Ground covers are heroes in the garden—they prevent weeds, control erosion, and protect the roots of neighboring plants. Plus, these low-maintenance plants are often grown as a sustainable alternative to turf grass—and they're beautiful! If you want to reap the benefits of these plants, we spoke to garden experts for their favorite fast-growing varieties that will fill in a landscape quickly.
- Kelly Funk, president Jackson & Perkins, a company that cultivates roses and sells other plants
- Damon Abdiof the Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University'sagricultural center
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Creeping Thyme
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Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a perennial ground cover with tiny, aromatic leaves that form dense mats. Its small blooms, available in shades of pink, purple, or white, bring charm to the garden. "It is ideal for bordering pathways or filling crevices between stepping stones, releasing its fragrance with every step," says Kelly Funk, president of Jackson & Perkins. This fast-growing ground cover fills in a space within a few growing seasons.
- Zones: 4 to 9
- Size: 2 to 4 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil
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Creeping Jenny
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Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummula) is a low-growing perennial with bright green, heart-shaped leaves. "It often forms a dense, mat-like ground cover, producing small, bright yellow flowers in summer," says Funk. In ideal conditions, creeping Jenny spreads quickly via its trailing stems.
- Zones: 3 to 9
- Size: 2 to 4 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-draining soil
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Irish Moss
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Irish moss (Sagina subulata) is an evergreen perennial with dense, moss-like foliage that forms a lush carpet. "In spring, it produces tiny, star-shaped white flowers," says Funk. "With its delicate texture, Irish moss can handle light foot traffic and is attractive when planted around pavers or along garden pathways." It spreads quickly, filling in spaces within a few growing seasons.
- Zones: 4 to 8
- Size: 1 to 2 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-draining soil
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Bugleweed
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Bugleweed (Ajuga) is a perennial ground cover with glossy, rounded leaves and spikes of small, tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. Ajuga is relatively low-maintenance and benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods, says Funk. It spreads quickly via creeping stems and fills in landscapes within a few growing seasons.
- Zones: 3 to 9
- Size: 4 to 6 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-draining soil
10 Fast-Growing Perennials to Plant in Your Garden
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Creeping Raspberry
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Creeping raspberry (Rubus calycinoides) is a vigorous grower with trailing stems that root as they spread, forming a dense mat of foliage. "It features glossy, dark emerald green leaves and produces small, white to pink flowers in spring that turn a raspberry red color in autumn," says Funk.
- Zones: 6 to 9
- Size: 4 to 6 inches tall x 24 to 36 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-draining soil
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Blue Daze
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Blue daze (Evolvulus glomeratus) is a fast-growing ground cover that is often grown as an annual. It has beautiful blue flowers that form over a mat of small green leaves, says Damon Abdiof the Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University'sagricultural center.
- Zones: 9 to 11
- Size: 4 to 6 inches tall x 24 to 36 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-draining soil
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Sweet Potato Vine
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Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas) is one of the fastest-growing ground covers on this list. "There are varieties with different colors and a variety of leaf shapes, some heart-shaped and others with a more palmate lobed leaves," says Abdi. Keep in mind, though, that deer are fond of this plant.
- Zones: 9 to 11
- Size: 1 foot tall x 3 to 5 feet wide
- Care requirements: Full sun to partial sun; moist, well-draining soil
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Wedelia
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Wedelia features small yellow flowers that add color to the landscape. "It can spread pretty aggressively, so use wisely—it looks good in confined urban areas (i.e., parking lot islands and sidewalks) where it spreads rapidly," says Abdi. Wedelia is classified as invasive in some states, so check with your local gardening resources to see if it's OK in your region.
- Zones: 8 to 11
- Size: 2 to 4 inches tall x 1 to 5 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil
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Asiatic Jasmine
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Asiatic jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) is an evergreen ground cover that creates a dense mat and is often planted underneath large trees, says Abdi. It's low maintenance and a great option if you want to prevent weeds in an area that's too shady to grow grass. "It typically takes about two growing seasons for full coverage."
- Zones: 7 to 11
- Size: 6 to 18 inches tall x 36 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil
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Creeping Phlox
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A native perennial in the United States, creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) has a dense, mat-like forming habit. This quick grower offers multiple seasons of interest, with clusters of dainty—usually purple—flowers that bloom from spring to the first frost.
- Zones:3 to 10
- Size:6 inches tall x 36 to 48 inches wide
- Growing Conditions:Full sun; well-draining soil
