51 Flowering Ground Cover Plants With Beautiful Blooms

Flowering ground cover plants are an excellent way to add color and interest to your garden in areas you might otherwise decide to ignore. There are many different ground covers with beautiful blooms, which can be confusing when trying to find the perfect fit. After all, most often choosing the right plant is simply a matter of personal taste.

Some people prefer low-growing ground cover plants, while others like theirs to be slightly taller. There are also many different plant colors, bloom types and bloom times to choose from. You can find ground cover plants that bloom in the spring, summer, fall, or even winter, regardless of the hardiness zone you are planting in!

To help you on your way, we’ve hand-picked a comprehensive list of our favorite flowering ground cover plants that can add both beauty and interest to your garden. We’ll take a deeper look at each plant, what hardiness zone they grow in with pictures of each plant. Let’s dig in!

Angelina Sedum

Scientific Name: Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’

• Plant Type: Stonecrop
• Geographic Origin: Europe, North, and South Asia
• Plant Size: 4 to 6″ Tall, 24″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Part Sun to Full Sun
• Plant Zone: 5 to 9

As part of the very large stonecrop family, Angelina Sedum is a low-growing, flowering succulent ground cover plant that is perfect for hot, sunny areas of your landscape. The evergreen leaves are yellow-green and turn a beautiful reddish-bronze in the fall and winter. Angelina Sedum blooms yellow flowers in the summer.

Gardeners find the way the plant hovers above the ground to be quite attractive. The flowers can also add color to your indoor décor.

Just cut off the flowers and put them in a vase! Angelina Sedum is easy to grow and thrives on clay, sandy, or loamy soil. Just make sure the soil is well-drained for the best result.

Badan

Scientific Name: Bergenia crassifolia

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Asia
• Plant Size: 12 to 16″ Tall
• Sun Exposure: Part Shade to Full Shade
• Plant Zone: 5 to 7

Badan is a beautiful, evergreen plant that is perfect for shady areas of your landscape. The large, shiny, and leathery leaves are dark green and have a purple hue in the winter. This low growing plant blooms pink flowers in the spring.

The flowers are 2 to 3 inches wide and have a stunning contrasting center. Badan is another simple plant to grow and does best in moist, well-drained soil. Sow the seeds before winter for the best results. We almost forgot to mention that Badan is also deer and rabbit resistant!

Barrenwort

Scientific Name: Epimedium grandiflorum ‘Rose Queen’

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: China and Asia
• Plant Size: 12″ Tall, 2″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Part Shade to Full Shade
• Plant Zone: 5 to 8

Barrenwort is a great, evergreen ground cover plant that is drought tolerant. Though it thrives in the shade, it can withstand direct sunlight without problems. The heart-shaped leaves are dark green and have a bronze hue in the winter.

Barrenwort blooms pink flowers in the spring. The flowers are 1 to 2 inches wide and have a stunning contrasting center. Barrenwort does best in moist, well-drained soil. If you keep it in direct sunlight, add some leaf mold to help keep it moist. Barrenwort is another deer- and rabbit-resistant option!

Bearberry

Scientific Name: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

• Plant Type: Creeping Evergreen Shrub
• Geographic Origin: North America
• Plant Size: 6 to 12″ Tall, 2 to 3′ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Part Shade to Full Shade
• Plant Zone: 2 to 6

Bearberry is a uniquely attractive flowering ground cover. It is evergreen and even sprouts red berries in the summer. The berries are edible, and the leaves often get used to brew tea. The small, leathery leaves are dark green.

The colors change during the fall to various shades of brown and orange. Bearberry blooms with white or pink flowers in the spring. Don’t worry about deer stealing the berries as the plant resists them.

The flowers are 1 to 2 inches wide and resemble bells. Bearberry plants thrive best in moist, well-drained soil. One interesting thing about them is that they tend to grow slowly in the first year. After that, they spread quickly and create mats covering the landscape completely.

Black Mondo Grass

Scientific Name: Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’

• Plant Type: Clump-forming Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Japan
• Plant Size: 6 to 12″ Tall, 18 to 24″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 5 to 8

Black Mondo Grass is a dense, beautiful, and evergreen flowering ground cover that is perfect for adding texture to shady areas of your landscape. The leaves are long and slender and look black and purple at first glance. It blooms lavender flowers in the spring. The flowers bloom on stalks that grow out of the grass. Each branch has flowers from top to bottom.

Black Mondo Grass needs to get water regularly. Hence, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil. It is also deer and rabbit resistant!

Blue Lilyturf

Scientific Name: Liriope muscari

• Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Asia
• Plant Size: 8 to 12″ Tall, 12 to 24″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 5 to 9

Blue Lilyturf is an aggressive flowering ground cover that is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance plant. The leaves are spike-like clusters that are deep green.

It blooms lavender flowers in early summer. Blue Lilyturf does best in full sun to partial shade and grows best in moist, well-drained soil. Please pay attention to the plant as it can easily become invasive.

Brass Buttons

Scientific Name: Leptinella squalida

• Plant Type: Hardy Perennial
• Geographic Origin: New Zealand
• Plant Size: 2″ tall, Indefinite Width
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 10

Brass buttons are deer resistant. The flower is so unique because it adapts to many climates. So, no matter where you live, it could work as a flowering ground cover.

The small, feathery leaves are dark green and turn bronze in the winter. It blooms yellow flowers in the spring. The flowers are 1 to 2 inches wide. Brass buttons grow beautifully in the sun and shade but do best in moist, well-drained soil.

Breckland Thyme

Scientific Name: Thymus serpyllum

• Plant Type: Creeping Perennial Herb
• Geographic Origin: Europe and North Africa
• Plant Size: 2 to 6″ Tall, 12 to 18″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Plant Zone: 3 to 8

Breckland thyme is a dwarf evergreen flowering ground cover. It has shiny yet silky leaves that are dark green. Pink flowers sprout in the spring. This ground cover can withstand cooler temperatures, like other types of thyme.

Breckland thyme requires little maintenance to grow. You will get the best results by planting them in moist, well-drained soil. Keep them beautiful by pruning them after the blooms dry up. This perennial herb is also deer resistant. Deers do not like the strong scent it gives off.

Bugleweed

Scientific Name: Ajuga reptans

• Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Europe
• Plant Size: 6 to 9″ Tall and Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 10

Bugleweed is a fast-growing evergreen flowering ground cover. The variegated foliage is dark green and changes color in the winter season. Bugleweed does a great job of getting rid of weeds. It is one reason people love them.

They add beauty to your landscape and lower how much maintenance it takes to keep it gorgeous. It blooms blue flowers in the spring, which stick around all season long. The flowers are pretty small and have a purple and yellow center. For the best results, propagate your Bugleweed indoors in small pots in well-drained soil.

Canada Anemone

Scientific Name: Anemone Canadensis

• Plant Type: Hardy Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Northeastern North America and Canada
• Plant Size: 8 to 24″ Tall, 24 to 30″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 3 to 8

Canada anemone is another deer-resistant flowering ground cover. However, deers do not run away from it because of its smell. Instead, it has blistering agents that cause skin and eye irritation. Besides that, Canada anemone is a lovely plant with dark green basil leaves. Not only are they pest- and disease-free, but their plant blooms white flowers in the spring.

The flowers are 3-8 centimeters wide and have a yellow center. Canada anemone is grown easily near water gardens and ponds. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil.

Candytuft

Scientific Name: Iberis umbellata

• Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Spain and Greece
• Plant Size: 6 to 12″ Tall, 12 to 18″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 9

Candytuft is a charming woody subshrub perennial that hugs the ground. The flower experiences die back each winter. The leathery leaves are dark green and appear oblong in shape.

Candytuft produces nice-looking pike or white flowers for a few weeks during late spring and into early summer. The flowers are 1-2 inches wide and have a beautiful green and yellow center. Candytuft thrives in moist, well-drained soil but requires regular pruning to keep it flowering effectively.

Catmint

Scientific Name: Nepeta cataria

• Plant Type: Hardy Perennial Herb
• Geographic Origin: Europe and Asia
• Plant Size: 2 to 3′ Tall, 12 to 24″ wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 3 to 9

Catmint is a beautiful, low growing evergreen plant that is perfect for bare areas of your landscape. The leaves are dark green and resemble standard hedge bushes. You will love that it blooms purple flowers in the spring.

They are the perfect flower if you have cats around since they activate happy brain receptors and help your kitty mellow out. The flowers are small and have a dark purple center. This plant is easy to grow and does best in full sun to partial shade. They perform best in moist, well-drained soil. This perennial is also deer resistant due to the pungent smell.

Common Houseleek

Scientific Name: Sempervivum tectorum

• Plant Type: Hardy Perennial Succulent
• Geographic Origin: Europe
• Plant Size: 1 to 4″ Tall, 2′ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 3 to 8

The Common houseleek is known as Hens and Chicks. They are cute plants and are fantastic for sunny landscapes because they are drought resistant. The leaves are bright green.

Hens and Chicks bloom with white flowers in the summer. The flowers are small and come in different shades of white, pink, and yellow. Common houseleeks are easy to grow as they only need well-drained soil to thrive.

Climbing Hydrangea

Scientific Name: Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris

• Plant Type: Perennial Vining Plant
• Geographic Origin: Japan
• Plant Size: 40 to 60′ Tall, 10 to 15′ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 8

Climbing hydrangea is a beautiful, evergreen ground cover plant that is perfect for those who want a fast-growing ground cover. While it’s usually used for trellis and fence cover, it’s great as a flowering ground cover if you are trying to cover a large area. The leaves are dark green and come in different sizes and shapes. However, they have a glossy texture.

Hydrangea anomala blooms white flowers in the summer. Though it grows taller than most plants listed on this list, its roots grow along its stem and take root wherever there is soil causing them to spread and create the perfect low growing shrub. Climbing hydrangea needs moist, well-drained soil to thrive.

Cooper’s Ice Plant

Scientific Name: Delosperma cooperi

• Plant Type: Perennial Flowering Plant
• Geographic Origin: South Africa
• Plant Size: 3 to 6″ Tall, 24 to 48″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Plant Zone: 5 to 9

Ice plant is a beautiful, evergreen plant that is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance flower. Since they do well in the worst soils, they are perfect for covering large areas without requiring lots of maintenance.

The leaves are small and green. Expect the Cooper Ice plant to bloom yellow, pink, or purple flowers in the spring. Ice plants do best in full sun and grow best in well-drained soil.

Coral Bells

Scientific Name: Heuchera sanguinea

• Plant Type: Perennial Flowering Plant
• Geographic Origin: Mexico
• Plant Size: 1 to 3′ Tall, 12 to 18″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 3 to 9

Coral bells are a beautiful, evergreen ground cover plant perfect for colder climates. One thing that sticks out about this flower is its sun exposure. It thrives on partial shade in the hotter months.

However, it needs more sunlight in the colder months to thrive, which is why it does best in full sun to partial shade. The leaves have a dark purple hue and glossy texture. Pink or white flowers bloom in the summer. Coral bells do best in moist, well-drained soil.

Cotoneaster

Scientific Name: Cotoneaster spp.

• Plant Type: Perennial Shrub
• Geographic Origin: Europe and Asia
• Plant Size: 2 to 10′ Tall, 4 to 6′ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 8

Cotoneaster is a beautiful, evergreen plant that provides a thick and attractive ground cover. The leaves are small and dark green. Cotoneaster blooms white flowers in the spring. The flowers are small and can be red, pink, or white.

Cotoneaster plants are easy to grow but can take up to 18 months for the seeds to germinate. Other than that, they thrive in full sun to partial shade. It grows best in well-drained soil.

Creeping Dogwood

Scientific Name: Cornus canadensis

• Plant Type: Perennial Flowering Plant
• Geographic Origin: Asia and North America
• Plant Size: 1 to 2′ Tall, 2 to 4′ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 2 to 7

Creeping Dogwood is a beautiful, deciduous ground cover plant that is perfect for shady areas of your landscape. While they easily tolerate some sunlight, they need shade to thrive. The leaves are a bright green and turn yellow in the fall.

Creeping Dogwoods bloom with white flowers in the spring. The flowers are small and grow out in clusters. Creeping Dogwood is easy to grow if it has moist, well-drained soil.

Creeping Jenny

Scientific Name: Lysimachia nummularia

• Plant Type: Perennial Flowering Plant
• Geographic Origin: Europe
• Plant Size: 2 to 4′ Tall, 2 to 3′ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 9

Creeping Jenny is a beautiful, evergreen plant perfect for those who want a flower that provides ground cover in less time. When hung in a pot, it can provide green coverage in as little as two weeks!

The leaves are small and round. Creeping Jenny blooms yellow flowers in the summer. They usually survive the winter and bloom again in the summer. Jenny thrives in full sun to partial shade and grows supremely in moist, well-drained soil.

Creeping Phlox

Scientific Name: Phlox stolonifera

• Plant Type: Perennial Flowering Plant
• Geographic Origin: Eastern and Central USA
• Plant Size: 6 to 2″ Tall, 2 to 3′ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Plant Zone: 3 to 9

Creeping Phlox is a beautiful, deciduous plant that is perfect for those who want a plant that provides color in the spring. The leaves are small and green. Creeping phlox blooms white, pink, blue, or purple flowers in the spring.

The Creeping Phlox forms a mat that spreads quickly, so it is perfect for covering large areas. Creeping Phlox thrives in full sun and grows best in well-drained soil.

Dead Nettles

Scientific Name: Lamium maculatum

• Plant Type: Perennial Flowering Plant
• Geographic Origin: Europe and Asia
• Plant Size: 6 to 12″ Tall, 12 to 24″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 3 to 9

Dead nettles are a beautiful, evergreen plant that are perfect for those who want a plant that provides color in the spring. The leaves are small and green. They bloom white, pink, and purple flowers simultaneously, making them so beautiful.

Dead nettles are great for covering large areas, and they do best in moist, fertile soil.

Dwarf Lilyturf

Scientific Name: Ophiopogon japonicus

• Plant Type: Perennial Flowering Plant
• Geographic Origin: China, Japan, and India
• Plant Size: 12 to 15″ Tall, 18 to 24″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 5 to 11

Dwarf lilyturf is a beautiful, evergreen plant that is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance flower. The leaves are small and green. It is another option that blooms white flowers in the summer.

They also produce small cobalt blue berries. While they are not toxic, they have not been used in culinary practices. Lilyturf does best in full sun to partial shade and grows best in moist, well-drained soil.

Dragon’s Blood Stonecrop

Scientific Name: Sedum spurium

• Plant Type: Perennial Flowering Plant
• Geographic Origin: Europe and Asia
• Plant Size: 6 to 8″ Tall, 12 to 18″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Plant Zone: 3 to 9

Dragon’s blood is a beautiful, deciduous ground cover plant perfect for those who want a plant that provides color in the spring. The leaves are black and green with red edges. Look for beautiful red flowers in the spring. Dragon’s blood is evergreen except in cold climates. They are fantastic for covering large areas and do best in full sun.

Garden Thyme

Scientific Name: Thymus vulgaris

• Plant Type: Dwarf, Aromatic Shrub
• Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia, and Africa
• Plant Size: 6 to 12″ Tall, 12 to 24″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Plant Zone: 3 to 11

Garden Thyme is a beautiful, evergreen plant that is perfect for those who want an aromatic plant. The leaves are small and green and have multiple uses. The leaves are edible and provide medicinal benefits such as being a decongestant.

Garden Thyme blooms white, purple, or pink flowers in the summer. It thrives in full sun and grows best in well-drained soil.

Hardy Yellow Ice Plant

Scientific Name: Delosperma nubigenum

• Plant Type: Succulent
• Geographic Origin: South Africa
• Plant Size: 6 to 8″ Tall, 12 to 18″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Plant Zone: 5 to 9

The Hardy Yellow Ice Plant is a nice-looking plant that blooms daisy-like flowers. The yellow flowers shimmer as if covered in ice crystals, which is how this plant got its name.

The flower comes in multiple species, including Starburst and Cooper’s flower type we mentioned earlier. The Hardy Yellow Ice Plant loves direct sunlight and sandy, well-drained soil.

Hostas

Scientific Name: Hosta

• Plant Type: Perennial Flowering Plant
• Geographic Origin: Japan
• Plant Size: 12 to 24″ Tall, 12 to 36″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 3 to 8

The Hosta is an alluring plant with large heart-shaped leaves. The leaves come in green and blueish-gray colors. These flowers are eye-catching with their deep purple blooms.

Look for white or lavender flowers in the summer. The flowers grow out of a cluster of leaves on a stalk. The hosta is also known as the plantain lily, and does best in full and partial shade and grows best in moist, well-drained soil.

Japanese Pachysandra

Scientific Name: Pachysandra terminalis

• Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub
• Geographic Origin: China and Japan
• Plant Size: 6 to 8″ Tall, 12 to 18″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 5 to 8

Japanese Pachysandra is a delightful, evergreen ground cover that is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance plant. The small leaves are green and tend to turn yellow in direct sunlight. Expect the Japanese Pachysandra to produce white flowers in the early spring. Japanese Pachysandra enjoys partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Jenny’s Stonecrop

Scientific Name: Sedum reflexum

• Plant Type: Perennial Flowering Plant
• Geographic Origin: Europe and Asia
• Plant Size: 6 to 8″ Tall, 12 to 18″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Plant Zone: 5 to 8

Jenny’s Stonecrop is an alluring evergreen plant that is perfect for those who want a trouble-free plant. The leaves are small and have a mixture of blue and green hues. Blooms are yellow in the summer. Jenny’s Stonecrop succeeds in full sun and grows best in well-drained soil.

Lamb’s Ear

Scientific Name: Stachys byzantina

• Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Turkey and Iran
• Plant Size: 12 to 18″ Tall, 12″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
• Plant Zone: 4 to 8

Lamb’s ear is another pretty ground cover that is evergreen. It is perfect for those who want a plant that is soft to the touch. The leaves are fuzzy and have a silvery color. Lamb’s ear blooms lavender flowers in mid to late summer. Lamb’s ear does best in full sun to partial sun and grows best in well-drained soil.

Lamium

Scientific Name: Lamium purpureum

• Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Europe
• Plant Size: 6 to 8″ Tall, 12 to 18″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 8

Lamium is a lovely flowering ground cover excellent for those who want a plant that is easy to care for. Lamium might not be the best plant for hotter climates unless they are planted in a shaded area.

The small green leaves tend to scorch in prolonged periods of direct sunlight. Look for lavender flowers in mid to late spring. Lamium does best in well-drained soil.

Lilygrass

Scientific Name: Liriope Spicata

• Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Geographic Origin: China and Japan
• Plant Size: 12 to 18″ Tall, 18 to 24″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 5 to 10

Lilygrass is another charming, evergreen plant that is easy to grow. In fact, it is one of the most popular ground cover plants. The green leaves are long and narrow. The lavender flowers bloom in the summer. Lilygrass succeeds in full sun and partial shade. It enjoys moist, well-drained soil.

Lily of the Valley

Scientific Name: Convallaria majalis

• Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Northern Hemisphere
• Plant Size: 6 to 8″ Tall, 12 to 18″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 3 to 9

Lily of the valley is a prepossessing flowering ground cover excellent for those who need a plant that thrives in full shade. The clustered-shaped leaves are slender and green. The white, bell-shaped flowers in early to mid-spring are just as charming as the beautiful green foliage of the plant itself. Lily of the valley thrives in moist, well-drained soil.

Mazus

Scientific Name: Mazus reptans

• Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Asia
• Plant Size: 2 to 4″ Tall, 6 to 12″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 5 to 8

Mazus is an attractive ground cover that works for those who want a plant that spreads quickly. It has dense foliage and remains green throughout the year, with the pleasant addition of blueish-purple flowers in the spring and summer. Mazus enjoys a mixture of direct sunlight, shade, and moist, well-drained soil.

Moss Phlox

Scientific Name: Phlox subulata

• Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial
• Geographic Origin: United States
• Plant Size: 6 to 8″ Tall, 12 to 18″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 3 to 9

Moss Phlox is an appealing, evergreen ground cover suitable for those who want a plant that covers a large area quickly. This plant has some of the most colorful blooms of all the low growing plants on this list.

It has dense, green foliage and blooms small, pink flowers in the spring. Moss Phlox flourishes agreeably in direct sunlight, shade, and well-drained soil.

Myrtle

Scientific Name: Myrtus communis

• Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub or Tree
• Geographic Origin: Mediterranean
• Plant Size: 6 to 8″ Tall, 12 to 18″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Plant Zone: 8 to 10

Myrtle is a beautiful, evergreen ground cover plant that is perfect for those who want a plant they don’t have to think about. It has dense, green foliage and blooms small, white flowers in the spring. The flower also releases a sweet fragrance when crushed.

It has medicinal benefits such as treating lung infections, including bronchitis. It has also worked to treat heavy periods, yeast infections, and diarrhea. However, always consult a physician before using any plant for medicinal purposes. The white flowers are unique in that they look like miniature stars. Myrtle does best in full sun and grows best in moist, well-drained soil.

Periwinkle

Scientific Name: Vinca minor

• Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Mediterranean
• Plant Size: 6 to 8″ Tall, 12 to 18″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 9

Periwinkle is a lovely plant that is awesome for those who prefer a plant with vines. The vines run, creating a dense, green mat. Even its non-flowering stems will create new flowers when they touch the ground. It has dark green foliage and blooms small, blue flowers in the spring.

Periwinkle plants are low-maintenance and naturally repel pests. They love a mixture of direct sunlight and partial shade and grow best in moist, well-drained soil. Also, Periwinkle are common victims of dieback. If you notice any brown oval spots on leaves, prune them off and discard them.

Pink Muhly Grass

Scientific Name: Muhlenbergia capillaris

• Plant Type: Perennial Grass
• Geographic Origin: North America
• Plant Size: 2 to 4′ Tall, 2 to 3′ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Plant Zone: 5 to 9

Pink muhly grass is a charming flowering ground cover for those who want a plant that provides color in the fall and winter. Have you ever been to a restaurant or a park, saw tall pink grass, and wondered if it was real? Well, chances are it was pink muhly grass, and it is very real.

The grass has a deep green hue and produces fluffy, pink seeds in the fall. Not to mention, they will keep blooming every year, so you don’t have to worry about replanting. The seeds are a favorite among birds. Pink muhly grass thrives in direct sunlight and well-drained soil.

Purple Bergenia

Scientific Name: Bergenia purpurascens

• Plant Type: Clump-forming Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Eastern Himalayas and Western China
• Plant Size: 16″ Tall, 20″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 3 to 8

Purple Bergenia is a delightful evergreen ground cover for shady areas of your landscape. The large, leathery leaves are a beautiful green and have a purple hue in the winter.

It blooms pink flowers in the spring. The flowers are 2 to 3 inches wide and have a stunning contrasting center. Purple Bergenia is straightforward to grow and does best in moist, well-drained soil.

Rockspray Cotoneaster

Scientific Name: Cotoneaster horizontalis

• Plant Type: Low-growing Shrub
• Geographic Origin: Asia, Europe, and North Africa
• Plant Size: 2 to 3′ Tall, 6 to 8′ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 5 to 8

Rockspray Cotoneaster is a beautiful, dense evergreen plant. It isn’t the logical choice if you want a plant that creates ground cover in less time. It has small, deep green leaves with white lines that produce white flowers in the spring.

Red berries follow the flowers in the fall. The berries are not edible. In fact, many report stomach aches after eating them. Beware of lace bugs, cotoneaster webworms, and mites, as they love this plant. Rockspray Cotoneaster grows beautifully in full sun, partial shade, and well-drained soil.

Sea Thrift

Scientific Name: Armeria maritima

• Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia, and North Africa
• Plant Size: 6 to 12″ Tall, 12 to 18″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Plant Zone: 4 to 8

Sea Thrift is a handsome flowering ground cover for those who want a plant that can tolerate salt spray. It has dark green foliage and blooms pink, white, or red flowers in the spring. The flowers are round clusters that sit on top of small stalks that rise above the green foliage. Black berries follow the flowers. Sea Thrift is low maintenance and does best in full sun.

Sedges

Scientific Name: Cyperaceae

• Plant Type: Grass-like Perennial
• Geographic Origin: North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa
• Plant Size: 6 to 12″ Tall, 12 to 24″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 7 to 9

Sedges are pretty, grasslike, evergreen plants perfect for those who want a low-maintenance plant. There are many species of Sedges, so you will need to research to find the one that is best for your landscape.

Sedges come in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, orange, and red. They are easy to grow and drought tolerant. While they love moist soil, they can survive most soil conditions.

Snow-in-Summer

Scientific Name: Cerastium tomentosum

• Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Europe
• Plant Size: 6 to 12″ Tall, 12 to 24″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Plant Zone: 3 to 7

Snow-in-summer is a pleasing ground cover fantastic for those who love white flowers. Snow-in-summer gets its name from the small, white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The foliage consists of small, slender dark green leaves that flourish in full sun.

Silver-gray foliage that creates a mat ground cover follows the blooms. Snow-in-summer is drought tolerant but thrives in moist, well-drained soil.

Speedwell

Scientific Name: Veronicastrum virginicum

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia
• Plant Size: 3 to 4′ Tall, 2 to 3′ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 8

Speedwell is a low-maintenance alluring, low-growing perennial ground cover. It has small, blue flowers that bloom in the summer. While Speedwells are low maintenance, gardeners should remove faded spikes to help enhance blooming.

Another thing that can help is dividing the plant every few years in the spring. Speedwells are another drought-tolerant option that prefers moist and well-drained soil.

Spotted Dead Nettle

Scientific Name: Lamium maculatum

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia, and North Africa
• Plant Size: 6 to 12″ Tall, 12 to 24″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 3 to 9

Spotted Dead Nettle is a perennial ground cover that provides maximum coverage in less time. It is a nuisance with the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. The plant is so invasive because it can form extensive mats that crowd out native plants.

Spotted Dead Nettle has small, white flowers with purple spots that bloom in the spring and summer. It is best to plant this gorgeous flower in well-drained soil.

Stonecrop

Scientific Name: Sedum

• Plant Type: Succulent
• Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia, and North America
• Plant Size: 6 to 12″ Tall, 12 to 24″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Plant Zone: 3 to 11

All varieties of Stonecrops, including Jenny’s Stonecrop, are an ideal choice for flowering ground cover because they are drought-tolerant succulents. The plants have thick, fleshy leaves that store water to survive prolonged periods without rainfall. Stonecrop comes in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, pink, and red.

It blooms in small, white flowers in the summer. They contain sweet nectar that will attract moths, butterflies, and bees. Another fantastic thing about these flowers is that they can last until early winter. Stonecrop thrives in well-drained soil with organic matter.

Wishbone Flower

Scientific Name: Torenia fournieri

• Plant Type: Annual
• Geographic Origin: Asia
• Plant Size: 6 to 12″ Tall, 12 to 24″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 10 to 11

The Wishbone flower is a gorgeous annual plant that is perfect for those who want to add color to their gardens, especially those in the shade. It has tiny, purple and white flowers that bloom from summer to fall.

Also, the flower is long-lasting and can withstand foot traffic. The fact that they are so beautiful and easy to care for makes them very desirable. The best soil for the Wishbone flower is rich in organic matter and has good drainage.

Wild Gingers

Scientific Name: Asarum canadense

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: North America
• Plant Size: 6 to 12″ Tall, 12 to 18″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 3 to 8

Wild gingers are yet another beautiful ground cover plant that is perfect for those who want a plant that will add some flare to their flower garden. Many believe the flower’s purpose was to attract small pollinating insects. These tiny flies emerge in search of a thawing carcass in early spring.

The bloom’s color is similar to that of decaying flesh. The tiny flies, which are attracted to this, enter the flower to escape the chilly winds of early spring and eat the pollen. It has petite, white flowers that blossom in the spring. Wild gingers are deer resistant and enjoy moist and acidic soil.

Woodruff

Scientific Name: Galium odoratum

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Europe
• Plant Size: 6 to 12″ Tall, 12 to 24″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 8

Woodruff is a charming flowering ground cover plant that gives off a fresh smell similar to an air freshener. The leaves are star-shaped and green. While it may take time to plant them, it is well worth the wait.

It has miniature, white flowers that sprout in the spring. Woodruff loves wet atmospheres with well-drained soil. Sweet Woodruff is also a very fast growing ground cover that grows quickly on sloping areas.

Woolly Yarrow

Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia, and North America
• Plant Size: 2 to 3′ Tall, 2 to 3′ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Plant Zone: 3 to 9

Woolly Yarrow is a gorgeous, low-maintenance plant. The only thing to avoid with this plant is strong winds, as they can damage the plant. The small, white flowers show up in the summer. The flowers lead in silver-gray foliage.

Woolly Yarrow is drought tolerant and does best in full sun and dry, well-drained soil. If you tend to have critters like rabbits and deer, this is the perfect plant as it resists them and is strong enough to withstand constant foot traffic.

Yellow Archangel

Scientific Name: Lamiastrum galeobdolon

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Europe
• Plant Size: 2 to 3′ Tall, 2 to 3′ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Plant Zone: 4 to 8

Yellow Archangel is an incredible ground cover plant that grows very fast. They have green leaves with a white line around the edges. It will cover a large area in little time. One problem with the Yellow archangel is that it competes with other plants.

By this, we mean it grows so well and chokes out other plants around it. It is essential to give the Yellow Archangel space to grow, so other plants don’t get crowded out. The Yellow Archangel has small, yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. This plant will grow best in full sun to partial shade. They thrive in sandy, well-drained soil.

Yellow Alyssum

Scientific Name: Aurinia saxatilis

• Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Europe
• Plant Size: 6 to 12″ Tall, 12 to 24″ Wide
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Plant Zone: 8 to 11

Yellow Alyssum is a delightful ground cover plant referred to as the “basket of gold.” It is perfect for those who love yellow flowers. It has small, yellow flowers that bloom from spring to fall. One thing to know about the Yellow Alyssum is that though it is beautiful, it smells horrible.

The smell is a blessing and a curse as it resists diseases, deer, and other pests, which keep your flowers blooming beautifully uninterrupted. They also draw in beautiful insects. Who doesn’t love watching bees and butterflies flutter around the garden?

When it comes down to the soil, the Yellow Alyssum is not picky and will grow in almost any type as long as it has good drainage. They do best, however, in sandy or gravelly soil.