10 Fast-Growing Ground Covers for a Low-Maintenance Lawn Upgrade Before Fall

Garden plants are sometimes divided into decorative or functional categories. Ground cover plants often fit both descriptions, as they help keep gardens healthy while adding an attractive element to the landscape. With plants like clover or dichondra growing faster than others, many low-to-the-ground plants require very little time investment before gardeners see their full potential. For gardeners looking to quickly upgrade your lawn or garden, this expert-curated list offers ten different fast-growing ground cover plants to choose from.

Benefits of Ground Cover

Ground cover plants make more than just nice accents along walkways or garden edges. There are several benefits to adding low-growing plants in your yard.

• Encourages wildlife: Ground cover plants enhance biodiversity, offering food and habitats for beneficial pollinators, birds, or other insects. This contributes to an overall healthier garden ecosystem. 
• Low-maintenance: Ground cover plants generally require minimal care, whether that's watering or fertilizing needs.
• Reduces soil erosion: In gardens with slopes or poor drainage, ground cover plants can help stabilize the soil with an extensive root system. “Their dense growth and spreading habit create a protective layer that holds the soil in place,” Adam Sexton, a landscape designer and senior associate at Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture, says.
• Suppresses weeds: If you’re looking for a natural way to control weeds, ground cover can be an effective method. “Alternative ground covers allow for weed suppression as they form a dense, low layer that helps smother weeds,” Matthew Koch, PhD, director of biotechnology, genetics, and seed at Scotts Miracle-Gro, says.

10 Fast-Growing Ground Cover Plants

Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)

Ajuga, also known as bugleweed, is a fast-growing, low-maintenance ground cover that can grow a rich and dense carpet along the garden bed. Ajuga has attractive, glossy foliage colored by spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers in the spring. Sexton says ajuga thrives in partial shade to full sun. Because it is drought-tolerant, it is ideal for areas where other plants struggle to survive. This evergreen perennial grows quickly, so gardeners should prune regularly to keep it in the desired area.

 Clover (Trifolium repens)

Clover is another plant often used as a fast-growing ground cover. It grows low, spreads horizontally, and offers a beautiful shade of bright green. Sometimes, clover is used as an alternative to grass lawns, as the shamrock-shaped leaves need infrequent mowing. Not only is clover visually attractive, but it comes with a host of benefits. “Clover has the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere which enriches the soil and promotes healthier plant growth,” Koch says. For low-maintenance varieties in shaded areas, try planting strawberry clover for tiny pink flowers or Dutch white clover for white flowers.

 Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera)

For gardeners looking to add bright color, creeping phlox is a great option. This moderately fast- and low-growing plant blooms clusters of purply-pink flowers in the spring (color depends on the variety). This semi-evergreen perennial is native to the eastern and central United States. Ideal for forming a thick, carpet-like mat, creeping phlox grows best in sunny regions with moderate temperatures. As a bonus, creeping phlox also suppresses weeds by stretching into the garden’s root systems.

Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Sweet woodruff is another popular perennial ground cover perfect for shadier areas. Sexton likes the fragrant ground cover, noting its whorled leaves and white, delicate flowers. Sweet woodruff might thrive planted under trees or woodland gardens, where there is moist, well-drained soil. Also, sweet woodruff attracts beneficial pollinators.

 Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

“With its small, aromatic leaves and vibrant clusters of pink or purple flowers, creeping thyme adds beauty to landscapes and thrives in sunny, well-drained areas,” Koch. says Creeping thyme is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, an ideal option for gardeners wanting minimal upkeep. Plus, creeping thyme is a flowering and edible perennial. The plant spreads rapidly, reducing soil erosion and suppressing pesky weeds.

Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)

Candytuft (or Iberis) is an evergreen, moderately fast-growing ground cover plant that blooms with clusters of white flowers in the spring. Ideal for lining garden beds, pathways, or rock gardens, candytuft grows best in full to partial sun and drier environments (though it requires watering to get established). There are several varieties for gardeners to select.

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

For another fast-growing option for rock gardens or pathways, creeping jenny is perfect for creating that visual cascade effect. “Creeping jenny is a vibrant ground cover with trailing stems adorned with small, rounded leaves in bright green or golden hues,” Sexton says. This ground cover plant prefers moist, well-drained soil as well as partial shade. It can spread quickly and even bloom yellow flowers.

Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum)

If you’re looking for ground cover options for warmer climates, consider Asiatic jasmine. This fast-growing vine is heat tolerant and produces dark green, glossy leaves along with tiny, fragrant flowers. Not only is Asiatic jasmine great as a ground cover, but it's versatile as a climbing plant, too. Low-maintenance and fast-growing, this plant requires trimming to prevent it from spreading to unwanted areas.

Dichondra (Dichondra repens)

Dichondra is a fast-growing ground cover that reaches 2-3 inches in height, creating a lush green carpet. “Known for its low, trailing growth habit and kidney-shaped leaves, dichondra spreads rapidly to cover large areas with minimal maintenance,” Koch says. Dichondra grows best in spots with excellent drainage and full sun, although it can handle partially shaded locations. It can effectively suppress weeds and mitigate soil erosion.

Creeping Juniper

For an alternative aesthetic, creeping juniper is a moderately fast-growing shrub that creates great ground cover. Offering greenery year-round, creeping juniper is a popular choice for slopes or rocky areas because it can survive where other plants often can’t. Creeping juniper is drought tolerant, can handle pretty much any soil, and grows best when planted in the spring.