Say goodbye to tedious weeding and mulching!
These stunning low-maintenance ground cover plants keep your garden gorgeous with minimal effort.
Which of the beauties below is your favorite?
Effective Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants That Suppress Weeds
1. Creeping Phlox
Perfect for sunny areas, this resilient ground cover thrives with little maintenance, reducing the need for constant weeding and mulching.
Its dense growth habit naturally suppresses weeds, keeping your garden neat and attractive.
Ideal for borders, slopes, or rock gardens.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
- Average Mature Size: 4-6 inches tall & 12-24 inches wide
- Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
- Botanical Name: Phlox subulata
Popular Varieties
- ‘Violet Pinwheels’ Creeping Phlox
- ‘Emerald Blue’ Creeping Phlox
- Mountainside™ ‘Crater Lake’ Phlox
- ‘Drummond’s Pink’ Creeping Phlox
2. Thyme
You’ll love the aromatic leaves and charming flowers that require minimal upkeep.
Perfect for sunny areas, this resilient ground cover withstands foot traffic and naturally suppresses weeds.
Its dense growth keeps your garden tidy without the need for constant mulching.
Ideal for pathways, patios, or between stepping stones.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5-9
- Average Mature Size: 2-4 inches tall & 12-18 inches wide
- Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
- Botanical Name: Thymus serpyllum
Popular Varieties
- Red Creeping Thyme
- Wooly Thyme
- Lemon Thyme
3. Stonecrop
Perfect for sunny spots, this hardy ground cover withstands drought and naturally inhibits weed growth.
Its low-growing habit keeps your garden neat and attractive without the need for frequent mulching.
Ideal for rock gardens, borders, or between paving stones.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
- Average Mature Size: 2-6 inches tall & 12-24 inches wide
- Thrives In: Full Sun
- Botanical Name: Sedum spp.
Popular Varieties
- Sunsparkler® ‘Dazzleberry’ Stonecrop
- ‘Coral Carpet’ Stonecrop
- Golden Stonecrop
- Sedum ‘Angelina’
4. Cranesbill
You’ll love this lush foliage and delicate blooms that require little upkeep.
Whether your garden is sunny or partially shaded, this versatile ground cover suppresses weeds without the hassle of frequent mulching.
Its spreading growth keeps your garden tidy and attractive all year round.
Perfect for borders, rock gardens, or filling spaces between stepping stones.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
- Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall & 18-24 inches wide
- Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Botanical Name: Geranium spp.
Popular Varieties
- ‘Delft Blue’ Cranesbill
- ‘Bevan’s Variety’ Cranesbill
- Rozanne® Cranesbill
5. Bugleweed
Whether your garden is sunny or partially shaded, this versatile ground cover effectively suppresses weeds without the hassle of frequent mulching.
Its spreading habit keeps your garden tidy and attractive all year round.
Great for borders, pathways, or filling spaces between stepping stones.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3-10
- Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall & 12-18 inches wide
- Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Botanical Name: Ajuga reptans
Popular Varieties
- Feathered Friends™ ‘Flashy Flamingo’ Bugleweed
- ‘Chocolate Chip’ Bugleweed
- ‘Black Scallop’ Bugleweed
6. Mazus
Brighten your garden with vibrant, dainty flowers that require minimal effort.
Ideal for moist, partially shaded areas, this resilient ground cover spreads easily, reducing the need for weeding and mulching.
Its dense growth habit keeps your garden tidy and attractive throughout the seasons.
Perfect for borders, rock gardens, or as a lawn alternative.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
- Average Mature Size: 2-4 inches tall & 12-24 inches wide
- Thrives In: Part Shade, Full Sun
- Botanical Name: Mazus reptans
Popular Varieties
- White Mazus
- Purple Mazus
7. Dianthus
Perfect for sunny locations, this resilient ground cover thrives with little maintenance, reducing the need for weeding and mulching.
Its dense, spreading habit naturally suppresses weeds, keeping your garden neat and inviting.
Ideal for borders, rock gardens, or between stepping stones.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
- Average Mature Size: 4-6 inches tall & 12-18 inches wide
- Thrives In: Full Sun
- Botanical Name: Dianthus deltoides
Popular Varieties
- ‘Paint The Town Magenta’ Dianthus
- Fruit Punch® ‘Raspberry Ruffles’ Dianthus
- ‘Firewitch’ Dianthus
8. Siberian Bugloss
Enjoy heart-shaped leaves and delicate blue flowers that require minimal upkeep.
Suitable for partially shaded areas, this versatile ground cover effectively suppresses weeds without the need for frequent mulching.
Its spreading growth maintains a tidy and attractive garden all year round.
Perfect for borders, woodland gardens, or under trees.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
- Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall & 12-18 inches wide
- Thrives In: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Botanical Name: Brunnera macrophylla
Popular Varieties
- ‘Jack Frost’ Siberian Bugloss
- ‘Betty Bowring’ Siberian Bugloss
9. Creeping Speedwell
You’ll love the vibrant, small blue flowers that brighten your garden with ease.
Ideal for sunny to partially shaded areas, this hardy ground cover spreads quickly, reducing the need for weeding and mulching.
Its dense foliage keeps your garden looking neat and attractive throughout the growing season.
Perfect for borders, rock gardens, or as a lawn alternative, it adds both color and texture to your outdoor space.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
- Average Mature Size: 2-4 inches tall & 12-24 inches wide
- Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Botanical Name: Veronica repens
Popular Varieties
- ‘Tidal Pool’ Creeping Speedwell
