Ground covers are plants that spread out to cover bare ground. They grow close to the ground, typically reaching 1-2 feet in height at most. Ground covers are perfect for filling in spaces suppressing weeds and replacing turf grass.
When it comes to full sun ground covers, there are many great options to choose from. Full sun means the area gets direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. The following low growing ground covers can handle full sun exposure while adding visual interest and color to your landscape.
Why Use Low Growing Ground Covers?
Here are some of the top reasons to use low growing ground covers in your full sun areas:
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Require less maintenance than lawn grass – no need for regular mowing!
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Help control erosion on slopes and hillsides
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Suppress weed growth by occupying the space so weeds can’t establish.
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Add color and texture to garden beds and borders
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Attract pollinators with their flowers.
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Provide greenery in difficult dry spots where grass won’t grow.
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Soften hardscape areas like driveways and walkways.
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Replace turf grass in a more waterwise, sustainable way.
Best Low Growing Full Sun Ground Covers
1. Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme (Thymus species) is one of the most popular low growing ground covers for full sun areas. This drought tolerant plant forms a flat carpet of tiny leaves on trailing stems. Abundant flowers in shades of pink, purple or white appear in summer. Regular mowing isn’t required since it only grows 1-2 inches tall. ‘Coccineus’ and ‘Pink Chintz’ are two excellent varieties.
2. Dwarf Mondo Grass
If you want the look of a lawn but none of the mowing and maintenance, use dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’). This grassy perennial grows just 2-5 inches tall in clumps. It spreads slowly via underground rhizomes to form a lush turf alternative. The strappy green leaves turn bronze in winter. ‘Kyoto’ is a dwarf mondo cultivar that grows well in zones 6-10.
3. Blue Star Creeper
For dazzling color, plant blue star creeper (Pratia pedunculata or Isotoma fluviatilis). This fast spreading perennial has lavender-blue star shaped flowers and lush green foliage. It grows just 1-3 inches tall and spreads quickly to cover ground. Blue star creeper thrives in zones 5-9 and does well in poor, dry soils. It blooms spring through fall.
4. Wild Strawberry
Check out wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) for pretty foliage and sweet berries. This perennial ground cover produces white flowers in spring followed by bright red, Alpine strawberries in summer. The leaves have a nice reddish fall color. Wild strawberry grows about 6 inches tall and spreads via runners. Cultivars like ‘Lipstick’ and ‘Yellow Wonder’ add pizzazz.
5. Creeping Phlox
Also called moss phlox or moss pink (Phlox subulata), this ground cover explodes with color in spring. Dense carpets of needle-like evergreen foliage are covered in pink, purple, blue or white flowers in April and May. Creeping phlox grows 4-6 inches tall and spreads readily to cover slopes, rock gardens and bare spots. Good varieties include ‘Blue Emerald’, ‘Crimson Beauty’ and ‘Red Wings’.
6. Snow-in-Summer
Snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum) is prized for its gray-green woolly foliage and masses of white blooms in late spring. This perennial ground cover looks great spilling over walls or edging garden beds and walkways. It grows just 4-8 inches tall but spreads quickly. ‘Yo Yo’ is a popular dwarf cultivar. In zones 3-8, snow-in-summer thrives with minimal water and care.
7. Golden Creeping Jenny
Also called moneywort, creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’) has golden rounded leaves that spread rapidly to form a fast growing ground cover. Tiny yellow cup-shaped flowers appear in summer but aren’t the main attraction. Creeping Jenny grows just 1-4 inches tall and thrives in zones 3-9. It tolerates poor soil, heat, humidity and drought. ‘Goldilocks’ is a good cultivar.
8. Woolly Yarrow
Yarrow is a tough perennial that handles drought, heat and poor soils. The woolly yarrow cultivar (Achillea tomentosa) forms a fast growing mat just 2-5 inches tall. Clusters of yellow flowers bloom in summer atop the silver-gray ferny foliage. This spreading ground cover looks great planted between pavers or in rock gardens. Zones 3-8.
9. Creeping Wirevine
Wirevine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris) is a fast-spreading ground cover for full sun. Glossy round green leaves on wiry red stems form dense 1-3 inch tall mats. Small white flowers bloom in summer but aren’t the main appeal. It thrives in poor, dry soils. The creeping wirevine variety is a durable, maintenance-free ground cover for zones 7-11.
10. Veronica ‘Aztec Gold’
‘Aztec Gold’ veronica speedwell (Veronica prostrata ‘Aztec Gold’) offers golden color and a low profile. This semi-evergreen perennial grows just 4-6 inches tall, spreading 14-18 inches wide. Violet-blue flower spikes appear in spring. Its striking color works well edging flower beds and walkways or softening hardscape. Does well in zones 4-8.
11. Thyme ‘Coccineus’
Thyme ‘Coccineus’ is a super low-growing thyme that forms a dense 1-2 inch tall mat. Tiny leaves remain evergreen in mild winters and are topped with vivid magenta-pink flowers in summer. This thyme thrives in hot, sunny spots where its deeply rooting stems help prevent soil erosion. Like other thymes, it needs good drainage.
12. Dwarf Plumbago
Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) is a popular blue-flowered ground cover that usually grows 8-12 inches tall. But there are more compact dwarf cultivars including ‘Monroe White’ and ‘Mini Blue’ which max out at just 5 inches tall. These spreaders bloom all summer and also have nice fall foliage. Grow dwarf plumbago in zones 5-9.
13. Sedum ‘Angelina’
For vivid golden color, try ‘Angelina’ sedum (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’). This evergreen perennial has bright chartreuse needle-like foliage and yellow starry blooms. It grows just 2-4 inches tall and spreads 14-18 inches wide in zones 5-11. Contrast it with blue or purple plants. Another low sedum is dragon’s blood stonecrop (Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’) which has red leaves and pink blooms.
14. Creeping Raspberry
Creeping raspberry (Rubus calycinoides) is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant ground cover that grows 4-6 inches tall and spreads several feet or more. Evergreen in mild climates, with dark green rounded leaves. The stems root where they touch the ground. Pink raspberry-like flowers bloom in spring. ‘Emerald Carpet’ is a commonly available cultivar suited to zones 5-10.
15. Woolly Thyme
Woolly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus) is a favorite creeping thyme that forms a dense velvety gray carpet of tiny leaves topped with pink or white flowers in summer. It grows just 1-3 inches tall but spreads quickly between pavers or in rocky areas. Tolerates light foot traffic. Stays evergreen in warm climates. Try ‘Pink Chintz’.
16. Hens and Chicks
For succulent flair, grow hens and chicks (Sempervivum species). These hardy perennials form mats of symmetrical rosettes ranging from 1-3 inches in size depending on variety. Offsets spread around the parent plant. Colorful varieties like ‘Pacific Blue Ice’, ‘Oddity’ and ‘Desert Bloom’ add striking textures and forms. Ideal for zones 4-11.
17. Dwarf Myrtle
Also known as creeping myrtle, the dwarf myrtle ground cover (Vinca minor) grows just 2-6 inches tall but spreads up to 2 feet. Glossy dark green leaves are semi-evergreen and have a purple cast in some varieties like ‘Illumination’. Showy blue-purple flowers bloom in spring. Thrives in shade too. Zones 4-8.
18. Scotch Moss
For the look of moss but with flowers, grow Scotch moss (Sagina subulata). This tiny-leaved ground cover forms a dense 1-4 inch tall carpet covered in delicate white blooms in spring. It does well between pavers and tolerates some foot traffic. Scotch moss grows in zones 4-10, thriving with good drainage and full sun exposure.
Caring for Low Growing Full Sun Ground Covers
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Choose an appropriate ground cover for your USDA zone. Select cold-hardy perennials for northern zones and heat-loving varieties for southern zones.
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Check the plant’s ultimate mature size and factor that in. Leave enough room between plants to allow them to spread over time.
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Prepare the planting area by removing weeds, debris and overgrown turf grass. Mix compost into the top 4-6 inches to enrich the soil.
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Water the plants during the first season while they establish. Afterward most are quite drought tolerant.
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Apply a thin layer of mulch like gravel or pine needles around the plants to help retain soil moisture. Leave some bare space between plants.
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Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced organic fertilizer if plants need a nutrient boost.
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Prune or mow certain plants like phlox occasionally to remove dead growth and encourage fresh foliage and blooms.
With the right selection and care, low growing ground covers can flourish in full sun, providing color, texture and durability where lawn grass struggles. Try some of these versatile plants to transform problematic sunny areas into beautiful landscape showpieces.
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Also commonly known as New Zealand Burr, it is a mat-forming, evergreen perennial with very ornamental, glossy foliage. A great choice for a dense ground cover that is easy to grow and doesn’t mind being walked on.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
Also commonly known as Bearberry. A beautiful evergreen type of plant that is low-maintenance & low-water. A wonderful combination showy flowers (early in the season) & food for wildlife. Suitable for sun or shade locations, depending on the variety.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
It has tiny white flowers in the shape of stars that bloom above a low carpet of dark leaves. It is also known as Sandwort. A perfect alpine plant for a partly shaded walkway, rock garden or to cascade over a wall. Tolerates varying amounts of foot traffic.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
It is a great flowering ground cover and is also known as Miniature Daisy. It has masses of very small white daisy flowers and leaves that form a mat. Tolerates most soils but needs regular water during the growing season. Great plant for shady borders. Tolerates varying amounts of foot traffic.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
Also commonly known as Bittercress, it is an attractive, evergreen ground cover. Rich green foliage is topped in spring with short spikes of small cupped flowers. Has a very tidy appearance & will tolerate drought conditions, once established.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
It looks nice and classy, and is also sometimes called California Lilac. Deep blue flowers form one-inch clusters. It thrives in rocky, salt-laden coastal settings, yet adapts well to garden settings and grows well inland. Evergreen.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
It is an evergreen ground cover that doesn’t get eaten by deer and blooms lots of white, delicate flowers that look like piles of snow from May to June. It is also commonly known as Snow-In Summer. The silver, grayish green foliage is a unique addition, providing interest year round.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
Also commonly known as Plumbago, it is a mat forming perennial with excellent late-season interest. Vivid blue flowers are displayed in late summer & its bright green foliage turns bronzy-red with cooler weather. Will form a trailing mat of foliage & is a good selection for rock walls & containers.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
It’s a reliable ground cover that looks good and is also known as Rockspray. This easy-care plant doesn’t need much from its owner. This spreading bush has a lot of tiny white flowers with five petals in the spring. In the summer, the flowers turn into bright red fruits. Finely textured foliage makes it a restful visual presence in the landscape. Its also a good choice for cascading over retaining walls and high bed edges.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
It has round, shiny, scalloped leaves that grow from thin, trailing stems to make a thick mat. It is also known as Kenilworth Ivy. Tiny, light-purple flowers cover the mat in spring. Tolerates varying amounts of foot traffic.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
It has low-growing, narrow blue-gray leaves that are slightly rolled, showing silvery undersides. It is also known as Carpet Daisy or Silver Carpet. Yellow, daisy-like flowers add additional interest. Withstands some drought but does best with occasional deep watering. Ideal plant for borders & between pavers. Tolerates varying amounts of foot traffic.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
It’s also known as Stork’s Bill and has dense, dark green, slightly lobed leaves with a hint of gray. It has lots of small pink flowers all over them. This CLIFF HANGER® plant grows slowly and makes a trailing mat of leaves.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
Ivy-like growth makes this an outstanding evergreen ground cover or low, spreading shrub. Deep green foliage turns a beautiful, rich plum color during the cool season. Tolerates some shade, particularly in hot climates. Will climb nearby structures or walls.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
As commonly known as Wild Strawberry, it features shiny, dark green leaves that spread by runners. The white, five-petaled flowers are followed on the female plants by red berries. Deer resistant. Native plant of the Pacific Northwest. Excellent for edging and rock gardens.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
Also commonly known as St. John’s Wort, it features yellow, rose-like flowers which contrast nicely with its dark green foliage. Displays burgundy fall foliage. Deer resistant. A quick cover for steep slopes, useful for erosion control & excellent for edging and rock gardens.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
It’s a low-maintenance plant that can be used instead of a lawn because it doesn’t need to be mowed. It’s also known as Blue Star Creeper or Pratia. It is great for filling in gaps between stepping stones, under shrubbery or over your spring-blooming bulbs. Can withstand heavy foot traffic & tolerates full sun, partial shade or full shade. If conditions are just right, blue star creeper will produce tiny blue blooms throughout spring & summer.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
This vigorous, low-growing spreader plant is also known as Brass Buttons. It is a good choice for rock gardens, the spaces between stepping stones or cracks. Suitable for sun or shade locations, depending on the variety.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
Displays a dense, evergreen mat of hairy, dark green, rosemary-like foliage. Bright royal blue flowers appear in summer. A good selection for rock walls & containers.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
A very small plant with a dense mat of green leaves that stays green all spring. In the summer, it is dotted with tiny blue flowers. It spreads quickly by creeping stems that will take root where they touch the ground.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
This plant, which is also called “mint,” spreads out and grows slowly. It has small, round leaves that smell strongly of mint. It’s also called “creeping mint,” and it grows from thin stems that root as they go. These stems are good for filling in gaps around stepping stones or pavers, but they’re not strong enough for heavy foot traffic.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
Also commonly known as Knotweed, it features conical spikes that bloom above low-growing, leathery, deep-green leaves. Has great fall color, requires little water once established & helps with erosion control. A good rockery plant that tolerates varying amounts of foot traffic.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
It has bright, happy flowers that stand out from the rest. It has finely textured, dark green leaves and lots of big yellow flowers from spring to late summer on a neat, compact, low-maintenance, deer-resistant plant. A wonderful choice for adding a shock of color to the summer landscape. Deciduous.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
It’s a low-maintenance plant that can be used instead of a lawn because it doesn’t need to be mowed. It’s also known as Blue Star Creeper or Isotoma. It is great for filling in gaps between stepping stones, under shrubbery or over your spring-blooming bulbs. Can withstand heavy foot traffic & tolerates full sun, partial shade or full shade. If conditions are just right, blue star creeper will produce tiny blue blooms throughout spring & summer.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
Also commonly known as Saxifraga. An evergreen plant that is great for dense shade & is incredibly useful. It is a well-behaved slow spreader that looks wonderful when planted between stepping stones or stairs. Suitable for sun or shade locations, depending on the variety.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
Also commonly known as Creeping Raspberry or Creeping Bramble. Deep green, coarse textured, lobed leaves on creeping stems form a very dense mat. Some leaves turn bronze or red in winter for added interest. A superb, adaptable ground cover & weed barrier. Allow to creep over rocks in a rock garden.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
This beautiful, lush, deep green, moss-like plant makes a soft, cushy mat that works well along walkways. It is also sometimes called Irish Moss. Tiny translucent white flowers add to its beauty in spring & have a lovely light fragrance. Tolerates moderate foot traffic. An herbaceous perennial.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
A mat-forming perennial that has interesting foliage & many varieties also produce flowers. Grows best in well-drained, gravelly soil that is not wet in winter. Drought tolerant. Stonecrop requires little water once established.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
Also commonly known as Spike-moss. A ground cover that is not actually a true moss but more closely related to the fern family. Needs consistent moisture to remain a lush green. Suitable for sun or shade locations, depending on the variety.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
Also commonly known as Baby Tears, it resembles a dense, yet delicate bed of tiny green leaves. Can be used as a grass alternative, with no mowing needed. Has a soft, moss-like feel & is relatively low maintenance. Suitable for sun or shade locations, depending on the variety.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
Also commonly known as Thyme, it features small flowers blooming above a mounding carpet of aromatic foliage. Deer resistant & drought tolerant, once established. A great filler between stepping stones, along walkways & as underplanting for shrubs. Tolerates varying amounts of foot traffic.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
It has lots of bright blue flowers that cover a low-growing carpet of shiny, dark green leaves. It is also commonly known as Speedwell. Leaves take on a bronzy-purple color in the fall. A great choice for an easy ground cover, stabilizing slopes or mixed containers. Tolerates varying amounts of foot traffic.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
Also commonly known as Periwinkle. A tough, low-maintenance & pest-free plant that has beautiful foliage & flowers. While it is a stunning & vigorous grower, it does have the tendency to take over an area. Suitable for sun or shade locations, depending on the variety.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
It is an evergreen plant that forms a mat and has glossy, light green, toothed leaves that turn bronze in the winter. It is also known as Barren Strawberry. Displays yellow flowers which form non-fleshy, ornamental fruit. Deer resistant. Useful for erosion control & excellent for edging & rock gardens.
There are many varieties within this type of ground cover
Top 8 Ground-Covers for Full Sun That Will Transform Your Yard ☀️ // Gardening Ideas
FAQ
What ground cover looks like full sun?
Is there a ground cover that blooms all summer long?
What is a good ground cover for a sunny area?
This common creeping ground cover loves the sun and grows in hardiness zones 4 to 8. One of the best ground covers for sunny areas is Lamb’s Ear ( Stachys byzantina ). The appropriately named ornamental plant has thick silvery foliage that covers ground extremely well. The most common use of this perennial plant is to edge pathways or flowerbeds.
Do ground cover plants need full sun?
Another benefit of evergreen ground cover plants is that they require little care to thrive—in full sun or shade. Planting perennial ground cover plants can create a mat of colors in sunny spring and summer gardens. Most ground cover plants for full sun also tolerate some shade.
What is the best evergreen ground cover for full sun?
The best evergreen ground covers for full sun are creeping phlox for its stunning flowers, candytuft to create a blanket of white blooms, and evergreen wintercreeper. The best evergreen ground cover plants for shade are deadnettle for its bright variegated foliage and perennial sweet woodruff due to its dainty white flowers.
What is a good ground cover for a large area?
Fast-spreading evergreen plants for ground cover are perfect for covering large areas of land. Some of the best fast-growing mat-forming plants for full sun are wintercreepers, candytuft, flowering creeping phlox, and creeping jenny. If you are looking for ground cover for shade, then spotted deadnettle and lilyturf are fast growing great choices.
