Bee Friendly Ground Covers: Beautifying Your Space and Helping Bees

Bees are the unsung heroes of the garden. Without them, many of our favorite flowers and plants wouldn’t thrive. But what if you could help the bees and beautify your space at the same time? There’s a whole world of bee-friendly ground covers that do more than cover ground. They bring life, color, and—best of all—buzzing bees. Whether you’ve got a dry patch that needs some TLC or a shady corner where nothing seems to grow, there’s a ground cover that can work for you and your pollinator friends.

Bee Friendly Ground Cover Plants to Grow in Your Garden

For those new to ground cover plants, see our in-depth guide to the various types and classifications of ground cover plants.

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

If you want a ground cover that doubles as a bee magnet, Creeping Thyme is your plant. Its tiny purple blooms are a hit with pollinators, and its low, mat-forming habit makes it ideal for filling in gaps between pavers or covering dry, sunny patches. ‘Elfin’ and ‘Pink Chintz’ are two standout varieties that keep the bees buzzing.

Growing Zones: 4–9
Flowering Months: May–July
Colors: Purple, Pink, White
When to Plant: Spring
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height/Spread: 2–4 inches / 12–18 inches
Where to Plant: Rock gardens, pathways, borders

2. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Bugleweed isn’t shy about spreading, but its deep green leaves and bold purple flower spikes are worth the space. Bees flock to this plant like clockwork, especially in spring when nectar sources are scarce. Try ‘Chocolate Chip’ for a smaller, tidier option, or go wild with ‘Catlin’s Giant’ for some serious bee appeal.

Growing Zones: 3–9
Flowering Months: April–June
Colors: Blue, Purple, White
When to Plant: Spring, Fall
Sunlight: Part Shade–Full Sun
Height/Spread: 3–12 inches / 12–24 inches
Where to Plant: Ground cover, under trees, shady areas

3. Sedum (Sedum spp.)

Sedum’s thick, fleshy leaves store water, making it practically drought-proof, but the bees don’t come for the leaves. They’re after the clusters of star-shaped flowers that pop up in summer. For low-growing bee favorites, check out ‘Dragon’s Blood’ or ‘John Creech,’ both spreading like champs in sunny spots.

Growing Zones: 3–9
Flowering Months: July–September
Colors: Yellow, Pink, Red, White
When to Plant: Spring
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height/Spread: 3–6 inches / 12–24 inches
Where to Plant: Rock gardens, dry areas, borders

4. White Clover (Trifolium repens)

White Clover is that underdog ground cover that not only draws in bees but also improves your soil by fixing nitrogen. The little white flowers bloom nonstop and are hard for bees to resist. A mix of clover and grass can cut down on lawn care while doing something good for the environment.

Growing Zones: 3–10
Flowering Months: May–September
Colors: White
When to Plant: Spring, Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height/Spread: 3–6 inches / Spreads widely
Where to Plant: Lawns, meadows, slopes

5. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)

Bees aren’t the only ones who love Lamb’s Ear—its soft, fuzzy leaves beg for a touch every time you walk by. When its tall flower spikes emerge, bees come in droves for the nectar. ‘Big Ears’ and ‘Silver Carpet’ are top choices for their extra-large leaves and easygoing nature.

Growing Zones: 4–8
Flowering Months: May–July
Colors: Purple, Pink
When to Plant: Spring
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height/Spread: 12–18 inches / 12–24 inches
Where to Plant: Borders, containers, dry areas

6. Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Roman Chamomile may be petite, but it packs a punch with its sweet fragrance and daisy-like flowers. Bees can’t get enough of these little blooms, and you’ll love the fresh, calming scent underfoot. The non-flowering variety ‘Treneague’ is perfect for those who want a tidy carpet without losing the charm.

Growing Zones: 4–9
Flowering Months: June–August
Colors: White, Yellow
When to Plant: Spring
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height/Spread: 4–12 inches / 12–24 inches
Where to Plant: Lawns, paths, containers

7. Barrenwort (Epimedium spp.)

Pink and white Barrenwort (Epimedium spp.) ground cover plant

Barrenwort is like the bee-friendly ground cover for shade-dwellers. Its heart-shaped leaves create a beautiful carpet, and the delicate flowers in spring are exactly what bees need after winter. ‘Purple Pixie’ or ‘Sulphureum’ are great for filling shady spots while helping out your local pollinators.

Growing Zones: 5–9
Flowering Months: April–May
Colors: Purple, Yellow, White
When to Plant: Spring
Sunlight: Shade–Part Shade
Height/Spread: 6–12 inches / 18–24 inches
Where to Plant: Shady borders, woodland gardens

8. Strawberry Clover (Trifolium fragiferum)

Think of Strawberry Clover as White Clover’s quirky cousin. Its pinkish flowers not only add a splash of color but also call in the bees like a dinner bell. It’s an excellent choice for areas where the soil is a bit tricky, and it’ll spread quickly without taking over.

Growing Zones: 4–9
Flowering Months: May–September
Colors: Pink, White
When to Plant: Spring, Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height/Spread: 4–6 inches / Spreads widely
Where to Plant: Meadows, rough soils, erosion control

9. Mazus (Mazus reptans)

For wet spots in the garden, Mazus is a lifesaver. It spreads fast and hugs the ground, and in spring and summer, the tiny lavender flowers make bees quite happy. Perfect for borders or damp, low-traffic zones, ‘Albus’ (white flowers) and ‘Blue’ are reliable, hardworking choices.

Growing Zones: 4–9
Flowering Months: April–June
Colors: Lavender, White
When to Plant: Spring
Sunlight: Full Sun–Part Shade
Height/Spread: 2–3 inches / 12–18 inches
Where to Plant: Damp areas, borders, pathways

10. Pratia (Pratia pedunculata)

Blue Pratia (Pratia pedunculata) ground cover plants

Also known as blue star creeper, Pratia’s tiny, delicate flowers might look subtle, but bees certainly notice. It’s an excellent ground cover for those small, tricky spots between stepping stones. If you want a blue carpet with a built-in bee buffet, this one’s a keeper.

Growing Zones: 6–9
Flowering Months: May-August
Colors: Blue, White
When to Plant: Spring
Sunlight: Full Sun–Part Shade
Height/Spread: 2–3 inches / 12–18 inches
Where to Plant: Pathways, rock gardens, small spaces

Brandy Wells

Contributing Editor | brandy@petalrepublic.com | Full Bio

Brandy Wells is an American copywriter and content writer living in Spain. From hiking in her hometown near the Smoky Mountains to digging in the dirt in rural Oregon, she has always put a love of nature at the heart of her endeavors. These days, you’ll catch her writing content, and of course, taking breaks to tend to her growing houseplant collection.

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