Some ground cover are like that one guest who overstays their welcome — showing up witching , then slowly circularise until they ’ve take over everything . Others are a little more civilized , quell neatly where you plant them and mind their own business enterprise . Knowing which is which can keep you a lot of clip ( and frustration ) in the garden .
In this guide , we ’ve rounded up eight primer coat cover that have a serious leaning to take over — and not always in a bad way — plus eight that are reliably well - behaved . Depending on what sort of quad you ’re working with , you might be looking for either . Sometimes you need a plant that covers ground tight and fill in gaps ; other times , you want something tidy and contained . Here ’s what to know before you let them open in your yard .
English Ivy
English Ivy , a classic choice for those wanting lush , verdant verdure , can be a act of a wild baby in the garden . Its tenacious tendril can climb up and incubate almost anything in its itinerary .
Once set up , it spread rapidly , make a rug of dense foliage . While it offers excellent earth insurance coverage , it ’s important to keep it in balk .
If left neglected , English Ivy can overflow other plants and even damage structure . Regular pruning is of the essence if you require to hold back its challenging growth . Despite its reputation , it remain a popular choice for its evergreen charm .
Creeping Jenny
creep Jenny is live for its radiant prosperous - greenish leaves that light up any garden . It has a hang for spreading quickly , often taking over field if not carefully controlled .
This industrial plant thrives in moist environments , make it perfect for water gardens or damp smear . Its low - mature habit provide it to blanket the earth beautifully .
However , its vigor can be overpowering for other works . Strategic placement and unconstipated sustenance can assist manage its excessive nature . Loved for its vibrant color , Creeping Jenny is a darling among gardeners seek ground cover with personality .
© Greenwood Nursery
Pachysandra
Pachysandra , with its glossy leaves and ability to thrive in tone , is a go - to for many gardeners . It ’s an fast-growing spreader , often occupy forest floor or shaded area with rest .
Its dumb growth pattern can suppress weeds , making it a hardheaded selection for less gay spots . However , its vigorous nature can outcompete other plants if not check .
even clipping can keep Pachysandra in check , ensuring it does n’t crowd out the garden ’s diversity . Despite its spread , it remains favored for its exuberant , evergreen entreaty , in particular in shaded location .
Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Vinca Minor , also known as Periwinkle , captivates with its delicate imperial blooms and evergreen foliage . It ’s a vigorous earth blanket that spreads chop-chop , even in gainsay terrain .
This plant life ’s trailing stems root at nodes , create a thick matte that can crush unwanted growth . While attractive , its encroaching nature can overshadow more delicate plantings .
gardener often use it for wearing away control on slopes , but must be cautious of its spreading tendency . With its charming flowers and hardy foliage , Vinca Minor rest a popular choice , albeit with mindful direction .
© abovethedirt
Bamboo
Bamboo , with its tower beauty and immediate growth , is a riveting addition to any garden . However , it is notorious for its aggressive spreading habits .
Once established , bamboo can quickly take over , spreading underground via rhizomes . This rapid expanding upon can disrupt other plants and structure if not managed .
Containing bamboo expect careful preparation , such as install barrier or even cutting back . Despite its invasiveness , bamboo offers a singular visual appeal and is valued for its versatility , from creating secrecy screens to supply material for crafting .
Mint
Mint is well - loved for its invigorating scent and culinary economic consumption , but it ’s a garden rebel with its spreading roots . Once institute , mint can rapidly colonize an area , overshadowing neighboring industrial plant .
Its hush-hush rootstalk are the key to its grim cattle farm , making it of the essence to plant pot in container or apart spots .
While its invasive nature is a challenge , pot ’s refreshing fragrance and uses in cooking and teas make it a valuable gain to the garden . Just ensure it has its own outer space , and it will honour you with redolent delights .
© The Spruce
Ajuga
Ajuga , often call in Bugleweed , enchants with its endearing blue flower capitulum and rich leafage . It ’s a firm broadcaster , covering ground with a dense mat of leaves .
Particularly efficient in shadowy area , Ajuga can outgrow everything in its path if get out unchecked . Its lush foliage suppresses gage , but may also smother less competitive plants .
Gardeners cherish Ajuga for its charming blooms and ability to thrive in toughened weather . even maintenance will keep its increment in balance , leave it to add mantrap without involve over wholly .
Liriope
Liriope , known for its Mary Jane - corresponding leaves and dainty majestic flowers , is a versatile ground cover . While generally well - behaved , it can spread robustly in favorable conditions .
Its clop nature helps it stay in place , but it can expand aggressively if not monitored . Liriope is excellent for borderline or filling large areas .
Its attractive show and resiliency make it a favorite in many garden . With episodic trimming , it continue a controlled and beautiful element in landscaping , offering a touch of elegance without sweep over the garden .
© Great Garden Plants
Thyme
Thyme , a delicious herb , captivates with its aromatic leaf and tiny , magic flowers . Unlike other ground covers , Thyme is content to stay where it ’s planted .
Its low - grow habit makes it ideal for delimitation or rock and roll gardens , where it adds a touch of unsophisticated spell . Thyme ’s fragrance is a bonus , making it a sensory delight .
This flora flourish in well - drained soil and sunny spots , requiring minimum maintenance . Its quiet growth and culinary economic consumption make it a gardener ’s favourite , propose both beauty and practicality without the risk of taking over .
Mondo Grass
Mondo Grass offers a refined touch to garden landscapes with its slender , dour green blades . It ’s perfect for creating neat borders or add texture to beds .
This plant grows lento and stays put , seduce it a broken - maintenance option for those essay a sizeable garden . Mondo Grass does well in both sunshine and spectre , making it versatile .
Its compact form and evergreen nature put up twelvemonth - turn interest without the chaos of fast-growing spreaders . Gardeners apprize its pernicious elegance , offering structure without eclipse other plants .
© procosmet
Sedum
Sedum , or Stonecrop , is a charming succulent that remains neatly in its destine spot . Its thick , overweight leaves and starry blossom make it a standout in rock gardens .
Sedum thrives in well - drained grease and sunny location , requiring little aid once established . Its drouth tolerance add to its appeal , hold it a hardheaded choice for dry areas .
Gardeners love Sedum for its power to add semblance and texture without overtaking other plant . Its restrained growth and fascinate appearance make it an ideal choice for those who want beauty and order in their garden .
Lamb’s Ear
Lamb ’s Ear , with its soft , silvery foliation , is a treasured plant for sensory garden . Its fuzzy leaves create a soothing tactile and visual experience .
This plant spreads slowly , make water it a manageable option for garden borders or pathway . Lamb ’s Ear prefers cheery spot and well - debilitate soil .
Its singular grain and blue-blooded growth figure make it a dear choice for sum up subtle appealingness without overmaster nearby plant . nurseryman appreciate its unagitated presence and the soft touch it brings to outdoor space .
© harvesttohome
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet Woodruff , known for its delicate lily-white flowers and fragrant leave of absence , add together a touch of elegance to shaded areas . It ’s a well - mannered ground cover that stays contained .
This industrial plant prefer moist , shaded spots , where it form a soft carpeting of foliage . Its subtle scent and exquisite appearance make it a favourite for woodland gardens .
Gardeners appreciate Sweet Woodruff for its ensure development and power to complement more vibrant plantings . It offer a serene touch without the risk of encroaching on other plants , making it a delicious addition to any garden .
Hens and Chicks
Hens and Chicks , with their magical stem canker SHAPE , are a delightful addition to gardens . These succulents stay on neatly in place , providing visual interest without spreading wildly .
idealistic for John Rock gardens or containers , they prosper in sunny stain with well - drained dirt . Their scummy - alimony nature and drought allowance make them a practical selection .
Gardeners love Hens and Chicks for their unequaled appearance and power to add body structure without overwhelm other planting . Their offbeat forms and unemotional ontogenesis offer a playful yet orderly contact to outdoor space .
© Perennial Wholesale Nursery
Corsican Mint
Corsican Mint , with its midget leaves and delightful fragrance , offers a magical primer cover option for smaller areas . It forms a stocky carpet , delay where you plant it .
This industrial plant boom in moist , shaded environs , making it perfect for creeping between stepping stones or lining garden paths . Its pernicious scent adds a sensory joy to any garden .
Gardeners appreciate Corsican Mint for its ability to fulfil gaps without overtaking infinite . Its neat emergence and redolent front make it a dear choice for add up a touch of whimsy and ordering to outdoor areas .
Barrenwort
Barrenwort , also known as Epimedium , enchants with its finespun flowers and heart - form leave . It ’s a ground cover that stay put , adding a fairy - tale touch to shaded gardens .
This plant prefers moist , well - drained soil and is perfect for timberland area . Its slow growth and charming appearance make it a treasured addition .
Gardeners bed Barrenwort for its power to complement other plantings without overpowering them . Its singular beauty and restrained growth make it an idealistic choice for those seeking elegance and order in their gardens .
© ShrubHub
© De Bolster Organic Seeds
© Gardener’s Path
© US PERENNIALS
© Sylvan Gardens Landscape Contractors
© George Weigel
© Kellogg Garden Products
© theseedsmaster
© Babikow Wholesale Nursery
