20 Ground Cover Flowers That Are Low-Maintenance

The Dianthus flower serves as an effective ground cover plant due to its dense foliage and spreading growth habit. Its low-growing nature helps in suppressing weed growth while providing attractive blooms in various colors, adding aesthetic appeal to garden beds and borders.

Additionally, Dianthus is relatively low maintenance; it can tolerate different soil types. Also, the plant thrives in both full sun and partial shade conditions, making it a versatile and efficient ground cover option.

• USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
• Bloom Time: Spring to summer
• Colors: Pink, red, white
• Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, spreads up to 12 inches

Creeping Thyme is an efficient tool at inhibiting weed growth in gardens. Its dense, spreading foliage can smother some weeds, reducing their spread. However, it may not completely eradicate all weed species, especially aggressive or deeply rooted ones.

Regular maintenance such as hand-weeding may still be necessary. Despite this, Creeping Thyme’s ability to form a thick mat and its aromatic qualities make it a popular choice for suppressing weeds.

• USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Colors: Purple, pink, white
• Mature Size: 2-4 inches tall, spreads up to 18 inches

Choosing the Ajuga plant as a ground cover flower offers several advantages over common houseplants. Its dense, low-growing foliage forms a lush carpet that effectively suppresses weed growth while providing vibrant blooms in shades of blue, purple, or pink.

Additionally, the plant grows in various light conditions and soil types, tolerates foot traffic, and requires minimal maintenance. Ajuga’s ability to spread quickly ensures rapid ground coverage.

• USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Colors: Blue, purple
• Mature Size: 4-6 inches tall, spreads up to 12 inches

Sweet Woodruff grows at a moderate pace, typically spreading about 12 to 18 inches per year under favorable conditions. The exact time it takes to cover a garden depends on factors such as soil quality, sunlight, and spacing between plants.

Generally, it may take one to two growing seasons for Sweet Woodruff to establish a dense ground cover. But, once established, it can rapidly fill in empty spaces, providing an attractive carpet of foliage and white flowers.

• USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Colors: White
• Mature Size: 6-8 inches tall, spreads up to 12 inches

The Irish Moss (Sagina subulata) is not invasive but rather a well-behaved ground cover plant. It forms a thick layer of emerald-green foliage and tiny white flowers, spreading slowly to fill in gaps.

Some excellent companion plants for Irish Moss include low-growing perennials like Thyme, Creeping Jenny, and Dwarf Dianthus. These plants complement its delicate texture and thrive in similar growing conditions, creating a harmonious and visually appealing garden landscape.

• USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Colors: White
• Mature Size: 1-2 inches tall, spreads up to 12 inches

Epimedium, also known as barrenwort or bishop’s hat, has gained popularity as a ground cover plant due to its versatility and aesthetic appeal. Its attractive heart-shaped foliage and delicate flowers add visual interest to shaded areas where other plants struggle to thrive.

Furthermore, Epimedium is also valued for its tolerance of dry shade and ability to suppress weeds. Overall, it is a practical and visually pleasing choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance ground cover options in challenging growing conditions.

• USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Colors: White, yellow, pink, lavender, and purple
• Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall, spreads up to 24 inches

Commonly known as periwinkle or creeping myrtle, the Vinca minor is a versatile evergreen ground cover plant. It features glossy, dark green leaves and produces small, star-shaped flowers in shades of blue or lavender in spring.

This plant spreads quickly via trailing stems, forming a dense mat that effectively suppresses weeds. Thriving in various light conditions and soil types, the Vinca minor has become a popular choice for growing in garden beds, slopes, or under trees.

• USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
• Bloom Time: Spring to summer
• Colors: Blue, purple, white
• Mature Size: 6-8 inches tall, spreads up to 24 inches

Deadnettle, or Lamium, is highly effective as a ground cover plant due to its rapid growth, dense foliage, and ability to thrive in various conditions. Its low-growing habit and spreading nature quickly form a thick carpet, suppressing weed growth and preventing soil erosion.

Deadnettle’s variegated leaves and colorful flowers provide year-round interest. As a low-maintenance plant, this flower has won over gardeners and horticulturists all over the world.

• USDA Growing Zones: 3-8
• Bloom Time: Spring to summer
• Colors: Pink, purple, white
• Mature Size: 6-10 inches tall, spreads up to 24 inches

In addition to its role as a ground cover plant, the Ice Plant (Delosperma) serves several other purposes. Its succulent, fleshy leaves and vibrant flowers make it a popular choice for rock gardens, container gardens, and hanging baskets.

Moreover, Ice Plants are drought-tolerant and thrive in hot, dry conditions. These plants are ideal for xeriscaping and landscaping in arid climates. Furthermore, some species of this flower are edible and used in culinary dishes or teas for their tangy flavor and nutritional benefits.

• USDA Growing Zones: 5-9
• Bloom Time: Spring to summer
• Colors: Purple, pink, yellow, orange
• Mature Size: 2-4 inches tall, spreads up to 24 inches

The Thrift plant grows at a swift pace, typically spreading about 6 to 12 inches per year under optimal conditions. While it’s not considered invasive, it can self-seed and spread if not managed properly.

However, with regular pruning and maintenance, Thrift can coexist harmoniously with other garden plants. Its compact size and tolerance for coastal conditions make it an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, or containers.

• USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Colors: Pink, white
• Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, spreads up to 12 inches

The Blue Star Creeper is known for creating a charming carpet-like effect with its star-shaped blue flowers. As a low-growing ground cover plant, it effectively suppresses weed growth, reducing the need for frequent maintenance. Additionally, its dense foliage provides excellent erosion control and protects the plant from soil erosion.

Moreover, Blue Star Creeper is relatively low-maintenance, requiring little watering once established and thriving in both full sun and partial shade. This plant also contributes to the biodiversity of the garden ecosystem by attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

• USDA Growing Zones: 6-9
• Bloom Time: Spring to summer
• Colors: Blue, white
• Mature Size: 1-3 inches tall, spreads up to 12 inches

Creeping Phlox offers a stunning display of colorful blooms cascading over garden edges or spilling down slopes. Its vibrant flowers come in shades of pink, purple, white, and blue, creating a carpet of vivid hues and attracting pollinators.

With its low maintenance needs and ability to thrive in various soil and light conditions, Creeping Phlox has become a must-have for any garden enthusiast seeking vibrant, easy-to-grow ground cover.

• USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Colors: Pink, purple, white, red
• Mature Size: 4-6 inches tall, spreads up to 24 inches

While Mazus can help suppress weed growth to some extent with its dense, low-growing habit, it may not provide complete protection against wild-growing weeds. This plant forms a tight mat of foliage that can compete with weeds, but aggressive or deeply rooted weeds may still penetrate through.

Combining Mazus with mulching and regular weeding practices can enhance its effectiveness in weed suppression, but it may not entirely eliminate the need for weed management in the garden.

• USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
• Bloom Time: Spring to summer
• Colors: Blue, purple, white
• Mature Size: 1-2 inches tall, spreads up to 12 inches

Sedum plants are a diverse group of succulents known for their fleshy leaves and low-maintenance nature. These drought-tolerant plants come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, with some varieties producing clusters of star-shaped flowers.

Sedums are primarily popular as outdoor plants in gardens and landscapes due to their ability to survive in harsh conditions. Meanwhile, certain species, such as Sedum morganianum (Burro’s Tail) and Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant), are also favored as houseplants for their unique foliage and easy-care requirements.

• USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
• Colors: Pink, white, yellow
• Mature Size: 4-8 inches tall, spreads varies by species

Creeping Jenny is relatively low-maintenance as a ground cover plant but can become invasive if not properly managed. It spreads rapidly via trailing stems, so regular pruning is necessary to prevent it from overtaking other plants.

Additionally, Creeping Jenny prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade but can tolerate some sun. While it requires occasional watering during dry spells, it’s generally resilient and easy to care for.

• USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Colors: Yellow
• Mature Size: 2-4 inches tall, spreads up to 24 inches

Elfin Thyme is a slow-growing ground cover plant that forms a dense mat of tiny, aromatic leaves. It spreads gradually, typically expanding about 6 to 12 inches per year under favorable conditions.

Due to its creeping habit and diminutive size, Elfin Thyme is well-suited for filling in gaps between stepping stones, along borders, or in rock gardens. Its low-growing nature effectively suppresses weed growth while adding visual interest and fragrance to garden landscapes.

• USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Colors: Purple, pink
• Mature Size: 2-4 inches tall, spreads up to 12 inches

Corsican Mint has a delightful fragrance and low-growing habit that makes it an excellent choice for ground cover. Unlike many other ground cover plants, this herb grows in partial to full shade; it is ideal for shady areas where other plants struggle.

Moreover, the Mint’s small, rounded leaves release a refreshing minty scent when crushed. These plants are relatively low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and resistant to deer and rabbits.

• USDA Growing Zones: 6-9
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Colors: Lavender
• Mature Size: 1-2 inches tall, spreads up to 12 inches

The Brass Buttons is not an invasive plant but can spread moderately if left unchecked. Its low, spreading habit makes it suitable as a ground cover or filler plant.

Some companion plants that pair well with this herb include Creeping Thyme, Irish Moss, and Blue Star Creeper. These plants complement Brass Buttons with their similar growth habits and thrive in similar conditions, creating visually appealing combinations in garden landscapes.

• USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Colors: Green
• Mature Size: 1-2 inches tall, spreads up to 12 inches

Commonly known as Rupturewort, the Herniaria is a low-growing perennial plant prized for its creeping habit and small, rounded leaves. It forms dense mats of foliage, making it an excellent ground cover option for sunny to partially shaded areas.

Herniaria produces inconspicuous greenish flowers in summer, followed by tiny, bladder-like fruits. This drought-tolerant plant is often used in rock gardens, between paving stones, or as a filler plant in alpine or Mediterranean-inspired landscapes for its attractive, carpet-like appearance and ability to withstand foot traffic.

• USDA Growing Zones: 5-9
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Colors: Green
• Mature Size: 1-2 inches tall, spreads up to 12 inches

Aside from its role as a ground cover plant, Woolly Thyme serves several other purposes in garden landscapes. Its aromatic foliage releases a pleasant scent when crushed, making it suitable for planting along pathways or in herb gardens.

Additionally, Woolly Thyme is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant; it is an excellent choice for xeriscaping or planting in areas prone to browsing wildlife. Its attractive, silvery-gray foliage also provides contrast in rock gardens or mixed border plantings.

• USDA Growing Zones: 5-8
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Colors: Pink
• Mature Size: 2-4 inches tall, spreads up to 12 inches