Look, I was done with my ugly, patchy lawn. Done! But I had no clue what to do instead – until I found these amazing tough groundcovers.
Now my yard looks amazing without all the work, and my neighbors keep asking me for my secret. Well, here it is!
My 15 Tough Groundcovers That Can Survive Anything
1. Creeping Thyme
My absolute favorite aromatic groundcover! I first planted it along my garden pathway, and it’s been a showstopper ever since.
Growing just 3-6 inches high, this fragrant herb creates a stunning carpet of delicate flowers that makes me smile every time I step outside.
What I love most is how it releases a lovely scent when walked upon – my kids call it the “magical path” because of this feature.
It’s particularly fantastic for those tricky spots like rock gardens and between stepping stones where other plants struggle to grow.
2. Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
This was my go-to solution for that problematic shady corner under our old maple tree.
The spreading shoots create a dense mat of foliage topped with gorgeous deep blue or purple flowers that brighten up even the darkest spots.
I’ve found it especially useful along our walkways, where it suppresses weeds like a champion and keeps the soil from drying out too quickly.
3. Geranium
When I was looking for something to brighten up my partly shaded garden beds, these charming plants came to the rescue.
They create beautiful mounds of trailing stems that bloom continuously from spring until frost, giving me months of violet-blue flowers.
My favorite part? They practically take care of themselves, thriving in those cooler, shaded spots where other plants often struggle.
4. Pachysandra (Japanese Spurge)
I discovered this evergreen beauty when redesigning my shaded backyard area. It’s been a game-changer for those spots where grass refuses to grow.
Growing up to 10 inches tall, it creates the most beautiful carpet-like cover that stays green all year round.
Each spring, I’m treated to delicate spikes of white or pink flowers that add an unexpected touch of elegance to my garden’s shadier corners.
5. Ajuga (Bugle Weed)
This was my secret weapon when I needed to cover a challenging slope in our front yard.
The gorgeous foliage comes in shades of purple, green, and pink, staying a compact 6 inches tall while spreading to form a dense mat.
I especially love watching the blue, lavender, or pink flower spikes emerge in spring – they’re like nature’s own miniature fireworks display.
6. Moss
After struggling with a damp, shady area beside our water feature, moss turned out to be the perfect solution.
What I appreciate most is its completely hands-off nature – no mowing, minimal watering, and zero fertilizing needed.
It’s transformed our garden’s problem spots into peaceful, Japanese-inspired retreats that look like they’ve been there forever.
7. Creeping Jenny
This bright beauty has become my go-to plant for adding splashes of cheerful color around our pond.
Just a word of caution from personal experience – it spreads enthusiastically, so I’ve learned to contain it within specific areas.
It’s particularly stunning in my rain garden, where its chartreuse foliage brightens up even the gloomiest days.
8. Liriope (Monkey Grass)
This was my solution for those narrow strips along our driveway where nothing else seemed to thrive.
The grass-like foliage stays evergreen in my garden, and those lovely purple or white flower spikes in summer are an added bonus.
I’ve found it to be incredibly drought-resistant, which has been a blessing during our hot, dry summers.
9. Pork and Bean Sedum
After failing with traditional plants in my sunniest, driest garden bed, this succulent saved the day.
The plump, fleshy leaves in shades of green, pink, and red create an ever-changing display throughout the seasons.
My kids love how the leaves look like tiny beans, making it a fun addition to our family garden.
10. Asiatic Jasmine
This glossy-leaved beauty has become my reliable partner for covering large areas with minimal effort.
Standing 6-12 inches tall, it forms a dense, attractive mat that stays green year-round in my garden.
The spring brings delightful clusters of white, yellow, or pink flowers that fill the air with a subtle fragrance.
11. Creeping Phlox
Every spring, this early bloomer transforms my hillside into a cascade of pink, lavender, and purple flowers.
I’ve found it particularly effective at preventing soil erosion on our sloped areas while creating a stunning visual display.
The best part? It thrives in full sun and requires practically no maintenance once established.
12. Wild Ginger
The heart-shaped foliage of this plant adds a whimsical touch to my woodland garden areas.
I love how it naturally combats weeds while stabilizing the soil in some of our more challenging spots.
For added interest, I’ve tucked spring bulbs throughout the bed, creating waves of color as seasons change.
13. Roman Chamomile
Walking barefoot through my chamomile pathway has become one of my favorite summer pleasures, thanks to its delightful apple scent.
It’s proven to be an excellent lawn alternative in our sunny spots, requiring far less maintenance than traditional grass.
My family particularly enjoys the soft, cushiony feeling underfoot during our garden gatherings.
14. Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma)
This low-growing succulent has turned my previously barren rock garden into a kaleidoscope of colors.
The daisy-like flowers, especially in the fire spinner variety, create an incredible display of pink, orange, and yellow blooms.
It’s become a favorite spot for local pollinators, bringing extra life and movement to our garden.
15. Lamb’s Ear
This tactile treasure has become the star attraction in our family garden, with its irresistibly soft, fuzzy leaves.
The silver-green foliage provides year-round interest and requires minimal care, even in poor soil conditions.
My children dubbed it the “bunny plant” because of its velvety texture, making it a must-touch feature in our garden beds.