If you’re tired of battling weeds and watching your garden dry out, native ground covers offer a smart solution. By choosing plants naturally adapted to your region, you can achieve native ground covers weed suppression while reducing watering needs. These low-growing plants create a living mulch that blocks weeds, retains soil moisture, and supports local ecosystems. Here are 10 top performers for various regions.
1. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) – Eastern & Central US
This evergreen perennial forms dense mats of needle-like leaves, smothering weeds effectively. In spring, it bursts into pink, purple, or white flowers. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Plant spacing: 12-18 inches apart for quick coverage.
- Maintenance: Trim back after flowering to keep it compact.
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established; water only during extended dry spells.
2. Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) – Eastern North America
With heart-shaped leaves that form a thick canopy, wild ginger excels in shady spots. Its rhizomes spread slowly but steadily, creating a weed-proof carpet. It prefers moist, rich soil.
- Best for: Woodland gardens, under trees.
- Planting: Set divisions 12 inches apart in spring or fall.
- Moisture retention: Add a layer of leaf mulch to keep soil cool and damp.
3. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) – Northern US & Canada
This evergreen shrub hugs the ground, forming a dense mat up to 6 inches tall. Its leathery leaves suppress weeds, and red berries attract birds. It thrives in sandy, acidic soil and full sun.
- Water: Extremely drought-tolerant; water only until established.
- Weed control: Spreads via runners; space plants 2 feet apart.
- Maintenance: Virtually no pruning needed.
4. Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) – Pacific Northwest
Similar to bearberry, this Pacific Northwest native is a top choice for sunny slopes. Its deep roots hold soil and prevent erosion.
- Soil: Needs excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay.
- Planting: Best in spring; water deeply but infrequently.
- Benefits: Evergreen leaves provide year-round weed suppression.
5. Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens) – Eastern US
A diminutive ground cover for shade, with round leaves and red berries. It spreads by trailing stems, forming a low, dense mat.
- Ideal conditions: Acidic, humus-rich soil; partial to full shade.
- Spacing: 6-12 inches apart; it fills in slowly but thoroughly.
- Moisture: Keep evenly moist; doesn’t tolerate drought.
6. Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) – Australia (naturalized in US)
Though not native to all regions, this Australian native is widely used as a lawn alternative in mild climates. It forms a dense, moss-like mat with tiny blue flowers.
- Best for: Zones 5-9; full sun to partial shade.
- Foot traffic: Tolerates light walking.
- Weed suppression: Very effective once established; space 8-12 inches apart.
7. Sedum (Stonecrop) – Various species across US
Low-growing sedums like Sedum spurium (Caucasian stonecrop) are excellent for dry, sunny spots. They store water in leaves, making them extremely drought-tolerant.
- Varieties: ‘Dragon’s Blood’, ‘Angelina’, ‘John Creech’.
- Spacing: 12-15 inches apart; they root as they spread.
- Care: Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
8. Green and Gold (Chrysogonum virginianum) – Eastern US
A semi-evergreen ground cover with bright yellow flowers in spring. It spreads by runners and forms a dense mat that chokes out weeds.
- Light: Partial shade to full sun; prefers afternoon shade in hot climates.
- Soil: Moist, well-drained; tolerates clay.
- Water: Needs regular watering until established; then moderate.
9. Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) – Most of US
This native strawberry produces edible berries and spreads via runners. It forms a low, dense ground cover that competes well with weeds.
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Adaptable but prefers well-drained loam.
- Maintenance: Trim runners to control spread; leave some for berries.
10. Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica) – Eastern & Central US
A grass-like sedge that forms a soft, fine-textured carpet. It thrives in shade and dry soil, making it ideal under trees where grass won’t grow.
- Spacing: 6-12 inches apart; plugs establish quickly.
- Weed suppression: Dense root system outcompetes most weeds.
- Moisture: Drought-tolerant once established; water during first year.
Tips for Success with Native Ground Covers
To maximize weed suppression and moisture retention, follow these steps:
- Prepare the site: Remove all weeds before planting. Use cardboard or newspaper as a biodegradable barrier for extra suppression.
- Mulch lightly: After planting, apply a thin layer of fine bark or leaf mulch to retain moisture and reduce weed germination.
- Water wisely: Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots. Most native ground covers become drought-tolerant after one season.
- Be patient: Some ground covers take 1-2 years to fill in. During that time, hand-pull weeds to prevent competition.
Practical Takeaway
Choose native ground covers suited to your region’s climate and soil. They’ll reward you with native ground covers weed suppression, less watering, and a vibrant, low-maintenance landscape. Start with a small area, and expand as you see the benefits.