Easiest Ground Cover Plants to Grow

Transforming bare patches in your garden into lush, inviting spaces doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right ground covers, you can enjoy a low-maintenance, thriving landscape. Let's explore some of the easiest ground cover plants to plant and cultivate.

Ground covers are not only beautiful but also serve practical purposes such as preventing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and regulating soil temperature. They come in various forms, from creeping perennials to evergreen shrubs, each with its unique characteristics. We'll dive into the best choices, first discussing their basic requirements, then exploring two main types: creeping plants and shrubs.

Understanding Ground Covers: Basic Requirements

Before we delve into specific plants, let's understand what ground covers need to thrive:

• Well-draining soil: No ground cover likes waterlogged roots. Ensure your soil allows water to drain efficiently.
• Sunlight: Most ground covers crave sunlight. Consider the light exposure of the area you're planting in.
• Regular watering:Until established, ground covers need consistent moisture. After that, they can typically survive with less frequent watering.

Creeping Ground Covers

Creeping plants spread by sending out runners or stolons, which root at the nodes. They're great for preventing erosion and covering large areas quickly.

Liriope (Big Blue Lilyturf)

Having vibrant clusters of purple flowers in summer and attractive fall foliage, Liriope is an attractive and durable grass-like perennial. Grow it in partial to full sun and enjoy its ability to thrive in both dry and moist soils once established.

Underneath tall-growing trees, Liriope can multiply rapidly, forming dense, weed-smothering mats. It's deer-resistant and hardy in Zones 5 to 11.

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea')

Creeping Jenny is an aggressive, low-growing invasives in some areas, but with prolific yellow-green foliage and flowers, it's hard to resist. It thrives in shade to partial sun and moist, well-draining soil.

For a charming spread, plant Creeping Jenny in large drifts along walkways, beneath decks, or around the bases of trees. Maintain control over it in smaller gardens or where you don't want it to spread unchecked.

Shrub Ground Covers

Shrub ground covers are woody plants that form dense, nearly impenetrable thickets. They're excellent choices for remediating eroded slopes and deterring trespassers.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy is a fast-growing, evergreen vine that climbs by tendrils. It's a vigorous grower, making it an excellent choice for quickly covering large areas. Grow it in partial to full shade and expect it to attach easily to various surfaces.

Note that English Ivy can be invasive and should be used with caution. Give it ample space and consider using a root barrier to prevent it from invading nearby beds.

Hydrangea (Several species)

Hydrangeas come in various sizes and forms, but many make fine ground covers. They offer showy summer flowers and often change color based on soil pH, providing year-round interest. Most prefer partial shade and evenly moist, well-draining soil.

Consider 'Snowball' Hydrangea (H. arborescens) for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zones 3 to 9, or 'Annabelle' Hydrangea (H. arborescens), a compact, mounding type. For shade gardens, try 'Nikko Blue' Hydrangea (H. macrophylla) for abundant blue flowers in partial shade (Zones 5 to 9).

Experiment with different ground covers to find what works best in your garden. Consider factors like light exposure, soil type, and local climate when selecting plants. With time and patience, you'll transform your landscape into a beautiful, low-maintenance oasis.