Weeds are among the biggest nuisances in any garden or landscape. They compete with your plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight, often spreading quickly and spoiling the look of your outdoor spaces. While mulching, hand-pulling, and herbicides are common weed-control strategies, one of the most sustainable and visually pleasing solutions is using ground covers.
Ground cover plants are low-growing, spreading species that create a dense carpet over the soil. By covering bare ground, they naturally block weed seeds from germinating and reduce the amount of light reaching unwanted plants. At the same time, they add texture, color, and seasonal interest to your garden.
In this article, we’ll explore the best ground covers for suppressing weeds naturally, how to choose the right ones for your space, and tips for planting and maintenance.
Why Use Ground Covers for Weed Control?
Before diving into plant choices, it’s important to understand why ground covers are so effective against weeds.
- Shade and smothering effect – A thick layer of foliage limits sunlight, making it nearly impossible for weed seeds to sprout.
- Soil coverage – By occupying open soil, ground covers leave little space for weeds to take root.
- Moisture regulation – They conserve soil moisture, which benefits desired plants but often discourages opportunistic weeds.
- Low-maintenance solution – Once established, many ground covers require minimal care while continuing to block weeds year after year.
- Aesthetic appeal – Beyond their practical use, ground covers add beauty, fragrance, and even pollinator benefits to a landscape.
The Best Ground Covers To Suppress Weeds Naturally
Here are some of the most effective ground cover plants, categorized for different garden conditions.
1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
- Why it works: Creeping thyme forms a dense mat that quickly spreads across open soil, effectively crowding out weeds.
- Extra benefits: It releases a pleasant fragrance when stepped on, making it perfect for pathways or borders. In summer, it produces small purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
- Best conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established.
2. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
- Why it works: Periwinkle spreads fast, rooting wherever its trailing stems touch the ground. It’s evergreen, providing year-round coverage and weed suppression.
- Extra benefits: Delicate blue-violet flowers bloom in spring, and the glossy foliage adds a lush look.
- Best conditions: Tolerates sun to partial shade. Grows well under trees where grass struggles.
3. Clover (Trifolium repens)
- Why it works: Clover naturally fixes nitrogen in the soil, enriching it while crowding out weeds with its dense, low-growing habit.
- Extra benefits: Provides food for pollinators and stays green even in poor soils where grass may fail.
- Best conditions: Full sun to partial shade, adaptable to many soil types.
4. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
- Why it works: This shade-loving ground cover spreads quickly in moist soil, forming a soft carpet that blocks light from reaching weed seeds.
- Extra benefits: It produces fragrant white star-shaped flowers in spring, and the foliage releases a sweet scent when dried (traditionally used in potpourri).
- Best conditions: Partial to full shade, moist soil. Great under trees or in woodland gardens.
5. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
- Why it works: Creeping Jenny creates a thick, trailing mat of foliage that leaves no room for weeds.
- Extra benefits: Its golden-green leaves brighten shady areas, and it’s often used in containers, rock gardens, and as a lawn alternative.
- Best conditions: Partial shade to full sun with consistent moisture.
6. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
- Why it works: Ajuga spreads rapidly by runners, forming a dense mat that weeds can’t penetrate.
- Extra benefits: Known for its colorful foliage (bronze, purple, or variegated) and striking blue flower spikes in spring. Excellent for adding contrast.
- Best conditions: Sun to partial shade, average soil moisture.
7. Hostas (Hosta spp.)
- Why it works: Hostas don’t form a carpet, but their large, broad leaves create deep shade underneath, preventing most weeds from sprouting.
- Extra benefits: Available in endless sizes, colors, and variegations. Their lush foliage is perfect for shady gardens.
- Best conditions: Shade-loving, thrives in rich, moist soil.
8. Sedum (Stonecrop)
- Why it works: Sedums are succulents that form spreading mats, making them ideal for dry, sunny areas where weeds often thrive.
- Extra benefits: Low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and many varieties bloom with clusters of star-shaped flowers.
- Best conditions: Full sun, sandy or rocky soils.
9. Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)
- Why it works: Pachysandra is a classic evergreen ground cover, especially effective in shady areas where grass won’t grow. It spreads slowly but forms an impenetrable mat over time.
- Extra benefits: Glossy green leaves and small white flowers in spring. Provides year-round coverage.
- Best conditions: Partial to full shade, moist, well-drained soil.
10. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)
- Why it works: While not a traditional ground cover, daylilies’ dense clumping growth and arching leaves help suppress weeds in larger areas.
- Extra benefits: Vibrant blooms in summer and low-maintenance growth. Excellent for slopes or borders.
- Best conditions: Full sun to partial shade, tolerates a wide range of soils.
Tips for Planting Ground Covers for Weed Suppression
Choosing the right plants is only part of the solution. Planting and maintenance play a key role in long-term success.
- Prepare the soil – Remove existing weeds and debris before planting to give your ground covers a head start.
- Plant densely – Space plants close enough to allow them to grow together quickly, leaving little room for weeds to invade.
- Mulch between new plants – Until your ground covers spread, apply a light layer of mulch to suppress weeds during establishment.
- Water consistently – Most ground covers need regular watering at the beginning. Once established, many become drought-tolerant.
- Prune and thin when necessary – Some vigorous species (like creeping Jenny or periwinkle) can become invasive. Keep them in check to prevent unwanted spread.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Ground Covers
- Climate suitability – Make sure the plant thrives in your USDA hardiness zone.
- Sunlight requirements – Match ground covers with the light levels of your site (full sun, partial shade, or full shade).
- Soil type – Some plants prefer moist, rich soils, while others thrive in sandy or dry conditions.
- Invasiveness – Certain ground covers spread aggressively and may outcompete desired plants. Always research their behavior in your region.
Final Thoughts
Ground covers are a gardener’s ally in the battle against weeds. Instead of relying solely on chemicals or constant pulling, you can let nature do the work by planting species that naturally suppress unwanted growth. From the fragrant blooms of creeping thyme to the evergreen lushness of pachysandra, there’s a ground cover to suit every garden style and condition.
By choosing wisely and maintaining them properly, you’ll not only keep weeds at bay but also create a more beautiful, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly landscape.