7 Best Fast-Growing Ground Cover Plants for Your Garden
By Robert Chen|Published on August 30, 2022|Updated on January 23, 2025
When you’re looking to green up a patch of bare soil, nobody wants to wait years for things to fill in. If you’re looking for instant gratification (or at least something close to it), here are the most popular fast-growing ground covers to get the job done.
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++Cushion Azorella (Azorella trifurcata)
Often called “Andean Cushion,” Azorella trifurcata is a speedy grower that provides a lush, green carpet even in the dead of winter. Native to South America, this plant is incredibly low-maintenance and spreads quickly. Just make sure you pick the right spot: it loves well-draining soil and thrives in anything from full sun to partial shade, usually reaching a height of about four inches.
++Bearberry Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri radicans)
Unlike the low-profile Cushion Azorella, Bearberry Cotoneaster can grow up to 20 inches tall. However, it still hugs the ground as it spreads, making it a fantastic choice for covering large areas fast. It produces bright red berries that pop beautifully against its dark green leaves. Plus, those berries are a great food source for local birds, so you’ll be doing your neighborhood wildlife a favor, too!
++Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei radicans)
Wintercreeper is tough as nails, standing up to heavy frost while keeping your garden looking green all winter long. It grows aggressively and really claims its territory—once it’s established, you can pretty much say goodbye to weeding in that area. It’s a huge time-saver for busy gardeners! It handles various soil pH levels well, though it prefers to stay a bit moist rather than bone-dry.
++Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum)
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Bloody Cranesbill is a hardy hardy geranium that feels right at home in many climates. It spreads via rhizomes, effectively claiming ground underground. It’ll keep expanding until you decide to set some boundaries with a root barrier or a bit of pruning. Not only does it produce charming little flowers, but its foliage turns a stunning, fiery red in the fall.
++Prostrate Speedwell (Veronica prostrata)
Prostrate Speedwell is a champion at blanketing the ground in a hurry. From May to June, it transforms into a sea of gorgeous blue blossoms that bees absolutely love. It’s like rolling out a living, purple-blue carpet in your backyard. For the best results, give it a sunny spot with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
++English Ivy (Hedera helix)
You can’t talk about ground cover without mentioning English Ivy. It’s a total classic that’s been used for centuries. Whether you’re trying to cover an old stone wall or add a romantic vibe to a shaded corner, ivy is up for the task. It grows incredibly fast, requires almost zero “babying,” and stays green year-round.
++Barrenwort / Fairy Wings (Epimedium)
Epimedium, often called “Fairy Wings,” is a sophisticated choice that was even named “Perennial of the Year” back in 2014. It spreads reliably through rhizomes and features delicate, almost magical-looking flowers. You can find both deciduous and evergreen varieties. To help it spread its wings, plant it in a shady or semi-shaded spot with moist soil.
%%European Wild Ginger (Asarum europaeum)
If you’re going for a “woodland floor” aesthetic, European Wild Ginger is my top insider tip. This fast-growing evergreen perennial loves humus-rich soil and creates a glossy, dark green mat. It’s the perfect pick for shade gardens or naturalized areas where you want a lush, forest-like feel. It thrives best in full to partial shade.
