Looking to green up those empty, sun-drenched spots in your yard? Sun-loving ground covers are a total game-changer. Because these plants grow into thick, lush carpets, they act as a natural mulch that reliably chokes out weeds. We’ve rounded up the most popular ground covers for sunny spots, plus a little “pro tip” favorite at the end.
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++Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Even in poor, sandy soil, Creeping Thyme thrives. From July to September, this sun-worshipper creates a dense floral carpet that pollinators absolutely love. It’s incredibly hardy, stays low at about two to four inches tall, and will quickly spread to cover even large garden patches. Plus, it smells amazing when you step on it!
++Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Early in the spring, Creeping Phlox steals the show with a sea of star-shaped flowers in white, pink, red, or purple. Some newer varieties even feature multi-colored petals with a “bright eye” in the center. The needle-like foliage forms a thick, almost impenetrable mat. It’s a low-maintenance choice, and if you give it a quick trim after the first bloom, it will often reward you with a second flush of flowers.
++Goldmoss Stonecrop (Sedum acre)
Stonecrop is a master at turning barren spots and dry stone walls into golden-yellow blankets. This succulent is extremely tough and spreads rapidly in full sun. Fun fact: it’s one of the oldest medicinal plants around—the Greek physician Hippocrates actually used it to treat inflammation!
++Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
The coolest thing about Lamb’s Ear is definitely the texture. The leaves are shaped like fuzzy ears and feel incredibly soft and velvety. In mid-summer, it sends up tall flower spikes in shades of pink, purple, or white. Over time, it forms thick cushions ranging from 6 to 24 inches high. Those fuzzy hairs aren’t just for show—they protect the plant from drying out, so you barely ever have to reach for the watering can.
++False Rockcress (Aubrieta)
It’s hard not to fall in love with the sheer flower power of Aubrieta. These drought-resistant, evergreen perennials stay low to the ground (about 2 to 4 inches) but explode with deep violet or blue blooms from March to May. They are incredibly hardy and can live in your garden for decades with very little help from you.
++Cranesbill Geranium (Geranium)
Certain species of hardy geraniums grow in low, compact mounds that fill in so quickly weeds don’t stand a chance. From May to July, they brighten up the garden with a sea of cup-shaped flowers. Their pretty, lobed leaves look great all season long and often turn a beautiful shade of red or orange in the fall.
++Catmint (Nepeta racemosa)
Catmint is a superstar for dry, sunny spots. The low-growing varieties stay around 6 to 10 inches tall, making them perfect for filling gaps under taller perennials. It’s a magnet for bees and butterflies from April through July. Pro tip: if you shear the plant back after the first bloom, it will grow back fresh and give you a second round of flowers later in the season.
%%Ground Cover Roses
If you want a real showstopper, try ground cover roses. These aren’t your fussy high-maintenance roses; they are bred to be tough, disease-resistant, and low-growing. They spread across slopes and beds, creating a massive carpet of white, yellow, pink, or red blooms for weeks on end. They’re a fantastic, low-effort alternative to traditional ground covers if you want maximum color in the sun.