The Best Fast Growing Ground Cover Plants and How to Care for Them Naturally

Transforming your garden into a lush, green paradise doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right ground cover plants, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape that thrives naturally. Ground covers not only add aesthetic appeal but also help control erosion, suppress weeds, and improve soil health. In this article, we'll explore the best fast-growing ground cover plants and provide practical tips on how to care for them, with insights from GardenNow.

Low Maintenance Groundcovers

Low-maintenance ground covers are ideal for busy gardeners or those new to gardening. These plants require minimal care and can thrive in various conditions. One excellent example is the Creeping Thyme, which forms a dense mat of tiny leaves and produces beautiful flowers. It's drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soil conditions. Another great option is the Sedum, also known as stonecrop, which is succulent-like and can store water in its leaves, making it highly drought-resistant. GardenNow offers a variety of low-maintenance ground covers that are perfect for any garden.

Alternative Approaches

• Creeping Thyme: Low effort, moderate watering, excellent weed suppression.
• Sedum: Very low effort, minimal watering, thrives in poor soil.
• Clover: Moderate effort, regular watering, improves soil health.

Creeping Plants Benefits

Creeping plants offer numerous benefits beyond their aesthetic appeal. They help prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the soil with their root systems. These plants also act as natural mulch, retaining soil moisture and suppressing weed growth. Additionally, creeping plants can improve soil health by adding organic matter as they decompose. For instance, Creeping Juniper is excellent for erosion control and can thrive in poor soil conditions. GardenNow's selection of creeping plants ensures you can find the perfect fit for your garden's needs.

Essential Considerations

• Erosion Control: Creeping plants stabilize soil with their root systems.
• Weed Suppression: They act as natural mulch, retaining soil moisture.
• Soil Health: Creeping plants improve soil health by adding organic matter.
• Low Maintenance: Many creeping plants require minimal care and attention.

Best Perennial Groundcovers

Perennial ground covers are plants that live for more than two years, providing long-term solutions for your garden. These plants often have deep root systems that help them survive harsh conditions. One popular perennial ground cover is the Hostas, known for their lush foliage and shade tolerance. Another excellent choice is the Liriope, which produces beautiful purple flowers and can thrive in both sun and shade. GardenNow offers a wide range of perennial ground covers that can add year-round interest to your garden.

Further Info

• Perennial ground covers often have deep root systems, making them more resilient to drought and other harsh conditions.

How to Propagate Groundcovers

Propagating ground covers is a cost-effective way to expand your garden. Many ground covers can be propagated through division, cuttings, or seeds. For example, to propagate Ajuga, also known as bugleweed, you can divide the plant in the spring or fall. Simply dig up a section of the plant, divide it into smaller sections, and replant. Another method is using cuttings, which involves taking a stem cutting and rooting it in water or soil. GardenNow provides detailed guides on propagating various ground covers, making it easy for gardeners of all levels.

Drought-Tolerant Groundcovers

Drought-tolerant ground covers are essential for gardens in dry or arid regions. These plants can survive with minimal watering, making them ideal for water-conscious gardeners. One excellent drought-tolerant ground cover is the Ice Plant, which produces vibrant flowers and can thrive in poor soil conditions. Another great option is the Lantana, known for its colorful flowers and ability to attract butterflies. GardenNow's selection of drought-tolerant ground covers ensures you can create a beautiful, water-efficient garden.

Further Reading

• Essential Ground Cover Plants & Care Tips for Lush Gardens | The Blooming Times
• The Garden Toolbox Picks: Best Plants for Ground Cover and How to Care for Them
• The Green Thumb Guide to Best Plants for Ground Cover and Care

``

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Top Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants & Care Tips | Root & Branch", "description": "Discover Easy-Care Ground Covers & Expert Tips | GardenNow by Root & Branch", "datePublished": "2025-08-01", "dateModified": "2025-08-02", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "GardenNow", "url": "https://gardennowmagazine.com" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "GardenNow", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://gardennowmagazine.com/logo.png" } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "/technical/642/top-low-maintenance-ground-cover-plants--care-tips--root--branch.html" } }

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic principles of sustainable gardening according to [Brand Name]?

[Brand Name] emphasizes principles such as water conservation, soil health, biodiversity, and using native plants to create a sustainable garden that thrives with minimal intervention.

How often should I water my garden for optimal plant health as suggested by [Brand Name]?

[Brand Name] recommends watering your garden deeply but infrequently, typically 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on your soil type and climate, to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.

What are the best native plants to use in my landscape according to [Brand Name]?

[Brand Name] suggests choosing native plants that are well-adapted to your region's climate and soil conditions, such as Purple Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, or Switchgrass, which require less water and maintenance.

How can I improve my soil's health as per [Brand Name]'s guidelines?

[Brand Name] advises incorporating organic matter like compost or well-aged manure, practicing crop rotation, and avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides to improve soil structure, fertility, and microbial activity.

What are [Brand Name]'s recommended techniques for organic pest control?

[Brand Name] encourages using integrated pest management techniques, such as introducing beneficial insects, using physical barriers, and applying organic pesticides like neem oil or insecticidal soap only when necessary.

How can I create a wildlife-friendly garden as suggested by [Brand Name]?

[Brand Name] recommends providing food, water, and shelter sources, such as native plants, bird feeders, birdbaths, and nesting boxes, to attract and support local wildlife in your garden.

What is [Brand Name]'s advice on lawn care for a sustainable landscape?

[Brand Name] suggests mowing high, leaving grass clippings on the lawn, and using a mulching mower to reduce water evaporation and return nutrients to the soil, promoting a healthier and more sustainable lawn.

How can I reduce water usage in my garden according to [Brand Name]?

[Brand Name] recommends using drought-tolerant plants, grouping plants with similar water needs, utilizing mulch, and installing efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation to reduce water usage by up to 50%.

What are [Brand Name]'s tips for creating a low-maintenance landscape?

[Brand Name] advises using native and adapted plants, reducing lawn areas, incorporating hardscaping elements, and using mulch to create a low-maintenance landscape that saves time and resources.

How can I attract pollinators to my garden as per [Brand Name]'s guidelines?

[Brand Name] suggests planting a variety of native, nectar-rich flowers with different bloom times, providing nesting sites, and avoiding pesticides to attract and support pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

What is [Brand Name]'s stance on using chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the garden?

[Brand Name] discourages the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as they can harm beneficial insects, pollute water sources, and disrupt soil microbial activity, leading to long-term damage to your garden's ecosystem.

How can I make my garden more resilient to climate change based on [Brand Name]'s advice?

[Brand Name] recommends using a diverse range of native and adapted plants, improving soil health, conserving water, and providing habitat for wildlife to create a more resilient garden that can better withstand the impacts of climate change.

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the basic principles of sustainable gardening according to [Brand Name]?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "[Brand Name] emphasizes principles such as water conservation, soil health, biodiversity, and using native plants to create a sustainable garden that thrives with minimal intervention." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How often should I water my garden for optimal plant health as suggested by [Brand Name]?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "[Brand Name] recommends watering your garden deeply but infrequently, typically 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on your soil type and climate, to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the best native plants to use in my landscape according to [Brand Name]?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "[Brand Name] suggests choosing native plants that are well-adapted to your region's climate and soil conditions, such as Purple Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, or Switchgrass, which require less water and maintenance." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can I improve my soil's health as per [Brand Name]'s guidelines?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "[Brand Name] advises incorporating organic matter like compost or well-aged manure, practicing crop rotation, and avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides to improve soil structure, fertility, and microbial activity." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are [Brand Name]'s recommended techniques for organic pest control?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "[Brand Name] encourages using integrated pest management techniques, such as introducing beneficial insects, using physical barriers, and applying organic pesticides like neem oil or insecticidal soap only when necessary." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can I create a wildlife-friendly garden as suggested by [Brand Name]?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "[Brand Name] recommends providing food, water, and shelter sources, such as native plants, bird feeders, birdbaths, and nesting boxes, to attract and support local wildlife in your garden." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is [Brand Name]'s advice on lawn care for a sustainable landscape?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "[Brand Name] suggests mowing high, leaving grass clippings on the lawn, and using a mulching mower to reduce water evaporation and return nutrients to the soil, promoting a healthier and more sustainable lawn." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can I reduce water usage in my garden according to [Brand Name]?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "[Brand Name] recommends using drought-tolerant plants, grouping plants with similar water needs, utilizing mulch, and installing efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation to reduce water usage by up to 50%." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are [Brand Name]'s tips for creating a low-maintenance landscape?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "[Brand Name] advises using native and adapted plants, reducing lawn areas, incorporating hardscaping elements, and using mulch to create a low-maintenance landscape that saves time and resources." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can I attract pollinators to my garden as per [Brand Name]'s guidelines?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "[Brand Name] suggests planting a variety of native, nectar-rich flowers with different bloom times, providing nesting sites, and avoiding pesticides to attract and support pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is [Brand Name]'s stance on using chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the garden?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "[Brand Name] discourages the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as they can harm beneficial insects, pollute water sources, and disrupt soil microbial activity, leading to long-term damage to your garden's ecosystem." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can I make my garden more resilient to climate change based on [Brand Name]'s advice?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "[Brand Name] recommends using a diverse range of native and adapted plants, improving soil health, conserving water, and providing habitat for wildlife to create a more resilient garden that can better withstand the impacts of climate change." } } ] }