what is a low growing ground cover

Discover Low-Growing Ground Covers

By Mark JacksonMarch 26, 2026

In the realm of gardening and landscaping, the term "low-growing ground cover" often sparks interest among those seeking to create lush, low-maintenance spaces. But what exactly is a low-growing ground cover, and why is it such a valuable addition to any garden? Let's delve into the world of these versatile plants and explore their benefits, types, and care requirements.

A low-growing ground cover, as the name suggests, refers to plants that grow close to the ground and spread horizontally, forming a dense mat. These plants are characterized by their low height, typically ranging from a few inches to a foot or two, and their ability to cover a significant area with minimal effort. They are not only visually appealing but also serve numerous functional purposes in the garden.

Benefits of Low-Growing Ground Covers

Low-growing ground covers offer a myriad of benefits that make them an excellent choice for various gardening scenarios. Here are some of their key advantages:

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1. **Erosion Control**: By forming a dense mat, these plants help prevent soil erosion, especially on slopes and inclines. Their root systems hold the soil in place, preventing it from washing away during heavy rains or flooding.

2. **Weed Suppression**: The dense growth habit of low-growing ground covers helps suppress weeds by blocking sunlight and preventing weed seeds from germinating. This significantly reduces the need for herbicides and manual weeding.

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Types of Low-Growing Ground Covers

Low-growing ground covers come in a wide variety of species, each with its unique growth habit, color, and texture. Here are some popular types:

1. **Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)**: A fast-growing, low-maintenance plant with bright green, round leaves and small yellow flowers. It thrives in partial shade and is an excellent choice for moist, shady areas.

2. **Lamium (Dead Nettle)**: A hardy, low-growing perennial with attractive, silvery-green leaves and purple or white flowers. It's drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

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Care Requirements

While low-growing ground covers are generally low-maintenance, they still require some care to ensure their health and longevity. Here are some care tips:

1. **Watering**: Most low-growing ground covers require consistent moisture, especially when newly planted. Once established, they are generally drought-tolerant. Ensure the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged.

2. **Soil Preparation**: Before planting, prepare the soil by removing weeds, adding organic matter, and ensuring proper drainage. Most low-growing ground covers prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

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Ground Covers That Won't Take Over Your Life

Plant - Stop buying bags of mulch. Plant one of these groundcovers instead and you'll have permanent weed control that actually improves over time... There's a reason professional landscapers use groundcovers in places they never want to maintain. Once these plants establish, they self-perpetuate. They spread, they thicken, they shade out competition. You're not just solving this year's weed problem. You're solving next year's and the year after that. Many learn this the hard way trying to maintain large garden beds without help. Mulch seemed like the answer until they realize they were reapplying it every spring, pulling weeds through it all summer, and watching it wash away in heavy rain. Groundcovers changed everything. They stay put. They multiply. They get better with age instead of breaking down. Creeping Phlox is the perfect example. You plant it once in a sunny spot, and it gives you spectacular spring flowers. But more importantly, that dense foliage stays thick all season. New weeds can't push through. Existing weeds get smothered. And every year, the phlox spreads further. For moisture-loving areas where weeds thrive, Creeping Jenny is nearly unstoppable. That bright chartreuse foliage roots at every node, creating an interconnected network that nothing can penetrate. I've used it to fill wet spots where regular mulch would just float away. Problem solved permanently. Deep shade used to mean constant battle with creeping weeds and exposed soil. Then I started using Hostas as groundcover instead of specimens. Plant them close enough that those big leaves overlap. The soil underneath stays dark and cool. Weed seeds don't germinate. The ones that try get shaded out immediately. Here's what makes groundcovers superior to mulch. Mulch is passive. It sits there doing nothing while weeds probe for weak spots. Groundcovers are active. They grow. They spread. They fill gaps automatically. Every runner that roots down is another square foot you'll never weed again. The setup requires effort. Clear the area completely. Plant closer than the tag recommends. Water consistently that first season. But once they connect and fill in, you're done. That spot maintains itself. You've converted a maintenance problem into a maintenance-free zone. Have you tried using groundcovers for weed control, or are you still fighting with traditional mulch? [snbWv] | Facebook

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Designing with Low-Growing Ground Covers

Low-growing ground covers are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. They can be used to create beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes with a variety of textures and colors. Here are some design ideas:

1. **Mass Planting**: Plant low-growing ground covers in large swaths to create a cohesive, textured look. This works well in both formal and informal garden designs.

2. **Combination Planting**: Combine low-growing ground covers with taller plants, such as ornamental grasses or perennials, to create layers and add visual interest. Choose plants with complementary colors and textures for a harmonious look.

Incorporating low-growing ground covers into your garden not only enhances its visual appeal but also contributes to its overall health and sustainability. By understanding the benefits, types, and care requirements of these versatile plants, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape that thrives for years to come. So, why not give low-growing ground covers a try and experience the joy of gardening with these hardworking, attractive plants?