Flowering ground cover plants not only add beauty in your garden, but they also control weed growth and stabilize it (especially if there is a grade). You can also make beautiful customized patterns in your garden using them. Well grown flowering ground cover plants will add a dramatic look in your yard. The plants are inexpensive as they do not require a lot of maintenance. Here are the Best ‘Flowering’ Ground Cover Plants:
1. Creeping Phlox
The plants have needle-like foliage with pink, red, lavender, white, or purple flowers. Creeping phlox usually bloom in spring.
They require full sun exposure but can still survive in partial shade. The plants need to be watered frequently, especially during summer. They are best propagated through division.
2. Ice Plant
The Ice Plants thrive well in well-draining soil; otherwise, they will develop root rot. They require full sun exposure to grow as insufficient sunlight will make them develop pale leaves.
Ice plants have daisy-like flowers that come in shades of orange, pink, red, and yellow. The flowers only open up in the sun.
3. Candytuft
The plant develops beautiful white flowers twice a year. Candytuft can be easily propagated from seeds, cuttings, or division.
Candytufts require full to partial sunlight to thrive, although they can tolerate partial shade. The plants do not require frequent watering.
4. Sweet woodruff
These plants are commonly grown for ground cover in areas with shade. Their star-shaped flowers produce a sweet fragrance. They require low maintenance practices as they are adaptable to different soil and moisture conditions. They do well in full or partial shade.
When planted in direct sunlight, the leaves get scorched. The plants should be watered only when there is drought, to avoid overgrowing. Apart from adding beauty to the landscape, sweet woodruff can also be used in beers and wines as a flavoring agent. Due to their scent fragrance, the plants are also used to make different perfumes.
5. Brass Buttons
When viewed from a distance, one may confuse the brass buttons for grass. The plant is drought tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.
Their leaves’ colors range from grey to green, black, and purple. The plants can withstand moderate foot traffic. Brass button plants have a high development rate and require frequent watering, as their roots grow deeper into the soil.
6. Creeping Thyme
This wonderful ground cover plant is also known as the mother of thyme. It requires minimal maintenance, as it is a hardy perennial. Beyond its aesthetic value, creeping thyme is edible.
Creeping Thyme is able to withstand tromping; therefore, it can be planted in areas with high traffic. The plants can be propagated through seeds, divisions or cuttings.
7. Sedum
Sedum has fleshy stems, succulent leaves, and star-shaped flowers. The plants are easy to maintain, and they attract pollinators. Low growing sedums are ideal for ground coverage as they spread and form colorful foliage.
Sedum thrives well when planted in spring. They are prone to root rot; they should be planted in well-draining soil. After establishment, the plants require minimal care. You only need to water them, maintain their shape by cutting, and divide them in spring to control their spread.
Their colors range from red, maroon, and yellow. In case the plants grow out of bound, prune them. Pruning will enhance their appearance. They are easily propagated from cuttings.
8. Lilly of the Valley
Lilly of the valley has bell-shaped flowers with a sweet fragrance. Growing them is easy. These plants do well in moist soil and partial shade. The plant blooms during summer and early spring.
Lilly of the valley establishes a colony that is difficult to get rid of. If you dig the plants, the remaining small roots will develop into new plants. The solution to this is covering the area using a tarp for some time. When handling the plants, always have your gloves on as they are poisonous. This may also be a big concern if you have young kids and pets. In hot summers, the foliage of the plant will decrease.
9. Firecracker
The Firecracker plant grows with fiery blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. To achieve its best look, the firecracker requires sufficient watering.
The plant is easily propagated from cuttings. Firecracker requires a lot of space as they tend to spread very fast, but you can control their size by trimming.
10. Society garlic
The Society Garlic plant is also known as pink agapanthus. There is a popular belief that if you eat the plant, it will keep bad breath away. Its leaves and bulb are edible.
These plants require additional fertilizers or compost for better development. Society garlic does better in a warmer climate.
11. Hostas
They are tough and adapt quickly to their environment. The plants need to be protected from direct sun rays. They thrive well in partial shade.
Naturally, Hostas are resistant to diseases. However, always inspect the plants as they are highly susceptible to slugs and snails. Get rid of dead foliage from Hostas to prevent them from decaying in your garden.
Maintenance Tips For Growing Flowering Ground Cover Plants
Most ground cover plants require minimal maintenance. These include:
1. Watering
The plants have different water requirements, according to their type and age. The climatic conditions of your area will also dictate the frequency of watering.
For flat gardens, a sprinkler is suitable for watering. For sloppy flower gardens, a drip irrigation system is the most appropriate. If your garden is not very big, you can water your plants using a watering container.
2. Weeding
Generally, ground cover plants prevent weeds from growing in your yard. However, before the plants establish and spread on the garden fully, weeds will grow in between them. It is essential to get rid of them as they compete for water and nutrients with your plants.
A yard full of weeds is not appealing to the eye, either. It may depict a lousy picture. You may also go for herbicides to get rid of the weeds by spraying them. Make sure they are safe and appropriate for your garden. Read the instructions on their usage carefully.
3. Edging
Ground cover plants may overgrow and extend beyond their allocated areas. To control the growth of the plants, you need to trim them using pruning shears or a rotary mower.
4. Pest control
A lot of flowering ground cover plants are not susceptible to pests. However, it is important always to inspect your plants for aphids and other pests. Use the approved pesticides to get rid of them and follow the directions for usage.
5. Fertilizing
Most of these plants have low nutrients requirements; they don’t need additional fertilizers. However, some may require annual feeding, especially if they are planted together with trees and shrubs. Use the correct fertilizer and apply the right amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ground cover plants are low growing plants that spread over the ground.
Yes. Some ground cover plants are poisonous. Therefore you need to research on the plants before planting especially if you have young kids or pets
Some varieties are tolerant. Others go dormant during winter and then come out of dormancy in spring.
Some ground cover plants, such as the society garlic and the creeping thyme are edible.
Wrapping Up
Flowering ground covers can transform your dull, boring yard to a beautiful, captivating garden full of flowers with different shapes, sizes, and colors. Although they require a bit of patience and effort before they establish fully, they are worth trying.
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