The definition of a ground cover varies. I consider ground covers "living mulch," therefore, plants listed here are small plants that grow densely and cover the soil around other plants. Slightly larger plants that are sometimes used as ground covers in larger areas will be listed in Perennials, if not a more specific category. There are also a few smaller ground covers listed in specific categories. All of the ground covers listed here, as well as ground covers in general, are easily propagated by division.
Ajuga reptans
common names include Bugleweed, Carpet Bugle POISONOUS! hardy in zones 3-9 full to partial sun May bloom I used to have a collection of Ajugas, but due to too much rain, they became unhappy and all were lost. I was given a new start for the garden in 2016. I would recommend if you have a variety you especially like or is hard to find, plant it in multiple locations for back up. |
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Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’
Bugleweed, Carpet Bugle
PP 15815
perennial in zones 4-9
sun-shade
New to our garden in 2019.
Bugleweed, Carpet Bugle
PP 15815
perennial in zones 4-9
sun-shade
New to our garden in 2019.
Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’
common names include Golden Creeping Jenny, Gold Moneywort hardy in zones 3-10 full to partial shade moisture loving Very prone to caterpillar damage. |
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Mentha pulegium
common names include English Pennyroyal, Pennyroyal hardy in zones 3-9 full to partial sun drought tolerant June-August bloom |
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Muehlenbeckia axillaris ‘Nana’
common names include Creeping Wire Vine, Maidenhair Vine, Mattress Vine hardy in zones 5-10 full to partial sun drought tolerant October-November bloom |
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Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’
common name Golden Oregano hardy in zones 6-11 full to partial sun propagate by division Burns in hot sun. |
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Pachysandra terminalis
common names include Japanese Spurge, Pachysandra hardy in zones 3-9 full to partial shade March-April bloom |
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Pachysandra terminalis ‘Green Sheen’
common names include Japanese Spurge, Pachysandra
hardy in zones 3-9
full to partial shade
March-April bloom
New to our garden in 2020, and as of early 2021 it is doing well. Commonly grown Pachysandra doesn't particularly catch my attention. I tried a different and more interesting species of Pachysandra years ago, but it did not do well, at least not in the locations I tried it. 'Green Sheen' stood out enough that I thought it might be worth getting, and so far I think it is.
common names include Japanese Spurge, Pachysandra
hardy in zones 3-9
full to partial shade
March-April bloom
New to our garden in 2020, and as of early 2021 it is doing well. Commonly grown Pachysandra doesn't particularly catch my attention. I tried a different and more interesting species of Pachysandra years ago, but it did not do well, at least not in the locations I tried it. 'Green Sheen' stood out enough that I thought it might be worth getting, and so far I think it is.
Sagina subulata
common names include Irish Moss, Pearlwort hardy in zones 4-10 full to partial sun I've tried this several times through the years without success, but my husband insisted on trying it again and found the perfect spot for it. I have never seen it thrive like it is doing now. One tip for growing, step on it once in awhile or it mounds up and dies out. |
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Thymus ‘Doone Valley’
perennial to zone 5 full sun drought tolerant June-October bloom New to our garden in 2018. Even though variegation does not last into hot weather, by spring of 2019 it already appeared to be completely reverting in areas. |
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Thymus praecox or Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’
a.k.a. ‘Minus’ common names include Creeping Thyme, Elfin Thyme, Miniature Creeping Thyme hardy in zones 5-10 full to partial sun drought tolerant July bloom Very flat growing, perfect for growing between stepping or flag stones. Can take some foot traffic. Shown here with Sempervivum. |
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Thymus vulgaris
common names include Common Thyme, English Thyme, Garden Thyme, Winter Thyme hardy in zones 4-11 full sun drought tolerant June bloom |
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Updated March 24, 2022.