18 Tough Groundcovers

The fragrant herb comes in a variety of cultivars that typically grow anywhere from 3 to 6 inches high with dozens and dozens of small, delicate flowers. Creeping thyme is great for dry soil and can even be tucked into rock gardens and stair crevices.

Dwarf mondo grass provides a sort of natural carpet beneath this bench. With dense dark green blades, drought-resistant and evergreen dwarf mondo grass grows only 2 to 4 inches tall, in both sun and shade.

Pachysandra flanks an irregular bluestone pathway leading to an Asian-style gate with pergola. The shade-loving evergreen never needs cutting. Hard to zone 4, it grows up to 10 inches tall and in spring blooms with white or pink spikes.

Also known as bugle weed, ajuga is a matting groundcover that grows only 6 inches tall in shades of purple, green and pink. In early summer, it sends up spikes of blue, lavender, or pink flowers. Great for rock gardens, too.

A perennial, creeping Jenny is a bright chartreuse vining plant that prefers full sun but will tolerate part shade (and become greener). Hardy to zone 3, it likes medium to wet soil. It's also considered invasive in some regions of the country.

Pork and beans sedum (Sedum x rubrotinctum) contrast with silver-gray Echeveria rosettes. This tough succulent offers tons of varieties and is extremely drought resistant. A perennial, it's easy to grow in full sun.

This vining evergreen is great for slopes and grows only 6 to 12 inches high. Its small dark green, glossy leaves form a mat, and in spring the plant produces tiny white, yellow or pink flowers.

Also known as monkey grass, liriope is a tough evergreen that also makes a great edging plant for pathways and driveways. Extremely drought resistant, it blooms in summer with purple or white flower spikes.

Commonly known as periwinkle, Vinca minor puts down roots from spreading shoots to form a dense mat of dainty foliage with deep blue or purple flowers.

English ivy has become a controversial option for home gardens due to its invasiveness — however, those with shady gardens or tough soil types may find success with ivy. The vine spreads quickly and easily, and only needs to be prune if it creeps into unwanted areas.

Wild ginger creates a fragrant mat of bright green, heart-shaped foliage. The creeping plant is great for covering slopes or for edging. Try tucking spring and summer bulbs underneath wild ginger for a stunning scene all season.

The fuzzy, silver-green foliage that gives lamb's ear its name is loved by children and adults alike. The plant tolerates poor soil, high heat and is best used as a groundcover for a sunny spot.