The Best Low-Maintenance Groundcover Plants for Your Landscaping Project

by Jan Kennemer 12/26/2021

If you’re searching to replace your lawn or simply fill in an empty space in your garden, there are many groundcover plants you can choose from. Some produce flowers while others have attractive foliage, but regardless of expressions you can benefit from planting something in the space to keep out opportunistic weeds. However, it’s important to consider how much time and effort you’re willing to spend on a groundcover plant, especially if you’re going to have a large area. Here we’ve put together a guide to some of the best low-maintenance groundcover plants for your landscaping project.

Angelina Sedum

Sedum is a genus of succulent plants often called stonecrops. Angelina sedum in particular makes excellent groundcover because the flowers will spread efficiently to cover a large area, but won’t grow out of control. The foliage and flowers are golden yellow and easy to propagate by rooting. The only real maintenance required for this plant is to chop the longest stems to prevent self-rooting if you’re worried about it spreading beyond its designated area.

Nepeta

Nepeta is a plant in the catmint family with purple flowers that can bloom all summer long with practically no human intervention. Some nepeta varieties are natural spreaders and can quickly take over a large area of your landscape. Others are more bushy and take up space with their volume rather than covering the ground. Either way, nepeta is excellent for keeping the weeds out of your garden and is happy with only occasional watering in the growing season.

Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme stays very low to the ground—only 3 inches tall—and will spread naturally over an area with deep pink flowers and fragrant leaves. While related to the variety of thyme used in cooking, it is not edible. However, the flowers are great for attracting bees, butterflies to your yard. Creeping thyme does best in areas with full sun and well-draining soil.

Periwinkle

Periwinkle is such an efficient and aggressive spreader that many gardeners consider it a nuisance. However, its resilience and charming purple flowers make it an excellent choice of ground cover that does not require a lot of maintenance. The leaves are dark green and glossy and grow on vines that spread at ground level. This plant loves the shade, so if you have space with little sunlight during the day periwinkle may be a perfect fit.

Rockrose

Rockrose is an evergreen shrub with hardy, colorful flowers. This tough plant is common in coastal regions as it can stand up to strong winds and salt spray without care. When grown as groundcover, all you need is a few shrubs to start with and you’ll have an area full of established roots and bright green foliage. It’s best to water them regularly after planting them but once they’ve lasted one season, they can thrive with no ongoing maintenance.

As for any type of plant, it’s crucial to research what will grow best in your particular climate. You also need to consider the specific landscape you’re working with and whether there is a significant amount of shade, full sun or combination. Regardless, you’ll find there are plenty of options for ground cover that will keep out the weeds and look attractive with only the most basic of care.

About the Author
Author

Jan Kennemer

Jan will show you how you can live close to Washington, DC – by public transit and/or highway – and still enjoy all the many amenities and friendliness of a quiet community. Jan is a life-long resident of Arlington, Va. So, she is very familiar with northern Virginia …Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and close-in Fairfax. She knows where to find those little out-of the-way places where you will still get excellent value and a home that meets your needs. As a Realtor® for over 20 years, Jan has developed a customized system for marketing and selling properties which includes the latest technologies combined with tried and true practices. She has received special training in working with first time buyers, repeat buyers and seniors. She is a certified VHDA trainer and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES©). Jan is also a certified e-Pro. She gets results you want – the best price in the shortest time. Jan is dedicated to helping clients satisfy their needs and wants while providing them with a strong investment for the future. She is readily available to provide explanations and information. She won’t push you into making an uncomfortable choice. Jan helps you to fully understand the transaction, so that you can always make an informed decision based on facts and figures.