Pollinators like bees and butterflies play a vital role in our ecosystems, with an estimated 75% of flowering plants and 35% of food crops relying on their services.1 However, there are concerns about declining pollinator populations worldwide.
Studies reveal alarming trends in bee and butterfly diversity across North America, with notable declines detected in North America.2
With habitat loss and other threats decimating pollinator populations worldwide, every garden can make a difference. Here are 15 ground covers that will have your yard humming with life in no time.
1. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
This early spring bloomer carpets the ground with vibrant pink, purple, or white flowers, providing a vital nectar source for emerging butterflies like mourning cloaks and spring azures. Creeping phlox is native to central and eastern North America, making it an eco-friendly choice for those regions.
Planting Guide:
- Grows best in full sun to partial shade
- Prefers well-draining soil
- Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 12-15 inches apart
- Trim back after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance
2. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
Catmint’s aromatic foliage and spikes of purple-blue flowers attract various pollinators, especially bees. This versatile perennial works well as a ground cover, border plant, or even in rock gardens.
Planting Guide:
- Plant in full sun to light shade
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart
- Tolerates poor soil and drought once established
- Shear back after first flush of blooms for repeat flowering
3. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
This fragrant, low-growing herb forms a dense mat of tiny leaves and delicate pink or purple flowers that bees adore. Creeping thyme is perfect for filling gaps between stepping stones or as a lawn alternative in sunny areas.
Planting Guide:
- Thrives in full sun and well-draining soil
- Plant in spring, spacing plants 6-12 inches apart
- Tolerates light foot traffic
- Shear lightly after flowering to maintain shape
4. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedums come in a variety of colors and textures, offering both attractive foliage and nectar-rich blooms that draw in butterflies and bees. Many species are drought-tolerant and thrive in poor soils, making them ideal for rock gardens and green roofs.
Planting Guide:
- Plant in full sun and well-draining soil
- Space plants according to mature size (6-24 inches apart)
- Avoid overwatering, as sedums are prone to rot in soggy soil
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
5. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Also known as bugleweed, ajuga forms a dense carpet of glossy leaves in shades of green, bronze, or purple. In late spring, spikes of blue flowers emerge, attracting bumblebees and other pollinators.
Planting Guide:
- Grows in sun to shade, but best foliage color in partial shade
- Space plants 6-9 inches apart
- Prefers moist, well-draining soil
- Trim back flower spikes after blooming to prevent self-seeding
6. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
Coneflowers are pollinator magnets, with their showy, daisy-like blooms in shades of purple, pink, orange, and yellow. Native to North America, these hardy perennials provide nectar and pollen throughout the summer.
Planting Guide:
- Plant in full sun to light shade
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
- Tolerates drought and poor soil once established
- Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering
7. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
With its shaggy, vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers, bee balm is irresistible to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. This native perennial spreads slowly via rhizomes, forming attractive clumps.
Planting Guide:
- Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil
- Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 18-24 inches apart
- Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering
8. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvias come in a wide range of colors and sizes, but all share the common trait of being pollinator favorites. Many species are drought-tolerant and bloom for extended periods, providing a reliable nectar source.
Planting Guide:
- Plant in full sun and well-draining soil
- Space plants according to mature size (12-24 inches apart)
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering
- Cut back in late fall or early spring to maintain shape
9. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow’s flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers in shades of yellow, pink, or red are a favorite among native bees and other pollinators. This tough, drought-tolerant perennial spreads slowly, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.
Planting Guide:
- Thrives in full sun and well-draining soil
- Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 12-18 inches apart
- Tolerates poor soil and drought once established
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering
10. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
While primarily grown for their colorful foliage, coral bells also produce delicate spikes of tiny flowers that attract hummingbirds and bees. These shade-tolerant perennials work well as ground covers in woodland gardens or beneath trees.
Planting Guide:
- Grows best in partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Remove spent flower stalks to improve appearance
11. Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
This low-growing, evergreen perennial forms a dense mat of dark green foliage, which is covered in clusters of pure white flowers in early spring. Candytuft is a valuable nectar source for early-emerging pollinators.
Planting Guide:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil
- Space plants 12-15 inches apart
- Shear back lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape
- Avoid overwatering, as candytuft is prone to rot in soggy soil
12. Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)
Lungwort’s silver-spotted foliage and clusters of pink, blue, or white flowers in early spring make it a standout in shady gardens. This low-maintenance perennial is a favorite among early-foraging bees.
Planting Guide:
- Grows best in partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil
- Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 12-18 inches apart
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Remove spent foliage in late fall to prevent disease
13. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
This fragrant, spreading herb produces clusters of small white or pale yellow flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. Lemon balm’s leaves can also be used to make tea or add flavor to dishes.
Planting Guide:
- Grows in sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil
- Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 18-24 inches apart
- Contain spread by planting in pots or removing runners
- Harvest leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth
14. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
Hyssop’s spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies. This aromatic herb is also used in cooking and traditional medicine.
Planting Guide:
- Plant in full sun and well-draining soil
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart
- Prune back lightly after flowering to maintain shape
- Harvest leaves and flowers for culinary or medicinal use
15. Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)
This low-growing, spreading perennial produces small, white flowers followed by edible berries. Wild strawberry is an excellent ground cover for shady areas and attracts a variety of pollinators.
Planting Guide:
- Grows best in partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil
- Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 12-18 inches apart
- Allow plants to spread and fill in bare areas
- Harvest berries when ripe for a sweet treat
By incorporating these pollinator-friendly ground covers into your landscape, you’ll not only create a beautiful and diverse garden but also provide crucial support for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other essential pollinators.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.