How to Grow Creeping Ground Cover Plants
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Creeping Ground Cover Plants
Various species (e.g., Delosperma, Sedum, Thymus, Ajuga)
ground coverCreeping ground covers are low-growing plants that spread horizontally across soil, creating dense mats of foliage that suppress weeds and reduce erosion. These versatile plants include sedums, thymes, ajugas, and ice plants, offering varied textures, colors, and seasonal interest. They are ideal for landscape displays, borders, rock gardens, and areas where traditional lawn grass is impractical.
When should you plant Creeping Ground Cover Plants in your zone?
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Example Creeping Ground Cover Plants timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Creeping Ground Cover Plants
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 Creeping Ground Cover Plants
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Most creeping covers thrive in zones 3-11, with cold-hardy varieties like sedums in zones 3-4 and heat-lovers like ice plants in zones 9-11
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Get my Creeping Ground Cover Plants timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (4-8 weeks)
4-8 weeksYoung plants develop roots and initial horizontal growth; foliage is compact and may appear sparse
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; apply light mulch around plants (avoid smothering); monitor for transplant stress
Vegetative Spreading (2-6 months)
2-6 monthsPlants actively spread horizontally, forming low mats; stems root at nodes; foliage thickens and fills in gaps
Reduce watering frequency once established; thin or redirect aggressive spreaders if needed; remove any weeds emerging through the cover
Maturation (6-12 months)
6-12 monthsDense mat formation with complete ground coverage; plants reach mature height and spread; texture and color become uniform
Water only during dry spells; deadhead spent flowers if desired for neatness; edge or contain vigorous varieties; minimal fertilizer needed
Flowering (species-dependent timing)
2-8 weeksMany ground covers produce small flowers on low stems; sedums have star-shaped pink/red/white flowers; ajugas have purple/blue spikes; thymes have tiny pink/purple blooms
Allow flowers to bloom for pollinator attraction; deadhead or leave for seed production and wildlife; flowering typically occurs spring to early summer, or summer to fall depending on species
Seasonal Dormancy (winter)
2-4 months (zone-dependent)Cold-hardy deciduous types may die back; evergreen varieties retain foliage but reduce growth; sedums often turn bronze or burgundy; ajugas and thymes remain evergreen in most zones
Minimal care required; avoid heavy mulching that traps moisture; allow established plants to overwinter naturally; clear debris in spring
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove by hand, create copper barriers, use beer traps, apply diatomaceous earth around plantings
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply neem oil or sulfur fungicide, prune infected areas
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Improve drainage, reduce watering frequency, amend soil with sand or gravel, replace affected plants
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Increase humidity, spray with water, apply neem oil, encourage natural predators
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Spray with insecticidal soap, use water jets to dislodge, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
Uses
Erosion control and slope stabilization
HouseholdCreeping ground covers bind soil with their spreading root systems, preventing erosion on slopes, banks, and steep terrain. Their low height and dense mats reduce water runoff while stabilizing unstable ground. [source]
Low-maintenance lawn alternative
HouseholdGround covers eliminate the need for mowing and reduce water and fertilizer demands compared to traditional turf grass. They create attractive, functional surfaces in hard-to-mow areas and between pavers. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect habitat
WildlifeFlowering ground covers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while creating shelter for beneficial insects and ground-dwelling animals. Their dense structure offers refuge for small creatures. [source]
Culinary herbs (thyme and oregano varieties)
CulinaryCreeping thyme and oregano ground covers provide fresh herbs for cooking, teas, and seasoning. Harvest leaves as needed; they are evergreen in many zones. [source]
Dried flowers and foliage
CraftSedums, thymes, and other flowering ground covers can be dried for floral arrangements, wreaths, and crafts. Their delicate flowers and textured foliage retain form and color when dried. [source]
Harvest Tips
Creeping ground covers are not typically harvested for food, but foliage and flowers can be clipped for craft, dried for arrangements, or used fresh (thyme and oregano varieties can be harvested for culinary use). Trim or deadhead after flowering to maintain neatness and encourage denser growth. Prune back overgrown or leggy sections in early spring or fall to rejuvenate.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Creeping thyme species can tolerate foot traffic once established, making them suitable for living pathways and between stepping stones—ancient Romans used thyme-lined paths in gardens.
- 🌱 Many sedums are succulents that can survive weeks without water by storing moisture in their fleshy leaves, allowing them to thrive in arid landscapes and reduce water consumption by 80% compared to lawn grass.
- 🌱 Some creeping ground covers like ajuga 'Atropurpurea' change color with the seasons, displaying deep burgundy foliage in winter and green in summer, providing year-round ornamental interest without replanting.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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