Garden plants are sometimes divided into ornamental or functional categories. Ground covers often fit both descriptions, as they help keep gardens healthy while adding an attractive element to the landscape. Because plants like clover or dichondra grow faster than others, many ground-hugging plants require very little time commitment before gardeners realize their full potential. For gardeners looking to quickly upgrade their lawn or garden, this expert-curated list offers ten different fast-growing ground cover plants to choose from.

Benefits of ground cover

Ground cover plants are more than just beautiful accents along walkways or garden borders. There are several benefits to planting low-growing plants in your garden.

• Supports wildlife: Ground cover plants promote biodiversity and provide food and habitat for beneficial pollinators, birds and other insects, contributing to an overall healthier garden ecosystem.
• Low maintenance: Ground cover plants generally require minimal care, be it in terms of watering or fertilizing.
• Reduces soil erosion: In gardens with slopes or poor drainage, ground cover plants can help stabilize soil with their extensive root systems. “Their dense growth and spread create a protective layer that holds the soil in place,” says Adam Sexton, landscape architect and principal at Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture.
• Suppresses weeds: If you’re looking for a natural method of weed control, ground covers can be an effective method. “Alternative ground covers enable weed control because they create a dense, low layer that helps smother weeds,” says Dr. Matthew Koch, director of biotechnology, genetics and seed at Scotts Miracle-Gro.

10 fast-growing ground cover plants

Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Bugleweed, also called ground ivy, is a fast-growing, low-maintenance ground cover that can form a lush and dense carpet along the garden bed. Bugleweed has attractive, glossy leaves that are colored by spikes of blue, pink or white flowers in the spring. Sexton says bugleweed thrives in partial shade to full sun. Because it is drought-resistant, it is ideal for areas where other plants struggle to survive. This evergreen perennial grows quickly, so gardeners should prune it regularly to keep it in the desired range.

Clover (Trifolium repens)

Clover is another plant that is often used as a fast-growing ground cover plant. It grows low, spreads horizontally, and provides a beautiful, bright shade of green. Sometimes clover is used as an alternative to lawns because the trefoil-shaped leaves rarely need mowing. In addition to being visually appealing, clover offers a number of benefits. “Clover has the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, which enriches the soil and promotes healthier plant growth,” says Koch. For low-maintenance varieties in shady areas, you can plant strawberry clover for tiny pink flowers or Dutch white clover for white flowers.

Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera)

For gardeners looking to add bright color, creeping phlox is a great option. This moderately fast and low-growing plant blooms in clusters of purplish-pink flowers (the color depends on the variety) in spring. This semi-evergreen perennial is native to the eastern and central United States. Creeping phlox is ideal for forming a thick, carpet-like mat and grows best in sunny regions with moderate temperatures. As a bonus, creeping phlox also suppresses weeds by expanding into the garden’s root system.

Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Sweet woodruff is another popular perennial groundcover that’s perfect for shadier areas. Sexton likes the fragrant groundcover, noting its whorled leaves and white, delicate flowers. Sweet woodruff could thrive under trees or in woodland gardens where the soil is moist and well-drained. Plus, sweet woodruff attracts beneficial pollinators.

Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

“With its small, aromatic leaves and bright clusters of pink or purple flowers, creeping thyme beautifies landscapes and thrives in sunny, well-drained areas,” says Koch. Creeping thyme is easy to care for and drought-resistant, an ideal option for gardeners who want minimal maintenance. Plus, creeping thyme is a flowering and edible perennial. The plant spreads quickly, reduces soil erosion, and suppresses pesky weeds.

Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)

Candytuft (or Iberis) is an evergreen, moderately fast-growing groundcover plant that blooms with clusters of white flowers in spring. Ideal for edging garden beds, pathways or rock gardens, Candytuft grows best in full to partial sun and drier environments (but it does need watering to become established). Gardeners can choose from several varieties.

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

Another fast-growing option for rock gardens or pathways is creeping jenny, which is perfect for creating that visual cascading effect. “Creeping jenny is a vibrant ground cover with trailing stems adorned with small, round leaves in bright green or gold tones,” says Sexton. This ground cover plant prefers moist, well-drained soil as well as partial shade. It can spread quickly and even produce yellow flowers.

Asiatic jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum)

If you’re looking for ground cover options for warmer climates, consider Asian jasmine. This fast-growing climber is heat tolerant and produces dark green, glossy leaves as well as small, fragrant flowers. In addition to being a great ground cover, Asian jasmine is versatile as a climber. This plant is easy to care for and grows quickly, but it does need pruning to prevent it from spreading into unwanted areas.

Dichondra (Dichondra repens)

Dichondra is a fast-growing groundcover that reaches 2 to 3 inches tall and forms a lush green carpet. “Known for its low, creeping habit and kidney-shaped leaves, Dichondra spreads quickly to cover large areas with minimal maintenance,” says Koch. Dichondra grows best in spots with excellent drainage and full sun, although it can handle partial shade as well. It can effectively suppress weeds and mitigate soil erosion.

Creeping Juniper

For an alternative aesthetic, creeping juniper is a moderately fast-growing shrub that makes a great ground cover. Creeping juniper provides year-round greenery and is a popular choice for slopes or rocky areas because it can survive where other plants often cannot. Creeping juniper is drought-resistant, can handle virtually any soil, and grows best when planted in spring.