Are you tired of looking at bare spots in your yard or struggling to maintain grass in challenging areas? Ground cover plants may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Not only do they add color and texture to your landscape, but they also act as a natural mulch, protecting soil from erosion and drought.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best flowering ground cover plants that are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and multi-functional. Whether you have a hilly area, unsightly roots, or a driveway in need of an attractive border, these plants can solve your problems and bring eye-popping curb appeal to your yard.
So let’s dive in and discover the beauty of ground cover plants!
What Flowers Are Good For Ground Cover
When it comes to selecting the right flowers for ground cover, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the growing conditions of your yard. Is it sunny or shady? Is the soil moist or dry? These factors will help determine which plants will thrive in your specific environment.
Here are some of the best flowering ground cover plants to consider:
1. Lily of the Valley: This fragrant plant is one of the easiest and best flowering ground covers. Its bell-shaped white flowers grow well in the shade and have a long blooming period.
2. Canadian Anemone: This US native wildflower spreads well in Zones 3 to 8, prefers moist soil, and thrives in full sun to part shade. Its individual white blossoms and bright green leaves make it a beautiful addition to any yard.
3. Lamb’s Ear: This perennial ground cover solution is evergreen as long as winter conditions aren’t too harsh. It’s a popular choice for its soft texture and clustered purple flowers that attract pollinators and hummingbirds.
4. Creeping Phlox: This low-growing plant produces masses of colorful flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
5. Sedum: This succulent plant is drought-tolerant and easy to care for. It comes in a variety of colors and shapes, making it a versatile option for ground cover.
6. Ajuga: This plant has glossy leaves and spikes of blue or purple flowers that bloom in the spring. It prefers partial shade and moist soil.
7. Thyme: This herb is not only useful in the kitchen, but it also makes a great ground cover plant. It produces small pink or purple flowers and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
8. Golden Creeping Jenny: This plant has bright yellow leaves that add a pop of color to any landscape. It prefers moist soil and partial shade.
9. Sweet Woodruff: This plant has delicate white flowers and a sweet fragrance. It prefers partial shade and moist soil.
10. Vinca: This plant has glossy leaves and produces blue or purple flowers in the spring. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.
Benefits Of Using Flowering Ground Cover Plants
Using flowering ground cover plants in your landscape can provide multiple benefits. First and foremost, they add color and beauty to your yard without the need for non-natural items. Flowering ground covers are also versatile and can grow in a variety of conditions, from full sun to deep shade. They can be used to prevent soil erosion, stabilize soil on slopes, and serve as an alternative to lawn grass in shady areas. Additionally, they can prevent weed establishment and reduce the need for mowing.
Using flowering ground cover plants also supports the local ecosystem by creating a healthy environment for humans, wildlife, pets, and insects. Many of these plants attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for the health of our environment.
Another benefit of using flowering ground cover plants is that they are typically low maintenance once established. This means that they require minimal watering and care, making them a great option for busy homeowners or those looking to reduce their landscaping costs.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Ground Cover Plants
When selecting ground cover plants for your yard, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, consider the growing conditions of your yard. Some plants thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial or full shade. Additionally, some plants require moist soil, while others can tolerate drought conditions.
It’s also important to consider the growth habit of the plants you are considering. Some ground covers are clumping spreaders, while others are carpeting creepers. Clumping spreaders increase in size each year as they send out their leaves, while carpeting creepers spread by underground stems or move across the soil surface, rooting at points where leaf nodes touch the ground. Depending on your desired outcome, you may want to select one type of plant over the other.
Another factor to consider is maintenance. Some ground cover plants require little to no maintenance once established, while others may require occasional pruning or division to keep them looking their best.
Finally, consider the overall aesthetic of your yard and how the ground cover plants will fit in with your existing landscaping. Select plants that complement other plants in your yard and create a cohesive look overall.
By considering these factors when selecting ground cover plants, you can ensure that you choose the right plants for your specific growing conditions and desired outcome.
Top 5 Low-Maintenance Flowering Ground Cover Plants
If you’re looking for low-maintenance flowering ground cover plants, here are our top five picks:
1. Lily of the Valley: As mentioned above, this plant is one of the easiest and best flowering ground covers. It requires little maintenance and will spread quickly in the right conditions.
2. Canadian Anemone: This wildflower is a great option for those who want a low-maintenance ground cover that will also attract pollinators to their yard.
3. Lamb’s Ear: This plant is not only low-maintenance, but it’s also deer-resistant and drought-tolerant. Its soft texture and clustered purple flowers make it a popular choice.
4. Creeping Phlox: This plant is a great option for those who want a low-maintenance ground cover that will also add a pop of color to their yard. It requires little water and will spread quickly.
5. Sedum: This succulent plant is incredibly low-maintenance and can survive in almost any growing conditions. Its colorful foliage and flowers make it a great addition to any yard.
When selecting a low-maintenance flowering ground cover, it’s important to consider the growing conditions of your yard and choose plants that will thrive in those conditions. With these five options, you’re sure to find a plant that meets your needs and looks beautiful in your yard.
How To Plant And Care For Ground Cover Plants
Planting ground cover plants requires some preparation and care. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Select the right ground cover plants: Before you buy any plants, make sure to read the plant tag to determine the amount of sunlight and water the plant requires. Choose plants that will thrive in the growing conditions of your yard.
2. Prepare the soil: Remove any weeds or grass from the area where you plan to plant your ground cover plants. Till the soil and mix in organic matter like compost, peat moss, or manure to improve soil quality.
3. Plant the ground cover: Set the plants in position while they are still in their pots to determine if you have enough to cover the area. Avoid planting them in straight lines and use a cardboard triangle as a template to ensure proper spacing. Plant them at the same depth they were growing previously and water thoroughly.
4. Mulch and water: Apply a thick layer of mulch to control weeds, conserve moisture, and moderate soil temperature. Water your ground cover plants regularly for the first year to help them become established.
5. Maintain your ground cover: Most ground covers require little maintenance beyond regular watering, mulching, fertilizing, and grooming. Once they become established, they will usually maintain themselves with minimal care.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your ground cover plants will thrive and provide a beautiful carpet of color in your yard. Remember to choose plants that are well-suited for your growing conditions and to provide them with proper care to help them become established.
Creative Ways To Use Ground Cover Plants In Your Landscape Design
Ground cover plants can be used in a variety of creative ways to enhance the beauty and functionality of your landscape design. Here are some ideas:
1. Create a living pathway: Use low-growing ground cover plants, such as creeping thyme or Irish moss, to create a natural-looking pathway through your garden.
2. Cover unsightly areas: Use ground cover plants to cover areas that are difficult to mow or maintain, such as steep slopes or rocky terrain.
3. Attract pollinators: Many ground cover plants, such as creeping phlox and ajuga, produce flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
4. Add color and texture: Ground cover plants come in a wide range of colors and textures, from the soft, velvety leaves of lamb’s ear to the bright yellow foliage of golden creeping Jenny. Use them to add visual interest to your landscape.
5. Control erosion: Ground cover plants can help prevent soil erosion by holding the soil in place with their roots.
6. Create a natural mulch: Ground cover plants can act as a natural mulch, helping to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
7. Define garden beds: Use ground cover plants to define the edges of your garden beds and create a neat, tidy appearance.
8. Create a sense of unity: Using the same ground cover plant throughout your landscape can create a sense of unity and cohesiveness.
9. Provide habitat for wildlife: Ground cover plants can provide habitat for small animals and insects, such as birds and butterflies.
10. Reduce maintenance: By using ground cover plants instead of traditional turf grass, you can reduce the amount of time and money spent on lawn maintenance.
