Looking at ugly bare spots in your yard? Me too!
I was so sick of seeing patches of dirt under my trees and along my walkways.
Then I found the perfect fix – evergreen ground covers!
These plants have made such a huge difference in my yard, and I can’t wait to share my top 15 picks that work like magic!
1. Periwinkle (Vinca Minor)
I absolutely adore periwinkle for those tricky shaded spots in my garden. This tough little plant has been a game-changer under my maple trees where nothing else would grow.
Its delicate star-shaped flowers add the prettiest splash of color from spring through fall.
Best of all, once established, it practically takes care of itself while creating a dense green carpet that keeps weeds at bay.
2. Creeping Phlox
If you’re looking for springtime drama, creeping phlox is your answer.
I planted it along my garden pathway three years ago, and now each spring, I’m rewarded with a stunning carpet of blooms in gorgeous pinks and purples.
What I love most is how it continues to look fresh and green long after the flowers have faded.
3. Angelina Stonecrop
This is hands-down my favorite plant for adding year-round color interest to my rock garden.
Its needle-like foliage transforms from bright gold in summer to the most stunning orange hues in winter.
I’ve found it to be practically indestructible in my hot, dry garden spots.
4. Creeping Thyme
My favorite thing about creeping thyme has to be the heavenly scent when you walk on it.
I planted it between my garden stepping stones, and now every trip to the garden is a sensory delight.
The tiny purple flowers that appear in summer aren’t just pretty – they’ve turned my pathway into a butterfly and bee haven!
5. Japanese Spurge
This was my salvation for that impossible shady spot under my large oak tree.
Its glossy dark green leaves create such a professional-looking finish, and the white spring flowers are an unexpected bonus.
I’ve noticed it does an amazing job at keeping the soil from washing away during heavy rains.
6. Candytuft (Iberis)
The pristine white blooms of candytuft never fail to take my breath away each spring.
I was thrilled to discover that deer completely ignore this plant – a huge win for my garden since we have so many visiting our neighborhood!
It’s become my go-to plant for sunny borders where I want year-round structure with a spectacular spring show.
7. Black Mondo Grass
Talk about making a statement! This dramatic plant has become the conversation starter in my garden.
The deep, almost-black foliage creates the most striking contrast against my lighter plants.
I’ve used it as an edging plant around my flower beds, and it’s like adding a sophisticated black frame to a beautiful painting.
8. Creeping Juniper
After struggling with erosion on my garden slope, creeping juniper came to the rescue.
Its low-growing, spreading habit has completely transformed that troublesome area into a maintenance-free zone.
The blue-green needles look fresh and vibrant all year, even during our harshest winters.
9. Winter Creeper
The variegated leaves of winter creeper bring such cheerful brightness to my shaded garden corners.
I love how versatile this plant is – in some spots it climbs my garden wall, while in others it creates a beautiful ground cover.
The gold-edged leaves catch the light beautifully, especially on cloudy days.
10. Rock Cotoneaster
The herringbone pattern of rock cotoneaster’s branches adds such interesting texture to my garden design.
I’ve found it particularly stunning in autumn when the glossy green leaves turn to brilliant reddish-orange.
It’s proven perfect for stabilizing the soil along my garden slope while creating visual interest.
11. Bugleweed
This shade-loving champion has transformed the dark corners of my garden into something magical.
The carpet of blue-purple flower spikes in spring creates the most enchanting woodland feel.
I especially appreciate how it suppresses weeds in areas where I can’t easily weed.
12. Creeping Raspberry
Who doesn’t love a plant that’s both beautiful and edible? The tiny berries are such a sweet surprise.
My kids love helping me collect the occasional fruit while I’m working in the garden.
The rugged leaves form such a dense mat that I haven’t seen a weed break through in years.
13. Sweet Woodruff
This delightful plant has turned the shady spot beneath my maple tree into a charming woodland garden.
The delicate white flowers and sweet fragrance in spring make it feel like I’m walking through a fairy garden.
I’ve discovered that the leaves become even more fragrant when dried – perfect for natural potpourri!
14. English Ivy
A classic choice that never disappoints, English ivy quickly covered my bare fence line with lush greenery.
Just remember to keep an eye on it – I learned the hard way that it can be quite vigorous!
It’s particularly beautiful in winter when other plants have lost their leaves.
15. Waldsteinia
This hardy ground cover has become my secret weapon for drought-prone areas.
The glossy green leaves and cheerful purple flowers bring life to spots where other plants struggle.
I particularly love how it attracts butterflies while naturally deterring garden pests.