Fast spreading ground cover
Creating a lush and vibrant garden is an exciting process. But, when it comes to filling in those empty spaces, it can be hard to figure out what ground covers would work best for you.
Ground Covers are versatile and useful choices for livening up your garden beds, filling in spots and bare spots where grass won’t grow, and sealing in soil to protect foundation plantings from water seeping up from beneath the ground.
Planting ground covers around your perennials and annuals will give you a solid base of greenery, while providing another element of visual excitement in the garden.
Here is a quick list of common ground covers arranged alphabetically:
Asian Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) –
USDA zones 7-11
Asian jasmine is a fragrant, evergreen vine that blooms with small white flowers in the spring. It’s great for ground cover, thriving in full sun to partial shade.
Asian Jasmine Minima (Trachelospermum asiaticum ‘Minima’) –
USDA zones 7-11
Asian Jasmine is a dwarf version that only grows to about 6-12 inches tall, which makes it ideal for ground cover or filling in spaces between larger plants.
Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)
USDA zones 5-9
Blue Star Creeper is a fast-spreading ground cover with small blue or purple flowers that thrives in full sun to partial shade. This low-maintenance plant adds color, texture, and year-round interest to your landscape.
Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
USDA zones 3-9
evergreen plant has clusters of white, pink, or purple flowers in the spring and is great for ground cover. It thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
USDA zones 3-9
low-growing plant has masses of small, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple. It’s ideal for rocky areas and thrives in full sun.
Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus)
USDA zones 6-11
grass-like plant has dark green foliage and is great for filling in spaces between pavers or as a border plant. It thrives in partial to full shade.
Dwarf Ruellia (Ruellia brittoniana ‘Katie’)
USDA zones 8-11
low-growing plant has purple or pink flowers in the summer and is great for ground cover in sunny areas. It adds a pop of color to your landscape.
Gulf Coast Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
USDA zones 6-10
ornamental grass has a pink or purple haze of blooms in the fall and is great for adding texture to your landscape. It thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Liriope (Liriope muscari)
USDA zones 6-10
grass-like plant is great for ground cover in shady areas and has spikes of purple or white flowers in the summer. It also produces berries in the fall, adding interest to your landscape.
Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) –
USDA zones 7-11
low-growing plant has grass-like leaves and produces clusters of pink or white flowers in the summer. It’s also deer-resistant, making it a great choice for gardens with wildlife.
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
USDA zones 5-9
low-growing plant has masses of tiny, sweetly scented flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple. It’s great for filling in empty spaces and adding fragrance to your landscape.
Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
USDA zones 9-11
trailing plant is great for ground cover in sunny areas and has heart-shaped leaves in various shades of green, purple, or variegated colors. It adds a pop of color and interest to your landscape.
Vinca (Vinca major)
USDA zones 7-9
trailing plant has variegated green and white foliage and produces small blue or purple flowers. It thrives in partial to full shade and adds interest and texture to your landscape.
Fast Spreading Flowering Ground Cover
fast spreading ground cover
Spring-Flowering Ground Covers:
Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) –
USDA zones 5-9
Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) –
USDA zones 3-9
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) –
USDA zones 3-9
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) –
USDA zones 5-9
Summer-Flowering Ground Covers:
Dwarf Ruellia (Ruellia brittoniana ‘Katie’) –
USDA zones 8-11
Liriope (Liriope muscari) –
USDA zones 6-10
Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) –
USDA zones 7-11
Variegated Vinca (Vinca major ‘Variegata’) –
USDA zones 7-9
Fall-Flowering Ground Covers:
Gulf Coast Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) –
USDA zones 6-10
Evergreen Ground Covers:
Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) –
USDA zones 7-11
Asiatic Jasmine Minima (Trachelospermum asiaticum ‘Minima’) –
USDA zones 7-11
Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) –
USDA zones 6-11
Trailing Ground Covers:
Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas) –
USDA zones 9-11
fast spreading ground cover
