Fast-growing perennials offer a powerful solution to weed control and landscape beautification perfect for low-maintenance gardening. These vigorous plants can quickly establish themselves, covering bare ground and outcompeting unwanted invaders.
Fast-growing perennials can reduce weed growth when used as living mulch.1 Not only do they suppress weeds, but they also provide long-lasting beauty, attract pollinators, and require minimal upkeep once established.
By strategically incorporating these 15 plants into your landscape, you can create a lush, weed-resistant garden that thrives year after year.
1. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
Catmint is a powerhouse perennial that’s as tough as it is beautiful. Its soft gray-green foliage and long-lasting blue or purple flowers make it a favorite among gardeners and pollinators.
This hardy plant forms dense mounds that effectively choke out weeds while providing months of color.
Planting guide:
- Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-draining, tolerates poor soil
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Spread: 1-3 feet
2. Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
Daylilies are the workhorses of the perennial garden, offering stunning blooms and vigorous growth that quickly fills in spaces. Their dense, strappy foliage forms thick clumps that leave little room for weeds to take hold.
With countless varieties available, you’re sure to find the perfect color for your garden.
Planting guide:
- Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Adaptable, prefers well-draining
- Water: Moderate, tolerates brief dry spells
- Height: 1-6 feet
- Spread: 1-4 feet
3. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian sage is a drought-tolerant stunner that creates a sea of lavender-blue flowers atop silvery foliage. Its upright, bushy habit quickly fills in spaces, leaving little room for weeds to establish.
This low-maintenance perennial is perfect for hot, dry areas where other plants struggle.
Planting guide:
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining, tolerates poor soil
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Spread: 2-4 feet
4. Stonecrop (Sedum spp.)
Sedums are succulent perennials that come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from low-growing groundcovers to upright border plants. Their fleshy leaves and dense growth habit make them excellent weed suppressors.
Plus, their late-season blooms provide a feast for pollinators when other flowers have faded.
Planting guide:
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining, tolerates poor soil
- Water: Drought-tolerant
- Height: 3 inches to 3 feet (varies by variety)
- Spread: 6 inches to 2 feet
5. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Lamb’s ear is beloved for its soft, velvety leaves that create a dense mat of silvery-green foliage. This fast-spreading perennial quickly covers bare ground, smothering weeds in its path.
Its unique texture adds interest to the garden even when not in bloom.
Planting guide:
- Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-draining
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Spread: 12-18 inches
6. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping thyme is a low-growing herb that forms a dense, weed-suppressing carpet. Its tiny leaves release a delightful fragrance when stepped on, making it perfect for pathways and between pavers.
This tough little plant tolerates foot traffic and drought, all while providing charming pink or purple flowers.
Planting guide:
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining
- Water: Low to moderate
- Height: 2-4 inches
- Spread: 12-18 inches
7. Liriope (Liriope spicata)
Liriope, also known as monkey grass, is a versatile groundcover that thrives in sun or shade. Its grass-like foliage forms dense clumps that spread quickly, creating an effective barrier against weeds.
This low-maintenance perennial is perfect for slopes, under trees, or as a lawn alternative.
Planting guide:
- Sun exposure: Full sun to full shade
- Soil: Adaptable
- Water: Moderate, tolerates brief dry spells
- Height: 10-15 inches
- Spread: Spreads indefinitely
8. Comfrey (Symphytum)
Comfrey is a powerhouse perennial that grows rapidly and produces large, broad leaves that effectively shade out weeds. Its deep tap root helps break up compacted soil and brings nutrients to the surface.
While it can be aggressive, comfrey is perfect for problem areas where other plants struggle.
Planting guide:
- Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Adaptable, prefers rich soil
- Water: Moderate
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Spread: 2-4 feet
9. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Periwinkle, or vinca, is a fast-growing evergreen groundcover that quickly forms a dense mat of glossy leaves. Its trailing stems root as they grow, creating a thick carpet that effectively suppresses weeds. Pretty blue flowers in spring add to its charm.
Planting guide:
- Sun exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Soil: Well-draining
- Water: Moderate, tolerates dry spells once established
- Height: 4-6 inches
- Spread: Spreads indefinitely
10. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is a tough, drought-tolerant perennial that spreads to form dense clumps. Its feathery foliage and flat-topped flower clusters not only suppress weeds but also attract beneficial insects.
Available in a range of colors, yarrow is perfect for sunny, dry areas.
Planting guide:
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining, tolerates poor soil
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Spread: 2-3 feet
11. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Creeping phlox is a low-growing perennial that forms a dense mat of needle-like foliage. In spring, it erupts into a sea of colorful blooms that smother any weeds trying to emerge.
This tough plant is perfect for rock gardens, slopes, or as a groundcover in sunny areas.
Planting guide:
- Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-draining
- Water: Moderate, tolerates brief dry spells
- Height: 4-6 inches
- Spread: 12-24 inches
12. Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis)
Lady’s mantle is a charming perennial with scalloped, fan-shaped leaves that form dense mounds. Its frothy yellow-green flowers add a delicate touch to the garden.
This fast-growing plant quickly fills in spaces, leaving little room for weeds to establish.
Planting guide:
- Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-draining, tolerates poor soil
- Water: Moderate
- Height: 12-18 inches
- Spread: 18-24 inches
13. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga is a fast-spreading groundcover that forms a dense carpet of colorful foliage. Its low-growing habit and ability to thrive in shade make it perfect for suppressing weeds under trees or in other difficult areas.
Short spikes of blue flowers in spring add to its appeal.
Planting guide:
- Sun exposure: Full sun to full shade
- Soil: Well-draining
- Water: Moderate
- Height: 4-6 inches
- Spread: 12-18 inches
14. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Heuchera, with its colorful foliage ranging from deep purple to lime green, is a versatile perennial that forms dense clumps. Its ability to thrive in both sun and shade makes it an excellent choice for various garden locations.
The dense growth habit effectively crowds out weeds.
Planting guide:
- Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-draining
- Water: Moderate
- Height: 8-18 inches
- Spread: 12-24 inches
15. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
Pachysandra is an evergreen groundcover that forms a dense mat of glossy leaves. Its ability to thrive in deep shade makes it perfect for suppressing weeds in areas where grass won’t grow.
This low-maintenance plant is ideal for woodland gardens or under trees.
Planting guide:
- Sun exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Soil: Rich, well-draining
- Water: Moderate
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Spread: Spreads indefinitely
Fast-growing perennials offer a smart, sustainable solution for creating a weed-resistant garden that’s both beautiful and low-maintenance. By incorporating these 15 vigorous plants into your landscape, you can significantly reduce the time and effort spent on weed control while enhancing your garden’s aesthetic appeal.
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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.