11 Ground Cover Plants to Keep Weeds at Bay
Weeds are like uninvited guests that just won’t leave. No matter how often you pull them, they seem to pop right back up, often more robust than before. But what if your garden could fight back for you? Ground cover plants are your secret weapon, creating a dense, weed-blocking blanket that takes up the space those pesky weeds would love to call home. Here are some of my favorite ground covers that will help you win the war on weeds—and keep your garden looking great while doing it.
For those new to ground cover plants, see our in-depth guide to the various types and classifications of ground cover plants.
1. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga’s glossy leaves and colorful flower spikes make it both a showstopper and a weed-fighter. This quick spreader forms dense mats, especially in shady areas, making it hard for anything unwanted to poke through. ‘Chocolate Chip’ and ‘Burgundy Glow’ add extra flair with their unique foliage.
- Growing Zones: 3–10
- Flowering Months: April–June
- Colors: Blue, Purple, White
- When to Plant: Spring, Fall
- Sunlight: Shade to Part Sun
- Height/Spread: 3–10 inches / 12–24 inches
- Where to Plant: Shade gardens, under trees, borders
2. Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Vinca Minor does double duty: it’s an evergreen ground cover and an excellent weed blocker. Its glossy leaves stay green year-round, and the purple-blue flowers are an added bonus. Try ‘Bowles’ Variety’ for its fast spread and non-stop weed suppression in both sun and shade.
- Growing Zones: 4–9
- Flowering Months: April–June
- Colors: Purple, Blue
- When to Plant: Spring, Fall
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Shade
- Height/Spread: 3–6 inches / 12–18 inches
- Where to Plant: Slopes, shade gardens, borders
3. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping Thyme is one tough little herb. It forms a thick mat of fragrant leaves and small flowers that choke out weeds before they even get a chance. ‘Elfin’ and ‘Purple Carpet’ are popular varieties that look great between stepping stones or spilling over garden edges.
- Growing Zones: 4–9
- Flowering Months: May–July
- Colors: Pink, Purple, White
- When to Plant: Spring
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Height/Spread: 2–3 inches / 12–18 inches
- Where to Plant: Pathways, rock gardens, dry areas
4. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny is like a green (or golden) blanket that quickly covers any bare spot, suffocating weeds in its wake. It’s a vigorous grower, especially in moist areas, and it cascades beautifully from containers. The variety ‘Aurea’ is a favorite for its bright, cheerful hue.
- Growing Zones: 3–9
- Flowering Months: June–July
- Colors: Yellow
- When to Plant: Spring, Fall
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Height/Spread: 2–4 inches / 12–24 inches
- Where to Plant: Borders, containers, wet areas
5. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Low-growing Sedums, like ‘Dragon’s Blood’ and ‘Blue Carpet,’ thrive in hot, dry conditions where many plants would wither. Their fleshy leaves store water and spread thickly, ensuring weeds don’t stand a chance. Plus, their flowers attract pollinators, so it’s a win-win.
- Growing Zones: 3–9
- Flowering Months: July–September
- Colors: Yellow, Pink, Red
- When to Plant: Spring
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Height/Spread: 3–6 inches / 12–24 inches
- Where to Plant: Rock gardens, dry areas, borders
6. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Lamb’s Ear is as soft as it sounds, with silvery, fuzzy leaves that form dense mats in full sun. Its drought tolerance and fast-spreading nature make it ideal for keeping weeds at bay in sunny, dry areas. ‘Big Ears’ and ‘Silver Carpet’ are both excellent options for crowding out competitors.
- Growing Zones: 4–8
- Flowering Months: May–July
- Colors: Purple
- When to Plant: Spring
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Height/Spread: 12–18 inches / 12–24 inches
- Where to Plant: Borders, dry areas, rock gardens
7. Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)
Pachysandra is the go-to for shady areas where weeds might otherwise thrive. Its thick, glossy leaves form a near-impenetrable mat, while the small white flowers in spring offer a delicate touch. ‘Green Carpet’ is a popular choice for its tidy, uniform growth.
- Growing Zones: 4–8
- Flowering Months: April–May
- Colors: White
- When to Plant: Spring, Fall
- Sunlight: Full Shade to Part Shade
- Height/Spread: 8–12 inches / 12–24 inches
- Where to Plant: Shady areas, under trees, woodland gardens
8. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet Woodruff is a fast spreader in shady, moist areas, with delicate white flowers in spring. Its ability to quickly cover ground makes it an excellent weed suppressor, especially under trees. It’s also fragrant, adding a pleasant scent as it does the dirty work of blocking weeds.
- Growing Zones: 4–8
- Flowering Months: May–June
- Colors: White
- When to Plant: Spring, Fall
- Sunlight: Full Shade to Part Shade
- Height/Spread: 6–12 inches / 12–18 inches
- Where to Plant: Woodland gardens, under trees, shady areas
9. Mazus (Mazus reptans)
Mazus is perfect for damp areas, where it forms a low, dense carpet that prevents weeds from getting a foothold. Its small purple or white flowers in late spring are a pretty bonus. It’s quick to spread and can handle foot traffic, making it a great filler between pavers or in borders.
- Growing Zones: 4–8
- Flowering Months: April–June
- Colors: Purple, White
- When to Plant: Spring
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Height/Spread: 2–3 inches / 12–18 inches
- Where to Plant: Damp areas, between pavers, borders
10. Epimedium (Epimedium spp.)
Epimedium, also known as Barrenwort, is a slow grower but well worth the wait. Its heart-shaped leaves and delicate flowers form a dense, shade-loving mat that’s tough for weeds to penetrate. ‘Rubrum’ and ‘Sulphureum’ are reliable varieties that look great while keeping weeds in check.
- Growing Zones: 5–9
- Flowering Months: April–May
- Colors: Yellow, Red, White
- When to Plant: Spring, Fall
- Sunlight: Full Shade to Part Shade
- Height/Spread: 6–12 inches / 12–18 inches
- Where to Plant: Shady borders, woodland gardens, under trees
11. Herniaria (Herniaria glabra)
Herniaria, or Rupturewort, thrives in poor, dry soils where other plants might struggle. Its low, carpet-like growth hugs the ground and prevents weeds from taking root. This is a tough, no-nonsense plant that covers ground quickly and requires little maintenance.
- Growing Zones: 5–9
- Flowering Months: June–August
- Colors: Green
- When to Plant: Spring
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Height/Spread: 1–3 inches / 12–18 inches
- Where to Plant: Dry areas, rocky soils, pathways
Further Reading And Recommended Resources
Want to learn more about weed prevention ground cover plants? Here are some of my favorite books and online resources:
Books
- “Gardening with Groundcovers and Vines” by Allen Lacy – A classic that offers practical advice on choosing and growing ground covers and vines to enhance any garden.
- “The Well-Tended Perennial Garden: Planting & Pruning Techniques” by Tracy DiSabato-Aust – While not exclusively about ground covers, this book is a fantastic reference for caring for many types of perennials, including low-growing ground covers.
- Wyman’s Gardening Encyclopedia – This classic covers 9,500 plant species, including a wealth of information on ground cover plants for weeds. It’s well-organized, scientifically thorough, and includes both expert knowledge and practical observations for your garden.
- Rodale’s Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening – A go-to for organic gardening enthusiasts, this book covers everything from vegetables to shrubs with up-to-date advice on earth-friendly gardening practices and pest control. It’s a must-have for any serious gardener.
Online Resources
- The National Gardening Association – This site offers plant care guides, a comprehensive pest control library, and a wealth of information on growing weed preventing ground covers in different regions of the U.S.
- Cornell University’s Gardening Resources – Offering a wealth of horticultural information, this resource includes extensive guides on ground cover selection, planting, and care for various regions and climates.
- Missouri Botanical Garden – An excellent resource for in-depth plant profiles and care tips.
For more, see our guide to the best easy-care ground cover plants to grow in your garden.
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.