Looking for a way to spend less time weeding and more time enjoying your yard? These ground covers create a lush green carpet that naturally crowds out weeds, saving you a ton of backyard maintenance.
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++Fleece Flower (Persicaria affinis)
Fleece flower is a hardy, fast-growing perennial, so you won’t have to wait forever for it to fill in those bare spots. Beyond its lovely green foliage, it puts on a show from July to September with pretty pink flower spikes. This ground cover is quite winter-hardy and thrives in either full sun or partial shade.
++Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis)
Lungwort stays low to the ground, but it packs a big punch in the garden. One of the coolest things about this plant is that it produces both pink and violet flowers simultaneously during its blooming season. Since it blooms early in the spring, it needs plenty of light to really thrive. If you’re using it as an underplanting, it’s best to tuck it under deciduous trees that drop their leaves in the winter.
++Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Lamb’s ear is famous for its uniquely fuzzy, silvery leaves. It forms a dense mat that reliably chokes out weeds. Because it has such a soft, natural look, it blends perfectly into cottage gardens or wildlife-friendly landscapes. If you’re going for a relaxed, organic vibe, this is a fantastic choice. And don’t worry—if it gets a bit unruly, you can easily prune it back.
++Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
Often called “Pachysandra,” this bushy, carpet-forming perennial is actually a relative of the boxwood. It’s an incredibly low-maintenance ground cover that tops out at about 8 inches tall. Just a heads-up: it spreads via underground runners and can fill an area quickly. Because it grows so densely, weeds don’t stand a chance. Look for its delicate white flower spikes starting in April.
++Hostas (Hosta)
Need a ground cover for a shady spot? Hostas are the gold standard. They are super reliable even in low light and provide lush, full greenery throughout the warmer months. Depending on the variety, they can grow up to three feet tall, and many feature stunning variegated leaves. From June to September, they send up elegant white or lavender flowers. They’re excellent at shading out weed seeds before they can even sprout.
++Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral Bells are often semi-evergreen, meaning you’ll have something pretty to look at almost all year long. They grow in tidy mounds and produce charming, bell-shaped flowers starting in May. You can find varieties with white, red, or pink blooms that dance on long, slender stems. Even when they aren’t blooming, the colorful foliage is a showstopper. They usually stay between 6 and 20 inches tall.
++English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English Lavender is a versatile garden classic. Not only do the fragrant flowers have culinary uses, but the plant itself grows into a beautiful, bushy mound. During its blooming season, it’s a magnet for bees and butterflies. When planted closely together, lavender forms a fragrant hedge that keeps weeds at bay while making your garden smell amazing.
%%Barrenwort (Epimedium)
The various types of Barrenwort (also known as Fairy Wings) offer gorgeous foliage and a whimsical name. In the fall, this ground cover puts on a spectacular color show. When planting, just make sure your soil isn’t too alkaline (it prefers lime-free soil). Between April and May, you’ll be rewarded with delicate, intricate flowers that bring a touch of magic to any garden corner.