When I first started gardening, my biggest challenge was filling those awkward spaces and bare spots that seemed to pop up everywhere.
That’s when I discovered the wonderful world of creeper plants!
These ground-hugging superstars have become my secret weapon for creating a lush, professional-looking garden, and today I’m sharing my favorites with you.
What Are Creeper Plants
As a passionate gardener, I’ve fallen in love with these magical plants, also known as procumbent plants. They’re nature’s carpet, creating the most beautiful lush green coverage you can imagine.
What makes them truly special is how they hug the ground while producing the most stunning blooms. I use them everywhere in my garden – from filling empty spaces to adding texture in my flower beds.
10 GORGEOUS Creeper Plants to Elevate Your Garden
1. Creeping Phlox
This was my first creeper plant, and I’m still amazed by its stunning performance every spring. It creates the most beautiful carpet of star-shaped flowers in pink, purple, blue, and white.
I’ve planted mine along my rock garden pathway, and it’s become the highlight of my spring garden. It’s perfect for beginners – just give it moderate temperatures, full sun, and rich, moist soil, and it’ll reward you with a spectacular show.
2. Creeping Thyme
My absolute favorite for those tricky spots between stepping stones! The soft blue-green leaves release the most heavenly fragrance when you walk on them.
I love using fresh snippets in my cooking – it adds such a lovely flavor to my roasted vegetables. Mine produces delicate pink flowers, though you can find varieties with purple or white blooms.
3. Bugleweed (Ajuga Reptans)
This fast-growing beauty has been a game-changer in my shaded garden areas. Those striking blue and purple flower spikes create the most magical carpet in spring.
One word of caution from my experience: plant it where you can contain it. I learned the hard way that it spreads quite enthusiastically through runners!
4. Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
When I needed something tough for that problematic shady corner behind my garage, Vinca Minor came to the rescue! Its glossy leaves stay green all year, and those adorable blue flowers never fail to make me smile.
Just a heads up from one garden mom to another – if you have furry friends like I do, plant this one in areas your pets don’t frequent. I keep mine in my front yard border where our dog doesn’t roam.
5. Dragon’s Blood Sedum
Talk about a show-stopper! I planted this stunning succulent along my garden wall, and it’s been the talk of the neighborhood. Those fleshy leaves turn the most gorgeous shade of red in fall.
This is my go-to recommendation for busy moms who want a low-maintenance stunner. It thrives on neglect and still produces the prettiest pink star-shaped flowers in summer.
6. Creeping Jenny
Oh, how I love the cascading golden-green leaves of this beauty in my hanging baskets! After making the mistake of planting it directly in my garden (it spread everywhere!), I’ve learned to keep it contained.
Now it’s the star of my container garden, creating beautiful waterfalls of foliage that make me smile every time I look at my porch.
7. Creeping Charlie
Here’s a plant with quite the reputation! While some of my gardening friends consider it a nuisance, I’ve learned to appreciate its historical value as both an ornamental and medicinal herb.
If you decide to grow it, learn from my experience and keep it well-contained. Trust me, it can take over faster than a toddler with finger paint!
8. Purslane
This little beauty has become my secret weapon for those hot, dry spots where nothing else grows. Its succulent-like leaves and cheerful yellow flowers bring life to even the most challenging garden areas.
I love harvesting it for my summer salads – it adds such a lovely crunch and is packed with nutrients. Just keep an eye on its spreading habits, or it might try to take over your veggie garden!
9. Bird’s Foot Trefoil
The bright yellow flowers of this plant have transformed my garden into a butterfly paradise! I planted it along my sloping backyard, and it’s done wonders for erosion control.
The best part? It actually improves my soil by fixing nitrogen. Now that’s what I call a hardworking plant!
10. Clover
This humble plant has become my eco-friendly lawn alternative. Its soft texture is perfect for barefoot summer days, and my kids love searching for four-leaf clovers.
The bees absolutely adore the white and pink flowers, making it a wonderful addition to any pollinator-friendly garden.
Bonus: Snow-in-Summer
Characteristics
I discovered this gorgeous plant at a garden center last year, and it was love at first sight! The combination of silvery-green foliage and pure white blooms creates the most magical summer display.
Growing Requirements
After some trial and error, I’ve found it performs best in my sunny rock garden with well-draining soil. Living in a dry climate, it’s thrived beautifully for me.
If you’re in a humid area like my sister in Florida, you might want to choose a different option. But for those in drier regions, this plant is an absolute dream!