what is the best ground cover for flower beds

Using Wood Mulch Wood mulch and bark nuggets are the preferred ground covers in most ornamental beds. A 2-inch-deep layer keeps down weeds and helps insulate the soil while complementing the ornamental appearance of otherwise dormant flower gardens.

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What is the best ground cover flower?

27 Common Ground Cover Flower

1. Flowering Thyme. Flowering thyme, also known as creeping thyme, is an extremely popular ground cover flower. ...
2. Bugleweed. Bugleweed is another ground cover flowers with a nice aromatic scent. ...
3. Alyssum. ...
4. Canadian anemone. ...
5. Candytuft. ...
6. Sedum. ...
7. Delosperma. ...
8. Creeping Phlox. ...
9. Deadnettle. ...
10. Black Mondo Grass. ...

More items...

What are the best flowering ground covers?

Best Flowering Ground Cover Plants. 1. Bigroot Geranium. Botanical Name: Geranium macrorrhizum. It is best for gardeners who want to grow low-maintenance plants. It flowers in pink, red, or pale pink hues with interesting variegated foliage. 2. Spotted Dead Nettle.

What ground cover will kill grass?

Black plastic mulch can kill grass and weeds to make space for a vegetable garden or new border. It’s an eco-friendly way to clear land without having to use herbicides. Once the excitement of starting a new garden wears off, the questions begin.

What is the best low growing ground cover?

Which flowers are best for low maintenance ground cover?

• Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is my favourite hardy geranium and is so easy to grow. ...
• Gypsophila repens is a lovely flower to direct sow into borders as it grows around established perennials for a soft and 'frothy' looking prettiness that is hard to find with ...
• Nemophila 'Five Spot' is a super cute plant which you can direct sow around the edges of borders. ...

What is the best low maintenance ground cover?

The Best Low-Maintenance Ground Covers for Your GardenHeuchera. 2/16. ... Honeysuckle. 3/16. ... Brass Buttons. 4/16. ... Creeping Phlox. 5/16. ... Creeping Jenny. 6/16. ... Stonecrop. 7/16. ... Vinca Minor. 8/16. ... Lamium. 9/16.More items...

What is the best ground covering to prevent weeds?

Sedum Spurium Also known as 'Dragon's Blood' Sedum, this variety may be the hardiest and most versatile of all weed-suppressing ground covers. Their trailing stems root easily and do well in places where little else will grow.

What is the longest blooming ground cover?

But the deep blue racemes double the plant's height from late spring to midsummer. A single shearing or regular deadheading encourages reblooming into fall. Of all the veronicas, 'Goodness Grows' is the best ground cover because it's one of the lowest-growing, longest-blooming, and most reliable cultivars.

What is the least invasive ground cover?

Non-Invasive, Native Evergreen GroundcoversAllegheny Spurge. Bottlebrush spikes of white flowers appear just before new spring leaves unfurl. ( ... Fetterbush. ... Canby's Mountain Lover. ... Creeping Phlox. ... Moss Phlox. ... Other Native Evergreen Groundcovers.

What is the prettiest ground cover?

Our Favorite Flowering Ground CoversBugleweed (Ajuga reptans)Canadian anemone (Anemone canadensis)Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox)Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum)Hosta (Hosta sieboldiana)Horned Violet (Viola cornuta)More items...•

What is the toughest ground cover?

English ivy (Hedera helix) Ivy is one of the toughest, hardiest groundcovers available. Adaptable to almost any condition but dry full sun, it has saved many an “unplantable” area.

What ground cover spreads the fastest?

One of the best fast-growing ground cover plants for full sun is flowering candytuft. Despite its vigorous growth, it's not considered invasive. Yet, it quickly covers the ground and produces clusters of white flowers. The best quickly-spreading ground cover for shade is Periwinkle 'Bowles' Variety.

Does creeping phlox come back every year?

Phlox are easy-to-grow perennials that come back reliably every season. Phlox comes in two forms: Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) and Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata). Both Garden Phlox and Creeping Phlox produce fragrant blooms that attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds.

What ground cover can take a lot of water?

Carpet bugle is an evergreen ground cover that thrives in moist soil. Carpet bugle (Ajuga reptans) is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 through 9. This small evergreen gets about 12 inches tall and spreads to 2 feet across.

What can I use instead of mulch for ground cover?

Alternative Mulch TypesRock. Rock, gravel, pebbles and other stones can be applied to landscaping features such as flowerbeds to suppress weed growth and retain moisture. ... Rubber Mulch. ... Alternative Organic Mulch. ... Leaves. ... Grass Clippings. ... Pine Needles. ... Cardboard and Newspaper. ... Helpful Tips.More items...

What does creeping phlox look like when not in bloom?

Phlox, Creeping Plant Features And when the plant is not in bloom, creeping phlox still looks good, sporting bright green, needle-like foliage that adds texture to your garden.

How quickly does creeping phlox spread?

Like other ground covers,creeping phlox takes a few years to reach maturity -- about two years on average, according to the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension. This means it grows an average of about an inch per month.

What do you put down to stop weeds coming through?

Mulch Your Beds An effective and natural option to prevent weeds from taking over your garden is through the use of mulch. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch approximately 2 inches deep in the garden area – take care to avoid the base of individual plants and shrubs.

How do you permanently stop weeds from growing?

If you want to kill weeds permanently, you need to pull them up by the roots or use a systemic herbicide. Removing a weed by the roots prevents it from growing back. Systemic herbicides work by infiltrating the plant and killing it to the root.

What grass will choke out weeds?

Bermuda grass is the best warm-season grass for choking out weeds. Kentucky Bluegrass is the top option for battling weeds in cool-season grass lawns.

What can I plant to prevent weeds from growing?

Plants like hosta and coral bells can be tucked into small areas around trees and shrubs to control weeds. Low growing, creeping shrubs are also used for dense plantings for weed control. Spreading junipers and mugo pines are often used to fill in large areas.

How tall do sage plants grow?

This drought-tolerant plant prefers cool, low-humidity regions with well-drained soil. Varieties vary in height from several inches to about two feet, grow in a clumping or creeping fashion, and form an interconnected network that crowds out weeds and inhibits soil erosion.

What is a bugleweed plant?

Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) Perennial bugleweed ( Ajuga reptans) is a member of the mint family that readily naturalizes in zones 3 to 10, growing best in average to moist soil, with full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, this plant is evergreen.

What is creeping thyme?

Creeping thyme ( Thymus praecox) is a wild variety of the herb that is wonderful between stepping stones. Light foot traffic releases a delightful minty aroma.

What is the best zone for anemones?

Perennial Canadian anemone ( Anemone canadensis) is a US native wildflower that spreads well in zones 3 to 8, prefers moist soil, and thrives in full sun to part shade.

How tall is a pholox plant?

Plants are about two inches tall, and may exceed 6 inches when in bloom, during March through May. Provide sun to part shade, with average soil and moisture. Phlox Subulata ‘Scarlet Flame’. P. subulata ‘Scarlet Flame’ in 2 1/2-inch pots are available on Amazon.

How tall is a ground cover?

Some ground covers are only a few inches tall, and others top out at two feet or more.

Why is Wishbone desirable?

Wishbone is desirable for its ability to produce vibrant color all summer, in the shadiest portions of a garden.

What is a Nepeta x Faassenia?

Nepeta x faassenia, commonly called nepeta, nepeta catmint, or Faassen's catmint, is one of several perennial catmint plants. This one is a horticultural hybrid developed by crossing Nepata racemosa with N. nepetella. It is, therefore, a sterile plant that will not come true from seeds.

What is creeping phlox?

Creeping phlox is a short plant often seen covering the side of a hill or retaining wall with colorful spring flowers. It is much less noticeable at other times of the year, but that doesn't detract from its role as a spring superstar. Care requirements for creeping phlox are few.

What is the name of the basket of gold?

Basket of Gold also goes by the name yellow alyssum, another reference to its adorable clusters of bright yellow flowers. When shopping for this plant, be sure to ask for Aurinia saxatilis or yellow allyssum, not sweet alyssum, which is an entirely different species.

What is the most popular ground cover plant in residential landscapes?

The Spruce / Autumn Wood. Turf lawn grasses are by far the most popular ground cover plant in residential landscapes, but sometimes grass just isn't practical, either because the conditions of the site aren't amendable to fostering grass or perhaps because the maintenance of a grass lawn is not something you want to commit to.

Is rock cotoneaster a deciduous shrub?

Rock cotoneaster is a deciduous shrub. While many shrubs give you flowers, the prettiest thing about Cotoneaster horizontalis is its colorful, red berries. This shrub also offers some fall-foliage value. This is a large plant with a horizontal growth habit (thus its species name).

Can amethyst be grown in snow?

When grown as a ground cover, it is an easy-care plant that requires little maintenance. In ideal sunny conditions, Amethyst in Snow will spread quite quickly, but you can control it easily by pulling out stray shoots. If you prefer a similar but less aggressive variety, consider C. montana 'Amethyst Dream'.

Is Angelina Sedum a Goldilocks plant?

As with creeping phlox and 'Amethyst in Snow', 'Angelina sedum' can be regarded as a "Goldilocks" ground cover. Much like the fictional character, it has golden hair (flowers) that spread enough to be effective in covering a certain amount of space, but the plant is not so vigorous a spreader to create a nuisance.

What is the best ground cover for a flower garden?

Wood mulch and bark nuggets are the preferred ground covers in most ornamental beds. A 2-inch-deep layer keeps down weeds and helps insulate the soil while complementing the ornamental appearance of otherwise dormant flower gardens. Wood mulch breaks down slowly.

What is winter cover for garden?

Winter Ground Cover for Garden. Winter cover crops for vegetable gardens add nutrients to the soil while crowding out weeds during the winter months. They are best suited to home vegetable gardens, which benefit from the addition of nutrients to help replenish the soil each year.

What is the best mulch for a perennial garden?

Wood mulch and bark nuggets are the preferred ground covers in most ornamental beds. A 2-inch-deep layer keeps down weeds and helps insulate the soil while complementing the ornamental appearance of otherwise dormant flower gardens. Wood mulch breaks down slowly. So it works well in perennial beds where you won't till in the mulch each year. Because the mulch layer's lower levels slowly decompose, replenishing the layer each fall is necessary to maintain the 2-inch depth through winter.

How to keep weeds out of my garden in spring?

Cover empty beds with black plastic or tarps. Weeds can't penetrate them at all. So the beds will be weed-free when it is time to plant in spring. The inorganic winter covers work best for annual beds because the soil beneath the covers receives no moisture and minimal air circulation in winter. Black plastic has the added benefit ...

How to cover weeds in winter?

Cover empty beds with black plastic or tarps. Weeds can't penetrate them at all. So the beds will be weed-free when it is time to plant in spring.

Why do we need a ground cover in winter?

The best ground cover helps reduce weed concerns while protecting perennials and benefiting the soil for future seasons.

How thick is straw in a garden?

A 2-inch-thick layer prevents most weeds from germinating in empty gardens. A thicker, 4-inch layer insulates the soil; it can protect tender perennials from temperature fluctuations so the roots don't die from cool winter weather. The straw can be tilled into the beds' soil before planting in spring.

How tall is Cotoneaster?

Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) Rockspray cotoneaster ( Cotoneaster horizontalis) can reach a few feet tall, though you can train it through pruning to remain shorter. That might not sound like a ground cover to you. It is indeed a shrub, but it is called horizontalis for a reason.

What is silver mound artemisia?

Silver mound artemisia is strictly a foliage plant. There is no flower spike to deal with when growing this ground cover that loves full sun. Where lamb's ears sport a coarse plant texture, silver mound has a fine texture. So depending on how you are working with plant textures in your landscape, this distinction could make the difference in your plant selection. To keep this plant looking its best, give it a slight pruning as summer begins. This helps to prevent the branches from falling away from the center and leaving a hole in the middle of the clump.

What to do with alyssum in spring?

This perennial alyssum is one of those great bright yellow flowers (think daffodils) of the spring season, but its blue-gray leaves are also appealing. This is key because if you are using it as a ground cover for a sunny spot, it will continue to supply visual interest even after it's done blooming. Once the blooms fade, cut back the plant by about a third to promote more flowering. You also can cut it back if the plant gets too leggy.

What is the difference between creeping juniper and cotoneaster?

Creeping juniper varieties, such as ' Blue Rug ', share the shrub classification with cotoneaster. But "creeping" in the name indicates where this plant parts ways with cotoneaster. These are short, surface-hugging plants that are excellent for controlling soil erosion on sunny hillsides. They're also fairly low-maintenance. Prune the plant during the spring if you wish to keep it from spreading or if there is a diseased or dying section, and make sure the plant has evenly moist soil until it matures.

What does snow in summer look like?

Snow-in-summer ground cover looks like flowery snow drifts that can spill over stone walls and landscape. And unlike actual snow, full sun is what helps this plant thrive. The herbaceous perennial blooms profusely in early summer with pristine white flowers. It can be difficult to grow in high heat and humidity, but it's tolerant of drought and shallow, rocky soil.

How tall is a lamb's ear?

Like cotoneaster, lamb's ear ( Stachys byzantina) is not necessarily a short plant. If you count the flower spike, it can reach around 18 inches (46 centimeters) tall. But the flowers aren't all that special, and you might even opt to cut down the spikes to keep the plant at ground cover level.

Is Angelina Sedum a succulent?

Like the ice plant, Angelina sedum is a succulent. But unlike ice plants, Angelina sedum is not grown for its flowers. The plant does bloom, but the flower stalks are gangly. Many gardeners prefer to remove them after the flowers fade for aesthetic reasons. It is the foliage that counts with this ground cover. It is golden to chartreuse, turning more golden with increased sun.

What is the mother of thyme?

The herb Thymus pseudolanuginosus, also called mother of thyme grows into a sturdy, scented carpet of fuzzy gray-green leaves that becomes dotted with miniature light-pink flowers each summer.

What is the best herb to grow in a perennial garden?

1 Flowering Thyme. Getty Images. "For a perennial garden, flowering thyme is such a nice addition because it's both ornamental and edible," says Tara Nolan, author of Gardening Your Front Yard. "Plus, even in the winter—assuming it's not covered in snow—you can grab a few sprigs of thyme to enjoy in your kitchen.".

What does "sempervivum" mean?

The Latin name, sempervivum means "live forever," which should give you a sense of how these tough, drought-resistant plants hold up. Their common name refers to the way the hen-like plant grows tiny rosettes around its main plant—like a hen caring for baby chicks.

What is firespinner plant?

"'Firespinner' is one of the lovelier varieties ," says Nolan. " It's this really beautiful blend of orange, fuschia, and white colors."

What is the color of dragon blood?

This incredibly hardy plant features a lovely red color—hence the name "Dragon's Blood."

What is white alyssum good for?

White alyssum is a great way to fill in the areas of your garden that aren't already populated by plants and flowers. Its heat and drought hardiness make it an obvious choice for tons of different climates. Good For: Plant Hardiness Zones 7-11. SHOP ALYSSUM SEEDS.

How tall do lilies grow?

These blooming beauties come in a variety of colors—white, purples, blues, and pinks—and won't grow taller than six inches.

What zone do weeds grow in?

These cultivars thrive in average conditions in sun or shade. They're solidly hardy in zones 8 to 10 but definitely worth a shot in zone 7. Their unvariegated parent grows just fine well into warmer parts of zone 6, though it's less proven there. All are lively, glossy-leafed garden additions that send weeds packing.

What is a creeping raspberry?

Creeping raspberry (Rubus pentalobus) is a little locomotive of a plant, with crushed-velvet leaves that turn a lovely bronze color in zones where the weather gets chilly but not so cold it dies back. It's hardy in zones 6 to 9, grows well in sun or shade and even moderately dry conditions, in average soil.

Do ground covers choke out weeds?

As such, I'm a big fan of ground covers that choke out weeds. Sure, if you prefer mild-mannered plants, you might consider them weeds in their own right, but for gardeners like me, they help keep the "bad" weeds at bay .

Is sumac poisonous?

Last but not least is a sumac. No, not the poison kind — this is 'Gro-Low' sumac ( Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low', zones 3 to 9), and it's not poisonous in the least. Grow it for its glossy blue-green leaves, buttery-yellow spring flowers, fuzzy red fruit in late summer and fire-engine-crimson fall color.

Is jasmine a ground cover?

Asian jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) has been a popular evergreen ground cover in the South for years, and when we say weed smothering, we mean it with this one. It's for those who want a very low, very dense hedge.

What is ground cover perennial?

Ground cover perennials give your property a host of solutions to ordinary landscape troubles. These low growing plants work for erosion control, to keep the soil moist, and enhance the habitat for pollinators. When it comes to filling in barren places, most homeowners lean toward grass.

How long does it take for a ground cover to grow?

Breathtaking Ground Cover Perennials for Your Landscape. Keep in mind, it takes about three years for ground cover perennials to reach their mature size. Not much happens during the first year, a little growth occurs during the second year, but the plant seems to explode by the third year. Be patient.

What kind of soil does creeping phlox grow in?

Creeping Phlox grows well in poor soil conditions, including clay soil and rock gardens. The cascading style perennial’s needle-shaped foliage pairs with small star-shaped bluish-purple, red, lavender, pink, or white flowers that bloom in the springtime.

How much sun do geraniums need?

They also require a well-draining place in full sun, as they need between six to eight hours of sun a day.

What is the best plant for a bee sting?

The leaves provide medicinal use, as they help ease the pain of a bee sting and, in some cases, assist in healing other wounds. Lamb’s Ear grows best in zones four through eight and is an excellent choice for a drought-tolerant ground cover.

How to grow a sage plant?

For optimal growth and the best blooms, plant it in well-draining but moist soil. Cut back the stems after the first blooming period to encourage a second round of flowers.

Can carpet bugle be grown in full shade?

Carpet Bugle isn’t grown for its flowers, but it’s carpeting ability. This ground cover perennial thrives in partial shade to full shade. The ground floor covering plants adapt well to various soil types as long as they are kept moist and provide excellent drainage.

What is a needlepunched landscape fabric?

When you combine the toughness of nonwoven fabrics with the permeability of perforated ones, you end up with an incredibly strong and versatile hybrid. Made of nonwoven polypropylene, this needle-punched landscape fabric is highly permeable and equally effective beneath rocks and landscape beds. It’s also a great choice for covering sloped areas for weed and erosion control.

What is a hoople weed barrier?

If you’re looking for a durable fabric for any landscape situation, HOOPLE Premium Pro Garden Weed Barrier fits the bill. Because of its thickness, it tends to drain more slowly than thinner fabrics in heavy rainfall, but remains highly permeable in average precipitation. The nonwoven fabric is durable enough to withstand the pressure of brick pavers and heavy stone. Whether you cover it with mulch or not, UV stabilizers prevent it from rotting when exposed to direct sunlight. The company guarantees it for five years of use in your landscape without damage.

What is UV resistant fabric?

Many barriers are labeled UV resistant or UV stabilized. “Resistant” implies that the fabric has innate qualities that make it less susceptible to damaging sunlight. Those labeled “UV stabilized” have been chemically coated to repel ultraviolet light.

What is the best weed barrier for a flower bed?

Often made of polypropylene or linen, woven landscape fabric is the most common weed barrier best suited for flower beds and in areas around trees and shrubs. Small holes in the fabric allow water, air, and nutrients to penetrate. For gravel gardens and pathways, consider the sturdier nonwoven option. While it allows some water movement, nonwoven fabric isn’t as porous as its woven and perforated counterparts, so it’s not the best choice for landscaped beds. Highly permeable perforated landscape fabric is lightweight and ideal for areas with less foot traffic, specifically vegetable gardens and raised beds.

How wide is a roll of fabric?

Avoid overbuying by estimating the amount of landscape fabric you’ll need to complete your project. Rolls usually are available in widths of 3 feet or more and in lengths of 50 to 300 feet. Based on the area you’re covering, determine the best length and width for the job.

What is landscape fabric?

By acting as a physical barrier between the soil and the sun, landscape fabric prevents weed seeds from seeing the light of day, while still allowing air and water to penetrate to the roots of the plants you do want. Continue now for our guide to understanding ...

Why do landscape barriers need mulch?

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays has damaging effects on many surfaces, including landscape fabric. For this reason, these barriers often require spreading a layer of mulch or gravel over the fabric to decrease exposure to UV light, thereby slowing the breakdown of the material. Many barriers are labeled UV resistant or UV stabilized. “Resistant” implies that the fabric has innate qualities that make it less susceptible to damaging sunlight. Those labeled “UV stabilized” have been chemically coated to repel ultraviolet light. If chemicals are out of the question, like around edible plantings, choose the UV-resistant option.