Add These 20 Ground Cover Plants To Your Yard Instead Of Grass

Tired of mowing the lawn every week? There’s a better way to cover your yard that’s just as beautiful but way less work. Ground cover plants are the perfect alternative to grass, offering lush, low-maintenance greenery without the hassle.

Whether you’re looking to reduce weeds, add color, or even conserve water, these 20 plants can do it all. Say goodbye to traditional grass and welcome a stunning, sustainable landscape that’ll make your yard the envy of the neighborhood!

1. Creeping Thyme

Picture this: a carpet of tiny purple flowers, buzzing with bees. Creeping thyme not only looks stunning, but it smells like a herb garden brewed up a perfume. It’s a low-maintenance hustle, thriving in sunny spots while needing only a sprinkle of water now and then.

This plant laughs in the face of foot traffic, making it ideal for pathways and between stepping stones. Add a pinch of magic to your garden with this aromatic wonder that doubles as a culinary delight.

2. Irish Moss

Imagine walking on a green fluffy cloud; that’s Irish Moss for you. This velvety green surface is not just a feast for the eyes but a tactile delight for bare feet. It prefers the cool shadows and moist conditions, making it perfect for those shady corners of your garden.

Unlike grass, it won’t whine for constant mowing. Embrace the lushness of this mossy wonder and let your feet enjoy a plush green fantasy.

3. Sedum

Who knew succulents could be the ultimate lawn substitute? Sedum plants are the sassy survivors of the plant world, thriving in conditions where grass would throw in the towel. With colors ranging from green to red, they add a dynamic splash to your garden.

These little champs shrug off drought and love basking in the sun. Sedum is your go-to for a no-fuss, always-vibrant ground cover.

4. Clover

Ever thought of a garden full of lucky charms? Clover is not just for lucky four-leaf hunts; it’s a wonderful grass alternative that’s a haven for pollinators. Its pretty white and purple flowers are a hit with bees, and it requires less mowing than traditional grass.

With nitrogen-fixing superpowers, clover enriches the soil as it grows. Trade your lawn for this eco-friendly, luck-bringing beauty.

5. Ajuga

Ready for a splash of drama? Ajuga, with its dark, glossy leaves and striking blue flower spikes, is your ticket to a stunning yard makeover. It’s unfussy about sun or partial shade, spreading quickly to cover ground with effortless beauty.

This plant plays well with others, making it an excellent companion to other perennials. Ajuga’s vibrant display is a surefire way to turn your garden into a show-stopper.

6. Lamb’s Ear

Imagine the softest, fuzziest plant you’ve ever touched. Lamb’s Ear is like a cozy blanket for your garden, with silvery leaves that beg to be petted. It loves basking in the sun and shrugs off dry spells like a champ.

Perfect for creating sensory delight in any landscape, it’s also a favorite for children to explore. Let Lamb’s Ear add a touch of whimsy and tactile joy to your yard.

7. Vinca Minor

Think of it as your garden’s little blue jewel. Vinca Minor offers glossy leaves and charming periwinkle flowers, creating a lush carpet that thrives in the shade. It’s the ultimate problem-solver for tricky shady spots where grass refuses to grow.

This evergreen beauty keeps your garden looking fresh all year round. Let Vinca Minor be the dazzling solution to your shady dilemmas.

8. Sweet Woodruff

Fancy a hint of vanilla in your garden? Sweet Woodruff isn’t just a pretty face with its delicate white flowers and whorled leaves. It’s also known for its sweet scent, especially when dried, making it perfect for potpourri.

This plant relishes the shade, spreading quickly to form a dense cover. Sweet Woodruff is a fragrant, beautiful solution for areas where grass struggles.

9. Creeping Jenny

Ready for a pop of color? Creeping Jenny, with its bright yellow-green leaves, brightens any garden, cascading beautifully over rocks and walls. It loves soaking up the sun but isn’t afraid of a little shade either.

This plant is a fast grower, quickly covering ground with its cheerful foliage. Let Creeping Jenny be the sunshine your garden needs all year round.

10. Bugleweed

Ever craved a garden that’s a little on the wild side? Bugleweed is your answer, with its stunning deep blue spikes and lush foliage. It thrives in partial shade, creating a vibrant ground cover that’s both eye-catching and low-maintenance.

Perfect for adding a little drama and texture to your garden, it’s also great for erosion control on slopes. Bugleweed will have your garden looking effortlessly chic.

11. Mondo Grass

Ever wished for a lawn that didn’t demand constant attention? Enter Mondo Grass, with its elegant, dark green blades that mimic grass but without the drama. It thrives in shady spots and requires minimal watering, making it a lazy gardener’s dream.

This evergreen beauty keeps your garden looking lush year-round. Let Mondo Grass be your easy-going companion in creating a chic, low-maintenance landscape.

12. Snow-in-Summer

Fancy having a touch of winter in the middle of summer? Snow-in-Summer brings a cascade of white blooms and silver-grey leaves that shimmer in the sun. It thrives in sunny, well-drained areas, spreading quickly to cover ground like a fluffy summer snow.

This plant is drought-tolerant and perfect for rock gardens. Let Snow-in-Summer bring a cool, crisp elegance to your garden.

13. Pachysandra

Ever thought of a plant that thrives in the darkest corners? Pachysandra is your go-to ground cover for those shady spots that grass despises. It forms a dense green mat with glossy leaves and delicate white flowers.

Ignoring the need for constant mowing, it’s a low-maintenance beauty. Let Pachysandra transform your shade garden into a lush, green oasis.

14. Liriope

Imagine a plant that knows how to play the borders right. Liriope, with its strappy green leaves and lavender flower spikes, adds a touch of elegance to garden edges and paths. It thrives in sun or partial shade and shrugs off drought like a pro.

Creating a lush border or ground cover, it offers a refined appearance with minimal fuss. Let Liriope be the stylish edge your garden needs.

15. Woolly Thyme

Ever dreamt of a lawn that’s as soft as a cloud? Woolly Thyme, with its fuzzy grey-green leaves and delicate pink flowers, offers a tactile delight. This charming ground cover thrives in sunny spots and is incredibly drought-tolerant.

Perfect for between stepping stones or as a living mulch. Let Woolly Thyme add a cozy, aromatic touch to your garden.

16. Mazus

How about a splash of color and a soft landing for your feet? Mazus spreads quickly, forming a dense mat of green leaves with charming purple blooms. It thrives in moist, partially shaded areas, making it perfect for garden edges and paths.

This little powerhouse is both beautiful and resilient, requiring minimal care. Let Mazus bring a touch of whimsy and color to your outdoor spaces.

17. Golden Creeping Jenny

Want a garden that glows? Golden Creeping Jenny, with its striking yellow leaves, adds a bright splash of color that stands out. It loves sunny spots but can tolerate a bit of shade, spreading quickly to create a vibrant ground cover.

This hardy plant is excellent for filling in spaces and brightening up the landscape. Let Golden Creeping Jenny be the golden touch in your garden.

18. Corsican Mint

Ever wished your garden smelled as good as it looked? Corsican Mint offers a refreshing minty aroma with its tiny green leaves. It loves shady, moist spots and forms a dense carpet that’s perfect for between stepping stones.

This aromatic gem is not only functional but also adds a delightful scent to your garden. Let Corsican Mint be the fragrant breath of fresh air your garden craves.

19. Dead Nettle

Imagine a plant that thrives in the shadows and still shines. Dead Nettle, with its variegated leaves and purple flowers, offers a stunning display in shady areas. It spreads easily, forming a dense cover that’s both beautiful and practical.

This plant is low-maintenance and deer-resistant, making it a garden favorite. Let Dead Nettle add a touch of elegance and resilience to your shady spots.

20. Blue Star Creeper

Fancy a sprinkle of stars underfoot? Blue Star Creeper, with its tiny blue flowers, creates a celestial carpet that delights in sunny spots. This resilient plant spreads quickly, filling in gaps with its charming blooms.

Perfect for between pavers or as a colorful alternative to grass, it requires minimal upkeep. Let Blue Star Creeper be the star-studded crown in your garden.