Buy Groundcover Plants in Bulk - Direct from the Grower

Plants by Genus

Imagine More Perennials Than You Can Imagine, Delivered To You - Free

Hosta

Hemerocallis

Sedum

Heuchera

Phlox

Echinacea

Whitehall

Iris

Helleborus

Coreopsis

View all Brands

Hosta

Hemerocallis

Sedum

Heuchera

Phlox

Echinacea

Whitehall

Iris

Helleborus

Coreopsis

Dianthus

Hibiscus

Astilbe

Salvia

Liriope

Monarda

Baptisia

Veronica

Clematis

Lavandula

Achillea

Aquilegia

Buddleia

Leucanthemum

Ajuga

Carex

Delosperma

Delphinium

Hedera

Paeonia

Gaillardia

Lantana

Papaver

Sempervivum

Campanula

Heucherella

Digitalis

Geranium

Kniphofia

Mangave

Nepeta

Agastache

Miscanthus

Panicum

Vinca

Alcea

Athyrium

Perovskia

Aster

Dicentra

Lupinus

Penstemon

Ophiopogon

Primula

Anemone

LAGERSTROEMIA

Thymus

Epimedium

Euphorbia

Heliopsis

Iberis

Pennisetum

Stokesia

Tradescantia

Brunnera

Platycodon

Verbena

Agave

Allium

Rudbeckia

Bergenia

Gaura

Lamium

Pulmonaria

Acorus

Calamagrostis

Euonymus

Lobelia

Pachysandra

Polemonium

Amsonia

Armeria

Asclepias

Gypsophila

Ligularia

Scabiosa

Stachys

Tiarella

Viola

Alstroemeria

Artemisia

Aruncus

Dryopteris

Colocasia

Crocosmia

Hakonechloa

Liatris

Lysimachia

Mazus

Schizachyrium

View all Brands

Groundcovers Offer Versatile Solutions - Bulk Groundcovers, Discounted and Delivered Free to Your Door

On Slopes: Replace challenging and hazardous mowing on steep slopes or uneven terrain with groundcovers. They not only stabilize soil and prevent erosion but also offer a low-maintenance and visually appealing alternative to turfgrass.

Under Trees and Shrubs: Thrive in shaded areas, eliminating the risk of trunk damage from lawn mowers. Their thick growth habit effectively suppresses weeds and helps regulate root-zone temperatures, fostering a healthier environment for your trees and shrubs.

In the Landscape: Create a cohesive and visually pleasing transition between diverse planting areas or high-maintenance gardens and more naturalized spaces. Soften the edges of patios and decks, blending them seamlessly into the surrounding environment. Groundcovers can also serve as a subtle deterrent to foot traffic in designated areas.

Creating Visual Interest: Add year-round beauty to your landscape with groundcovers showcasing diverse textures, colors, and seasonal features. Evergreen foliage or attractive berries provide winter appeal, while vibrant flowers or foliage enliven the spring and summer months. Eye-catching options like the bright yellow blooms of moneywort, the silvery-gray foliage of snow-in-summer, or the coral-pink berries of coralberry create captivating focal points in your garden.

Compare Selected

Groundcover perennials are low-growing plants that spread horizontally, forming a dense mat that suppresses weeds and adds beauty to your landscape. They are a fantastic alternative to traditional lawns, especially in areas with challenging conditions like slopes, shade, or poor soil. Here is a breakdown of what makes them special:

Low-maintenance: They generally require minimal watering and fertilizing once established, making them a time-saving and eco-friendly choice.
Weed suppression: Their dense growth effectively chokes out weeds, reducing the need for herbicides and backbreaking weeding.
Erosion control: They can help prevent soil erosion on slopes.
Visual appeal: Groundcovers come in a wide variety of textures, colors, and flowering periods, adding visual interest and year-round charm to your garden.
Adaptability: You can find groundcovers suited for sun, shade, dry conditions, and even wet areas, making them versatile additions to any landscape.
Weed Suppression: Their dense growth can effectively choke out weeds, reducing the need for herbicides.
Aesthetics: They provide a variety of colors, textures, and blooming patterns, adding visual interest to your garden.
Biodiversity: They can support beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife.
Water Conservation: Many ground covers are drought-tolerant, helping to conserve water.
Versatility: They can be used in a variety of garden settings, from formal to informal.
Durability: They are long-lasting and can provide years of enjoyment.
Benefits beyond aesthetics: Some groundcovers attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, while others help with erosion control on slopes.

When choosing ground cover plants, consider factors such as:

Sunlight: Some plants prefer full sun, while others thrive in shade.
Soil conditions: The plant's tolerance for different soil types should be considered.
Desired growth rate: Some plants spread quickly, while others grow more slowly.
Aesthetic preferences: Choose plants that complement your overall garden design.

Here are some popular examples of groundcover perennials:

Sun-loving:

Creeping Thyme (Thymus): Fragrant, mat-forming herb with purple flowers.
Coral Bells (Heuchera): Diverse foliage colors and textures, some varieties with delicate blooms.
Sedum (various species): Succulent foliage in various shades, drought-tolerant, often with star-shaped flowers.

Shade-loving:

Lamium (Lamium maculatum): Silvery-green foliage with purple, pink, or white flowers.
Hosta: Shade-loving foliage giants with stunning patterns and textures.
Pachysandra terminalis: Evergreen groundcover with dark green foliage, perfect for deep shade.

Remember, the best groundcover perennials for your garden will depend on your specific climate, soil conditions, and desired aesthetic.

Groundcovers at a Glance: Choose the Perfect Fit for Your Landscape

Shade-Loving Groundcovers

Low-Growing (2-6 inches):

Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)
Euonymus fortunei (Wintercreeper)
Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny)
Vinca minor (Periwinkle)

Medium Height (6-12 inches):

Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum' (Variegated Goutweed)
Alchemilla mollis (Lady's Mantle)
Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)
Epimedium species (Barrenwort)
Galium odoratum (Sweet Woodruff)
Hosta species
Lamium maculatum (Spotted Deadnettle)
Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge)
Pulmonaria species (Lungwort)
Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower)

Tall (12+ inches):

Alchemilla mollis (Lady's Mantle)
Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' (Dwarf Chinese Astilbe)
Bergenia cordifolia (Heartleaf Bergenia)
Hosta species
Lamiastrum galeobdolon (Yellow Archangel)
Pulmonaria species (Lungwort)

Sun-Loving Groundcovers

Low-Growing (2-6 inches):

Juniperus horizontalis (Creeping Juniper)
Sedum species (Stonecrop)
Thymus species (Thyme)

Medium Height (6-12 inches):

Artemisia schmidtiana 'Nana' (Silver Mound Artemisia)
Aurinia saxatilis (Basket of Gold)
Cerastium tomentosum (Snow-in-Summer)
Festuca ovina var. glauca (Blue Fescue)
Geranium species (Cranesbill)
Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft)
Juniperus species (Juniper)
Liriope spicata (Lilyturf)
Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox)
Sedum species (Stonecrop)

Tall (12+ inches):

Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Cotoneaster adpressus (Creeping Cotoneaster)
Hemerocallis species (Daylily)
Juniperus species (Juniper)

Perennial groundcovers are a fantastic addition to any garden, offering a wealth of benefits beyond just filling in space. They are low-growing plants that spread horizontally, creating a living carpet that suppresses weeds, reduces soil erosion, and adds beauty and texture. Here is a comprehensive guide to what gardeners should know about perennial groundcovers:

1. Benefits of Perennial Groundcovers:

Weed Suppression: They form a dense mat that inhibits weed growth by blocking sunlight.
Erosion Control: Their roots help stabilize soil, especially on slopes, preventing erosion from wind and rain.
Moisture Retention: They shade the soil, reducing evaporation and helping retain moisture.
Soil Improvement: Some groundcovers, like legumes, can fix nitrogen in the soil, improving its fertility.
Reduced Maintenance: Once established, they require less watering, weeding, and mulching compared to bare ground.
Aesthetic Appeal: They add beauty and texture to the garden, softening hard edges and creating a sense of unity.
Habitat Creation: They can provide shelter and food for beneficial insects and other small creatures.
Temperature Regulation: They can help moderate soil temperature, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

2. Choosing the Right Groundcover:

Light Conditions: Select plants that are suited to the amount of sunlight your garden receives (sun, partial shade, or full shade).
Soil Type: Consider your soil's drainage, texture, and pH. Some groundcovers prefer well-drained soil, while others tolerate moist conditions.
Moisture Needs: Choose plants that match your watering habits and the natural moisture levels of your garden.
Growth Habit: Consider the plant's spreading habit (clumping, running, or creeping) and how aggressively it spreads.
Mature Size: Be aware of the plant's mature height and spread to ensure it will not overcrowd other plants.
Hardiness Zone: Choose plants that are hardy in your USDA hardiness zone.
Aesthetic Preferences: Consider the plant's foliage color, texture, and flower color (if any).

3. Popular Perennial Groundcover Examples:

Shade-Loving:

Ajuga (Bugleweed): Spreads quickly, with colorful foliage and blue flower spikes.
Pachysandra (Japanese Spurge): Evergreen, thrives in deep shade, forms a dense carpet.
Vinca minor (Periwinkle): Trailing vine with glossy leaves and blue or white flowers. Can be invasive in some areas.
Lamium (Dead Nettle): Attractive foliage, often variegated, with pink, purple, or white flowers.
Sweet Woodruff: Delicate foliage, fragrant white flowers, prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Hostas (Plantain Lily): Though not typically considered groundcover, low-growing hostas can fulfill the role beautifully in shady areas.

Sun-Loving:

Creeping Thyme: Fragrant, low-growing, with tiny pink or purple flowers, attracts pollinators.
Sedum (Stonecrop): Succulent, drought-tolerant, many varieties with colorful foliage and flowers.
Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox): Forms a mat of needle-like foliage covered in vibrant flowers in spring.
Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift): Grass-like foliage with pink or white globe-shaped flowers.
Dianthus (Pinks): Certain varieties spread nicely and cover the ground.

Adaptable to Sun or Shade:

Sedum (certain varieties)
Ajuga

4. Planting and Care:

Site Preparation: Remove weeds, loosen the soil, and amend with compost or other organic matter if needed.
Planting Time: Spring or fall is generally the best time to plant perennial groundcovers.
Spacing: Space plants according to their mature spread, allowing them room to grow together.
Watering: Water regularly until plants are established. After that, most groundcovers are relatively drought-tolerant.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilizing: Groundcovers generally do not need much fertilizer. A light application of compost or balanced fertilizer in spring may be beneficial.
Weeding: While groundcovers suppress weeds, some weeding may still be necessary, especially in the first year or two.
Dividing: Some groundcovers may need to be divided every few years to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor.
Controlling Spread: If a groundcover becomes too aggressive, you may need to edge it or remove runners to keep it in bounds.

5. Design Considerations:

Underplanting: Use groundcovers as a living mulch under trees and shrubs.
Edging: Create a neat edge along paths, borders, or flower beds.
Rock Gardens: Many groundcovers are well-suited to rock gardens, where they can cascade over rocks and fill in gaps.
Slopes: Use groundcovers to stabilize slopes and prevent erosion.
Between Stepping Stones: Plant low-growing groundcovers between stepping stones to create a soft, natural pathway.
Replacing Lawn: In areas where grass struggles, consider replacing it with a groundcover that thrives in those conditions.

6. Potential Issues:

Invasiveness: Some groundcovers, like vinca minor and English ivy, can be invasive in certain areas. Research your choices carefully and choose non-invasive alternatives if necessary.
Pests and Diseases: While generally hardy, groundcovers can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Monitor your plants and address any problems promptly.

Perennial groundcovers are a valuable asset to any garden, offering numerous practical and aesthetic benefits. By choosing the right plants for your specific conditions and providing proper care, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance, and thriving landscape. Remember to research your options thoroughly and choose plants that are well-suited to your region and gardening style.

Imagine a garden where vibrant greenery cascades down slopes, softening harsh edges and weaving a tapestry of textures and colors. This is the magic of groundcover perennial plants, a versatile group of low-growing wonders that offer a multitude of benefits while adding beauty and intrigue to any landscape. This comprehensive guide will equip gardeners in all USDA zones with the knowledge and resources they need to successfully create, design, and cultivate groundcover perennial plants.

Understanding Groundcover Perennial Plants

Groundcover perennial plants are low-growing, spreading plants that form a dense mat of foliage, effectively blanketing the ground. They are typically hardy and adaptable, thriving in various conditions and requiring minimal maintenance once established. These plants are more than just aesthetically pleasing; they play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and vibrant garden ecosystem.

Purpose and Benefits

Groundcover perennial plants serve several purposes in the garden, including:

Erosion Control: Their dense root systems help stabilize the soil, preventing erosion on slopes and hillsides.
Weed Suppression: They effectively outcompete weeds by forming a thick layer of foliage that blocks sunlight and prevents weed seeds from germinating.
Moisture Conservation: They help retain moisture in the soil by shading the ground and reducing evaporation.
Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternative: In some areas, groundcover perennials can be used as a beautiful and low-maintenance alternative to traditional lawns. This can significantly reduce the need for mowing, watering, and fertilizing, leading to long-term cost savings.
Aesthetic Appeal: They add beauty and texture to the landscape, creating a lush and vibrant ground cover. They offer a wide array of foliage colors and textures, from the silvery-gray foliage of snow-in-summer to the coral-pink berries of coralberry.
Habitat Creation: They provide shelter and food sources for beneficial insects and other wildlife.
Cost Savings: Compared to traditional lawns or mulch, groundcover perennials can offer significant long-term cost savings. Once established, they require less watering, mowing, and weeding, reducing both the financial and time investments associated with garden maintenance.

Designing with Groundcover Perennial Plants

Creating a successful groundcover design involves careful planning and consideration of several factors:

Factors to Consider

USDA Zone: Select plants that are hardy in your specific USDA zone to ensure their survival and optimal growth.
Sunlight: Choose plants that are suited to the amount of sunlight your garden receives, whether it is full sun, partial shade, or full shade.
Soil Type: Consider the soil type in your garden, such as sandy, loamy, or clay, and select plants that thrive in those conditions. For example, bearberry thrives in sandy, acidic soil, while ajuga prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Desired Aesthetic: Determine the desired aesthetic for your groundcover, whether it is a uniform carpet of foliage, a mix of textures and colors, or a flowering ground cover. Consider the variety of foliage colors and textures available, such as the silvery-gray foliage of snow-in-summer or the coral-pink berries of coralberry.
Growth Habits: Consider the growth habits of the plants, such as their spreading rate and mature size, to ensure they fit your design and space.
Connecting the Landscape: Groundcover perennials can be used as a design element to connect different areas of the landscape or to create visual transitions between contrasting elements. They can soften the edges of patios and walkways, blend seamlessly into naturalized areas, or unify diverse planting schemes.

Groundcover for Different Conditions

Matching the right groundcover to your garden's specific conditions is crucial for success. Consider the following:

Sunlight:

Sunny Areas: For sunny areas, consider plants like sedum, creeping thyme, and lamb's ears. These plants tolerate full sun and well-drained soil.
Shady Areas: For shady areas, consider plants like hostas, ferns, and ajuga. These plants thrive in low-light conditions and moist soil.

Soil Type:

Sandy Soil: Bearberry and creeping thyme are good choices for sandy soil.
Clay Soil: Ajuga and lamium tolerate clay soil well.
Rocky Soil: Sedum and creeping phlox are suitable for rocky areas.

Aesthetics:

Colorful Foliage: Consider plants like ajuga, lamium, and creeping jenny for their vibrant foliage colors.
Attractive Flowers: Choose groundcovers like creeping phlox, sedum, and dianthus for their showy blooms.

Cultivating Groundcover Perennial Plants

Once you have designed your groundcover, proper cultivation techniques are essential for their successful establishment and growth.

Planting Techniques

Prepare the Soil: Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. It is also crucial to conduct a soil test to determine its pH and nutrient levels, allowing you to make necessary amendments for optimal plant growth.
Spacing: Space the plants according to their mature size and growth habits to ensure they have enough room to spread.
Planting Depth: Plant the groundcover at the same depth they were growing in their containers.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and provide regular watering until the plants are established.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Planting Time: The best time to plant groundcover perennials is in early spring or early fall. This allows the plants to establish their root systems before the onset of summer heat or winter cold.

Watering Needs

Water Requirements: Different groundcover plants have varying water requirements. Research the specific needs of your chosen plants.
Watering Frequency: Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Watering Methods: Use appropriate watering methods, such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses, to deliver water directly to the roots.

Fertilization

Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for groundcover plants.
Fertilization Frequency: Fertilize once or twice a year, in spring and fall, to provide essential nutrients.
Application Rate: Follow the recommended application rate on the fertilizer label to avoid over-fertilization.

Pest and Disease Control

Prevention: Choose disease-resistant varieties and maintain good cultural practices to prevent pest and disease problems.
Monitoring: Regularly monitor your groundcover plants for signs of pests or diseases.
Treatment: If pests or diseases occur, use appropriate control methods, such as organic pesticides or fungicides.

Groundcover Perennial Plants for Different USDA Zones

Here are some recommended groundcover perennial plants for different USDA zones, along with their growth habits, care requirements, and potential challenges:

Zone 1:

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): A spreading, mat-forming evergreen shrub with small, leathery leaves and red berries. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil. Bearberry can be slow to establish but is very hardy and drought-tolerant once established.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): A low-growing, creeping perennial with fragrant foliage and purple flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Creeping thyme can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soil.
Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans): A spreading, mat-forming perennial with colorful foliage and blue or purple flower spikes. It prefers partial shade to full shade and moist soil. Bugleweed can be aggressive in some areas.

Zone 2:

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana): A low-growing, spreading perennial with edible fruit and attractive white flowers. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Wild strawberry can spread rapidly and may require some control.
Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis): A low-growing, spreading evergreen with dark green foliage. It thrives in shade and moist, well-drained soil. Pachysandra can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases.
Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis): A low-growing, spreading evergreen with needle-like foliage. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Creeping juniper can be susceptible to spider mites.

Zone 3:

Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata): A low-growing, mat-forming perennial with pink, purple, or white flowers in spring. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Moss phlox can be susceptible to powdery mildew.
Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum): A spreading perennial with silvery-white foliage and white flowers in early summer. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Snow-in-summer can be aggressive in some areas.
Golden Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'): A low-growing, creeping perennial with bright golden foliage. It thrives in sun to partial shade and moist soil. Golden creeping jenny can be invasive in some areas.

Zone 4:

Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum): A spreading perennial with variegated foliage and pink, purple, or white flowers. It prefers partial shade to full shade and moist soil. Deadnettle can be susceptible to slugs and snails.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis): A spreading perennial with fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers. It thrives in shade and moist, well-drained soil. Lily of the valley can be invasive in some areas.
Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum): A clump-forming perennial with pink or lavender flowers. It prefers partial shade to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Wild geranium can self-seed readily.

Zone 5:

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata): A low-growing, mat-forming perennial with pink, purple, or white flowers in spring. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Creeping phlox can be susceptible to powdery mildew.
Sedum (Sedum spp.): A diverse group of succulents with various foliage colors and textures. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Sedum can be susceptible to slugs and snails.
Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis): A spreading perennial with chartreuse flowers and attractive foliage that holds water droplets. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Lady's mantle can self-seed readily.

Zone 6:

Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum): A low-growing, spreading perennial with fragrant white flowers. It thrives in shade and moist, well-drained soil. Sweet woodruff can be invasive in some areas.
Lamium (Lamium maculatum): A spreading perennial with variegated foliage and pink, purple, or white flowers. It prefers partial shade to full shade and moist soil. Lamium can be susceptible to slugs and snails.
Creeping Mahonia (Mahonia repens): A low-growing, spreading evergreen shrub with holly-like leaves and yellow flowers. It prefers partial shade to full shade and well-drained soil. Creeping mahonia can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases.

Zone 7:

Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis): A low-growing, spreading evergreen with needle-like foliage. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Creeping juniper can be susceptible to spider mites.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): A low-growing, creeping perennial with golden foliage. It thrives in sun to partial shade and moist soil. Creeping jenny can be invasive in some areas.
Lilyturf (Liriope spp.): A clump-forming perennial with grass-like foliage and purple flower spikes. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Lilyturf can be slow to establish.

Zone 8:

Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis): A low-growing, spreading evergreen with dark green foliage. It thrives in shade and moist, well-drained soil. Pachysandra can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases.
Confederate Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides): A vining evergreen with fragrant white flowers. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Confederate jasmine can be invasive in some areas.
Juniper (Juniperus spp.): A diverse group of evergreen shrubs with various foliage colors and textures. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Juniper can be susceptible to bagworms.

Zone 9:

Beach Morning Glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae): A fast-growing, spreading vine with pink flowers. It thrives in full sun and sandy soil. Beach morning glory can be aggressive in some areas.
Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis): A low-growing, spreading evergreen with dark green foliage. It thrives in shade and moist, well-drained soil. Pachysandra can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases.
Japanese Ardisia (Ardisia japonica): A low-growing shrub with glossy leaves and red berries. It prefers shade and moist, well-drained soil. Japanese ardisia can be susceptible to scale insects.

Zone 10:

Dwarf Chenille Plant (Acalypha reptans): A low-growing, spreading perennial with fuzzy red flowers. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Dwarf chenille plant can be susceptible to spider mites.
Blue Daze (Evolvulus glomeratus): A low-growing, spreading perennial with small, blue flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Blue daze can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soil.
Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis): A spreading perennial with purple or white flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Trailing lantana can be susceptible to whiteflies.

Zone 11:

Dwarf Oyster Plant (Tradescantia spathacea): A clump-forming perennial with purple foliage and small white flowers. It prefers partial shade to full shade and well-drained soil. Dwarf oyster plant can be susceptible to mealybugs.
Baby Sun Rose (Aptenia cordifolia): A succulent groundcover with red or purple flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Baby sun rose can be susceptible to aphids.
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila): A fast-growing, vining plant with small leaves. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Creeping fig can be invasive in some areas.

Zone 12 and 13:

Peanut Butter Plant (Cuphea hyssopifolia): A low-growing shrub with small, purple flowers. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Peanut butter plant can be susceptible to spider mites.
Golden Dewdrop (Duranta erecta): A shrub with purple flowers and yellow berries. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Golden dewdrop can be invasive in some areas.
Wedelia (Sphagneticola trilobata): A fast-growing, spreading vine with yellow flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Wedelia can be very aggressive and invasive.

This table provides a quick reference for some popular groundcover perennial plants in different USDA zones:

Groundcover Perennial Plant	Growth Habit	Sunlight Requirements	Soil Preferences	Care Requirements	Potential Challenges	USDA Zones
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)	Spreading, mat-forming	Full sun to partial shade	Well-drained, acidic	Drought-tolerant, low maintenance	Can be slow to establish	1-3
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)	Creeping, mat-forming	Full sun	Well-drained	Drought-tolerant, low maintenance	Can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soil	3-9
Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)	Spreading, mat-forming	Partial shade to full shade	Moist, well-drained	Tolerates various soil types	Can be aggressive in some areas	4-8
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)	Creeping, mat-forming	Full sun to partial shade	Well-drained	Drought-tolerant, low maintenance	Can be susceptible to powdery mildew	5-9
Sedum (Sedum spp.)	Spreading, mat-forming	Full sun	Well-drained	Drought-tolerant, low maintenance	Can be susceptible to slugs and snails	4-9
Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis)	Spreading	Full sun to partial shade	Moist, well-drained	Moderate watering needs	Can self-seed readily	4-7
Hosta (Hosta spp.)	Clump-forming	Partial shade to full shade	Moist, well-drained	Regular watering, fertilization	Can be susceptible to slugs and snails	3-8
Lilyturf (Liriope spp.)	Clump-forming	Full sun to partial shade	Well-drained	Moderate watering needs	Can be slow to establish	6-10
Confederate Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)	Vining	Full sun to partial shade	Well-drained	Drought-tolerant, moderate watering needs	Can be invasive in some areas	8-11

Environmental Benefits

Groundcover perennial plants offer several environmental advantages:

Erosion Control: They help prevent soil erosion, protecting waterways and reducing sedimentation.
Weed Suppression: They reduce the need for herbicides, minimizing chemical pollution and promoting biodiversity.
Habitat Creation: They provide valuable habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, supporting a healthy ecosystem. By creating a diverse groundcover with a variety of plant species, you can further enhance the habitat value and support a wider range of beneficial organisms.

Groundcover perennial plants are a versatile and valuable addition to any garden, offering a multitude of benefits that extend beyond their aesthetic appeal. They are essential tools for erosion control, weed suppression, and habitat creation, contributing to a healthy and thriving garden ecosystem. By understanding their purpose, benefits, and cultivation requirements, gardeners in all USDA zones can successfully incorporate these versatile plants into their landscapes. With careful planning and maintenance, groundcover perennial plants will provide years of beauty, functionality, and environmental benefits, transforming your garden into a vibrant and sustainable oasis.

Shop by Category

Shop by Brand

Shop by Brand

Groundcover Plants