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Slopes can be a challenging part of any yard, often making it difficult to keep soil in place and control weeds. Ground cover plants offer a simple and effective solution by spreading quickly to form a dense layer that helps stabilize soil, prevent erosion and reduce maintenance.
These low-growing, fast-spreading plants create a dense, living carpet that brings beauty to your landscape while attracting beneficial insects and reducing the need for frequent watering or herbicide use.
If you’ve struggled to find plants that thrive on slopes, ground covers might be the answer you’re looking for. Their ability to quickly take root and spread makes them ideal for holding soil in place and suppressing weeds, turning a problem area into a lush, thriving space. Here are ten low-maintenance ground cover plants that can help.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping thyme is an excellent ground cover and alternative to grass, forming a dense mat of lush green foliage that produces tiny, fragrant flowers all summer. It tolerates drought and high foot traffic and rarely needs mowing.
To establish creeping thyme, plant young plugs spaced 6-12 inches apart in the spring or early fall. Mulch around the plants to suppress weeds and water regularly until the plants are well-established.
Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantine)
Lamb’s ear is a low-growing plant that forms a soft, spreading mat of fuzzy, silver-gray leaves topped with delicate pink or purple flowers. Once well established, Lamb’s ear copes well in full sun and is moderately drought-tolerant.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Creeping phlox is a low-growing plant that produces masses of small, colorful flowers. Creeping phlox spreads to form a dense mat and can tolerate light foot traffic, making it the perfect disease-resistant ground cover plant for pathways and rocky gardens.
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet woodruff is an excellent choice for woodland gardens and shaded areas. The green whorled leaves and delicate white flowers create a dense carpet that needs very little maintenance.
Plant sweet woodruff in the spring or fall, spacing plugs 12 inches apart. Sweet woodruff plant spreads rapidly to fill in the gaps and cover the soil.
European Wild Ginger
European Wild Ginger presents a lush carpet of glossy, heart-shaped leaves, perfect for ground cover in shaded areas. Its subtle, reddish-purple flowers bloom close to the ground, and the roots smell of ginger when bruised or cut – hence its name. Shade is a must with this plant; it needs rich, moist, and well-drained soil to flourish. Zones 4-8
Sedum (Sedum spp.)
There are many varieties of sedums, including low-growing cultivars that spread rapidly to cover bare ground. Sedums are perfect for dry, sunny areas where other plants might struggle.
These drought-tolerant plants are very easy to grow from cuttings and require very little water once established.
Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Periwinkle, also known as creeping myrtle, forms a dense mat of glossy green leaves and blue or purple flowers. It is established quickly in shady areas and requires little maintenance.
To grow a periwinkle lawn, plant young plugs about 12 inches apart in spring or fall. Water regularly and prune the outer edges to control the lawn’s spread.
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Forsythia
Although often seen as a shrub, the weeping forsythia (Forsythia suspensa) is an excellent option for controlling soil erosion on slopes. Its arching branches naturally take root where they touch the ground, creating a dense, stabilizing ground cover.
With its soft yellow blooms in early spring, forsythia adds a touch of color while effectively helping to retain soil and prevent erosion, making it a practical choice for sloped areas.
Lamium (Lamium maculatum)
Lamium, or dead nettle, is an attractive ground cover with variegated leaves and small pink, purple, or white flower clusters. It’s an excellent option for shady areas, adding texture and color to your garden while suppressing weeds.
Plant lamium in the spring or fall, spacing the plants 12 inches apart. Keep the soil moist during the establishment phase, after which the plant will tolerate drought well.
Creeping Juniper
Although often thought of as a shrub, creeping juniper is a great option for ground cover, especially on slopes. This hardy, low-growing plant is a popular choice for stabilizing rocky areas and preventing erosion, thanks to its ability to take root in challenging conditions.
It’s highly drought-tolerant and adaptable to a variety of soil types, making it a reliable, low-maintenance solution for covering large areas.
Creeping Mazus (Mazus reptans)
Creeping mazus are fast-growing ground covers that produce tiny purple or white flowers on a bed of lush green foliage. They’re an excellent choice for areas that receive moderate foot traffic and are sloped, particularly in full sun or partial shade. Plant creeping mazes in the spring or fall, spacing plants 6-12 inches apart. Water regularly during dry periods and prune any unwanted growth.
Virginia Creeper
This fast-growing vine is great for covering up unsightly walls and is adaptable to various soil types. It grows well along trellises and fences. This plant is great for providing birds the shelter they need to nest and live through winter. Although this is a flowering vine, it works well as ground cover. If you don’t use a trellis, the vine will sprawl across your yard and protect slopes from erosion.
Dianthus
With over 300 species to choose from, it’s important to choose a variety suited to your hardiness zone. Dianthus plants are low-growing perennials known for their charming foliage, which adds interest to the garden even when the plants aren’t in bloom.
Perfect for use as ground cover, dianthus thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance choice for adding lasting beauty to your outdoor space.
Calamint
With its minty aroma, Calamint produces clouds of tiny, delicate flowers. It’s an excellent choice for attracting bees and creating a low-maintenance, sun-loving ground cover. It is easy to grow, and unlike true mints, it will not spread wildly. It works well in a sloped garden for zones 5-9.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny grows rapidly and fills in large areas quickly. Creeping Jenny needs very little maintenance once established apart from pruning to control its spread.
Space creeping Jenny seedlings 12-18 inches apart, watering regularly until well established. Mulch around the plants to control weeds and improve water retention.
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