How to Grow Mixed Groundcovers

Mixed Groundcovers

Various species

groundcover mix

A diverse collection of low-growing plants used to cover soil, suppress weeds, and create layered landscape designs. Groundcovers vary in height (3 inches to 3 feet), spread, texture, and growing requirements, allowing gardeners to create visually interesting and functional garden beds. When selected for complementary heights and spreads, they create dynamic, multi-textured living carpets.

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

Plant Mixed Groundcovers
Around Apr 17

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

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Mixed Groundcovers
Around May 17

≈ 30 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Varies by species: full sun (6-8 hours), partial shade (3-6 hours), or shade (less than 3 hours)

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Water: Varies by species; generally moderate after establishment. Most groundcovers are drought-tolerant once established, but benefit from consistent moisture during first growing season.

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Spacing: 6-24 inches depending on mature spread and species inches

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Days to maturity: 30-180 days to full coverage depending on species and planting density

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Planting depth: At soil line for transplants; seeds per species instructions

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil; specifics vary by species

pH: 6.0-7.0 (species-dependent)

Amendments:

Compost or aged mulch for moisture retention Perlite or sand for improved drainage Peat moss or coconut coir for acid-loving species Lime for acid soil amendments

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Varies by species; most thrive in zones 4-9

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

4-8 weeks

Young plants settle into soil, developing root systems and initial foliage growth. Coverage is minimal, and gaps between plants are visible.

Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Apply 1-2 inches of mulch around plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Avoid foot traffic.

Vegetative Growth

4-12 weeks

Plants develop fuller foliage and lateral spread. Stems elongate and secondary growth begins. Gaps between plants gradually close.

Reduce watering frequency as roots deepen. Remove any aggressive weeds competing for space. Prune leggy or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer if growth appears slow.

Coverage

8-16 weeks

Plants fill in the intended space, creating a cohesive living carpet. Most gaps are closed, though taller varieties may still be visible between shorter ones.

Maintain light pruning to encourage density and control spread. Remove dead or diseased foliage. Reduce supplemental watering. Continue to monitor for pests and diseases.

Maturity & Maintenance

Ongoing

Groundcover reaches full density and form. Plants are well-established, drought-tolerant, and provide full coverage with minimal gaps.

Prune as needed to maintain desired height and spread. Remove dead leaves or stems. Minimal fertilizing required. Weed out any invasive species that establish themselves. Annual or biennial renewal pruning may be needed for some species.

Seasonal Dormancy (if applicable)

2-4 months

Deciduous and semi-evergreen groundcovers may lose foliage or slow growth in cold months. Evergreen varieties maintain structure year-round.

Cease fertilizing. Reduce watering in cold climates. Cut back or leave standing cover depending on species and landscape design. Remove snow from delicate foliage if needed. Some species benefit from a light mulch refresh before winter.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Spring bulbs (beneath deciduous groundcovers) Ornamental grasses Small perennials Shrubs (as backdrop) Hostas (in shade groundcover designs) Sedums (in rock gardens) Lavender Catmint Creeping thyme

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive spreading plants (bindweed, bishop's weed) Deep-rooted competitors (black walnut) Plants with allelopathic properties that inhibit neighboring growth

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap for severe infestations. Increase humidity around plants.
and
Remove by hand at dusk/dawn. Use beer traps or copper barriers. Apply diatomaceous earth or sluggo-type baits.
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Improve air circulation by pruning. Apply sulfur or baking soda spray. Avoid overhead watering.
Improve drainage in planting area. Reduce watering frequency. Remove affected plants and amend soil with sand or perlite.

Uses

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Weed Suppression & Soil Protection

Household

Dense groundcover eliminates the need for bare soil, reducing weed germination by blocking sunlight and competing for nutrients and moisture. This reduces maintenance labor and pesticide use. [source]

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Habitat & Food Source for Beneficial Insects

Wildlife

Flowering groundcovers like creeping thyme and sedums attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Dense foliage provides shelter for ground-dwelling creatures and nesting sites for ground-nesting birds. [source]

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Erosion Control & Slope Stabilization

Household

Root systems of groundcovers hold soil in place on slopes and prevent surface erosion from water runoff. This is especially valuable on hillsides, embankments, and areas prone to washout. [source]

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Ornamental Garden Design & Texture Variation

Craft

Layering groundcovers of complementary heights, spreads, colors, and foliage textures creates dynamic visual interest in garden beds. Combinations can extend seasonal color and provide year-round structure. [source]

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Low-Maintenance Alternative to Turf

Household

Groundcovers eliminate the need for mowing, reducing labor and fuel consumption. Many require less water and fertilizer than lawn grass, making them an eco-friendly landscape choice. [source]

Harvest Tips

Groundcovers are not typically harvested for consumption. Instead, prune or deadhead to maintain desired shape and density. Remove dead foliage and stems regularly. Light pruning encourages bushier growth and fuller coverage.

Fun Facts

🌱 Creeping thyme, a popular groundcover, releases fragrant essential oils when stepped on and has been used for centuries in herbal medicine for respiratory health.
🌱 Sedum groundcovers can survive months without water due to their succulent leaves, which store moisture. They thrive in poor soil where many other plants cannot, making them ideal for challenging sites.
🌱 Japanese moss gardens, some of which are over 1,000 years old, are masterpieces of groundcover design, using dozens of moss species selected for color, texture, and growth patterns to create living art.

Gardening Terms

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

Annual Biennial Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade

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