{"id":488,"date":"2023-12-13T17:33:59","date_gmt":"2023-12-13T17:33:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/2023\/12\/13\/flowers-for-ground-coverage\/"},"modified":"2023-12-13T17:33:59","modified_gmt":"2023-12-13T17:33:59","slug":"flowers-for-ground-coverage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/2023\/12\/13\/flowers-for-ground-coverage\/","title":{"rendered":"Flowers for ground coverage"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>10 of the Best Flowering Ground Cover Plants<\/h1>\n<blockquote><p>Most flowering ground cover plants spread quickly and are easy to care for. A DIY addition of colorful ground covers to your rock garden or beneath a tree is an easy feat for even the non-gardener.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2>Our 16 Favorite Flowering Ground Covers<\/h2>\n<p>Although ground covers are typically grown for their dense, fast-spreading foliage, many also put on a breathtaking display of flowers, with some giving you blooms for weeks on end. Shade-loving flowering ground covers, such as <em>Epimedium<\/em> (barrenwort) or <em>Pachysandra<\/em>, are invaluable for bringing masses of color to woodland gardens or as understory plantings beneath trees and shrubs. For sun-drenched bare spots in the garden or to blanket areas where grass struggles to grow, try mat-forming creeping bloomers like <em>Sedum<\/em> or <em>Phlox subulata<\/em> (creeping phlox).<\/p>\n<p>Note that while most of these ground cover flowers are well-behaved and easy to keep in check, some can spread aggressively and become invasive when planted in certain areas. <em>Lamium<\/em> (deadnettle), <em>Ajuga<\/em> (bugleweed), and <em>Galium odoratum<\/em> (sweet woodruff) are examples of varieties best reserved for locations where you can easily control their spread. Before buying and planting any ground cover, refer to the Invasive Plant Atlas to see if the plant could be invasive in your area.<\/p>\n<p><strong>On this page:<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>GROUND COVER FLOWERS FOR SHADE<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/pictures\/images\/263x300Exact_48x0\/site_3\/bishop-s-hat-epimedium-hybrid-ground-cover-plant-shutterstock-com_15588.jpg\" alt=\"BARRENWORT\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Photo by: Mizy \/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n<h2>BARRENWORT (<em>Epimedium<\/em> spp. and cultivars)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Zones:<\/strong> 5-9 <strong>Exposure:<\/strong> Partial to full shade <br \/><strong>Height\/Spread:<\/strong> 8 to 12 inches tall, spreading 12 to 36 inches <br \/><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Early to mid-spring<\/p>\n<p>Valued as a ground cover for dry shade, barrenwort (also known as bishop&#8217;s hat) has pretty heart-shaped leaves and delicate, nodding flowers in shades of pink, red, violet, or yellow. Red barrenwort (<em>E.<\/em> x <em>rubrum<\/em>) is an especially showy plant, with bright crimson blooms and semi-evergreen foliage accented by tinges of red in both spring and fall. It also spreads faster than most epimediums, making it one of the best ground cover species.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/pictures\/images\/263x300Exact_86x0\/site_3\/burgundy-glow-bugleweed-ajuga-reptans-carpet-bugleweed-walters-gardens_15590.jpg\" alt=\"BUGLEWEED\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&#8216;Burgundy Glow&#8217; bugleweed. Photo by: Walters Gardens, Inc.<\/p>\n<h2>BUGLEWEED (<em>Ajuga reptans<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Zones:<\/strong> 3-10 <strong>Exposure:<\/strong> Partial shade to full sun <br \/><strong>Height\/Spread:<\/strong> 6 to 8 inches tall, spreads to 2 feet or more <br \/><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Late spring through early summer<\/p>\n<p>This resilient perennial spreads quickly to form a dense mat that will help smother weeds, but avoid growing it in a spot where its aggressive nature could infringe on other plantings. Although the species usually has violet-blue flower spikes and glossy, dark green leaves, a number of cultivars are available that offer variegated or dark burgundy foliage and pink or white blooms.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/pictures\/images\/263x300Exact_0x0\/site_3\/cutting-edge-foam-flower-tiarella-proven-winners_14189.jpg\" alt=\"FOAMFLOWER\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&#8216;Cutting Edge&#8217; foamflower. Photo by: Proven Winners<\/p>\n<h2>FOAMFLOWER (<em>Tiarella<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Zones:<\/strong> 4-9 <strong>Exposure:<\/strong> Partial to full shade <br \/><strong>Height\/Spread:<\/strong> 8 to 10 inches tall, 16 to 19 inches wide <br \/><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Late spring through early summer<\/p>\n<p>Prized for its frothy flowers that bloom over an exceptionally long time, foamflower also boasts deeply lobed, patterned leaves that remain evergreen in most climates. Although <em>Tiarella<\/em> are better for deep shade than their cousin <em>Heuchera<\/em>, they grow best in the dappled sunlight of woodland gardens. Learn more about growing foamflower.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/pictures\/images\/263x300Exact_100x0\/site_3\/blue-lilyturf-ground-cover-plant-liriope-shutterstock-com_15589.jpg\" alt=\"LILYTURF\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Photo by: Peter Turner Photography \/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n<h2>LILYTURF (<em>Liriope muscari<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Zones:<\/strong> 5-10 <strong>Exposure:<\/strong> Full shade to full sun <br \/><strong>Height\/Spread:<\/strong> 12 to 18 inches tall, spreads up to 12 inches <br \/><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Late summer to fall<\/p>\n<p>Often mistaken for an ornamental grass because of its narrow, arching leaves, <em>Liriope<\/em> is primarily prized for its showy spikes of purple flowers and ability to thrive in both shady and sunny garden sites. Tolerant of drought and most soil types, its applications are many, ranging from a ground cover in woodland gardens to erosion control on slopes.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/pictures\/images\/263x300Exact_48x0\/site_3\/allegheny-spurge-pachysandra-procumbens-shutterstock-com_17950.jpg\" alt=\"PACHYSANDRA\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Photo by: Gerry Bishop \/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n<h2>PACHYSANDRA (<em>Pachysandra<\/em> spp.)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Zones:<\/strong> 5-9 <strong>Exposure:<\/strong> Partial to full shade <br \/><strong>Height\/Spread:<\/strong> 6 to 12 inches tall, spreads 12 to 18 inches <br \/><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Spring<\/p>\n<p>One of the best flowering ground covers for deep shade, forming a lush carpet of glossy, emerald-green foliage topped by short spikes of white flowers in early spring. Although Japanese pachysandra (<em>P. terminalis<\/em>) is the most commonly grown variety, it can spread aggressively once it becomes established. A better behaved alternative is Allegheny spurge (<em>P. procumbens<\/em>) (pictured), a slow-growing native American species with blue-green leaves that turn bronze in fall.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/pictures\/images\/263x300Exact_76x0\/site_3\/pink-chablis-spotted-deadnettle-lamium-maculatum-dead-nettle-plant-proven-winners_15593.jpg\" alt=\"SPOTTED DEADNETTLE\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Proven Accents\u00ae Pink Chablis\u00ae dead nettle. Photo by Proven Winners.<\/p>\n<h2>SPOTTED DEADNETTLE (<em>Lamium maculatum<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>&#8216;Pink Chablis&#8217; spotted deadnettle<\/strong> \u2014 Buy now from Proven Winners <\/p>\n<p><strong>Zones:<\/strong> 4-9 <strong>Exposure:<\/strong> Partial shade to full sun <br \/><strong>Height\/Spread:<\/strong> 3 inches to 2 feet tall, spreads 3 feet or more <br \/><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Late spring to early summer<\/p>\n<p>A versatile ground cover adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions and most soil types. Scalloped leaves come in a variety of color variations and remain attractive all season, while the colorful flower spikes (in pink, white, rose, or violet) bloom for 4 weeks or longer, starting in late spring. Because of their creeping, rooting habit, you should only plant <em>Lamium<\/em> in areas where they won\u2019t wander out of bounds.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/pictures\/images\/263x300Exact_0x100\/site_3\/sweet-woodruff-galium-odoratum-ground-cover-shutterstock-com_15594.jpg\" alt=\"SWEET WOODRUFF\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH \/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<h2>SWEET WOODRUFF (<em>Galium odoratum<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Zones:<\/strong> 4-8 <strong>Exposure:<\/strong> Partial to full shade <br \/><strong>Height\/Spread:<\/strong> 6 to 12 inches tall, spreads 12 to 18 inches <br \/><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Early spring<\/p>\n<p>Bearing clusters of tiny white flowers in spring, this enchanting ground cover loves heavy shade and rich, loamy soil, making it a top performer in woodland gardens. Can become somewhat aggressive if given the right conditions, so plant where you can limit its growth.<\/p>\n<h2>GROUND COVER FLOWERS FOR SUN<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/pictures\/images\/263x300Exact_82x0\/site_3\/basket-of-gold-plant-aurinia-saxatilis-shutterstock-com_17951.jpg\" alt=\"BASKET OF GOLD PLANT\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Photo by: Peter Turner Photography \/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n<h2>BASKET OF GOLD (<em>Aurinia saxatilis<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Zones:<\/strong> 4-7 <strong>Exposure:<\/strong> Full sun <br \/><strong>Height\/Spread:<\/strong> 6 to 12 inches tall, spreads up to 2 feet <br \/><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Early to mid-spring<\/p>\n<p>In addition to brightening the spring garden with dense clusters of golden-yellow flowers, <em>Aurinia<\/em> has handsome silvery gray foliage make it an asset even when it\u2019s not in bloom. After the blooms fade, shear back by about half to help shape the plant and improve its vigor. Requires ample sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/pictures\/images\/263x300Exact_86x0\/site_3\/snowsation-candytuft-iberis-sempervirens-proven-winners_17952.jpg\" alt=\"CANDYTUFT\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Snowsation\u2122 candytuft. Photo by: Proven Winners<\/p>\n<h2>CANDYTUFT (<em>Iberis sempervirens<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Zones:<\/strong> 4-9 <strong>Exposure:<\/strong> Full sun <br \/><strong>Height\/Spread:<\/strong> 6 to 8 inches tall, spreads up to 12 inches <br \/><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Mid to late spring<\/p>\n<p>This spring-blooming favorite produces a profusion of snowy white flowers that nearly hide the plant\u2019s attractive mounds of glossy, evergreen foliage. The sweetly scented blooms can last a month or longer, and may even return for a short repeat performance in fall. To encourage denser foliage growth, prune back lightly in late spring after the flowers fade.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/pictures\/images\/263x300Exact_96x0\/site_3\/rapido-blue-carpathian-bellflower-campanula-carpatica-blue-flowering-ground-cover-proven-winners_15611.jpg\" alt=\"CARPATHIAN BELLFLOWER\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>\u2018Rapido Blue\u2019 Carpathian bellflower. Photo by: Proven Winners<\/p>\n<h2>CARPATHIAN BELLFLOWER (<em>Campanula carpatica<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Zones:<\/strong> 3-8 <strong>Exposure:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade <br \/><strong>Height\/Spread:<\/strong> 5 to 7 inches tall, 5 to 8 inches wide <br \/><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Early spring to summer<\/p>\n<p>This long-blooming, easy-to-grow perennial creates a colorful carpet of violet-blue flowers that last through most of the summer, rising above tidy mounds of dark green foliage. Especially well-suited as a ground cover in rock gardens, borders, and mass plantings. For the best performance, grow in fertile, well-drained soil and shelter from harsh afternoon sun.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/pictures\/images\/263x300Exact_46x0\/site_3\/purple-sprite-creeping-phlox-phlox-hybrid-proven-winners_17953.jpg\" alt=\"CREEPING PHLOX\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>\u2018Purple Sprite\u2019 spring phlox. Photo by: Proven Winners<\/p>\n<h2>CREEPING PHLOX (<em>Phlox subulata<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>\u2018Purple Sprite\u2019 spring phlox<\/strong> \u2014 Buy now from Proven Winners <\/p>\n<p><strong>Zones:<\/strong> 3-9 <strong>Exposure:<\/strong> Full sun <br \/><strong>Height\/Spread:<\/strong> 4 to 6 inches tall, spreads 18 to 24 inches <br \/><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Early to mid-spring<\/p>\n<p>Unlike taller garden phlox, this ground-hugging variety (also called moss phlox) grows to a height of only 6 inches, smothered in spring by cheery flowers in shades of lavender, pink, rose, or purple. Once the blooms fade, they leave behind an attractive mat of needle-like foliage. A light shearing after flowering will encourage lush new growth and prevent plants from becoming leggy.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/pictures\/images\/263x300Exact_30x0\/site_3\/red-creeping-thyme-thymus-praecox-flowering-groundcover-proven-winners_17770.jpg\" alt=\"CREEPING THYME\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Red creeping thyme. Photo by: Proven Winners<\/p>\n<h2>CREEPING THYME (<em>Thymus<\/em> spp.)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Coccineus red creeping thyme<\/strong> \u2014 Buy now from Proven Winners <\/p>\n<p><strong>Zones:<\/strong> 4-10 <strong>Exposure:<\/strong> Full sun <br \/><strong>Height\/Spread:<\/strong> 1 to 4 inches tall, spreads up to 18 inches <br \/><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Late spring to early summer<\/p>\n<p>Highly resilient to foot traffic, this low-growing aromatic herb is ideal for use as a filler between stepping stones and pathways or as an easy-care lawn substitute. Not only does this drought-tolerant perennial require less water than traditional turf grass, it\u2019s also much more colorful, bursting into a profusion of dainty pink or purple flowers in late spring. Learn more about growing creeping thyme.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/pictures\/images\/263x300Exact_56x0\/site_3\/georgia-blue-creeping-speedwell-veronica-peduncularis-shutterstock-com_17954.jpg\" alt=\"GEORGIA BLUE CREEPING SPEEDWELL\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Georgia Blue creeping speedwell. Photo by: Maria Papworth \/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n<h2>GEORGIA BLUE CREEPING SPEEDWELL (<em>Veronica peduncularis<\/em> &#8216;Georgia Blue&#8217;)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Zones:<\/strong> 6-8 <strong>Exposure:<\/strong> Full sun <br \/><strong>Height\/Spread:<\/strong> 6 to 8 inches tall, spreads up to 18 inches <br \/><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Early to late spring, reblooming intermittently throughout the summer<\/p>\n<p>Striking sapphire blue flowers with white eyes make this ground cover a real standout in the spring garden and a colorful underplanting for spring-blooming bulbs. To keep plants tidy and encourage rebloom, shear back by about half after flowering. Otherwise, this heat- and drought-tolerant bloomer requires minimal care once established. Learn more about growing speedwell plants.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/pictures\/images\/263x300Exact_54x0\/site_3\/fire-spinner-ice-plant-delosperma-proven-winners_17955.jpg\" alt=\"HARDY ICE PLANT\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Fire Spinner \u00ae hardy ice plant. Photo by: Proven Winners<\/p>\n<h2>HARDY ICE PLANT (<em>Delosperma cooperi<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Fire Spinner \u00ae hardy ice plant<\/strong> \u2014 Buy now from Proven Winners <\/p>\n<p><strong>Zones:<\/strong> 6-10 <strong>Exposure:<\/strong> Full sun <br \/><strong>Height\/Spread:<\/strong> 3 to 6 inches tall, spreads up to 2 feet <br \/><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Early summer to fall<\/p>\n<p>Brightly colored, daisylike flowers over a long bloom season make hardy ice plant a valuable ground cover for filling the garden with brilliant color that lasts all the way until fall. The fleshy, cylindrical leaves are also an asset, forming a shaggy succulent carpet that remains evergreen in milder climates. Requires well-draining soil to flourish, especially in areas with damp, rainy winters.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/pictures\/images\/263x300Exact_20x0\/site_3\/lady-s-mantle-alcemilla-mollis-deer-proof-ball-horticultural-company_11980.jpg\" alt=\"LADY'S MANTLE\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Photo by: Ball Horticulture Company<\/p>\n<h2>LADY&#8217;S MANTLE (<em>Alchemilla mollis<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Zones:<\/strong> 3-9 <strong>Exposure:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade <br \/><strong>Height\/Spread:<\/strong> 12 to 18 inches tall, spreads 1 to 2 feet <br \/><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Early to mid-summer<\/p>\n<p>Airy clusters of lime-green flowers, rising above mounds of broad scallop-edged leaves, make <em>Alchemilla<\/em> a striking ground cover, both in and out of bloom After the flowers fade, cut plants back to promote fresh foliage growth that will remain attractive the rest of the season. Adapts well to light and even moderate shade, but won\u2019t tolerate dry conditions in climates with hot summers.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/pictures\/images\/263x300Exact_48x0\/site_3\/boogie-woogie-sedum-yellow-flowering-sedum-ground-cover-sedum-proven-winners_15681.jpg\" alt=\"SEDUM\" width=\"263\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Rock &#8216;N Low\u00ae &#8216;Boogie Woogie&#8217; stonecrop. Photo by: Proven Winners<\/p>\n<h2>SEDUM (<em>Sedum<\/em> hybrids)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Rock &#8216;N Low\u00ae &#8216;Boogie Woogie&#8217; stonecrop<\/strong> \u2014 Buy now from Proven Winners <\/p>\n<p><strong>Zones:<\/strong> 3-9 <strong>Exposure:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade <br \/><strong>Height\/Spread:<\/strong> 6 to 8 inches tall, spreads up to 2 feet <br \/><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Early to mid-summer<\/p>\n<p>Creeping <em>Sedum<\/em> (also known as stonecrop) is a tough mat-forming ground cover that thrives in dry sites thanks to its thick, succulent leaves that store water and help it cope with drought. Although the leaves can vary greatly in color and shape, the flowers of most varieties are tiny and star-shaped, blooming in shades of pink, red, white, or yellow. An excellent plant for rock gardens, filling gaps between paving stones, or erosion control on sunny slopes and hillsides. Learn more about growing sedum plants.<\/p>\n<h2>10 of the Best Flowering Ground Cover Plants<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_2blossom-plant-field-meadow-flower-petal-1402222-pxherecom.jpg\" alt=\"Beautiful pink ground cover meadow flower\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Flowering ground covers are the most useful tools in landscape design. They\u2019re low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and multi-functional, and they bring eye-popping curb appeal when in bloom.<\/p>\n<p>Do you have a hilly area in your yard that\u2019s difficult to mow? Unsightly roots that you\u2019d like to cover? A driveway in need of an attractive border? Flowering ground covers can solve all these problems and look beautiful while doing it. Here are 10 of the best flowering ground cover plants for your garden or landscape.<\/p>\n<h2>Landscaping and more at the click of a button<\/h2>\n<h2>1. Ice Plant (<em>Delosperma)<\/em> <\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_ice_plant-646x445.jpg\" alt=\"Ice plant in bloom with purple\/pink color flowers with white\/yellow center.\" width=\"646\" height=\"445\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Delosperma refers to a genus of more than 100 different species of succulent plants. Delosperma cooperi, also known as Cooper\u2019s ice plant, is a mat-forming evergreen with big purple flowers that bloom from early summer to fall. The vibrant color and long blooming season of the ice plant makes it a top choice for bold garden color.<\/p>\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 6 to 10<br \/><strong>Examples of Delosperma varieties:<\/strong> Fire spinner, jewel of the desert, kelaidis, wheels of wonder<br \/><strong>Care:<\/strong> Easy to grow. Thrives in full sun but requires dry, well-draining soil to flourish. <br \/><strong>Flowering:<\/strong> Ice plants produce large, deep purple, daisy-like flowers from early summer to fall.<br \/><strong>Spread:<\/strong> Via seed<br \/><strong>Cost:<\/strong> Seeds cost about $5 for 500. You\u2019ll pay up to $10 for a plant tray, and about $125 for 25 container plants.<\/p>\n<h2>2. Lilyturf (<em>Liriope<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_landscape-g514917165_1280-646x431.jpg\" alt=\"Field of purple Lilyturf, purple shoots of flowers from grass-type greenery\" width=\"646\" height=\"431\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Sometimes referred to as monkey grass, this flowering perennial is ultra-tough. The plant itself is tall and grass-like so it works well as an edging plant or to prevent erosion. Liriope flowers in the late summer and will produce tall shoots with lavender flower spikes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 4 to 10<br \/><strong>Examples of Liriope varieties:<\/strong> <em>Liriope spicata<\/em> and <em>liriope muscari<\/em><br \/><strong>Care:<\/strong> Low-maintenance and highly drought-tolerant. Handles both full sun and partial shade. Requires medium to well-draining soil<br \/><strong>Flowering:<\/strong> Tall flowers of vibrant lavender to white bloom late summer to early fall<br \/><strong>Spread:<\/strong> Spreads vigorously via creeping rhizomes and can be considered invasive in certain regions<br \/><strong>Cost:<\/strong> Ranges from about $7 for five seeds to almost $120 for a 54-count tray.<\/p>\n<h2>3. Canada Anemone (<em>Anemone canadensis<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_anemone-nemorosa-g07236f89d_1280-646x485.jpg\" alt=\"Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis) is a ground cover with green leaves and white flowers with yellow centers\" width=\"646\" height=\"485\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Canada anemone is a hardy, low-growing ground cover plant that produces showy white flowers from April through June. Also known as meadow anemone or roundleaf thimbleweed, this perennial wildflower looks great, can handle some foot traffic, and grows easily.<\/p>\n<p>Note: This plant is aggressive, so it should quickly become a beautiful green mat with spectacular white blooms.<\/p>\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3 to 8<br \/><strong>Care:<\/strong> Canada anemone can handle both full sun and partial shade. Prefers medium to medium wet soil conditions but may need pruning because of its aggressive nature.<br \/><strong>Flowering:<\/strong> Each tall stalk produces one bright white flower with five petals and a yellow center. Flowers April through June.<br \/><strong>Spread:<\/strong> Spreads vigorously via rhizomes. Can reseed itself under the right conditions<br \/><strong>Cost:<\/strong> Seeds cost $3 for a packet of 200, 3-inch pots run $4 to $7 each.<\/p>\n<h2>4. Creeping Thyme (<em>Thymus serpyllum<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/thyme-g867788963_1280-646x485.jpg\" alt=\"Creeping thyme is a ground cover that\" width=\"646\" height=\"485\" \/><\/p>\n<p>\u201cCreeping thyme\u201d is the common name for a group of several perennial ground cover plants of the thymus genus. These low-growers thrive in full sun and are an attractive choice for sunny gardens thanks to their low, vine-like growth habit and beautiful flowers. While these varieties aren\u2019t as tasty as the thyme in your spice rack, they are pleasantly aromatic.<\/p>\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 4 to 9 (depending on variety)<br \/><strong>Examples of ground cover thyme plants:<\/strong> English thyme, caraway thyme, wooly thyme<br \/><strong>Care:<\/strong> These low-maintenance plants need full sun and well-draining soil<br \/><strong>Flowering:<\/strong> Creeping thyme produces large blooms of purple, pink, or white flowers from late spring to mid-summer<br \/><strong>Spread:<\/strong> All thyme plants spread by above-ground stems, but varieties will range from slow to moderate to fast spreaders<br \/><strong>Cost:<\/strong> A pack of 5,000 seeds costs about $5 online, container plants run about $40<\/p>\n<h2>5. Creeping Phlox (<em>Phlox subulata<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_pink-creeping-phlox_1-646x431.jpg\" alt=\"This pink creeping phlox makes for a beautiful ground cover.\" width=\"646\" height=\"431\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Creeping phlox is a sun-loving and drought-resistant ground cover plant that generates a carpet of color in the spring. It works well as ground cover throughout most of the year, but its abundant springtime blooms are the star of the creeping phlox show.<\/p>\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3 to 10<br \/><strong>Examples of creeping phlox varieties:<\/strong> scarlet flame, candy stripe, emerald blue, phlox volcano<br \/><strong>Care:<\/strong> Low-maintenance, but requires rich and well-drained soil. You\u2019ll want to trim plants back in the winter<br \/><strong>Flowering:<\/strong> Dense, springtime blooms of purple, red, white, blue, rose, lavender, or pink flowers<br \/><strong>Spread:<\/strong> Moderate spread of up to 2 feet, by way of stolons<br \/><strong>Cost:<\/strong> From $4 (seed packet) to $10 (trays) to $14 (potted)<\/p>\n<h2>Get quality landscaping at an affordable cost<\/h2>\n<h2>6. Bugleweed (<em>Ajuga reptans<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_bugle-weed-646x430.jpg\" alt=\"Bugleweed is a purplish flowering ground cover that resembles a bush\" width=\"646\" height=\"430\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Bugleweed is a quick-spreader that works well covering areas where grass struggles. It\u2019s versatile and can handle most conditions, thriving in everything from full sun to full shade and heavy foot traffic. It also doesn\u2019t hurt that it brings added curb appeal with its attractive blue flower spikes that bloom from May through June.<\/p>\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3 to 10<br \/><strong>Examples of bugleweed varieties:<\/strong> black scallop, burgundy glow, pink beauty, catlin\u2019s giant<br \/><strong>Care:<\/strong> These are low-maintenance in large areas but will require some diligence to control in smaller areas. Runners should be pruned twice a year and as needed when escaping their desired planting area<br \/><strong>Flowering:<\/strong> Violet, purple, or blue flower spikes in the mid to late spring<br \/><strong>Spread:<\/strong> Spreads aggressively via runners, making it best used to fill large areas<br \/><strong>Cost:<\/strong> Seeds range based on quantity from $4 to $400. A tray of these fast-spreading plants costs about $12<\/p>\n<h2>7. Spotted Deadnettle (<em>Lamium maculatum<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_lamium-purpureum-846425_1280-646x485.jpg\" alt=\"Spotted deadnettle looks like little trees sprouting with tall thin trunks and a canopy of purplish green flowers.\" width=\"646\" height=\"485\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Easy to grow and tolerant of most soil conditions, spotted deadnettles are great perennial ground covers for shaded areas. These low-growing plants are resilient and can even be evergreen in warmer climates. Their green leaves are typically variegated and attractive on their own, but their abundant flowers are a beautiful addition in the late spring to early summer. Deadnettles are aggressive spreaders that can become invasive if not controlled.<\/p>\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 3 to 8<\/p>\n<p><strong>Examples of deadnettle varieties:<\/strong> Anne greenway, purple dragon, shell pink, beacon silver, orchid frost<br \/><strong>Care:<\/strong> Drought-tolerant, grows best in shade, should be cut back after flowering to encourage fresh foliage growth. Dislikes high heat and humidity<br \/><strong>Flowering:<\/strong> Pink, purple, and white flowers (depending on cultivar) from May to June<br \/><strong>Spread:<\/strong> Spreads aggressively. Can be considered invasive in some areas. <br \/><strong>Cost:<\/strong> Ranges in price from $6 to almost $20<\/p>\n<h2>8. Lamb\u2019s Ear (<em>Stachys byzantina<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_pxfuelcom_3-646x485.jpg\" alt=\"Lamb\u2019s ear is a sun-loving ground cover plant known for its velvety look and feel of its namesake foliage.\" width=\"646\" height=\"485\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Lamb\u2019s ear is a sun-loving ground cover plant known for its velvety look and feel of its namesake foliage. Lamb\u2019s ear is a vigorous perennial that spreads quickly and develops a low mat of leaves. As an added bonus, lamb\u2019s ear produces spikes of purplish flowers up to 18 inches tall in the summer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 4 to 7<br \/><strong>Examples of lamb\u2019s ear cultivars:<\/strong> big ears, silver carpet, Helen von stein, cotton boll<br \/><strong>Care:<\/strong> Low-maintenance. Water only when soil is dry and trim back in the spring. <br \/><strong>Flowering:<\/strong> Tall, light-purple flower spikes bloom in the summer<br \/><strong>Spread:<\/strong> Spread aggressively through creeping stems and self-seeding. Deadheading can reduce spread by self-seeding<br \/><strong>Cost:<\/strong> About $5 for a 1-quart pot, or a pack of 40 seeds for less than $10<\/p>\n<h2>9. Periwinkle (<em>Vinca minor<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_periwinkle-ge9b8f028c_1280-646x431.jpg\" alt=\"This tough, low-maintenance purple flowered ground cover plant is an evergreen perennial that can handle full shade and partial sun.\" width=\"646\" height=\"431\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This tough, low-maintenance ground cover plant is an evergreen perennial that can handle full shade and partial sun. Also known as vinca minor, its vines keep it low to the ground. Both the broadleaf foliage and abundant flowers of the periwinkle make it an attractive choice for steep hillsides that are difficult to maintain. It also works well in areas where grass won\u2019t grow.<\/p>\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 4 to 8<br \/><strong>Examples of periwinkle varieties:<\/strong> alba, flore pleno, sterling silver, bowles variety <br \/><strong>Care:<\/strong> Requires minimal care, though they may require some trimming to avoid invasive spread. Can be susceptible to disease in wet, humid climates<br \/><strong>Flowering:<\/strong> Blue, lavender, white, or purple flower show in May, June, and sometimes the fall<br \/><strong>Spread:<\/strong> Aggressively via above-ground runners. Can be invasive if left unchecked.<br \/><strong>Cost:<\/strong> A tray of periwinkle typically costs about $15.<\/p>\n<h2>10. Sweet woodruff (<em>Galium odoratum<\/em>)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_waldmeister-g7a7d9be00_1280-646x485.jpg\" alt=\"Sweet woodruff, named after the sweet smell of its deep green foliage, is an excellent ground cover plant for shady gardens.\" width=\"646\" height=\"485\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Sweet woodruff, named after the sweet smell of its deep green foliage, is an excellent ground cover plant for shady gardens. This mat-forming creeper prefers moist soil, but can tolerate drought and will even thrive in dry shade. It\u2019s an extremely low-maintenance perennial that only requires care when you want to limit its growth.<\/p>\n<p><strong>USDA Hardiness Zones:<\/strong> 4 to 8<br \/><strong>Care:<\/strong> Very low-maintenance. Thrives in most conditions. Runners may need occasional trimming to limit growth<br \/><strong>Flowering:<\/strong> Blooms with white, star-shaped flowers in April and May<br \/><strong>Spread:<\/strong> Spreads quickly by runners. <br \/><strong>Cost:<\/strong> Get 200 seeds for $7 or a large, potted plant for under $20.<\/p>\n<h2>FAQs About Flowering Ground Cover Plants<\/h2>\n<p><strong>What are the fastest-growing ground cover plants?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Many varieties of ground covers, including many of those listed above, are notoriously fast-growers. Some can be invasive and are only recommended if you don\u2019t mind them taking over the area where you plant them. Spotted deadnettle, lamb\u2019s ear, periwinkle, and sweet woodruff are some of the fastest-growing varieties.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What ground cover plants will prevent weeds?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Most ground covers help prevent weeds because of the way they spread out and fill up spaces. Dragon\u2019s blood sedum is one of the best because of its hardiness and tolerance to poor soil conditions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Is lavender a good ground cover plant?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Lavender has a pleasant smell and attractive bloom, and even though it\u2019s a perennial, it is a high-maintenance ground cover. It does well in hot, dry areas but is slower to grow and spread than other ground cover plants.<\/p>\n<h2>When to Call a Landscaping Professional<\/h2>\n<p>Most flowering ground cover plants spread quickly and are easy to care for. A DIY addition of colorful ground covers to your rock garden or beneath a tree is an easy feat for even the non-gardener.<\/p>\n<p>But what if you need to cover a large area, while preventing uncontrolled spread, in a fickle soil? If things get a bit complex, or you simply want the expert eye of a landscape designer, contact a landscaping pro near you.<\/p>\n<h2>Order top-notch landscaping service with easy online booking<\/h2>\n<p>Main Photo Credit: Pxhere<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>                Flowers for ground coverage<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/488"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=488"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/488\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=488"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=488"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=488"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}