Cushion perennials are the ultimate low-maintenance ground covers for just about any garden style. If you’re looking for a lush, “living carpet” look, here are the most popular varieties and what they can do for your backyard.
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++Rock Cress (Aubrieta gracilis)
Rock Cress is famous for creating a thick, vibrant carpet of flowers. During its blooming season from March to May, it brings a massive punch of color to your garden. Depending on the variety and where you plant it, the colors range from soft pinks to deep blues. It’s a tough little plant that loves tucking into small crevices or cascading over stone walls—it even thrives in poor, rocky soil.
++Stonecrop (Sedum)
Stonecrop, often called Sedum, is a go-to for gardeners looking to green up a rock garden. It forms a dense mat right against the ground and shows off its blooms between June and August. You’ll find varieties with white, yellow, or red flowers, all of which are a total magnet for butterflies. If you want to support your local pollinators, this is a great choice!
++Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Creeping Phlox has exploded in popularity lately, and for good reason! It’s incredibly hardy and can handle all sorts of different spots in the yard. While its resilience is a huge plus for long-term gardening, keep in mind that this stuff loves to spread. If you want to keep it from taking over, you’ll need to give it some boundaries or choose a slightly less ambitious ground cover.
++Saxifrage (Saxifraga Arendsii-Grp)
Saxifrage puts on a truly spectacular show in April and May with its bold, bright flowers. The best part? It’s evergreen, so you’ll have nice green foliage to look at even in the dead of winter. Since it handles sandy or poor soil like a champ, it’s perfect for edging garden beds or filling in rockeries. It usually stays pretty low to the ground, topping out at about 6 inches.
++Creeping Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila repens)
Creeping Baby’s Breath creates a delicate, misty veil of tiny flowers across your soil. Originally an alpine plant from the mountains, it’s now a staple in gardens everywhere. It’s an excellent food source for beneficial insects, making your garden a little eco-haven. Just make sure to pick a sunny spot to keep it happy and blooming.
++Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum)
Bloody Cranesbill is beautiful, but it’s also a bit of a garden superhero. Why? Because slugs and snails usually leave it alone! You won’t have to worry about pests devouring your hard work. Plus, it grows so thick and dense that weeds don’t stand a chance. It’s basically a “set it and forget it” plant that saves you a ton of weeding time.
++Rock Soapwort (Saponaria)
Soapwort is another mountain native that has made itself right at home in backyard gardens. It’s a fantastic choice for covering large areas quickly, as a single plant can spread out about 20 inches. From May to July, it produces lovely red or pink flowers that have a wonderful, sweet fragrance.
++Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Looking for something special for a shady corner? Sweet Woodruff is your best friend. This woodland native is famous for its unique aroma—in fact, it’s often used to flavor syrups and desserts! It spreads beautifully in shady spots with rich, organic soil. During its bloom time, it’s covered in tiny white flowers that smell just like a fresh forest.