If you’re tired of the endless battle against weeds in your garden, why not harness the power of hardy perennials for year-round weed control? These versatile plants not only add beauty to your landscape but also serve as nature’s own weed suppressors.
By forming dense ground covers or robust clumps, they effectively crowd out unwanted invaders, reducing the need for constant weeding.
Using ground cover plants can reduce weed growth compared to bare soil. From sun-loving spreaders to shade-tolerant beauties, here are 15 perennials that offer solutions for every corner of your garden.
1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
This aromatic ground cover forms a dense mat of tiny leaves and delicate flowers. Creeping thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for rock gardens or between pavers.
Its low-growing habit effectively smothers weeds while releasing a pleasant fragrance when stepped on.
Planting guide:
- Plant in spring or fall
- Space 6-12 inches apart
- Water regularly until established
- Trim after flowering to maintain shape
2. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is a tough, drought-resistant perennial that forms thick clusters, choking out weeds. Its feathery foliage and colorful flower heads add visual interest to gardens. This versatile plant attracts pollinators and can withstand poor soil conditions.
Planting guide:
- Sow seeds directly in spring or fall
- Plant 1-2 feet apart
- Provide full sun and well-drained soil
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
3. Monkey Grass (Liriope muscari)
Monkey grass is an evergreen perennial that forms dense tufts of grass-like foliage. Its spreading habit effectively suppresses weeds in both sunny and shady areas. Liriope’s purple or white flower spikes add a pop of color in late summer.
Planting guide:
- Plant in spring or fall
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Tolerates various soil types
- Trim back foliage in late winter
4. Stonecrop (Sedum spp.)
Stonecrops are succulent perennials that create a thick, weed-resistant carpet. Their fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers come in various colors, adding interest to rock gardens and dry areas. These drought-tolerant plants thrive in poor soil and full sun.
Planting guide:
- Plant in spring after frost danger has passed
- Space 6-24 inches apart, depending on variety
- Provide excellent drainage
- Avoid overwatering
5. Hellebore (Helleborus spp.)
These shade-loving perennials boast evergreen foliage and early-blooming flowers. Hellebores form dense clumps that effectively suppress weeds in woodland gardens. Their long-lasting blooms add color to the garden when little else is flowering.
Planting guide:
- Plant in early spring or fall
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Provide partial to full shade
- Amend soil with organic matter before planting
6. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Known for its soft, velvety leaves, lamb’s ear creates a dense mat of silvery-gray foliage. This drought-tolerant perennial spreads quickly, smothering weeds in its path. Its unique texture adds visual interest to borders and rock gardens.
Planting guide:
- Plant in spring or early fall
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Provide full sun and well-drained soil
- Remove flower stalks to encourage foliage growth
7. Barrenwort (Epimedium spp.)
Barrenwort is a shade-loving perennial that forms a dense groundcover with heart-shaped leaves. Epimedium’s spreading rhizomes effectively crowd out weeds in difficult, dry shade areas. Delicate flowers in spring add to its charm.
Planting guide:
- Plant in spring or early fall
- Space 12 inches apart
- Provide partial to full shade
- Mulch annually with compost
8. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Bugleweed is a fast-spreading ground cover that quickly forms a dense mat of foliage. Its low-growing habit and ability to thrive in shade make it an excellent weed suppressor in challenging areas. Spikes of blue flowers in spring add seasonal interest.
Planting guide:
- Plant in spring or fall
- Space 6-9 inches apart
- Tolerates sun to shade
- Trim edges to control spread
9. Crane’s Bill (Geranium spp.)
Cranesbills are versatile perennials that form spreading mounds of foliage. Their dense growth habit effectively smothers weeds while providing long-lasting blooms. Many varieties thrive in both sun and partial shade.
Planting guide:
- Plant in spring or early fall
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Provide well-drained soil
- Cut back after flowering to encourage reblooming
10. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
Coral bells offer year-round interest with their colorful foliage. These clump-forming perennials create a dense groundcover that inhibits weed growth. Their ability to thrive in the shade makes them perfect for woodland gardens.
Planting guide:
- Plant in spring or early fall
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Provide partial shade
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
11. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Periwinkle, is a fast-spreading evergreen ground cover that excels at weed suppression. Its glossy leaves and pretty blue flowers create an attractive carpet in shady areas. This tough plant can thrive in poor soil conditions.
Planting guide:
- Plant in spring or fall
- Space 6-12 inches apart
- Provide partial to full shade
- Trim annually to control growth
12. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)
Black-eyed Susans form dense clumps that effectively crowd out weeds. These cheerful, daisy-like flowers bloom profusely from summer to fall, attracting pollinators.
Rudbeckia’s drought tolerance makes it an excellent choice for sunny areas.
Planting guide:
- Plant in spring or early fall
- Space 18-24 inches apart
- Provide full sun and well-drained soil
- Deadhead to prolong blooming
13. Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)
This low-growing evergreen conifer forms a dense mat that effectively smothers weeds. Creeping juniper is excellent for slopes and rocky areas, providing year-round coverage and erosion control.
Its drought tolerance makes it a low-maintenance choice.
Planting guide:
- Plant in spring or early fall
- Space 3-6 feet apart, depending on variety
- Provide full sun and well-drained soil
- Water deeply but infrequently once established
14. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Creeping phlox creates a colorful, weed-resistant carpet in spring. This low-growing perennial spreads quickly, covering the ground with needle-like foliage and abundant flowers. It’s perfect for rock gardens and sunny slopes.
Planting guide:
- Plant in spring or early fall
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Provide full sun and well-drained soil
- Trim after flowering to maintain shape
15. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
Japanese spurge is an excellent evergreen ground cover that thrives in shady areas. This low-growing perennial forms a dense mat of glossy, dark green leaves that effectively suppress weed growth.
It spreads via underground rhizomes, creating a thick carpet that leaves little room for weeds to establish. Its ability to tolerate deep shade makes it ideal for areas under trees or in woodland gardens where other plants struggle.
Planting guide:
- Plant in spring or fall
- Space 6-12 inches apart
- Provide partial to full shade
- Ensure well-draining, slightly acidic soil
- Water regularly until established
These 15 hardy perennials offer a natural, sustainable solution to weed control while enhancing the beauty of your garden. Adding these plants to your landscape will create a lush, low-maintenance environment that requires less time weeding and more time enjoying.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.