A lush, well-designed landscape isn’t always about expansive lawns. For many homeowners, planting ground cover plants offers an easier, more practical, and visually striking alternative. These plants not only fill bare spots and reduce maintenance but also improve soil health, suppress weeds, and thrive in areas where traditional turf grass struggles.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ground covers—from the best low-maintenance, shade-loving, and drought-tolerant options to step-by-step planting techniques, cost breakdowns, and ongoing care tips.
Benefits of Planting Ground Cover Plants
Ground cover plants are much more than “lawn replacements.” They are versatile landscaping solutions with multiple advantages:
- Soil Erosion Control – Their roots hold soil firmly, preventing runoff on slopes.
- Weed Suppression – Dense growth naturally shades out weeds.
- Moisture Retention – They reduce evaporation, keeping soil hydrated longer.
- Low Maintenance Alternative to Grass – Less mowing, fertilizing, and watering required.
- Aesthetic Appeal – Provides seasonal blooms, texture variety, and year-round greenery.
- Eco-Friendly Landscaping – Many ground covers require fewer chemical inputs compared to turf grass.
Types of Ground Cover Plants
Choosing the right ground cover depends on climate, soil, sunlight, and maintenance preferences. Let’s explore the main categories:
Fast Growing Ground Cover Plants
For homeowners who want quick results, these plants spread rapidly and cover large areas in just one or two growing seasons:
- Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): Bright green foliage with yellow flowers, thrives in sun or partial shade.
- Clover (Trifolium repens): Nitrogen-fixing, improves soil fertility while offering lush coverage.
- Ajuga (Ajuga reptans): Purple-blue flowers and attractive foliage, excellent for shady spots.
- Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum): Fragrant ground cover with star-shaped flowers.
Shade Ground Cover Planting Options
Struggling with shady areas under trees or along fences? These plants thrive where grass fails:
- Hostas: Large, textured leaves with wide color variations; thrive in full to partial shade.
- Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis): Evergreen, spreads quickly in dense mats.
- Ferns: Many fern species adapt beautifully to shade, adding texture and greenery.
- English Ivy (Hedera helix): Evergreen climber and ground cover, thrives in deep shade.
Low Maintenance Ground Cover Ideas
If you want beauty without constant care, these options demand minimal attention:
- Sedum (Stonecrop): Succulent leaves, drought-resistant, thrives in rocky soils.
- Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): Fragrant, edible, and hardy ground cover.
- Irish Moss (Sagina subulata): Carpet-like greenery with tiny white flowers.
- Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus): Clumping grass-like cover, nearly maintenance-free.
Drought Tolerant Ground Covers
For dry climates or areas with water restrictions, drought-resistant ground covers are invaluable:
- Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi): Succulent with vibrant blooms, thrives in sandy soil.
- Liriope (Liriope muscari): Hardy, grass-like perennial that tolerates heat and drought.
- Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata): Creates colorful carpets in spring, highly drought-tolerant.
- Bugleweed (Ajuga): Adaptable to both drought and poor soil conditions.
Ground Cover Planting Guide
Successfully establishing ground covers requires careful planning and preparation.
Choosing the Right Plant for Your Yard
When selecting plants, consider:
- Sun vs Shade: Match plant type to available sunlight.
- Soil Type: Sandy, clay, or loamy soils determine plant success.
- Climate: Hardy plants suited for your USDA growing zone thrive best.
Step-by-Step Planting Process
- Prepare the Soil – Remove weeds, debris, and grass. Loosen the soil and enrich with compost.
- Plan Spacing – Space plants according to growth habit (typically 6–18 inches apart).
- Plant Carefully – Dig shallow holes, place plants, and backfill with enriched soil.
- Water Thoroughly – Water immediately after planting to help roots settle.
- Mulch the Area – Add mulch to reduce weeds and conserve soil moisture.
- Establishment Care – Keep soil consistently moist until plants are well-rooted.
Maintenance Tips for Ground Cover Plants
- Watering: Deep but infrequent watering promotes strong roots.
- Fertilization: Apply balanced fertilizer once or twice a year.
- Trimming & Pruning: Prevent overgrowth and encourage dense growth.
- Seasonal Care: Remove fallen leaves to prevent fungal growth.
Cost of Planting Ground Cover Plants
Ground covers can be cost-effective compared to lawns.
DIY Planting Costs
- Ground cover plants (per flat of 50–100): $30–$70
- Compost and soil amendments: $50–$100
- Mulch: $40–$80 per cubic yard
- Total DIY estimate: $200–$500 for a medium-sized yard
Professional Landscaping Costs
- Installation: $4–$10 per sq ft
- Soil preparation: $0.50–$2 per sq ft
- Long-term maintenance package: $300–$800 annually
Cost Comparison Table
| Method | Avg. Cost per sq ft | Long-Term Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Planting | $1–$3 | Low to medium | Small to medium lawns, budget conscious |
| Professional Planting | $4–$10 | Low (optional care plan) | Large properties, perfect finish |
Common Problems and Solutions
Like all plants, ground covers face occasional issues:
- Pest Infestations: Slugs, aphids, and beetles can damage foliage. Use organic repellents or neem oil.
- Overgrowth: Trim regularly to prevent invasive spread.
- Fungal Issues: Shady or damp areas may develop lawn fungus. For detailed treatment options, see our Lawn Fungus Treatment Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the easiest ground cover to grow?
A: Clover and creeping thyme are among the easiest, requiring minimal water and care.
Q: Which ground cover plants are evergreen?
A: Pachysandra, ivy, and mondo grass are evergreen, providing year-round greenery.
Q: Can ground cover replace a lawn entirely?
A: Yes. Many homeowners use low-maintenance covers like clover or sedum instead of grass.
Q: How long does it take for ground cover to spread?
A: Most ground covers take one to two seasons to fully establish. Fast growers like creeping Jenny spread within months.
Q: Do ground covers need fertilizer?
A: While not essential, applying a slow-release fertilizer once or twice annually boosts growth and color.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
Planting ground cover plants offers homeowners and landscapers a low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing alternative to turf grass. Whether you need fast-spreading coverage, shade-tolerant greenery, or drought-resistant plants, there is a solution tailored to your landscape.
🌱 Ready to transform your outdoor space? Contact Landscaping Studios today for expert advice and professional planting services. Our team will help you choose, install, and maintain the perfect ground covers for a vibrant, sustainable yard.
