Creeping plants are nature’s living carpets, offering a practical and beautiful solution for weed control in gardens. These low-growing wonders have gained popularity among gardeners for their ability to suppress unwanted vegetation while adding visual interest to landscapes.
Ground cover plants can reduce soil erosion, reduce weed emergence, conserve moisture, and provide habitat for beneficial insects. Here are 15 versatile creeping plants that not only combat weeds but also transform garden pathways into lush, low-maintenance oases.
1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping thyme is a versatile and aromatic ground cover that thrives in full sun to partial shade. This hardy perennial forms a dense mat of tiny leaves, releasing a delightful fragrance when stepped on.
In summer, it bursts into bloom with petite pink or purple flowers that attract pollinators.
Planting guide:
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Space 8-12 inches apart
- Water regularly until established
- Trim after flowering to maintain shape
2. Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
Despite its name, Irish moss isn’t a true moss but a low-growing perennial that forms a lush, carpet-like ground cover. Its emerald green foliage creates a soft, cushiony surface perfect for pathways.
Tiny white flowers appear in late spring, adding a delicate touch to this hardy plant.
Planting guide:
- Choose a partially shaded location
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil
- Space 4-6 inches apart
- Water deeply once a week
3. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny, also known as moneywort, is a fast-growing ground cover with round, coin-shaped leaves. This vigorous spreader quickly fills in gaps between stepping stones and suppresses weeds effectively.
Its bright golden-green foliage adds a pop of color to shaded areas.
Planting guide:
- Plant in partial to full shade
- Use in moist areas or near water features
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Trim regularly to control the spread
4. Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)
Blue star creeper is a delightful ground cover that forms a dense mat of tiny green leaves. In late spring and summer, it produces an abundance of tiny, star-shaped blue flowers that create a stunning carpet effect.
This low-maintenance plant tolerates light foot traffic, making it ideal for garden paths.
Planting guide:
- Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Space 6-8 inches apart
- Water regularly during dry spells
5. Elfin Thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’)
Elfin thyme is a miniature variety of creeping thyme that forms an ultra-low mat of tiny leaves. This slow-growing ground cover is perfect for filling gaps between pavers or creating a living carpet in rock gardens.
Its diminutive size and drought tolerance make it an excellent choice for low-maintenance pathways.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun
- Use well-draining, sandy soil
- Space 6-8 inches apart
- Trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape
6. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Creeping phlox is a stunning ground cover that creates a vibrant carpet of flowers in spring. This low-growing perennial spreads quickly, forming a dense mat that effectively suppresses weeds.
Available in various colors, it adds a splash of beauty to sunny pathways and rock gardens.
Planting guide:
- Choose a sunny location
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Trim after flowering to encourage dense growth
7. Sedum ‘Angelina’ (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’)
Sedum ‘Angelina’ is a striking ground cover with needle-like, golden-yellow foliage that turns orange in fall. This drought-tolerant succulent spreads quickly, forming a dense mat that chokes out weeds.
Its vibrant color and low-maintenance nature make it perfect for sunny pathways.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun
- Use well-draining, sandy soil
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Water sparingly once established
8. Creeping Mazus (Mazus reptans)
Creeping mazus is a low-growing perennial that forms a dense carpet of small, dark green leaves. In late spring, it produces an abundance of tiny, orchid-like flowers in shades of purple or white.
This tough ground cover tolerates light foot traffic and effectively suppresses weeds in partially shaded areas.
Planting guide:
- Choose a partially shaded spot
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil
- Space 8-12 inches apart
- Water regularly to maintain soil moisture
9. Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)
Woolly thyme is a charming ground cover with soft, fuzzy leaves that form a dense, silvery-green mat. This drought-tolerant plant is perfect for sunny, well-draining areas and can withstand light foot traffic.
Its unique texture adds interest to garden paths and rock gardens.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun
- Use well-draining, sandy soil
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Trim lightly to maintain shape if needed
10. Creeping Wire Vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris)
Creeping wire vine, also known as maidenhair vine, is a fast-growing ground cover with delicate, wire-like stems and small, round leaves. This versatile plant forms a dense mat that effectively suppresses weeds and can tolerate both sun and shade. Its fine texture adds a unique touch to garden pathways.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Use well-draining soil
- Space 18-24 inches apart
- Trim regularly to control the spread
11. Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)
Corsican mint is a tiny, aromatic ground cover that forms a dense carpet of miniature leaves. When stepped on, it releases a strong, minty fragrance that adds sensory appeal to garden paths.
This low-growing herb thrives in partially shaded, moist areas and effectively suppresses weeds.
Planting guide:
- Choose a partially shaded location
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil
- Space 6-8 inches apart
- Water regularly to maintain soil moisture
12. Brass Buttons (Leptinella squalida)
Brass buttons are a unique ground cover with fern-like foliage that forms a dense, low-growing mat. This tough plant can withstand light foot traffic and effectively suppresses weeds in partially shaded areas.
Its bronze-tinted leaves add interesting color and texture to garden paths.
Planting guide:
- Plant in partial shade
- Use moist, well-draining soil
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Water regularly during dry spells
13. Creeping Speedwell (Veronica repens)
Creeping speedwell is a fast-growing ground cover that forms a lush carpet of small, round leaves. In spring, it produces an abundance of tiny blue flowers that create a stunning display.
This low-maintenance plant effectively suppresses weeds and can tolerate light foot traffic.
Planting guide:
- Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Trim after flowering to maintain shape
14. Alpine Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)
Alpine strawberry is a charming ground cover that not only suppresses weeds but also produces small, sweet fruits. Its compact growth habit and pretty white flowers make it an attractive addition to garden paths.
This edible ground cover thrives in partially shaded areas and requires minimal maintenance.
Planting guide:
- Plant in partial shade
- Use rich, well-draining soil
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist
15. Rupturewort (Herniaria glabra)
Rupturewort is a tough, low-growing ground cover that forms a dense mat of tiny green leaves. This drought-tolerant plant can withstand foot traffic and effectively suppresses weeds in sunny areas.
Its ability to grow in poor soils makes it an excellent choice for challenging garden spots.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun
- Use well-draining soil
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Water sparingly once established
Remember to consider your specific climate, soil conditions, and sunlight exposure when selecting the best creeping plants for your pathways. With proper planting and care, these versatile ground covers will transform your garden walkways into stunning, hassle-free spaces that you can enjoy for years to come.
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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.