Ground covers are like the living rugs of the garden, rolling out a lush green carpet across your yard. But let’s be honest—without any flowers, that sea of green can start to look a little bland. Luckily, you can get the best of both worlds with flowering ground covers! These hard-working plants keep weeds at bay while putting on a gorgeous show. Here are some of my favorite picks for a colorful, low-maintenance landscape.
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++Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis)
Lady’s Mantle is a classic for a reason. It covers the ground with beautiful, scalloped green foliage that looks stunning even when it’s not in bloom. From June to August, the plant is covered in a frothy, chartreuse “mist” of tiny flowers. One of the best things about Lady’s Mantle is how adaptable it is—it’s super low-maintenance, thrives in various spots, and doesn’t freak out if its environment changes a bit. Plus, seeing water droplets bead up on the leaves after a rain is pure garden magic!
++Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
If you have a sunny spot that needs filling, Roman Chamomile is a fantastic choice. It grows about 8 inches tall and spreads quickly to create a dense, fragrant mat. Both the leaves and the flowers give off a lovely, soothing scent. Gardeners love the dainty white daisy-like flowers, which offer a similar vibe to Shasta daisies but with way less work. It’s a tough little plant that smells as good as it looks.
++Cambridge Cranesbill (Geranium x cantabrigiense)
The Cambridge Cranesbill is a real “plant it and forget it” winner. It’s super flexible, growing happily in both full sun and partial shade. This hardy ground cover starts blooming in May, carpeting the ground in shades of white, pink, or violet. It reaches about 10 inches in height and isn’t picky about soil—it’ll even handle sandy or clay-heavy spots without a complaint.
++Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox)
For a super low-profile look, Creeping Thyme is the way to go. It usually stays just a couple of inches off the ground but spreads out fast. From June to August, it explodes into tiny blossoms in shades of red, pink, or white. Not only does it smell amazing when you step on it, but it’s also a huge hit with bees. If you’re looking to support your local pollinators, this is an eco-friendly must-have for your garden.
++Ground Cover Roses (Rosa)
If you want maximum flower power, you can’t beat ground cover roses. They come in almost every color imaginable and love soaking up the sun. When they’re happy, they provide an elegant, fragrant display that really levels up your curb appeal. Some varieties can even be trained to spill over low walls or frames. Just a heads-up: unlike some denser ground covers, roses won’t completely block out weeds, so you might still have to do a little light weeding now and then.
++Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Vinca minor is the MVP for year-round color because it stays green even in the dead of winter. From April through September, it treats you to a beautiful display of starry blue flowers. It’s a tough, reliable spreader that fills in tricky spots easily. One thing to keep in mind, though: Periwinkle is toxic if ingested, so it might not be the best choice if you have curious pets or toddlers running around.
++False Rockcress (Aubrieta Hybrids)
Aubrieta, or False Rockcress, is a delight for both gardeners and beneficial insects. In April and May, it produces a dense carpet of vibrant flowers in shades of blue, purple, or pink. It loves well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil and is the perfect candidate for rock gardens or spilling over stone edges. If you want a pop of intense color in early spring, this is your plant.
%%Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Here’s a bit of an insider tip: Sweet Woodruff is an amazing flowering ground cover for those shady spots. It creates a lush mat of whorled leaves that look great all season, topped with delicate white flowers in the spring. Fun fact: the leaves are traditionally used to flavor syrups and desserts! It thrives in woodland-style settings with rich, humic soil and partial shade. It’s the perfect way to brighten up a darker corner of the yard.