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Best Ground Cover Plants can transform bare soil into a softer, more finished-looking landscape while helping fill gaps in garden beds, paths, borders, and problem areas. Whether you want a fragrant lawn alternative, a low-maintenance evergreen spread, or a flowering carpet that adds color through the season, the right ground cover can make a major difference in how your yard looks and functions.
When selecting a product from this list, pay close attention to the plant type, growth habit, and whether you are buying seeds, live plants, or bare roots. It also helps to consider your space, sun exposure, and how quickly you want coverage. Ratings, quantity, and price can help narrow down the best option for your budget, but the best choice is the one that fits your garden goals.
Let’s get started!
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Product | Best For | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|
| Creeping Thyme Seeds | Fragrant lawn alternative | Buy |
| Bowles Myrtle | Top-rated live groundcover | Buy |
| Asiatic Jasmine | Evergreen coverage | Buy |
Best Ground Cover Plants
1. Best Overall: Creeping Thyme Seeds
- Hardy Perennial Ground Cover: Creeping thyme seeds produce a low-growing, spreading plant that returns year after year, creating a dense mat perfect for filling spaces between pavers, rock gardens, or slopes
- Fast-Growing & Drought-Tolerant: These vigorous seeds establish quickly and thrive in dry conditions once mature, requiring minimal watering and making them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes and water-wise gardens
- Fragrant Purple Flowers: Blooms profusely in summer with aromatic purple flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies while releasing a pleasant herbal fragrance when walked upon or brushed against
This creeping thyme seed option stands out for gardeners looking for a fast-growing, hardy perennial ground cover with a fragrant finish. With 21,500 pieces in the pack and a strong 4.8 rating, it offers an appealing mix of quantity and customer satisfaction.
It is positioned as a drought-tolerant herb and ground cover, which makes it a practical pick for open garden areas, paths, and landscape use. Because it is a seed product, it may suit gardeners who prefer starting from scratch and watching coverage develop over time.
If you want a ground cover that balances visual appeal, scent, and versatility, this is one of the strongest choices on the list.
Pros
- High rating of 4.8
- Large seed quantity
- Fragrant and landscape-friendly
Cons
- Seeds require time to establish
- Not a live plant option
2. Best Value: Creeping Thyme Seeds for Planting
- Planting breckland thyme creates a dense, soft green carpet that requires no mowing.
- Once creeping thyme seeds ground cover has taken root, it forms a thick, green carpet.
- Thyme remains evergreen in many climates, but in early summer it produces numerous small flowers that attract pollinating insects.
This 20,000+ creeping thyme seed pack is a budget-friendly way to start a ground cover project. At $8.99 and rated 4.5, it offers a strong value for gardeners who want a broad planting option without a large upfront cost.
The product is described as heirloom Thymus serpyllum and is intended for home garden use. That makes it a practical pick for those wanting a classic creeping thyme look and feel in a range of outdoor settings.
For gardeners who prioritize affordability and a solid rating, this is an easy product to consider.
Pros
- Low price
- Good rating of 4.5
- Large seed count
Cons
- Seed starting takes patience
- Best suited for gardeners comfortable with direct planting
3. Best For Color: Creeping Mixed Phlox Seeds
- Creeping phlox is a perennial cushion plant that comes in many beautiful colors. Each spring, the flowers bloom in a variety of colors, spreading outwards rather than upwards.
- Phloxes are one of the most popular and well-known summer-blooming flowers and a staple in many perennial gardens.
- Creeping phlox is deer-resistant and does well in drought conditions, making it a relatively low-maintenance plant for the yard.
These creeping mixed phlox seeds are a strong option for gardeners who want a flowering ground cover with visual impact. The listing highlights bright perennial creeping phlox and carries a perfect 5-star rating, which makes it one of the most impressive-rated products in the group.
As a seed-based ground cover, it is best for those willing to grow coverage gradually while aiming for a colorful end result. The product is labeled non-GMO and heirloom, which may appeal to gardeners focused on traditional seed choices.
If your priority is a ground cover that adds beauty as well as soil coverage, this is a standout pick.
Pros
- Perfect 5-star rating
- Flowering ground cover option
- Affordable price
Cons
- Seed establishment takes time
- Smaller quantity than some other seed packs
4. Best Live Plant Option: Bowles Myrtle
- Mature Height: 6" Space 2-3' apart
- Mostly Sunny to Full Shade
- Bloom Time: Late Spring to Mid-Summer
Bowles Myrtle is a live plant groundcover option offered in 48 plants with 1 3/4-inch pots. With a perfect 5-star rating, it is an attractive choice for gardeners who prefer ready-to-grow plants instead of starting from seed.
The listing identifies it as Vinca minor, which is a familiar groundcover choice for filling spaces with a hardy spread. Because it comes as live plants, it may be more suitable for buyers who want a more immediate planting experience.
This is one of the strongest live plant options in the lineup, especially for those who value simplicity and strong customer feedback.
Pros
- Perfect 5-star rating
- Live plant format
- Good quantity for coverage
Cons
- Higher price than seed options
- May require more planting handling than seeds
5. Best Evergreen Coverage: Asiatic Jasmine
- COVERAGE: Each set includes 18 healthy Asian Jasmine plants in 3-inch pots, perfect for creating lush ground cover in your landscape
- GROWTH HABIT: Fast-growing evergreen vine spreads horizontally, reaching 6-8 inches in height with excellent spreading capability
- VERSATILITY: Ideal for slopes, borders, under trees, or as a lawn alternative in both sunny and shaded areas
This Asiatic Jasmine listing offers 18 live plants in 3-inch pots and is presented as evergreen ground cover. Rated 4.8, it is a strong choice for gardeners looking for a live plant option with dependable feedback.
The evergreen description makes it appealing for those who want coverage that maintains a consistent look throughout the year. Since it comes as live plants, it can be a good match for buyers who want to skip the seed-starting stage.
For broad, attractive coverage with a well-liked rating, this product deserves serious consideration.
Pros
- High rating of 4.8
- Evergreen ground cover
- Live plant format
Cons
- Smaller plant count than bulk options
- Higher price point
6. Best For Lawn Alternative: White Dutch Clover Seed
- PREMIUM QUALITY CLOVER SEED: This high-quality white clover seed is perfect for erosion control, creating a lush lawn alternative, and enriching pasture mixtures. Ideal for covering large areas, it serves multiple purposes including use in deer food plots, green manure crops, and ground cover, making it the most suitable white dutch clover seeds for lawn, garden and backyard.
- ADVANCED NITROCOATED & INOCULATED SEEDS - Specially treated to ensure superior germination rates and enhance soil health, these ground cover seeds promote robust plant growth. They naturally boost soil nitrogen by fixing nitrogen from the air into the soil, making them a great clover seed choice for any agricultural application.
- ADAPTABLE TO USDA ZONES 3-10 - Thriving in a wide range of climates, from full sun to partial shade, this white clover seed for lawns is suitable for various regions across the country. Whether you're in the north or south, this resilient clover ensures lush growth and reliable coverage, making it an excellent cover crop seed mix for drought resistant grass seed, red creeping thyme live plants & irish moss seeds.
Outsidepride White Dutch Clover Seed is aimed at gardeners who want a lawn alternative, erosion control, or a ground cover option for larger spaces. The product comes as 5 pounds of nitrocoated, inoculated seed and has a 4.3 rating.
This is a practical option for those seeking coverage in USDA zones 3-10. The listing also mentions use in food plots, pasture mixtures, and wildlife forage, which gives it a broad range of outdoor applications.
If you want a versatile seed product with a wider growing purpose, this is a very flexible pick.
Pros
- Versatile use cases
- Suitable for larger areas
- Solid 4.3 rating
Cons
- Not a flowering ornamental focus
- May be more than some small gardens need
7. Best For Budget Seed Coverage: Creeping Thyme Seeds
- 🌱 High Germination Ground Cover Seeds – Create a lush green carpet for paths, patios, and empty garden spaces.
- ☀️ Easy Growth & Low Maintenance – Thrives in full sun and poor soil, perfect for effortless landscaping.
- 🐝 Fragrant & Pollinator Friendly – Releases a pleasant scent when stepped on and attracts bees and butterflies.
This creeping thyme seed pack is an affordable option for gardeners seeking a fragrant lawn alternative or landscaping ground cover. With 20,000+ seeds and a 4.1 rating, it offers a straightforward route into thyme-based coverage.
The product description highlights use for garden paths and landscaping, making it a practical choice for outdoor areas where a low-growing plant is preferred. At $9.99, it sits in a very accessible price range.
For shoppers who want a simple seed option with easy-to-understand use cases, this is a dependable entry-level pick.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Large seed count
- Useful for paths and landscaping
Cons
- Lower rating than the top thyme option
- Seed-based, so results take time
8. Best For Nursery-Style Bare Roots: Vinca Minor Bare Roots
![Greenwood Nursery: Live Ground-Cover Plants - Vinca Minor + Lesser/Dwarf Periwinkle - [Qty: 50 Bare Roots] - (Click for Other Available Plants/Quantities)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61kEKTyxCPL.jpg)
- Evergreen groundcover 50 bare root plants in one order Periwinkle blue flowers Shade loving plant Fast growing ground cover
Greenwood Nursery offers 50 bare root Vinca minor plants, sold as lesser or dwarf periwinkle ground cover. The product has a 3.9 rating and is positioned as a live ground-cover plant selection.
Bare roots can appeal to gardeners who want to plant and establish coverage in a more economical nursery format compared with potted plants. The listing also indicates there are other available plant quantities and options.
This is a practical option if you like live plants but want the flexibility of bare root material.
Pros
- Live plant bare root format
- Bulk quantity
- Flexible nursery-style option
Cons
- Lower rating than some others
- Bare roots may require more planting care
9. Best For Easy Landscaping Mats: Sedum Groundcover Mat
- LIVE SEDUM TILE: 10" by 20" live plant mat featuring a combination of sedum succulent plants with earthy colors and contrasting shapes. These easy ground cover plants offer endless DIY possibilities.
- DIY LIVING WALLS: Easily create a living wall with these live succulents. This low-maintenance plant mix is also great for green roofs and vertical gardens.
- EASY PLANTS TO GROW: Featured varieties are drought tolerant and heat tolerant. Perfect for landscapes with cacti & succulent plants. Grow in Hardiness Zones 3-9.
This sedum groundcover mat is a 10 in. x 20 in. live succulent landscaping option. With a 4.5 rating and a description that highlights being pet friendly and drought resilient, it offers a useful option for certain outdoor spaces.
The mat format may appeal to buyers who prefer a more packaged, placement-friendly planting method. The product is also described as non-toxic and hardy stonecrop, which broadens its appeal for home landscapes.
If you want a compact, easy-care groundcover format and like succulents, this is worth a look.
Pros
- Mat format for landscaping use
- Pet-friendly description
- Good 4.5 rating
Cons
- Smaller coverage area than bulk plant packs
- May not suit every garden style
10. Best For Large Bare Root Plantings: Pachysandra Terminalis Japanese Spurge
- 100 heavily rooted plants.
This Pachysandra terminalis Japanese spurge listing includes 100 bare root plants and carries a 4.5 rating. It is a strong bulk option for gardeners who want to cover a larger area with a recognized groundcover plant.
Because it comes as bare roots, this product may work well for buyers who are prepared to plant and establish coverage over time. The quantity is especially appealing if your goal is broader installation.
For a bulk live-plant ground cover with solid customer feedback, this one fits the list well.
Pros
- Large quantity of 100 bare roots
- Good 4.5 rating
- Suitable for larger coverage projects
Cons
- Requires planting effort
- Bare root format may not suit beginners
11. Best For Potted Live Groundcover: Pachysandra Hardy Groundcover
- CANNOT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA Only ships in the CONTINENTAL US
- Evergreen groundcover zone 4-9 Part Shade-Shade
This Pachysandra hardy groundcover comes with 50 plants in 2-inch peat pots and has a 4.5 rating. The potted format makes it a convenient live-plant choice for buyers who want something ready to transplant.
Compared with bare roots, peat pot plants can feel more straightforward for gardeners who prefer an established start. The product is suitable for those who want a live groundcover format with a clean presentation.
If you like the Pachysandra look and want the ease of potted plants, this is an appealing option.
Pros
- Live plants in peat pots
- Good 4.5 rating
- Useful quantity for coverage
Cons
- Higher price than seed products
- Smaller quantity than some bare root listings
12. Best For Small Live Plant Packs: Myrtle Vinca/Periwinkle
- CAN NOT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA “Free from soil” as used in this regulation shall mean free from soil in amounts that could contain concealed Japanese beetle larvae or pupae
- Evergreen Ground Cover Zone 4-9 Part shade to shade
- 50ct Flat Approximate coverage per flat 6″ spacing covers 12.5sf 8″ spacing covers 22.25sf 12″ spacing covers 50sf
This Myrtle Vinca/Periwinkle groundcover comes as 50 plants in 2-inch pots and holds a 4.3 rating. It is another live plant option for gardeners who want a fuller purchase than seeds but still prefer a compact potted format.
The listing emphasizes hardy groundcover use, which fits well with landscaping projects that need dependable spreading plants. While it is pricier than seed packs, the potted live format may justify the cost for some buyers.
This product works well for gardeners who want a classic groundcover selection in a manageable live plant bundle.
Pros
- Live plant bundle
- Useful potted format
- Solid 4.3 rating
Cons
- Higher cost
- Not as many plants as larger bulk listings
13. Best For Drought-Tolerant Evergreen Landscapes: Juniper Blue Pacific
- Wonderful, low spreading form makes a superb groundcover, group planting or single specimen. Dense blue-green foliage gives this selection a handsome appearance and is best when not pruned, but rather left in its natural form. A notably heat tolerant variety.
- This popular, fast-growing evergreen maintains its dense, ocean blue-green foliage year-round. Its needles are dense and shorter than other junipers with a low-trailing growth habit spreading 2-3 feet (6 inches tall).
- This easy-to-grow evergreen needs a regular water schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. After the mature root system is established, watering is needed occasionally, except during a drought, watering is needed regularly. Prune once or twice a year around the edges in order to keep the middle of the plant full.
Juniper Blue Pacific is sold as 30 live plants and is described as a drought-tolerant, cold-hardy evergreen ground cover. It has a 4.1 rating and is positioned for gardeners who want a more durable landscape planting.
Because it is an evergreen, it may fit well where year-round visual consistency matters. The product also appeals to buyers looking for an established live plant format rather than seed.
This is a good choice for gardeners who want a rugged, evergreen ground cover option.
Pros
- Drought-tolerant description
- Evergreen ground cover
- Live plant bundle
Cons
- Moderate rating compared with top options
- Higher price point
14. Best For White Clover Coverage: Crimson Clover Seeds
- HIGH PROTEIN & NUTRIENT-RICH: Each of this Outsidepride clover seed blooms a Red crimson clover which offers a rich source of protein essential for the growth and health of whitetail deer and other wildlife animals such as the bee, rabbit, and butterfly, making them an ideal choice for forage and livestock pastures. Our clover seeds for deer can also be a part of clover seed food plot mix.
- VERSATILE & ADAPTABLE: Our Crimson clover seeds for lawn is perfect for hay production, cover crops, and enhancing soil quality when mixed with grasses. Our blooming clover seeds thrives in a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay, and is tolerant of medium soil acidity which makes it an excellent for use as , ground cover or winter cover crops seeds for garden.
- WINTER GRAZING & SOIL IMPROVEMENT: Our clover seeds for planting is an excellent late winter grazing crop when planted in the fall. Its crimson flower heads enhance soil texture, improving soil quality when used in conjunction with other cover crop seed mix options like rye grass, winter rye seeds cover crop or red clover seeds.
Outsidepride Crimson Clover Seeds come in a 10 lb package and are nitrocoated and inoculated for use as a ground cover, cover crop, pasture, hay, green manure, and wildlife forage. The product holds a 4.3 rating and is geared toward broad use.
Although the name says crimson clover, the listing itself focuses on the seed’s many practical outdoor purposes. That makes it especially useful for buyers looking beyond ornamental ground cover alone.
If you want a versatile bulk seed product for larger outdoor coverage, it offers plenty of flexibility.
Pros
- Large 10 lb size
- Multiple outdoor uses
- Solid 4.3 rating
Cons
- May be more specialized than simple garden ground cover
- Not a live plant option
15. Best For Mixed Flower Coverage: Creeping Thyme Seeds
- High Germination Rate: These Creeping Thyme seeds reach up to 90% germination under optimal conditions. Ideal perennial creeping thyme seed for USDA zones 4–9, average growing 4 inches tall.
- Fast to Establish: These thyme seeds for planting outdoors germinate in 10-30 days at 65+°F. Sow these herb garden seeds 1/16 inch deep, keep moist, and enjoy quick blooms of fragrant ground cover flowers.
- Versatile Herb Garden Seeds: Creeping thyme herb seeds for planting are ideal for creating a vibrant moss ground cover in outdoor garden, rock gardens, walkways, hills, roadside and riverside sand banks.
This creeping thyme seed pack offers 20,000+ seeds and is described as wild thyme, aromatic ground cover, and purple perennial flower seed. With a 4.1 rating and a price of $9.99, it sits in the accessible seed category.
The product is aimed at outdoor garden, landscape, and path planting, giving it practical use across a range of spaces. As with other seed-based selections, it is best for gardeners who are prepared to wait for coverage to develop.
If you want a thyme option that emphasizes fragrance and ornamental appeal, this one is a solid closing pick.
Pros
- Large seed count
- Affordable price
- Useful for paths and landscaping
Cons
- Moderate rating compared with top products
- Requires growing time
Buying Guide
Plant Type
Ground cover products come as seeds, live plants, bare roots, or mats. Seeds are usually the most affordable, while live plants and bare roots can offer a faster start. Choose the format that matches your patience level and planting style.
Coverage Needs
Think about how much space you need to fill. Some listings offer large seed quantities or bulk plants, while others are better for smaller accents or garden sections. Larger spaces usually benefit from bulk packs or multiple live plants.
Growth Habit
Different ground covers serve different purposes. Some are chosen for fragrance, some for evergreen coverage, and others for flowering color or practical ground stabilization. Pick the style that fits your landscape goal.
Value and Quantity
Compare cost against how much product you get. A lower price can be a better value for a seed pack, but a live plant bundle may justify a higher price if you want a more established start.
Customer Ratings
Ratings can help you quickly spot products that other buyers liked. While a rating is not the only factor, it is useful for comparing similar options in the same category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ground cover plants for beginners?
Beginners often like seed packs with a good quantity and clear purpose, or live plant products if they want a quicker start. The best choice depends on how much time and effort they want to spend on establishment.
Are seed-based ground covers better than live plants?
Neither is automatically better. Seeds are usually more affordable and cover more for the price, while live plants can give you a head start. Your choice should depend on budget, patience, and the size of your project.
How do I choose the right ground cover for my yard?
Start by considering your climate, sun exposure, and whether you want something fragrant, evergreen, or flowering. Also think about the maintenance level and how quickly you need it to spread.
Can ground cover plants be used along paths?
Yes, several ground cover options are suitable for paths and landscaping edges. Product listings that mention paths, landscaping, or lawn alternatives are especially relevant for those uses.
Why do some products come as bare roots?
Bare root plants are often sold in bulk and can be a practical, efficient way to install ground cover. They may need a little more care at planting time, but they can be a good option for larger projects.
Conclusion
The best ground cover plants depend on your goals, budget, and how quickly you want to see results. Seed packs like creeping thyme and clover products offer affordable variety, while live plants like pachysandra, vinca, jasmine, and juniper give you a more established start.
If you want a fragrant lawn alternative, thyme is a strong place to begin. If you want evergreen coverage, jasmine or juniper may be better fits. And if color matters most, creeping phlox deserves a close look. Use the comparison and buying guide above to match the right ground cover to your space.