Ground Covers For Suppressing Weeds

Ground Covers For Suppressing Weeds

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Fight Plants With Plants

The Best Ground Covers For Suppressing Weeds

Ground covers are powerhouses when it comes to the garden. They effortlessly fill those tough-to-grow sites that are usually ignored, like tight spaces, gaps between stepping stones, slopes, or shady understories. We think of them as “problem-solvers” for their ability to control erosion, insulate the soil, survive neglect, and provide a habitat for wildlife. While it’s reasonable to assume more plants means more maintenance, ground covers prove that isn’t always the case!

Ground covers stretch across the soil like a living mulch, providing many of the same benefits as regular mulch. Once established, they help deter germination of new weed seeds and prevent old weeds from returning by crowding them out. If you’re looking for an easy, organic way to control your weeds, it’s time to look into ground covers. Fight plants with plants and transform your garden into a lush oasis in the process!

Here are some of our favorite weed-suppressing ground covers that will continue to reward you year after year.

Thyme

Fragrant, Eye-Catching, and Hard-Working

Whether it’s Wooly, Red, or Lemon, thyme (Thymus) always gets the job done. It grows densely, like a thick mat, crowding out unwanted weeds as it spreads. We think it’s beautiful, too! The foliage comes in a variety of textures and colors, plus, it’s fragrant to the touch. The only requirement this deer-resistant, hardy ground cover has is a sunny spot with good drainage. Try planting it along pathways or as a lawn substitute for small spaces.

Cranesbill

Powerful, Yet Easy To Control

Nothing can stop Cranesbill (Geranium) in the garden! They boast exceptional heat and drought tolerance, are not subject to insects or diseases, and are deer resistant. Plus, they bloom prolifically from spring to fall. Pollinators will appreciate them as much as you do. Some ground covers can be difficult to control, but not this one. It spreads slow and steady, making it easy to contain in smaller areas if needed.

Bugleweed

Durable, Reliable, and Bold

If your garden is lacking color or texture, Bugleweed (Ajuga) is your solution. Spikes of bright-blue blooms in late spring and early summer accompany the bold evergreen foliage to give your garden an eclectic vibe. It’s durable enough to handle foot traffic, so consider planting it between stepping stones or along pathways. This foolproof perennial groundcover will make gardening a breeze. It’s so low maintenance; nearly all you have to do is plant and enjoy!

Creeping Phlox

Hundreds of Flowers Instead of Hundreds of Weeds

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) forms a lush carpet that spreads vigorously and adds color year-round. It’s a stunning addition to landscapes in need of a low-growing groundcover that can grow in difficult soils. Gravelly soil, we’re talking about you. Plant it in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and you’ll be delighted when its star-shaped blooms attract butterflies each spring.

Stonecrop

Withstands Heat, Humidity, Drought, and Weeds

Stonecrop (Sedum) is one tough plant. Aside from tolerating foot traffic, it also tolerates drought, heat, humidity, and poor soil, making it highly adaptable and virtually maintenance-free! Small succulent leaves form a colorful moss-like mat as it spreads in the garden. Plus, when the flowers bloom in summer, you’ll have a sea of colorful blooms to enjoy.

Mazus

Small Flowers, Big Impact

Some plants are useful, while others are beautiful. Thankfully, Mazus is both. It gets into the garden and covers ground quickly, forming a dense, weed-suppressing mat that grows 2″ tall and spreads 6″-12″ each season once established. It is ideal for planting between pavers or in areas that get a bit of foot traffic, as it can handle the disturbance with grace. Orchid-like blooms smother the foliage in spring, creating a whimsical display.

Creeping Speedwell

Grows Vigorously, Blooms Vibrantly

Close up of 'Tidal Pool' Creeping Speedwell (Veronica) with bright blue blooms
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Few other ground covers are as adaptable and easy to grow as ‘Tidal Pool’ Creeping Speedwell (Veronica). It’s a fast-spreading evergreen that grows up to 30″ wide in a single season. You won’t believe how quickly it takes off to make itself at home in your garden. Plus, it’s very tolerant of adversity from rain and cold to heat, humidity, and drought. Enjoy hundreds of vivid blue blooms that give this short ground cover a big presence.

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Written by: Miranda Niemic, click here to read bio.

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