How to Grow Ground covers

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Ground covers

Various species (e.g., Ajuga reptans, Sedum spp., Thymus spp.)

ground cover

Ground covers are low-growing plants that spread horizontally to blanket soil and suppress weeds, typically reaching 12 inches or less in height. They encompass diverse plant families including sedums, thymes, ivies, junipers, and flowering perennials, each with unique characteristics suited to different conditions. Ground covers serve both aesthetic and functional purposes in landscape design, reducing maintenance while protecting soil erosion.

Looking for a specific variety?

Creeping thyme Sedum Ajuga Creeping phlox Creeping juniper English ivy Creeping cotoneaster

When should you plant Ground covers in your zone?

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Example Ground covers timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Ground covers
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Ground covers
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ground covers dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to part shade depending on species; sedums and creeping thymes prefer full sun (6+ hours), while ivy and ajuga tolerate shade (3-4 hours)

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Water: Low to moderate water needs once established; most ground covers are drought-tolerant. Water regularly during establishment (first growing season), then reduce frequency. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

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Spacing: 6-18 inches apart depending on species and desired coverage speed; smaller spreaders planted closer, larger spreaders farther apart inches

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Days to maturity: 60-365 days depending on species and spacing; most establish dense coverage within 1-2 growing seasons

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Planting depth: Plant at soil level; do not bury crowns. Transplants should have top of root ball level with soil surface

Soil

Type: Varies by species; generally well-draining soil, from sandy to loamy

pH: 5.5-7.5 depending on species

Amendments:

Compost for moisture retention in sandy soils Perlite or coarse sand for drainage in clay soils Leaf mold or peat moss for acidic-preferring species Mulch for moisture conservation and weed suppression

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Varies by species; most ground covers thrive in zones 4-9, with cold-hardy options for zone 2-3 and heat-tolerant varieties for zones 9-11

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

4-8 weeks

Young plants are planted and develop root systems; sparse coverage with individual plants visible

Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Remove any emerged weeds manually to reduce competition.

Vegetative Growth

8-16 weeks

Plants spread horizontally via runners, stolons, or rhizomes; shoots lengthen and fill in gaps between plantings

Continue regular watering. Deadhead spent flowers if desired. Prune back excessive growth to maintain shape. Reduce watering as plants mature.

Filling & Maturation

4-12 weeks

Dense mat forms with 70-90% soil coverage; plants begin to cover each other; canopy thickens

Reduce watering frequency; most ground covers are drought-tolerant at this stage. Remove any weeds before they establish. Light pruning maintains shape and encourages bushier growth.

Full Coverage

Ongoing (year-round once established)

Complete or near-complete soil coverage (90-100%); dense, mature ground cover with minimal bare soil visible

Minimal maintenance required. Water during extended drought only. Occasional pruning or shearing maintains appearance and prevents overgrowth into adjacent areas. Remove dead or damaged stems.

Seasonal Dormancy (for deciduous types)

3-5 months (winter)

Deciduous ground covers lose foliage in winter; evergreen types retain leaves year-round

No watering needed for dormant plants unless unusually dry. Avoid heavy foot traffic on frozen soil. Spring cleanup of dead leaves and stems prepares plants for new growth.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Shade-tolerant hostas (with ivy or ajuga) Ornamental grasses Spring bulbs (crocus, daffodil, scilla) Shrubs as vertical accents Shade trees (providing light filtering) Small perennials (creeping phlox, sedums) Conifers (dwarf juniper varieties)

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive spreading plants (mint, bindweed) Plants requiring frequent watering in dry climates Shade-intolerant plants near heavy ground cover Plants with deep roots competing for moisture Species with allelopathic properties (black walnut)

Common Pests

Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity; remove heavily infested growth
and
Hand-pick; use copper tape barriers; apply diatomaceous earth; encourage natural predators (beetles, toads)
Improve air circulation; reduce leaf wetness; apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide if severe
Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; avoid over-fertilizing
Ensure excellent drainage; reduce watering; remove affected plants; improve soil aeration

Uses

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Erosion control and soil stabilization

Household

Ground covers protect soil from erosion on slopes and prevent soil compaction. Their root systems bind soil particles together, making them ideal for landscaping difficult terrain and reducing maintenance. [source]

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Culinary herbs

Culinary

Creeping thyme, oregano, and marjoram varieties produce edible foliage for flavoring dishes, teas, and infusions. These varieties combine groundcover functionality with fresh herb harvesting. [source]

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Herbal remedies

Medicinal

Creeping thyme contains thymol with antimicrobial and antitussive properties. Traditionally used in herbal medicine for cough relief and respiratory support when brewed as tea. [source]

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Pollinator and beneficial insect habitat

Wildlife

Flowering ground covers like creeping phlox, sedums, and thymes attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. They provide food sources and protective shelter for beneficial garden fauna. [source]

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Weed suppression

Household

Dense ground cover mats prevent weed germination by blocking sunlight and competing for moisture and nutrients. This reduces or eliminates the need for herbicides and manual weeding. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Ground covers are not typically harvested. For varieties with edible or medicinal foliage (like creeping thyme), harvest sprigs as needed by pinching or cutting. For ornamental foliage, prune as desired for shape and density. Some varieties (like creeping sedums) are harvested for propagation via leaf or stem cuttings.

Fun Facts

🌱 Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) was historically used as an ancient symbol of courage and was worn by medieval knights before battle.
🌱 Some ground covers like sedums and sempervivums are so drought-tolerant that they can survive on rooftops with minimal soil, making them ideal for green roof installations.
🌱 Ajuga (bugleweed) gets its name from its historical use as a medicinal herb for wounds; the name derives from 'abigo,' meaning 'to drive away' in Latin, referring to its pest-repelling properties.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Perennial Runner

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