted ground cover regularly to help establish roots. Once established, many ground cover plants are drought-tolerant and require less frequent watering.
Ground cover plants are an essential component of any well-designed garden. Whether you’re looking to fill a sunny, dry area or a shady, moist spot, there is a ground cover plant suited for your needs. From sedum ground cover plants to jasmine ground cover plants, adding these hardy, low-maintenance plants to your garden will not only enhance its beauty but also improve its health.