Transforming empty patches in your yard into lush, colorful carpets is easier than you might think with flowering ground cover plants. These low-maintenance plants not only suppress weeds but also add vibrant texture and color to your garden.
Whether you have tricky shady spots or sunny slopes to cover, here are 28 of the best flowering ground covers to enhance your landscape.
How We Chose These Covers
Image credit: YAY Images.
We carefully selected these ground covers for their proven ability to thrive in a variety of garden settings while providing vibrant color, texture, and low maintenance care. We included potentially invasive plants on this list, only because they are commonly recommended and we wanted to make sure you understand the risks of all your options.
Each plant was chosen based on its adaptability to different light and soil conditions, ease of growth, and effectiveness in suppressing weeds. We focused on species that are well-suited to a range of USDA hardiness zones and recommended by trusted horticultural sources.
1. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Creeping phlox creates a dense mat of green foliage topped with vibrant, star-shaped flowers in hues of pink, purple, and white. It thrives in sunny spaces and is excellent for covering slopes or borders.
Care Tips: Provide full sun and well-draining soil. Water deeply when the soil feels dry, and trim back after blooming to maintain shape. Hardy in Zones 3-9.
2. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Image Credit: George Chernilevsky – Own work, Public Domain/Wiki Commons.
Periwinkle produces glossy green leaves paired with charming, lavender-blue flowers. It spreads quickly, making it ideal for filling bare areas, even in shaded spots.
Caution: Invasive in many parts of the U.S. Check with your local extension.
Care Tips: Plant in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates a variety of soil types. Hardy in Zones 4-9.
3. Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Irish moss forms a soft, moss-like carpet with petite white flowers scattered across its surface. It’s perfect for filling gaps between stepping stones or creating a fairy-like garden vibe.
Care Tips: Prefers partial shade to full sun and thrives in moist, well-draining soil. Hardy in Zones 4-8.
4. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
This fast-spreading plant features bright green, coin-shaped leaves with cheerful yellow flowers. Its cascading habit also makes it an excellent plant for containers or hanging baskets.
Caution: Can be invasive in some areas, especially without a clear border.
Care Tips: Grows best in full sun to partial shade with moist soil. Hardy in Zones 3-9.
5. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Also known as bugleweed, ajuga sports colorful foliage in shades of bronze, green, or purple and boasts spikes of blue flowers. It thrives in shady gardens and adds bold contrast to landscapes.
Care Tips: Plant in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil. It’s hardy in Zones 3-10.
6. Thyme (Thymus spp.)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Creeping thyme produces tiny aromatic leaves and delicate flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white. Its versatility makes it ideal for ground cover, rock gardens, or herb beds.
Care Tips: Requires full sun and well-draining soil. Trim back after flowering to encourage a tidy appearance. Hardy in Zones 4-9.
7. Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
With velvety silver-green leaves and soft purple flower spikes, lamb’s ears add both texture and charm to any garden. It works well in sunny areas and dry conditions.
Care Tips: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in Zones 4-10.
8. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Also known as stonecrop, sedum offers bright flowers in pink, yellow, or white, accompanied by succulent-like foliage that stands out year-round. It’s low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
Care Tips: Requires full sun and sandy, well-draining soil. Hardy in Zones 3-9.
9. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Image Credit: Alvesgaspar – Own work – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.
This ground cover is loved for its fragrant clusters of tiny white, lavender, or purple flowers that bloom throughout summer. It’s great for borders or rock gardens.
Care Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. Ensure consistent moisture without overwatering. Hardy in Zones 5-9.
10. Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)
Image Credit: David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.
This low-growing creeper produces an abundance of star-like pale blue flowers on a mat of tiny green leaves. It’s a great choice for pathways or between flagstones.
Care Tips: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Hardy in Zones 6-9.
11. Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora)
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
With brilliant blooms in red, pink, orange, yellow, and white, moss rose is both eye-catching and drought-tolerant. Its fleshy leaves make it a standout in sunny rock gardens.
Care Tips: Provide full sun and sandy or rocky soil with excellent drainage. Hardy in Zones 2-11.
12. Black Scallop Ajuga (Ajuga reptans ‘Black Scallop’)
Image Credit: Guettarda – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.
Known for its glossy, deep-purple leaves and cobalt-blue flowers, this ground cover adds drama to shaded spots.
Caution: Invasive in some parts of the U.S.
Care Tips: Plant in partial to full shade with rich, moist soil. Hardy in Zones 4-9.
13. Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)
Image credit: YAY Images.
This perennial offers silvery-green leaves and stunning white flowers that appear like a cloud in early summer.
Care Tips: Needs full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in Zones 3-7.
14. Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
The succulent ice plant dazzles with neon pink or purple flowers and fleshy, evergreen foliage. It thrives in hot, sunny gardens.
Care Tips: Provide full sun and sandy, well-draining soil. Hardy in Zones 5-11.
15. Dixieland Phlox (Phlox amoena)
Image Credit: Mason Brock (Masebrock) – Own work, Public Domain/Wiki Commons.
This phlox variety features trailing stems covered with pastel pink blossoms, perfect for softening garden edges or borders.
Care Tips: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in Zones 3-7.
16. Veronica (Veronica spp.)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
With delicate flower spikes in shades of blue, purple, or white, veronica adds a versatile and soft touch as a ground cover.
Care Tips: Provide full sun and moderately fertile soil. Hardy in Zones 3-8.
17. Bishop’s Weed (Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’)
Image Credit: David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.
Bishop’s weed displays variegated green-and-white leaves with small white flowers, offering a light-filled option for shady corners.
Caution: This is an invasive plant in many areas.
Care Tips: Plant in partial to full shade with moist soil. Hardy in Zones 4-9.
18. Lilyturf (Liriope spicata)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Lilyturf offers grassy green leaves and lavender flower spikes, making it ideal for borders or as a filler plant.
Care Tips: Thrives in partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in Zones 4-10.
19. Horned Violet (Viola cornuta)
Image Credit: Isidre blanc – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.
This charming perennial produces colorful, delicate, violet-like flowers throughout the growing season, perfect for adding a pop of color.
Care Tips: Place in partial shade with moisture-retentive soil. Hardy in Zones 5-8.
20. Creeping Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’)
Image Credit: Hedwig Storch – Own work – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.
This trailing herb produces fragrant leaves and blue flowers, perfect for sunny slopes or container gardens.
Care Tips: Needs full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Hardy in Zones 7-10.
21. Pig Squeak (Bergenia cordifolia)
Image Credit: Sten – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.
This quirky name belongs to a plant with striking pink flowers and rounded, glossy foliage.
Care Tips: Thrives in partial shade and well-draining soil. Hardy in Zones 4-10.
22. Ground Morning Glory (Convolvulus sabatius)
Image Credit: Frank Vincentz – Own work, – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.
A vigorous spreader with soft, silver-green leaves and lavender-blue trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom summer to fall.
Care Tips: Requires full sun and sandy soil. Hardy in Zones 8-11.
23. Gopher Plant (Euphorbia rigida)
Image Credit: Zeynel Cebeci – Own work, – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.
This plant offers striking aquamarine leaves with clusters of yellow-green flowers, requiring minimal care.
Care Tips: Provide full sun and well-draining soil. Hardy in Zones 7-10.
24. Spotted Dead Nettle (Lamium maculatum)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
With eye-catching silver-marked leaves and pastel flowers, spotted dead nettle livens up shaded areas.
Care Tips: Plant in partial to full shade and moist soil. Hardy in Zones 4-8.
25. Creeping Dogwood (Cornus canadensis)
Image credit: YAY Images.
This native ground cover features white flowers and vibrant red berries, ideal for woodland gardens.
Care Tips: Provide partial to full shade and moist, rich soil. Hardy in Zones 2-7.
26. Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Bright yellow flowers and spreading green foliage make this plant a cheerful addition to damp, shady spots.
Caution: Invasive in some areas.
Care Tips: Plant in partial shade with moisture-retentive soil. Hardy in Zones 4-10.
27. Fairy Crassula (Crassula multicava)
Image Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.
This succulent provides attractive oval leaves and lavender-pink flowers, thriving in part shade.
Care Tips: Requires well-drained soil and moderate watering. Hardy in Zones 9-11.
28. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
The fragrant, iconic white bells of lily of the valley create an elegant touch in shaded corners.
Care Tips: Grows well in partial to full shade with rich, moist soil. Hardy in Zones 3-8.
Add a Pop of Color Where It Counts
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Flowering ground cover plants are perfect for creating beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes that suppress weeds and bring vibrant color to your garden. By strategically choosing the best plants for your conditions, you can enjoy a visually stunning garden year-round.
Try these 28 incredible options to bring life and texture to every corner of your outdoor space!
