How to Grow Native Ground Covers
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Native Ground Covers
Various species (regional)
groundcoverNative ground covers are low-growing plants naturally occurring in specific regions that spread horizontally to blanket soil, prevent erosion, and create wildlife habitat. They eliminate the need for lawn maintenance while supporting local ecosystems and requiring minimal water, fertilizer, or pesticides once established. Common types include sedges, creeping phlox, bearberry, and native clover species.
When should you plant Native Ground Covers in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Native Ground Covers timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Native Ground Covers
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Native Ground Covers
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Native Ground Covers dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Varies by species; research cultivars native to your specific region for optimal performance
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Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung plugs or seedlings developing initial root systems and establishing in their new location
Water consistently during first 4-6 weeks; mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds; protect from heavy foot traffic
Vegetative Growth
2-6 months (species-dependent)Plant spreads horizontally via stolons, rhizomes, or lateral branching; foliage expands to cover bare soil
Reduce watering frequency as plants establish; remove competing weeds; do not mow during this phase unless species-specific guidance suggests it
Spreading
3-18 monthsRapid lateral growth as plants fill in designated area; coverage becomes denser
Minimal intervention required; allow plants to spread naturally; maintain moisture during drought; reduce supplemental watering significantly
Flowering
2-8 weeks (species-dependent)Many native ground covers produce attractive flowers (timing varies: spring through fall depending on species); supports pollinators
Do not deadhead unless necessary; allow flowers to bloom to support native bees and butterflies; seeds may self-sow for additional coverage
Maintenance/Maturity
Ongoing (1-2 years to reach full maturity)Fully established ground cover providing complete soil coverage with minimal management needs
Water only during extended drought (native plants rarely need supplemental water after 2 years); no fertilizer necessary; consider light raking in spring to remove dead debris
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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and
Hand-pick; encourage ground beetles and carabids; copper barriers for small plantings; beer traps
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Increase humidity via misting; spray with water; ensure adequate spacing for air circulation
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Hand-pick early morning; encourage parasitic wasps; avoid traps near plantings
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Improve air circulation; reduce overhead watering; remove affected foliage
Uses
Habitat & Pollinator Support
EcologicalNative ground covers provide essential nectar, pollen, and shelter for bees, butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects, supporting regional biodiversity and ecosystem health. [source]
Erosion Control & Soil Stabilization
HouseholdDense growth and established root systems prevent soil erosion on slopes, stabilize banks, and reduce stormwater runoff, improving water infiltration and reducing flooding. [source]
Low-Maintenance Landscaping
HouseholdOnce established, native ground covers require no mowing, minimal watering, and no fertilizer or pesticides, reducing maintenance labor, fuel consumption, and chemical inputs. [source]
Edible & Medicinal Species
CulinarySome native ground covers (native clover, chickweed, wintergreen) are edible or have traditional medicinal uses; verify species identification before consuming. [source]
Carbon Sequestration & Water Conservation
EcologicalNative ground covers require minimal resource inputs compared to lawns, sequester carbon through perennial root systems, and conserve water through deep-rooted drought tolerance. [source]
Harvest Tips
Native ground covers are not typically harvested; instead, they are established to provide long-term landscape function, erosion control, and wildlife support. Deadheading flowers is optional and depends on aesthetic preference and species. Allow seeds to mature and drop for natural self-seeding and increased coverage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Native ground covers can reduce lawn mowing emissions by up to 50% annually; a small residential lawn mower produces as much smog-forming pollution in one hour as driving a car for 40 miles.
- 🌱 Many native ground covers spread via underground rhizomes or stolons, creating interconnected networks that can reproduce even if aboveground growth is damaged, making them extremely resilient.
- 🌱 A single native flower spike on ground cover plants can attract dozens of different pollinator species within minutes; converting even 10% of lawn to native ground cover significantly increases local pollinator populations.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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