7 Fast-Growing Ground Covers for a Beautiful Garden

Discover 7 fast-growing ground covers for your garden, including Creeping Thyme, Sedum, and Creeping Phlox. Get care tips and ideal growing zones for each plant

Ground covers are a great way to enhance your garden by filling empty spaces, reducing weeds, and adding beauty. These plants spread quickly, providing a lush carpet of greenery, colorful blooms, or interesting textures. In this blog, we’ll explore 7 fast-growing ground covers, perfect for creating a vibrant, low-maintenance garden. Each plant comes with a simplified explanation, care tips, and suitable growing zones.

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping Thyme is a hardy, aromatic herb known for its low-growing, dense mat of tiny, fragrant leaves. It blooms in vibrant purple, pink, or white flowers in the summer, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

• Key Points:
• Tolerates foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for pathways and between stepping stones.
• Grows best in well-drained soil with full sun.
• Suitable Zones: USDA Zones 4-8

2. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

Creeping Jenny is a fast-growing ground cover that produces bright green or golden-yellow foliage. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can easily spread in both sunny and partially shaded areas, making it highly versatile.

• Key Points:
• Excellent for wet, shaded garden spots or along water features.
• Its bright foliage adds a pop of color to shady areas.
• Suitable Zones: USDA Zones 3-9

3. Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)

Irish Moss is a dense, evergreen ground cover with tiny, bright green leaves that create a soft, carpet-like effect. It blooms with small white flowers in late spring or early summer. This plant thrives in cool, moist environments.

• Key Points:
• Ideal for filling between stepping stones or as an alternative to lawn grass in smaller areas.
• Prefers cool temperatures and regular moisture.
• Suitable Zones: USDA Zones 4-8

4. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Bugleweed, also known as Carpet Bugle, is a perennial ground cover with striking foliage in shades of purple, bronze, or green, accompanied by spikes of blue flowers in spring. It thrives in both sun and shade, making it a versatile garden plant.

• Key Points:
• Great for adding color to shady areas.
• Tolerates a wide range of soil types and is perfect for borders or ground cover.
• Suitable Zones: USDA Zones 3-10

5. Dichondra Silver Falls (Dichondra argentea)

Dichondra Silver Falls is a low-growing, trailing plant with silvery-green foliage that cascades beautifully over edges and containers. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, and is perfect for creating a soft, shimmering ground cover or hanging basket display.

• Key Points:
• Its cascading habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets, containers, or as a spill-over ground cover.
• Drought-tolerant once established.
• Suitable Zones: USDA Zones 9-11 (can be grown as an annual in cooler climates)

6. Sedum (Stonecrop) (Sedum spp.)

Sedum, or Stonecrop, is a versatile, drought-tolerant succulent that comes in various colors and forms. It is a fantastic ground cover, producing clusters of star-shaped flowers in late summer or fall. Sedum is especially known for its low-maintenance care and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions.

• Key Points:
• Ideal for sunny spots with dry, well-drained soil.
• Its ability to store water in its leaves makes it highly drought-resistant.
• Suitable Zones: USDA Zones 3-9

7. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Creeping Phlox is a beautiful ground cover known for its vibrant, colorful flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and red. It forms a low, spreading mat of evergreen foliage that blooms profusely in spring. Creeping Phlox is perfect for adding a burst of color to rock gardens or as a border plant.

• Key Points:
• Excellent for sunny slopes or rocky areas where it can spread easily.
• Perfect for early spring blooms, brightening up the garden before many other plants start to flower.
• Suitable Zones: USDA Zones 3-9

These 7 fast-growing ground covers are perfect for gardeners looking to fill spaces quickly while enhancing the beauty of their landscape. Whether you need a drought-tolerant option, a colorful addition, or a low-maintenance solution, these plants provide excellent choices for every garden. From Creeping Thyme's ability to withstand foot traffic to Sedum's impressive drought resistance, each of these plants will make a lasting impact on your garden.