Introduction
Creating a lush, attractive backyard doesn’t always mean planting grass. Ground cover plants are a low-maintenance, eco-friendly alternative that suppress weeds, improve soil health, and add year-round interest. From flowering carpets to evergreen foliage or durable lawn substitutes, ground covers offer both beauty and practicality.
Recent gardening trends emphasize choosing non-invasive, site-appropriate plants that thrive in your climate and soil. Avoid aggressive species like creeping Jenny, which can overtake garden beds, and opt for manageable options that complement your landscape design. In this guide, we explore 12 outstanding ground cover ideas for your backyard, suitable for sun, shade, or drought-prone areas.
1. Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme is a classic choice for sunny spots. It forms a dense mat of aromatic foliage and produces tiny flowers in late spring and early summer. Its low-growing habit makes it ideal for between pavers or as a living carpet in garden beds.
Best for: Full sun, pathways, rock gardens
Benefits: Fragrant, drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly
2. Ajuga (Bugleweed)
Ajuga reptans, or bugleweed, is a fast-spreading ground cover with jewel-toned leaves and spring flower spikes. It grows well in sun or shade, making it versatile for borders, bare soil, or under trees.
Best for: Sun to shade
Benefits: Attractive foliage, low-maintenance, quick coverage
3. Creeping Phlox
Creeping phlox produces vibrant spring blooms in pink, purple, white, or blue, forming a carpet of flowers. It thrives in full sun, making it perfect for slopes, rock gardens, and borders. Its blooms also attract pollinators.
Best for: Sunny borders, slopes
Benefits: Eye-catching floral display, pollinator-friendly
4. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedums are succulent ground covers that thrive in heat and dry soils. They form textured mats in shades of green, blue, or bronze, often with small flowers. Ideal for xeriscaping, sedums are extremely low-maintenance.
Best for: Hot, dry areas
Benefits: Drought-tolerant, year-round texture, minimal care
5. Blue Fescue Grass
Blue fescue is an ornamental grass with striking bluish foliage, adding texture and contrast to garden beds. It’s drought-tolerant and suitable as a low-height lawn alternative or accent plant.
Best for: Sunny areas
Benefits: Unique color, soft texture, low-maintenance
6. Creeping Juniper
Creeping juniper is a tough evergreen ground cover that spreads densely. It’s excellent for slopes, erosion control, and large open spaces, providing year-round greenery with minimal upkeep.
Best for: Sun, dry soils, large areas
Benefits: Evergreen, erosion control, low-maintenance
7. Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Vinca minor has glossy green leaves and starry blue or purple flowers that bloom spring through summer. Its rapid growth makes it ideal for shady areas, though it should be managed to prevent spreading too aggressively.
Best for: Shade
Benefits: Evergreen, colorful blooms, low-maintenance
8. Clover
Clover is a versatile ground cover that works well in sunny lawns. It fixes nitrogen in the soil naturally, improving fertility, and produces delicate white or pink blossoms that attract pollinators.
Best for: Sunny lawns
Benefits: Soil-friendly, pollinator-attracting, low-care alternative
9. Irish Moss
Irish moss forms a soft, lush green carpet with tiny star-shaped flowers. It’s perfect for planting between stepping stones or as a lawn replacement where gentle foot traffic occurs.
Best for: Pathways, low-traffic areas
Benefits: Soft texture, aesthetic appeal, minimal maintenance
10. Foamflower
Foamflower is ideal for shaded backyard beds, producing delicate white blossoms in spring. Its attractive foliage and ease of care make it a reliable ground cover in areas where grass struggles.
Best for: Shade gardens
Benefits: Attractive foliage, spring blooms, low-maintenance
11. Carpet Grass (Axonopus compressus)
Carpet grass is a tropical or warm-climate lawn alternative. It spreads evenly, tolerates foot traffic, and stays soft underfoot — perfect for family yards or pet-friendly spaces.
Best for: Warm, tropical climates
Benefits: Lawn replacement, durable, low upkeep
12. Moneywort (Lysimachia nummularia)
Moneywort has trailing stems and golden-green leaves that brighten shady spots and garden edges. Its ground-hugging growth makes it ideal around water features, patios, or borders, adding color and texture.
Best for: Shaded edges
Benefits: Bright foliage, fast coverage, low maintenance
Expert Tips for Choosing Ground Cover
- Match to site conditions: Select plants suited to your yard’s sunlight, soil, and climate.
- Avoid aggressive species: Non-invasive plants reduce maintenance and protect other landscaping.
- Mix textures and colors: Combine grasses, succulents, and flowering plants for visual interest.
- Support pollinators: Flowering ground covers like creeping thyme or phlox attract bees and butterflies.
Ground cover plants can naturally suppress weeds, reducing yard maintenance while enhancing soil health. They also offer ecological benefits by supporting pollinators and minimizing water usage.
Suggested Authoritative Sources
- The Old Farmer’s Almanac — plant profiles and growing advice
- Homes & Gardens — curated lists of ground cover plants
- Gardening Know How — drought-tolerant and low-maintenance plant guides
- Local cooperative extension services — region-specific recommendations and invasive species alerts
These sources provide reliable, practical advice for choosing and maintaining ground cover plants tailored to your backyard’s climate and aesthetic.
Conclusion
Ground cover plants are a smart, sustainable way to enhance your backyard. They provide lush greenery, flowering displays, and functional benefits like weed suppression and soil enrichment. From creeping thyme and ajuga to carpet grass and Irish moss, the 12 ground cover ideas outlined here can suit every backyard condition — sun, shade, dry soil, or tropical climates.
By considering site conditions, maintenance needs, and aesthetic goals, you can design a backyard that is low-maintenance, visually striking, and ecologically friendly. Ground cover plants offer a practical, beautiful solution for transforming your outdoor space — no traditional lawn required.