If you’re tired of bare soil, weeding battles, or just want to transform empty patches of your yard into lush, low-maintenance beauty, fast-spreading ground covers are your secret weapon. These vigorous plants not only create a dense carpet of color and texture, but also help prevent erosion, conserve moisture, and suppress weeds naturally. Whether you’re looking for evergreen coverage, bursts of seasonal color, or pollinator-friendly options, here are 10 fast-spreading ground covers to quickly and beautifully fill your garden beds.
1. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny is a vivid, low-growing perennial known for its golden-green leaves and fast-spreading nature. It thrives in both sun and partial shade, making it versatile for various garden conditions. This ground cover grows in a trailing, mat-like fashion, spilling beautifully over rocks, walls, or the edges of garden beds. In summer, it produces small yellow flowers that add an extra pop of brightness. Be mindful its aggressive growth means it can overtake nearby plants if not contained, but it’s perfect for covering large areas quickly.
2. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga, or bugleweed, is a tough, fast-spreading ground cover that adds striking color and texture to garden beds. Its glossy leaves come in shades of deep green, bronze, or even purple, and in spring, it shoots up short spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers. Ajuga thrives in full sun to partial shade and spreads via runners that root easily into the soil. It’s an excellent choice for erosion control on slopes and looks stunning in mass plantings. Once established, it’s virtually maintenance-free.
3. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet Woodruff is a charming shade-loving ground cover that rapidly forms a lush, green carpet under trees and in woodland-style gardens. Its star-shaped leaves and delicate white spring flowers give it a soft, romantic look. Beyond its beauty, Sweet Woodruff is fragrant especially when dried and has been traditionally used in potpourri. It spreads by underground runners and thrives in moist, rich soil. It’s an ideal option for shady spots that need a touch of elegance and a fast-growing filler.
4. Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Vinca minor, commonly known as periwinkle, is a tough and evergreen ground cover perfect for quickly filling in empty beds. It produces glossy, dark green foliage and charming blue, violet, or white flowers in spring. Vinca spreads rapidly via trailing stems that root as they go, making it ideal for suppressing weeds and covering bare ground. It tolerates poor soil, shade, and drought once established. This makes it a favorite for hard-to-maintain areas like slopes, under shrubs, or around trees.
5. Lamium (Lamium maculatum)
Lamium is a fast-spreading, shade-tolerant ground cover prized for its variegated foliage and pretty pink, purple, or white blooms. Its silver-marked leaves brighten dark areas, making it perfect for shady beds and woodland gardens. Lamium spreads by rooting stems, quickly forming a dense mat that suppresses weeds and adds visual interest. It’s also deer-resistant and thrives in a variety of soil conditions. With both ornamental appeal and aggressive growth, Lamium is a go-to for gardeners who need quick, colorful coverage.
6. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedums, also known as stonecrops, are a diverse group of succulents that spread quickly and thrive in hot, dry spots. Low-growing varieties like Sedum acre or Sedum spurium form dense mats of colorful foliage that change shades with the seasons. In late summer, they often produce clusters of star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. Sedums are extremely drought-tolerant and need very little care once planted. They’re perfect for rock gardens, borders, or sunny slopes that require quick, attractive ground coverage.
7. Mazus (Mazus reptans)
Mazus is a little-known but incredibly effective ground cover for sunny or partially shaded beds. It forms a tight, low-growing mat with bright green foliage and stunning purple-blue or white flowers that bloom in spring and summer. This fast-spreader is ideal for filling in spaces between stepping stones, in pathways, or along borders. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and is tolerant of light foot traffic. Once established, Mazus creates a vibrant, flower-filled carpet that lasts through much of the growing season.
8. Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme)
Creeping thyme is both ornamental and edible, making it a functional favorite in kitchen gardens and landscaping. This low-growing herb spreads rapidly and releases a lovely scent when walked on ideal for between pavers or in garden paths. Its tiny leaves stay evergreen in milder climates, and it produces clusters of small pink or purple flowers that bees love. Creeping thyme thrives in sunny, well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. It’s perfect for creating a fragrant, colorful ground layer.
9. Bishop’s Weed (Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’)
Bishop’s Weed, also called goutweed, is a vigorous ground cover known for its striking green-and-white variegated leaves. It spreads quickly through underground rhizomes, making it highly effective for covering large areas, especially in shade or under trees. Its umbrella-like white flowers appear in summer, adding another layer of visual interest. While beautiful, this plant can be invasive if not managed properly best suited for contained areas or spots where you want a truly unbreakable ground cover.
10. Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)
Pachysandra is a shade-loving, evergreen ground cover that forms a dense, glossy carpet of green. It spreads slowly at first but quickly fills in gaps once established, making it a favorite for large shaded areas, under shrubs, or along foundation beds. In spring, it produces small white flowers that add subtle charm. Pachysandra is low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and helps suppress weeds effectively. Its tidy appearance and year-round coverage make it a practical and polished option for both formal and natural garden designs.
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