Low-growing ground covers are plants that spread horizontally to form a dense mat, typically reaching six inches or less in height. They are a low-maintenance alternative to traditional turf grass and a solution for difficult planting areas. Ground covers suppress weed growth, reduce soil erosion on slopes, and help the soil retain moisture. Selecting the right variety can also unify a landscape and add texture and color.
Site Assessment and Selection Criteria
Choosing the best ground cover begins with a thorough evaluation of the intended planting site. Matching the plant to specific environmental conditions is the most important step for long-term success. This assessment prevents selecting a plant that cannot thrive in the existing light, soil, or climate conditions.
Light availability is the most critical factor, categorizing plants by their need for full sun, partial shade, or deep shade. Full sun is defined as receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The second major consideration is the soil’s composition and drainage, as many ground covers will suffer from root rot in soggy, heavy clay.
Understanding the local hardiness zone is important, as this determines a plant’s ability to survive the lowest winter temperatures. The intended function of the area must guide selection, differentiating between a purely aesthetic planting and one that requires durability for light foot traffic. Mature height is also a factor; varieties under three inches are better suited for pathways than mid-height options between three and six inches.
Durable Options for Sun and Foot Traffic
For areas receiving significant direct sunlight and requiring durability, certain ground covers create a resilient mat. These sun-lovers are often drought-tolerant once established, minimizing water loss with small or succulent leaves. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum), which grows only a few inches high, withstands light to moderate foot traffic. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained, even poor, soil, releasing a pleasant scent when stepped on.
Low-growing Sedum varieties, often called stonecrop, are suitable for dry, sunny spots. These succulents store water in their fleshy stems and leaves, making them drought-tolerant and suitable for rocky soil and slopes. Cultivars like ‘Dragon’s Blood’ or ‘Angelina’ spread quickly, providing year-round color and texture without needing rich soil. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata), or Moss Phlox, provides a spring bloom in various colors, forming a dense, needle-like foliage mat that handles some foot traffic. This plant thrives in full sun and well-draining conditions, making it effective for stabilizing slopes.
Low-Light and Moisture Tolerant Varieties
Some ground covers thrive in the filtered light beneath trees or on north-facing exposures. These plants often tolerate dry shade conditions where tree canopies block rain and roots absorb moisture. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans), or Bugleweed, is a fast-spreading option that forms a dense, low mat of dark, glossy foliage, suppressing weeds. It performs well in partial to deep shade and prefers moderately moist, well-drained soil, often producing spikes of blue or purple flowers in the spring.
Vinca minor (Periwinkle) is an evergreen vine that grows low, usually not exceeding six inches in height. This plant is highly tolerant of shade and various soil conditions, including dry shade beneath tree canopies. Periwinkle is known for its trailing habit and produces blue or lilac-blue flowers in the spring, making it a reliable choice for stabilizing sloped areas. Japanese Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) is a durable, slow-spreading evergreen that creates a uniform, deep-green carpet. Pachysandra excels in full to partial shade and prefers rich, slightly acidic soil that retains moisture.
Preparing the Site and Initial Planting
Successful establishment of ground cover begins with thorough site preparation. The initial step is the complete removal of all existing weeds and turf grass, as competing vegetation will quickly overwhelm young plants. If the area was previously a lawn, the existing sod must be removed entirely, ensuring all roots are extracted to prevent regrowth.
After clearing the area, the soil should be amended to provide a better environment for new roots. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, into the top several inches of soil helps improve drainage in heavy clay and moisture retention in sandy soil. Tilling the organic material into the top layer ensures plants have access to nutrients and an aerated medium for root expansion.
Proper density is important for achieving quick, solid cover that blocks out new weeds. Plants should be spaced according to their mature spread, often placed closer than recommended to reduce the time it takes for the planting to “knit” together. For example, plants with a mature spread of 15 inches should be placed about 12 inches apart to accelerate coverage.
After placing the plants at container depth, the area should be thoroughly watered. A layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark, can be applied between the newly planted ground covers to conserve moisture and suppress weeds while the plants are filling in. Consistent moisture is required for the first few weeks to encourage root development, and watering should continue regularly until the plants are fully established.