How to Grow Herbaceous Groundcovers

Wikimedia Commons

Herbaceous Groundcovers

Various species (e.g., Ajuga reptans, Lysichiton americanus, Sagina subulata)

groundcover

Herbaceous groundcovers are low-growing, spreading plants that form dense mats to suppress weeds and provide living mulch for gardens and landscaping. These non-woody plants typically grow 6-12 inches tall and spread horizontally to fill garden spaces efficiently. They thrive in various light conditions and soil types, making them versatile solutions for challenging garden areas.

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Example Herbaceous Groundcovers timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Herbaceous Groundcovers
Around Apr 17

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

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Herbaceous Groundcovers
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Highly variable by species: some prefer full sun (6-8 hours), others thrive in partial shade (3-6 hours), and many excel in full shade

💧

Water: Water regularly during establishment (first 4-6 weeks) to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, most herbaceous groundcovers are drought-tolerant and need water only during extended dry periods; however, some species prefer consistently moist soil

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Spacing: 3-12 inches (varies significantly by species; check specific variety for optimal spacing) inches

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Days to maturity: 30-90 days for initial establishment; full coverage typically 1-2 years

🌱

Planting depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery container; shallow-rooted species should be planted just below soil surface

Soil

Type: Varies by species; generally prefer well-draining soil, though some tolerate poor soils

pH: 6.0-7.0 (species-dependent; some tolerate 5.5-7.5)

Amendments:

Compost or aged organic matter for moisture retention Perlite or coarse sand for drainage in heavy soils Peat moss for acid-loving species Mulch to retain moisture during establishment

Growing Zones

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Zone selection depends on specific species; most herbaceous groundcovers thrive in zones 3-9, with some hardy to zone 2 and others suitable for zone 10-11

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 develop roots and begin lateral spreading; foliage is sparse and growth is slow

Keep soil consistently moist, apply mulch around plants (leaving a small space at stems), and avoid foot traffic. Fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer

Vegetative Growth

8-16 weeks (or continuing throughout growing season)

Plants send out runners, stolons, or lateral stems that root and spread horizontally; foliage fills in noticeably

Continue regular watering during dry spells. Thin out dead or diseased stems. Prune back any plants that exceed desired boundaries

Flowering (if applicable)

4-12 weeks (species-dependent)

Some herbaceous groundcovers produce flowers (e.g., Ajuga's blue or purple spires, creeping phlox's pink blooms) at varying heights

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooms or allow them to set seed for natural propagation. Flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects

Mature Groundcover

Year-round maintenance phase

Dense carpet of foliage covers the intended area; plant spreads to fill crevices and suppresses most weeds

Reduce watering frequency once established. Cut back or edge plants if they spread beyond borders. Remove fallen leaves in spring to prevent disease

Dormancy (cold-season species)

2-6 months (zone and species-dependent)

In late fall/winter, deciduous groundcovers may brown, die back, or enter dormancy; evergreen types remain green or develop winter color

Avoid walking on dormant areas. Do not fertilize. Allow dead foliage to provide winter protection; clean up in early spring

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Spring bulbs (daffodils, crocuses, tulips) Small shade shrubs Ferns Hostas Sedums and other succulents Deciduous trees (as underplanting)

Avoid planting near:

Invasive perennials that may outcompete groundcovers Shallow-rooted trees that demand moisture Plants requiring drastically different water or light conditions

Common Pests

and
Hand-pick, use copper barriers, apply neem oil or diatomaceous earth, or encourage ground beetles
Spray with water to dislodge, apply neem oil, or use miticides if severe
Improve air circulation, remove affected foliage, apply sulfur or fungicides, avoid overhead watering
Improve drainage, reduce watering frequency, apply fungicide if caught early, remove severely affected plants
Remove affected leaves, improve air circulation, apply fungicide, avoid wetting foliage

Uses

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Weed suppression and living mulch

Household

Herbaceous groundcovers create dense mats that block sunlight, preventing weed seeds from germinating and reducing maintenance work. They also improve soil structure and moisture retention over time. [source]

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Erosion control

Household

The fibrous root systems and dense foliage of groundcovers stabilize soil on slopes and banks, preventing erosion from wind and water while adding organic matter as plants decompose. [source]

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Pollinator and beneficial insect habitat

Wildlife

Many flowering herbaceous groundcovers (Ajuga, creeping phlox, thyme) provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while creating shelter for ground-dwelling insects and small animals. [source]

🍳

Edible leaves and flowers (select species)

Culinary

Creeping thyme and some Ajuga species produce edible leaves used for flavoring in cooking, and their flowers make attractive, subtle garnishes for salads and desserts. [source]

🎨

Decorative garden aesthetics

Craft

Herbaceous groundcovers provide year-round visual interest with varied foliage colors (gray, purple, chartreuse), textures, and seasonal flowers, creating living artwork while reducing the need for hardscape elements. [source]

Harvest Tips

Herbaceous groundcovers are not typically harvested for food. However, some species (e.g., Ajuga) are edible flowers used for garnish. Simply pinch off leaves or small flowering stems as needed. For propagation, divide plants in spring or autumn, or root stem cuttings in moist soil. Most spread readily on their own once established

Fun Facts

🌱 Some herbaceous groundcovers, like Irish moss (Sagina subulata), can survive in the cracks between stepping stones and actually improve with light foot traffic, making them perfect for creating living pathways.
🌱 Creeping thyme (Thymus praecox) releases fragrant oils when stepped on, and many gardeners intentionally plant it along paths to create aromatic gardens that engage multiple senses.
🌱 Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed) has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries and was historically believed to improve wound healing—a use still studied by modern herbalists today.

Gardening Terms

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

Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade pH Runner

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