In landscaping and garden beds, ground cover plants offer a wealth of benefits, from visual appeal to weed suppression and coverage where other plants may struggle. As a low-maintenance solution, they’re an attractive option – but waiting months for the ground cover to establish the desired look can be frustrating. The answer? Fast-growing ground cover plants, which deliver the landscaping you want without prolonged delays.
These versatile plants are particularly well-suited to areas where growth is limited or challenging, such as under trees. Not only do they thrive in these conditions, but they also help crowd out weeds with minimal upkeep required. When selecting a fast-growing ground cover plant, it’s crucial to ensure the chosen species is suitable for your local climate and growing conditions. With so many options available, you’re bound to find a solution that suits your yard.
16 Options for Fast Growing Ground Cover Plants
Wild Thyme(Thymus serpyllum)
Wild thyme, also known as creeping thyme or mother-of-thyme, has earned its reputation as a popular ground cover in landscaping. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for filling gaps between pavers, sidewalks, bluestone, and garden paths. Native to Europe, wild thyme can thrive as a perennial in North America’s USDA hardiness zones 4-8. As the plant blooms with delicate, pink flowers, it adds subtle pops of color to your garden or landscape.
Furthermore, its unique feature is releasing a warm, peppery fragrance when touched or walked upon, reminiscent of culinary thyme. One of its most appealing qualities is its drought tolerance, allowing it to survive in arid conditions. Additionally, wild thyme’s compact growth habit, reaching only 3 inches in height, and its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic make it an excellent option for garden paths.
Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Moss pink, also known as creeping phlox, is a North American plant that thrives in the eastern and central United States. With a hardiness range spanning USDA zones 3-9, gardeners can utilize this attractive ground cover to add texture and interest to their outdoor spaces.
Reaching an average height of 6 inches, moss phlox stands out from other low-growing plants with its ability to resist soil erosion, drought, deer, and air pollution.
This makes it an ideal choice for areas plagued by these issues.
In terms of erosion control, moss phlox is particularly effective at stabilizing soil and preventing washaways. Its benefits don’t stop there – the plant also comes in a range of vibrant colors, including white, pink, red, blue, and purple varieties.
Depending on the specific cultivar you choose to grow, moss phlox can add unique pops of color throughout your landscape.
Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance solution or simply want to inject some visual interest into your outdoor space, moss phlox is definitely worth considering.
Trailing Periwinkle(Vinca minor)
Periwinkle, a charming ground cover plant, boasts stunning flowers in shades of its namesake hue, emitting a pleasant fragrance that’s perfect for areas near outdoor living spaces. However, if left unchecked, it can quickly spread across your garden, necessitating close monitoring to prevent overgrowth. Its rapid growth means you must stay vigilant to maintain the desired balance.
A versatile plant, periwinkle thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it an excellent choice for areas around tree bases or rock walls. As a filler ground cover, it can be placed strategically throughout your garden to add visual interest.
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet woodruff, a perennial ground cover native to Eurasia, has been naturalized in USDA zones 4-8 and thrives in thousands of home landscapes. This adaptable plant excels in moist, shady areas, making it an ideal choice for woodland gardens, rock gardens, and borders. Its rapid growth rate is a bonus, as sweet woodruff can quickly spread to cover bare spots. But what truly sets this plant apart is its unique fragrance, reminiscent of freshly cut hay.
The scent is released as the leaves decay, leaving a pleasant aroma in its wake. In the spring, sweet woodruff displays clusters of delicate white flowers, adding an extra layer of charm to its already appealing characteristics.
Variegated Snow on the Mountain(Aegopodium podagraria)
If you’re seeking a low-maintenance ground cover that thrives in shady conditions, consider variegated snow on the mountain, also known as bishop’s weed or goutweed. This charming plant boasts soft green and creamy white foliage, topped with umbrella-like clusters of pure white flowers that give it its ‘snow on the mountain’ moniker.
With a moderate height of 10 inches and a sprawling habit reaching 18-24 inches in width, this ground cover is an ideal choice for barren areas under trees or woodland settings in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. Its ability to thrive in deep shade makes it a popular option among gardeners seeking to bring life to previously neglected spaces.
Aubrieta (Aubrieta deltoidea)
Aubrieta is an exceptional choice for sunny areas, as it thrives in hot conditions with minimal rainfall. This evergreen perennial, native to the Mediterranean regions, adapts well to USDA hardiness zones 4-8. Interestingly, Aubrieta belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which includes annual garden vegetables like cabbage and broccoli – a fascinating connection, given that Aubrieta is an ornamental ground cover and not edible.
Despite its botanical ties to food-producing plants, Aubrieta excels as a fast-growing ground cover when provided with 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Its compact growth habit reaches 6 inches in height and spreads up to 24 inches wide, showcasing vibrant purple flowers against grey-green foliage from early spring through early summer.
Firecracker Sedum (Sedum)
For those seeking a vibrant ground cover that thrives in sunny areas, firecracker sedum is an excellent option. This fast-growing plant excels in USDA hardiness zones 4-9, boasting dense mounds of deep burgundy foliage that effectively suppresses weeds in your landscaping. One of its most attractive features is the rabbit-resistant foliage, making it a top choice among gardeners.
In late summer or early fall, firecracker sedum produces small pink flowers that attract valuable pollinators like butterflies to your garden. To optimize growth, ensure this plant receives six hours or more of direct sunlight each day. When grown under ideal conditions, firecracker sedum reaches heights of 6 inches and spreads up to 18 inches wide, providing a stunning display of color.
Dragon’s Blood Sedum (Sedum)
One of the most resilient and adaptable ground covers for weed suppression is Dragon’s Blood Sedum. Its hardiness spans USDA zones 3-8, allowing it to thrive in a range of conditions. While it excels in full sun, it also tolerates partial shade and poor soil, making it an ideal choice for planting almost anywhere.
This sedum shares similarities with Creeping Jenny, featuring trailing stems that readily root, making propagation a breeze.
You can cultivate it in containers as a spiller or integrate it into rock gardens, beneath trees, or areas where little else grows. If all else fails, Dragon’s Blood Sedum will still thrive.
During spring, its leaves transition from bright green to maroon as temperatures drop. Summer brings vibrant red flowers, earning the plant its ‘Dragon’s Blood’ moniker.
Golden Creeping Jenny(Lysimachia nummularia)
Golden creeping Jenny, a low-maintenance ground cover plant, thrives in damp environments and partial shade. However, it’s worth noting that full sunlight can lead to more vibrant colors. This adaptable plant grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, but it does require consistent moisture to flourish. It’s not ideal for drought-prone areas, making it perfect for a ring around a pond, a trail along a wall, or edging a walkway.
Its versatility also makes it suitable as a spiller in mixed container gardens. Characterized by long, trailing stems bearing bright yellow flowers and round leaves, Golden creeping Jenny is a rapid grower that can quickly cover large areas, suppressing weeds in the process. While some cultivars can be quite aggressive, the ‘Aurea’ variety is well-behaved and won’t overtake your entire garden.
Mazus (Mazus reptans)
Among the many low-maintenance ground cover options, Mazus is a standout for its ability to thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. While it prefers part shady locations, it’s equally adept at growing in full shade. To keep this adaptable plant happy, simply ensure consistent moisture – especially during hot weather spells. As a perennial, Mazus remains green year-round and awakens with early spring blooms.
If conditions are just right, it will continue to produce flowers throughout the summer and into fall. Measuring only 2 inches tall, Mazus is an ideal choice for filling in gaps between stepping stones or along walls. Propagation is also a breeze, as small plugs can be transplanted from established plants during early spring or fall. Alternatively, you can try taking root cuttings during the summer and planting them in the fall, allowing the new plants to establish themselves over time.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Bearberry, a low-maintenance shrub, thrives in environments with dry, sandy, or rocky soils where other plants often struggle to survive. Its remarkable adaptability allows it to grow wild near coastal areas, defying conditions that would be hostile to most vegetation. One notable exception is clay-rich soil, which Bearberry does not tolerate well.
With a hardiness range of zones 2-7 and a compact growth habit reaching about a foot in height, this plant is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-profile yet attractive addition. Its nectar-rich flowers also attract hummingbirds and butterflies, while its leaves deter deer from feeding on the plant.
Big Root Geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum)
Big root geranium is a stunning perennial ground cover that boasts vibrant magenta flowers on fragrant, semi-evergreen leaves. This adaptable plant thrives in zones 3-8, reaching approximately one foot tall and spreading up to two feet wide. Its impressive tolerance allows it to flourish in a variety of conditions, including drought, high humidity, poor soil quality, and resistance to pests and deer. What’s more, big root geranium is equally at home in sunny spots as well as shaded areas.
Fern Moss (Thuidium delicatulum)
Fern moss, with its delicate evergreen foliage, forms a lush carpet that can swiftly colonize areas receiving partial sunlight to deep shade. Its leaves are meticulously crafted to resemble miniature ferns, hence its aptly-named species. To thrive, this charming epiphyte requires ample moisture and shielding from wind-borne stressors. As such, it is well-suited for zones 3-11, where its unique charm can be fully appreciated.
Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
Japanese spurge boasts stunning, emerald-green foliage and delicate white blooms in the spring, with a propensity to rapidly spread and form a lush carpet in shaded areas. To thrive, this plant requires consistent moisture and can be grown in zones 4-8. One of its most appealing attributes is its compact growth habit, allowing for effortless containment without the need for constant pruning.
Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)
Wintercreeper, a member of the euonymus family, is characterized by its ability to spread along the ground in a variety of lighting conditions, from full sun to full shade. This adaptable plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate zones 5-8. Its attractive features include evergreen leaves with a glossy green finish, which are surprisingly resilient to moderate drought.
Notably, Wintercreeper can grow up to 20 feet in length and reach a height of around one foot, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet visually appealing groundcover.
Juniper (Juniperus conferta)
Blue Pacific juniper is an exceptional evergreen ground cover that excels at rapid spreading. Its impressive spread of 5-6 feet in just one spot makes it a standout among other juniper varieties. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in zones 6-9, where it can reach about a foot high and sprawl outwards in areas receiving full or partial sunlight.
One of its most striking features is the unique change it undergoes during winter, as its feathery needles transform into a beautiful gray-green hue, adding a pop of color to an otherwise drab winter landscape.
What’s Missing?
While compiling this list of fast-growing ground cover plants, we intentionally omitted a few options that might initially come to mind – English ivy, ice plant, and bugleweed. This deliberate exclusion is due to their potential to become invasive, rapidly spreading from small beginnings to overwhelming proportions in contained areas. If you do decide to plant one of these species, be sure to exercise caution, as they can quickly grow out of control.
Final Thoughts
When seeking a rapid solution to revitalize a lackluster landscape area, introducing fast-growing ground cover plants can be an effective approach. For zones that struggle with growth, these versatile plants can quickly establish themselves, blanketing bare spots and creating a lush, vibrant atmosphere beneath trees or in areas where weeds dominate.
With their remarkable ability to suppress unwanted vegetation and inject splashes of color where needed most, these fast-growing ground covers can work wonders for your outdoor space.
