Low-growing plants that form dense, lush carpets are the ultimate “garden hack” for filling in gaps under shrubs or beautifying those awkward bare spots. Today, I’m sharing seven of the most popular cushion-forming perennials that will transform your yard, plus one of my favorite “insider” tips.
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++Creeping Speedwell (Veronica peduncularis)
This stunning perennial is a real showstopper, covered in countless tiny, vibrant blue flowers from May well into July. The elongated leaves of this semi-evergreen Speedwell also put on a show in the fall, turning a gorgeous bronze hue. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, creating floral carpets that bees absolutely love. Plus, it’s super low-maintenance and rarely bothered by pests or diseases.
++Cranesbill Geranium (Geranium)
With about 400 species in this genus, there’s a Geranium for everyone. Varieties like the Bigroot Geranium or Knotted Cranesbill form such thick mats that weeds don’t stand a chance. Depending on the variety, you’ll get white, pink, purple, or blue blooms from May through October. Even the lobed foliage is beautiful on its own, and many types offer brilliant fall colors.
++Ozark Sundrops (Oenothera macrocarpa)
Featuring matte green leaves and large, cup-shaped yellow flowers, the Ozark Sundrop (or Missouri Primrose) is a real beauty. From June to September, it’s a magnet for bees and butterflies, thanks to its delicate lemony scent that gets stronger from late afternoon into the night. To get the best bloom, give it a warm, sunny spot. Even though it loves the sun, it’s incredibly hardy and easy to care for.
++Dalmatian Bellflower (Campanula portenschlagiana)
A classic in many gardens, this cushion-forming perennial spreads via short runners without becoming invasive. The serrated foliage is often evergreen depending on your climate. Starting in June, a sea of violet-blue funnel flowers covers the leaves so thickly you can barely see the green! These Bellflowers love sunny spots and, once established, are surprisingly drought-tolerant.
++Bunchberry Dogwood (Cornus canadensis)
This ground-hugging dogwood is famous for its oval, mid-green leaves that turn a fiery orange-red in autumn. In early June, you’ll see tiny flowers surrounded by four large, creamy-white bracts. These eventually turn into bright red, pea-sized berries that look amazing against the foliage. Bunchberry prefers cool, moist, and slightly sheltered spots in partial shade.
++Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet Woodruff is known for its aromatic scent and its use in traditional flavorings, but it’s also a fantastic garden plant. Its whorled, bright green leaves are very decorative, and the clusters of white flowers in April are a favorite for pollinators. This plant needs a shady spot—like under a canopy of trees—to thrive. A cool bonus: it actually releases substances from its roots that help suppress weeds!
++Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox)
If you have a sandy, full-sun area, Creeping Thyme is your best friend. It only grows about two inches tall but spreads quickly to form a woody, fragrant carpet that can even handle light foot traffic. The tiny leaves stay green all winter, and from May onwards, the “cushion” is smothered in white, pink, or purple flowers.
%%Livingstone Daisy (Dorotheanthus bellidiformis)
Here’s my “secret” tip: The Livingstone Daisy (or Ice Plant) features neon-bright flowers in yellow, orange, red, or purple that practically glow in the sun. Because of their fleshy, succulent leaves, they store water and barely need any extra H2O during dry spells. While they are usually grown as annuals in cooler climates, they are super easy to start from seed indoors and can be moved outside after the last frost. When the sun hits them in June, the display is absolutely spectacular!