Bare patches of soil can quickly become invitations for weeds. Instead of spending every weekend pulling unwanted growth, many gardeners use ground covers to create a dense layer of vegetation that competes with weeds for light, moisture, nutrients, and growing space. University of Maryland Extension describes established ground covers as a type of “living mulch” that can suppress weeds while also helping reduce erosion and improve the appearance of a landscape.
The trick is choosing a plant suited to your climate, soil, sunlight, and available space. Here are nine popular options worth considering.
1. Creeping Phlox
Creeping phlox is a low-growing perennial valued for its colorful spring flowers and ability to spread across sunny areas. It can work particularly well on slopes and rock gardens where a dense, low-growing planting is desirable.
Once established, its foliage helps cover exposed soil and reduces opportunities for weeds to emerge.
2. Bugleweed
Bugleweed, or ajuga, is known for rapid growth and attractive foliage, often accompanied by spikes of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers.
Its ability to spread quickly makes it effective for filling bare areas. However, that same characteristic means gardeners should monitor it carefully. Fast-spreading ground covers can move beyond their intended boundaries and become difficult to manage.
3. Asiatic Jasmine
In suitable warm climates, Asiatic jasmine can form a dense evergreen carpet that works well beneath trees, along borders, and on slopes. Its foliage provides year-round coverage in areas where the climate allows it to remain evergreen.
Before planting, check whether it is appropriate for your region and whether its vigorous growth can be managed within the space available.
4. Periwinkle
Periwinkle, also known as vinca, is valued for its evergreen foliage and attractive flowers. It can cover difficult areas relatively quickly, particularly in conditions where many lawn grasses struggle.
However, gardeners should research local recommendations before planting it. Some vigorous ground covers can become invasive outside their intended landscapes, making careful selection and maintenance important.
5. Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme is a compact ground cover that can produce colorful flowers while releasing a pleasant aroma when touched. It is particularly useful for sunny, relatively dry locations with well-drained soil.
Because it remains low, creeping thyme can work around stepping stones, rock gardens, and garden borders where a taller plant would obstruct the view.
6. Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny spreads rapidly and is especially suited to moist locations. Its bright foliage can create an attractive carpet around water features or in damp garden areas.
Its vigorous growth should be considered before planting. A ground cover that spreads quickly can suppress weeds, but it can also require regular attention if it begins moving into areas where it is not wanted.
7. Dwarf Mondo Grass
Dwarf mondo grass forms a dense, grass-like carpet and can be useful in areas where a traditional lawn is impractical. It generally spreads more slowly than some aggressive ground covers, but once established it can create an attractive, relatively low-maintenance planting.
Its suitability depends heavily on climate, soil, and light conditions.
8. Green-and-Gold
Green-and-gold is a spreading perennial with attractive foliage and bright yellow flowers. It can be useful in partially shaded garden settings where gardeners want both ground coverage and seasonal color.
Like other ground covers, it performs best when the site has been prepared properly before planting.
9. Frog Fruit
Frog fruit is a low-growing plant that can provide ground coverage while producing small flowers attractive to pollinators. It can be particularly useful in warmer regions and may tolerate conditions where traditional turf is less practical.
As with any plant, verify that it is appropriate for your local growing conditions before purchasing.
Prepare the Area Before Planting
Even the fastest-growing ground cover will struggle if it has to compete immediately with established weeds. Extension specialists recommend removing existing weeds before planting because weeds can compete with young ground covers for water and nutrients.
Spacing also matters. Closer planting can create faster coverage, but overcrowding may increase competition and reduce air circulation.
Once the plants fill in, their dense growth can naturally reduce weed emergence. Until then, regular weeding and appropriate watering are still necessary.
The best ground cover is not necessarily the fastest one. Choose a plant that fits your sunlight, soil, climate, and available space—and check whether it is considered invasive in your area. With thoughtful selection and proper preparation, ground covers can turn bare soil into an attractive living carpet while reducing the amount of space available for unwanted weeds.