Flowering ground covers are the secret heroes of creative garden design. With their dense foliage, they suppress annoying weeds, which makes garden maintenance noticeably easier. Their picturesque carpet of flowers lies at the feet of trees and shrubs or, as the main protagonist, greens the property down to remote niches. Discover 30 easy-care species here, which present every garden in a representative way and demand little from the gardener
ground cover
evergreen
Evergreen flowering ground cover
The following groundcover species wear their decorative foliage all year round, over which a colourful, sometimes even fragrant carpet of flowers is enthroned during the flowering period. However, this picturesque surface greening does not require complex maintenance.
Small-leaved periwinkle (Vinca minor)
You can't go wrong with this flowering groundcover. Small-leaved periwinkle thrives in both sunny and shady locations. Within a short time, the hardy perennial forms a dense carpet of elliptical, glossy green leaves, over which a beautiful sea of flowers rises twice a year. Depending on the variety, you can choose between blue, white, purple or pink flowers.
- Flowering time: April to May with second flowering in September
- Growth height: 10 to 15 cm
Large-leaved periwinkle, Vinca Major
Golden Strawberry (Waldsteinia ternata)
When a golden-yellow carpet of flowers spreads out in semi-shady to shady locations, the golden strawberry is doing its job as an easy-care ground cover. Where the soil is constantly slightly moist, the undemanding perennial also likes to green sunny beds. If you plant 8 to 12 young plants per square meter, they will unite within a short time to form a spring-blooming sea of colour. Although the small fruits are not poisonous, they are not suitable for consumption compared to wild strawberries. In autumn, the lush green leaves turn dark red, which provides beautiful accents in winter.
- Flowering time: April to May
- Growth height: 10 to 15 cm
Waldsteinia, Waldsteinia ternata
Fingerbush (Potentilla tridentata 'Nuuk')
With the species Potentilla tridentata, the multifaceted genus of cinquefoils gives us the perfect ground cover with a summer flowering period. The small ornamental shrub exceeds its height by three times in width. It wears its shimmering leaves all year round, preferably in sunny to partially shaded locations. Thanks to its preference for a slightly acidic soil, it prefers to lie at the feet of rhododendrons or hydrangeas with their white carpet of flowers. The only important aspect in the uncomplicated care program is regular watering in dry seasons, since the leaves also evaporate moisture in winter.
- Flowering period: June to August
- Growth height: 10 to 15 cm
cinquefoil
Scarlet field thyme (Thymus serpyllum 'Coccineus')
If your rock garden still lacks a flowering, easy-care ground cover, wild thyme is a good choice. With its crimson summer blossoms over fragrant leaves, sun worshipers also like to snuggle up against a dry stone wall or frame the gravel path with Mediterranean charm. Since the shrub remains below a height of 10 cm, the ground cover species is also recommended for fragrant, colorful roof greening.
- Flowering period: June to August
- Growth height: 3 to 7 cm
Wild thyme, wild thyme, Thymus serpyllum
Star Moss (Sagina subulata)
Are you looking for a flowering ground cover to replace your lawn? Then we would like to recommend the fluffy, hard-wearing Sternmoos. This is not a moss species, but a pearl herb from the carnation family. The strong-growing perennial forms a dense surface greening with needle-shaped leaves within a short time. During the summer flowering period, tiny, white cupped flowers appear in such large numbers that the leaves are almost invisible.
- Flowering period: June to September
- Growth height: 3 to 5 cm
Star Moss, Sagina subulata
Red carpet berry (Gaultheria procumbens)
The valuable groundcover scores with a floral triad of picturesque blossoms, evergreen decorative leaves and bright red fruit decorations. Just 8 plants per square meter are enough for a year-round, representative area greening to develop. In semi-shady to shady locations with slightly acidic garden soil, the red carpet berry shows its most beautiful side.
- Flowering period: July to September
- Growth height: 10 to 20 cm
Red carpet berry
Richly flowering Bacopa (Sedum floriferum 'Weihenstephaner Gold')
Where this ground cover species gathers with 25 specimens per square meter, every bed surface is polished to a high gloss. The perennial rightly bears its name, because at the flowering time its leaves are completely covered with golden star-shaped flowers. The decorative leaves look like small rosettes, which also increases the decorative value. The evergreen perennial expects neither fertilizer nor pruning and yet develops fascinating carpets whose magic nobody can deny.
- Flowering period: July to August
- Growth height: 10 to 20 cm
ice plant (Delosperma cooperi)
The name of this ground cover refers to the special property that the flowers only open at midday. When other flowers languish under the blazing sun and great heat in summer, the ice plant shows its full beauty. So it goes without saying that it is the perfect groundcover for sunny, warm gravel beds, wall crowns and other sun-kissed locations. If protection against moisture can be guaranteed, the plant will also survive severe frost and thrive as a recurring perennial.
- Flowering period: June to August
- Growth height: 10 to 15 cm
deciduous
The special advantage of deciduous, flowering ground cover is an extra stable frost resistance. With no leaves, the following species are less susceptible to winter hardships and can save their strength for a lavish flowering season. Therefore, the following cushion plants trump evergreen conspecifics in terms of abundance of flowers and undemanding.
Padded cranesbill (Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Cambridge')
Geraniums are a familiar sight to us in perennial beds and flower boxes. What is less well known is that the enchanting flower pattern is also suitable as a ground cover in the garden. We are presenting the 'Cambridge' cranesbill here as a representative of the diverse, carpet-forming varieties. The dark pink summer blossoms are followed by a furious autumn coloring of the leaves in bright red.
- Flowering period: May to July
- Growth height: 10 to 30 cm
cranesbill
Dalmatian cushion bellflower (Campanula portenschlagiana)
Thanks to this long-lived ground cover species, gardeners with limited time do not have to do without a lavish carpet of flowers. Lush, violet bell-shaped flowers and rounded, glossy leaves set the scene for the cushioned bellflower without demanding gardening attention. Plant 15 to 17 plants per square meter in a sunny to semi-shady location, water them and the hoped-for green beds will develop without ifs and buts. Only the dead shoots are removed in autumn or late winter to make room for another blossom festival.
- Flowering period: June to August
- Growth height: 8 to 15 cm
Dalmatian bellflower, Campanula portenschlagiana
Carpet phlox (Phlox subulata)
Where this ground cover species spreads, the bed appears to be on fire; the enchanting blossoms sprout so numerously. Depending on the variety, a white, crimson or pastel-pink carpet of flowers competes with the spring sun. Before and after flowering, the needle-like, evergreen leaves take over the job of covering the ground and keeping weeds at bay. The carpet flame flower does not need pruning per se, so it is one of the most easy-care ground covers that can be found on the market.
- Flowering time: April to May
- Growth height: 5 to 10 cm
cushion phlox
Roman lawn chamomile (Antemis)
Do you have a soft spot for fragrant herbal plants? Then consider Roman lawn chamomile as a flowering, low-maintenance ground cover. In contrast to the hard-wearing English lawn chamomile, this species delights with its creamy-white flower heads above delicately pinnate leaves. Pesky weeds don't stand a chance under this carpet of flowers. Once the plants have grown well, cut back with the lawnmower after the flowering period.
- Flowering period: June to August
- Growth height: 10 to 25 cm
Lesser Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla erythropoda)
In creative garden design, lady's mantle acts as a flowering ground cover that does not steal the show from perennials. Its green-yellow flowers thrive on reddish shoots, creating an elegant and subtle appearance. The finely hairy leaves gather into a dense cushion that reliably suppresses weeds. If you take a closer look after a downpour, you will discover the lotus effect, due to which water droplets simply roll off the leaves and glitter mysteriously in the sun.
- Flowering period: June to July
- Growth height: 10 to 30 cm
lady's mantle
Blue Cushion (Aubrieta x cultorum 'Hamburger Stadtpark')
Blue cushions of flowers, as staged by a fairy. With this unique attribute, Blaucushion puts other ground cover plants in their place. The perennial feels particularly at home in sunny, lean locations, such as the stone bed or the wall crown. The small bowl-shaped flowers harmonize wonderfully with the lanceolate, finely hairy leaves, which also provide decorative accents outside of the flowering period. The frugal care requirements are limited to watering when it is dry and cutting back down to the basal leaves after the flowering period.
- Flowering time: April to May
- Growth height: 5 to 10 cm
Commemorative Gem (Omphalodes verna)
Behind its charming blooms, this carpet-forming perennial hides a strong vigour, paired with high flexibility and modest requirements. Although the flowers look confusingly similar to the blue forget-me-not pile, memorial is equipped with visibly more assertiveness. This characteristic qualifies the hardy, deciduous plant as the perfect groundcover wherever dense stands are desired. Since this type of groundcover tolerates root pressure well, creative gardeners like to plant memorials on tree discs.
- Flowering time: April to May
- Growth height: 8 to 12 cm
Spring memorial, Omphalodes verna
Wood Wind Rose (Anemone nemorosa)
Among the seasonal ground covers, the bush wind rose is one of the premium species. As long as trees and shrubs are not yet leafy, the anemone benefits from the incoming sunlight. Just in time for the beginning of spring, the little beauty puts on her wildly romantic flower dress and heralds the most beautiful time of the year. When the canopy closes and summer perennials take over the floral sceptre, the bush windrose withdraws until next year.
- Flowering time: March to April
- Growth height: 10 to 15 cm
Wood anemone, Anemone nemorosa
Gypsophila (Gypsophila repens)
The airy white blooms are the hallmark of the native groundcover. Gardeners have long since discovered the filigree carpet gypsophila to emphasize small and large beds in sunny, lean locations. The grey-green, frosted foliage completes the attractive appearance. The cushion-shaped veils of flowers are available in other colours, such as the light pink flowering variety 'Rosea' or the dark pink flowering variety 'Rosa Beauty'.
- Flowering period: May to July
- Growth height: 10 to 15 cm
Sweet Violet (Viola odorata 'Queen Charlotte')
Cute, seductively scented flowers characterize the scented violet when it sends its runners into the bed. The historic variety 'Königin Charlotte' has lived up to its name as a flowering groundcover for generations. Beginners and advanced growers alike have taken this robust, hardy perennial to their hearts to beautify areas with a wild perennial character or pots and flower boxes with a high flowering yield.
- Flowering time: March to April
- Growth height: 5 to 15 cm
Lip mouth (Mazus reptans)
Floral moments of happiness are not dependent on impressive growth heights. The lip mouth provides this proof with flowery arguments. With a creeping, richly branched growth, the little beauty conquers even large areas within a few years. Its violet flower cushions are a real delight, especially along streams and ponds. If the ground cover is granted a light winter protection in severe frost, it will not be long in coming the following year either.
- Flowering period: May to July
- Growth height: 3 to 8 cm
Dwarf Hornwort (Cerastium tomentosum)
The dwarf chickweed made it into this selection thanks to its dense mats of silvery shoots and white flowers. Since the silvery, shimmering leaves only withdraw very late in winter, the ground cover with its hanging cushions adorns the emptied garden with graceful charm. In a sunny location in calcareous, dry, sandy soil, you won't have to worry about caring for the ground cover.
- Flowering period: May to June
- Growth height: 10 to 20 cm
Carpet Aster (Aster pansus 'Snowflurry')
The carpet aster inspires as a flowering ground cover that is reminiscent of a winter snow flurry. The tendrils fan out to cover the autumn garden with white blossoms. Just 4 plants per square meter are enough to plant large and small areas with a rock garden character. The ground cover continues its flowering magic unimpressed even when the temperatures drop. Thanks to a stable winter hardiness of up to - 40 degrees Celsius, complex precautions for winter protection are not necessary.
- Flowering time: September to October
- Growth height: 15 to 30 cm
Pad speedwell (Veronica peduncularis 'Georgian Blue')
The wonderful genus Speedwell is not limited to the well-known, tall flowering spikes in perennial beds. With the padding speedwell, a pillow-shaped Veronica is making its way into your garden, which likes to stand out as a groundcover with a long flowering period. The 'Georgian Blue' variety scores with dark blue flowers, which appear twice a season in the right location.
- Flowering period: April to May and July to August
- Growth height: 10 to 15 cm
Autumn Catchfly (Silene schafta 'Splendens')
Adorning sandy-gravelly and dry locations with late summer blooms is a task for floral specialists. With the autumn catchfly, you can also find an easy-care ground cover in your garden. Its intensely bright, deep pink flowers simply require plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil.
- Flowering period: August to October
- Growth height: 10 to 15 cm
Strawflower (Helichrysum thianshanicum 'Goldkind')
For the natural garden, the family of the aster family has a ground cover ready, which spreads out in the bed with finely woven shoots and golden flower heads. Arrange the perennial in small tuffs in the rock garden or as an area-wide group of 15 specimens per square meter. It does not affect the expressiveness of the ground cover if you pick one or the other everlasting flower to conjure up a dried bouquet or an autumnal arrangement.
- Flowering period: June to August
- Growth height: 15 to 30 cm
Liquorice Immortelle
Greenland daisy (Arctanthemum arcticum)
When the gardening year draws to a close, it's time for the Greenland daisy. With its loose, ragged growth, the chrysanthemum species transforms your garden into an autumnal blossom fairy tale. The creamy white ray flowers are decorated with a yellow centre, which impressively underlines the long-distance effect. Bees, bumblebees and butterflies appreciate this floral pomp because many other flowers have long since withered and no longer provide nectar.
- Flowering period: October to November
- Growth height: 15 to 25 cm
Pennywort (Lysimachia nummularia)
Yellow flower cushions are the icing on the cake in creative garden design. If it is also to be an easy-care ground cover, you cannot avoid Pennywort. The light green leafy shoots spread reliably on moist, loamy-sandy soil. From spring until well into summer, the foliage takes on the role of a green canvas to emphasize the radiance of the yellow flowers. An autumn pruning is recommended, but not obligatory.
- Flowering period: May to August
- Growth height: 5 to 10 cm
Porcelain Flower (Saxifraga x urbium 'Clarence Elliott')
The name belies the robust constitution. The porcelain flower is by no means fragile. Rather, the easy-care perennial trumps with a dense pile of green leaf rosettes and pink flower panicles on red stems. The tongue-shaped, gray-green leaves remain almost all winter, which increases the ornamental value of the ground cover.
- Flowering period: June to July
- Growth height: 5 to 15 cm
Saxifrage, Saxifraga
Ground cover roses
The following ground cover roses come into play where sunny to partially shaded beds, embankments and slopes need to be transformed into a sea of flowers. The species and varieties are characterized by compact growth, robust health and a never-ending flowering period.
Red ground cover rose 'Mainau Fire'
Her fireworks of blood-red, loosely filled blossoms take our breath away even from afar. Since the groundcover rose 'Mainau-Feuer' also likes to hold court in a partially shaded location, it is an excellent companion for mighty deciduous trees. The long flowering period receives horticultural support by regularly cleaning out withered flowers.
- Flowering period: June to September
- Growth height: 30 to 40 cm
Pink Ground Cover Rose 'Summer Wind'
The groundcover rose 'Sommerwind' combines pink flower symphonies with robust health. Gardeners who want a green area that is as wasteful as it is easy to care for appreciate this. To ensure that the royal blossom festival lasts until the first frost, simply cut off faded blossoms until the first healthy leaf has appeared.
- Flowering time: June to October/November
- Growth height: 40 to 60 cm
Pink Ground Cover Rose 'Knirps'
A gold-winning groundcover rose marks the finale of this hand-picked selection of flowering, low-maintenance groundcovers. The dainty beauty also meets all the criteria to carry the title of an ADR rose. Therefore, 'Knirps' is the ground cover rose of choice when it comes to staging the bed as a sensual, sumptuous carpet of roses.
- Flowering time: June until the first frost
- Growth height: 20 to 30 cm