11 Groundcover Plants That Naturally Keep Weeds Away

Tired of pulling weeds every weekend? One of the easiest and most effective solutions is to let nature do the work for you.

Groundcover plants act as a living mulch, covering bare soil, blocking sunlight from reaching weed seeds, and creating dense root systems that leave little room for unwanted plants to grow. Once established, they require minimal maintenance while helping your garden stay healthy, attractive, and weed-free.

Here are 11 excellent groundcovers that can naturally reduce weed growth while adding beauty to your landscape.

Why Groundcovers Work So Well

Unlike bare soil, a thick carpet of plants creates conditions where weeds struggle to survive.

Groundcovers help by:

• Blocking sunlight from reaching weed seeds

• Filling empty spaces before weeds can establish

• Conserving soil moisture

• Reducing erosion

• Improving soil health over time

• Decreasing the need for mulch and frequent weeding

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

A favorite among gardeners, creeping thyme forms a fragrant mat of tiny leaves and colorful blooms.

Benefits:

• Tolerates light foot traffic

• Drought resistant

• Attracts bees and butterflies

• Excellent weed suppression

• Performs well in poor soils

Ideal for pathways, rock gardens, and sunny borders.

2. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

Known for its bright green or golden foliage, Creeping Jenny spreads quickly to cover open spaces.

Benefits:

• Fast-growing

• Thrives in sun or partial shade

• Helps control erosion

• Suitable for moist areas

Best used where rapid ground coverage is desired.

3. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

This evergreen favorite produces glossy leaves and beautiful blue or purple flowers.

Benefits:

• Grows well in shade

• Dense foliage discourages weeds

• Evergreen in many climates

• Excellent beneath trees

A great choice where grass struggles to grow.

4. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Ajuga spreads through runners to create a colorful carpet of foliage.

Benefits:

• Fast spreading

• Shade tolerant

• Attractive purple, bronze, or green leaves

• Spring flowers support pollinators

Perfect for covering large shaded spaces.

5. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Delicate in appearance but surprisingly resilient, Sweet Woodruff thrives in woodland-style gardens.

Benefits:

• Prefers shady locations

• Forms dense ground cover

• Pleasant fragrance

• Helps protect soil structure

Excellent beneath shrubs and trees.

6. Sedum (Stonecrop)

These low-growing succulents excel in dry, sunny locations.

Benefits:

• Very drought tolerant

• Requires minimal maintenance

• Dense growth limits weeds

• Long-lasting flowers

Ideal for rock gardens and areas with poor soil.

7. Mazus

Mazus creates a lush carpet with small flowers and spreads rapidly.

Benefits:

• Fits nicely between stepping stones

• Fast-growing

• Low-growing habit

• Soft appearance with durable performance

A great option for garden paths.

8. Pachysandra

One of the most reliable evergreen groundcovers for shaded landscapes.

Benefits:

• Dense year-round foliage

• Performs well beneath trees

• Low maintenance

• Forms an effective weed barrier over time

Ideal for large shaded planting areas.

9. Clover (White or Microclover)

Often overlooked, clover is an outstanding natural groundcover.

Benefits:

• Adds nitrogen to the soil

• Dense growth suppresses weeds

• Drought tolerant

• Suitable for light foot traffic

• Supports beneficial pollinators

Excellent for eco-friendly lawns and open garden spaces.

10. Ice Plant (Delosperma)

With vibrant flowers and succulent leaves, Ice Plant thrives in hot, dry conditions.

Benefits:

• Excellent heat tolerance

• Long flowering season

• Strong ground coverage

• Grows well in sandy soil

Perfect for sunny landscapes.

11. Low-Growing Dianthus

These compact flowering plants combine color, fragrance, and practical ground coverage.

Benefits:

• Bright, colorful blooms

• Pleasant fragrance

• Forms dense clumps

• Helps reduce weed growth between borders and stones

A beautiful addition to ornamental gardens.

Tips for Better Weed Control

For the best results:

• Remove existing weeds before planting.

• Space plants closely so they fill in quickly.

• Water regularly until they become established.

• Apply a light layer of mulch during the first growing season.

• Trim edges occasionally to keep growth tidy.

As the plants mature, they form a dense living carpet that naturally limits weed growth.

Final Thoughts

Nature rarely leaves bare ground uncovered—and neither should your garden. By replacing empty soil with healthy groundcover plants, you create a landscape that requires less maintenance while staying greener and more resilient.

Groundcovers offer many long-term benefits:

• Less time spent weeding

• Improved soil health

• Better moisture retention

• Reduced need for herbicides

• A fuller, more attractive garden

Choose varieties that match your local climate and light conditions, and let them become your garden's natural defense against weeds.

If you enjoyed this guide, share it with fellow gardeners who are looking for easier, more sustainable ways to keep weeds under control.