Think ground cover plants are just filler? Think again! These low-growing beauties don’t just solve problem areas in your garden—they also provide vibrant color, seasonal interest, and attract pollinators. If you’ve been relying on outdated classics like pachysandra or English ivy, it’s time to shake things up with flowering alternatives that are both stunning and strong. Let’s dive into ten of the most attractive ground cover plants that bring both beauty and function to your landscape.
10 Best Flowering Ground Cover Plants
Creeping Phlox
Ideal for sunny spots, this low-grower spreads rapidly to form a thick mat of foliage covered in cheerful blossoms come spring. It’s perfect for rock gardens, sloped areas, and borders—but remember, well-drained sandy soil is a must.
Best for: Rocky slopes, sandy soil, and flowerbed edges
Sun: Full sun
Bonus: It doubles as erosion control and early nectar for pollinators.
Ajuga (Bugleweed)
Known for its colorful foliage and pretty blue or pink flower spikes, Ajuga can tolerate shade and still look stunning. Be warned, though—it can be aggressive. Use it where you need quick, dense cover.
Caution: Ajuga spreads fast and may become invasive in ideal conditions.
Best for: Shaded beds, under trees
Bonus: Year-round visual interest and excellent weed suppression.
Catmint
This plant offers months of blooms and wonderful fragrance. Varieties like ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ not only bloom beautifully but also resist deer and rabbits, making them ideal for gardens in wild-heavy areas.
Blooms: Lavender to rosy purple
Bonus: Attracts pollinators and deters pests
Fun fact: ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ won Proven Winners’ Perennial of the Year in 2021!
Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Though prized for their foliage—available in greens, purples, and variegated blends—coral bells do produce delicate flowers that float above the leaves. Perfect for shady borders or under trees.
Best for: Color-themed gardens, borders, containers
Bonus: Some varieties change leaf color with the seasons!
Creeping Thyme
This sun-loving herb is great between stepping stones or as an edging. With fragrant leaves and clusters of magenta or purple flowers, it’s both functional and beautiful.
Bonus: Drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and releases fragrance when stepped on.
Sun: Full sun
Liriope (Lilyturf)
Not a true grass, but this ornamental looks like one! Its purple, grape-like flowers bloom in late summer. Liriope is excellent for edging walkways or mass planting in landscape beds.
Best for: Pathway borders, landscape beds
Bonus: Low-maintenance and tolerant of heat and humidity
Epimedium (Barrenwort)
Don’t let its dainty appearance fool you—this plant thrives in dry shade under trees. With heart-shaped leaves and floating flower sprays, it’s both tough and lovely.
Bonus: Drought-tolerant, critter-resistant, and long-lived
Best for: Naturalized shade gardens and underplanting shrubs
Dianthus (Carnations)
Low-growing, heat-tolerant, and blooming in reds, whites, pinks, and bicolors, Dianthus is ideal for borders and rock gardens. Plus, the blooms are sweetly scented!
Best for: Edging, rock gardens, cottage-style beds
Bonus: Heat-tolerant and blooms repeatedly with deadheading
Ice Plant
Perfect for dry, sunny locations, this succulent ground cover explodes with neon-colored blooms in late spring to summer. Bonus: it may rebloom later in the season!
Caution: Can be invasive in some regions—check local guidelines before planting
Best for: Rock gardens, containers, dry slopes
Star Jasmine (Zones 7+)
Though not a true jasmine, this vine-like ground cover emits a similar fragrance. It’s fast-growing and ideal for slopes, banks, or even climbing over arbors and trellises.
Zones: Colder climates (check your zone!)
Bonus: Rare, beautiful, and low maintenance
Conclusion
Ground cover plants are no longer just background greenery—they’re the stars of a well-thought-out garden design. Whether you’re battling erosion, filling gaps between pavers, or simply want a lush, low-maintenance look, these flowering options provide the perfect balance of beauty and practicality. So go beyond the usual suspects and give your garden a vibrant facelift with one (or more) of these resilient bloomers.
These humble heroes can transform tricky garden spots into vibrant, low-maintenance beauty zones—if you pick the right ones.
While classics like English ivy and pachysandra have their place, the world of ground cover is filled with underrated blooming beauties that deserve more love. If you’ve ever struggled with dry shade, awkward slopes, or just want year-round color, this list is for you.
Let’s dig into 10 of my absolute favorite flowering ground cover plants—each one tested for charm, toughness, and all-season appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best flowering ground cover for full sun?
Creeping Phlox and Ice Plant are two top contenders. Both thrive in sunny areas and provide vibrant blooms.
Which ground cover is best for shade?
Ajuga, Coral Bells, and Epimedium are great choices for shady spots under trees or on the north side of buildings.
Are ground cover plants invasive?
Some can be, like Ajuga or Ice Plant in the wrong zone. Always check local regulations and control their spread with edging.
Do ground covers help with weeds?
Yes! Once established, dense ground covers can choke out weeds and reduce your need for mulching.
Can I mix several types of ground cover together?
Absolutely. Just make sure they have similar light and water requirements to thrive together.
