Evergreen perennials are hardy plants that offer year-round coverage, creating dense mats that effectively crowd out unwanted vegetation. Evergreen perennials not only combat weeds but also provide aesthetic value, erosion control, and habitat for beneficial insects.
With these 15 evergreen perennials, gardeners can create low-maintenance landscapes that stay green and weed-free throughout the seasons, transforming challenging spaces into beautiful, functional areas.
1. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Bugleweed is a fast-spreading ground cover that forms a dense mat of foliage. Its attractive leaves come in various colors, from deep green to burgundy, and it produces spikes of blue flowers in spring.
This tough plant thrives in both sun and shade, making it versatile for different garden areas.
Planting tips:
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart
- Prefers well-drained soil
- Water regularly until established
- Trim occasionally to control the spread
2. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Periwinkle, or Vinca minor, is a classic evergreen ground cover that’s excellent for weed suppression. Its glossy, dark green leaves form a dense carpet, while pretty blue flowers add a pop of color in spring.
This hardy plant is perfect for shady areas where other plants struggle.
Planting tips:
- Plant 12-18 inches apart
- Thrives in partial to full shade
- Tolerates poor soil conditions
- Prune annually to prevent overgrowth
3. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
Japanese Spurge is a go-to choice for shady areas that need weed control. This evergreen ground cover forms a lush carpet of glossy, green leaves.
It’s low-maintenance and spreads slowly but steadily, making it ideal for long-term weed suppression in woodland gardens or under trees.
Planting tips:
- Space plants 6-12 inches apart
- Prefers rich, moist soil
- Avoid full sun exposure
- Fertilize in early spring for best growth
4. Lilyturf (Liriope muscari)
Lilyturf, commonly known as Liriope muscari, is a versatile evergreen that forms dense clumps of grass-like foliage. Its ability to thrive in various light conditions makes it an excellent choice for weed control in different garden areas.
Spikes of lavender or white flowers in late summer add to its appeal.
Planting tips:
- Plant 12-18 inches apart
- Adapts to various soil types
- Tolerates both sun and shade
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
5. Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
Candytuft is a charming evergreen perennial that forms a low-growing mound of dark green foliage. In spring, it bursts into bloom with clusters of pure white flowers, creating a stunning display while suppressing weeds.
This plant is perfect for rock gardens or border edges.
Planting tips:
- Space plants 12-15 inches apart
- Requires well-drained soil
- Prefers full sun to light shade
- Trim after flowering to maintain shape
6. Heartleaf Bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia)
Heartleaf Bergenia, also known as pigsqueak, is a robust evergreen perennial with large, leathery leaves. Its dense growth habit makes it excellent for crowding out weeds.
In spring, it produces clusters of pink flowers, adding color to the garden while maintaining its weed-suppressing duties.
Planting tips:
- Plant 12-18 inches apart
- Thrives in partial shade
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil
- Remove dead leaves in early spring
7. Barrenwort (Epimedium spp.)
Barrenwort, commonly called bishop’s hat, is a delightful evergreen perennial that’s perfect for shady areas. Its heart-shaped leaves form a dense ground cover, effectively suppressing weeds. In spring, dainty flowers in various colors dance above the foliage, adding charm to woodland gardens.
Planting tips:
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart
- Best in partial to full shade
- Prefers rich, well-drained soil
- Cut back old foliage in late winter
8. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
Coral Bells is a versatile evergreen perennial that comes in a stunning array of leaf colors. Its compact growth habit and ability to spread make it an excellent choice for weed suppression in borders or as a groundcover.
Tiny bell-shaped flowers on tall stems add vertical interest in summer.
Planting tips:
- Plant 12-18 inches apart
- Grows best in partial shade
- Needs well-drained soil
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
9. Lenten Rose (Helleborus spp.)
Lenten Rose is a tough evergreen perennial that blooms in late winter to early spring. Its leathery, dark green leaves form dense clumps that effectively suppress weeds.
The long-lasting flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple add beauty to the garden when little else is blooming.
Planting tips:
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
- Prefers partial to full shade
- Needs rich, well-drained soil
- Remove old foliage in late winter
10. Stonecrop (Sedum spp.)
Stonecrop is a diverse group of succulents that includes many excellent evergreen varieties for weed suppression. Their fleshy leaves form dense mats that crowd out weeds, while their drought tolerance makes them perfect for low-maintenance gardens. Many varieties produce attractive flowers from late summer to fall.
Planting tips:
- Plant 12-18 inches apart
- Requires full sun and well-drained soil
- Tolerates poor soil conditions
- Trim back in early spring if needed
11. Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Moss Phlox, also known as creeping phlox, is a low-growing evergreen perennial that forms a dense mat of needle-like foliage. In spring, it bursts into bloom with a carpet of pink, purple, or white flowers.
This tough plant is excellent for suppressing weeds in sunny areas and rock gardens.
Planting tips:
- Space plants 15-18 inches apart
- Thrives in full sun
- Needs well-drained soil
- Trim after flowering to maintain shape
12. Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)
Wintercreeper is a versatile evergreen that can be used as a ground cover or climbing vine. Its dense growth habit makes it effective at suppressing weeds, while its variegated varieties add year-round interest to the garden.
This tough plant is adaptable to various light conditions.
Planting tips:
- Plant 18-24 inches apart
- Adapts to sun or shade
- Prefers well-drained soil
- Prune regularly to control growth
13. Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)
Creeping Juniper is a low-growing evergreen conifer that’s excellent for weed suppression in sunny areas. Its dense, spreading habit forms a thick mat that effectively crowds out weeds.
Various cultivars offer different foliage colors and textures for added interest.
Planting tips:
- Space plants 3-4 feet apart
- Requires full sun
- Needs well-drained soil
- Tolerates poor soil and drought
14. Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia ternata)
Barren Strawberry is a charming evergreen ground cover that resembles wild strawberry plants. Its trifoliate leaves form a dense mat that suppresses weeds effectively.
In spring, cheerful yellow flowers bloom above the foliage, adding a bright touch to shady areas.
Planting tips:
- Plant 12-18 inches apart
- Thrives in partial to full shade
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil
- Trim back in early spring if needed
15. Sedge (Carex spp.)
Sedge is a large genus of grass-like plants that includes many evergreen varieties excellent for weed suppression. These versatile plants come in various sizes and colors, making them suitable for different garden styles. Their dense, clumping habit effectively crowds out weeds while adding texture to the landscape.
Planting tips:
- Space plants according to variety size
- Adapts to sun or shade depending on species
- Prefers consistently moist soil
- Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor
These 15 evergreen perennials offer a powerful, natural solution to weed control while enhancing the beauty of your garden year-round. Adding these hardy plants to your landscape can significantly reduce the time and effort spent on weeding, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed gardening experience.
Remember to consider your specific garden conditions, such as light exposure and soil type, when selecting the best options for your space.
With proper planting and minimal maintenance, these evergreen perennials will create a lush, weed-resistant carpet that not only suppresses unwanted growth but also provides a stunning backdrop for your outdoor oasis throughout the seasons.
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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.