Meet ground covers
If you’re tired of patchy grass, thirsty lawns, or stubborn weeds, the best ground covers for landscaping can make a dramatic difference. By choosing low-growing plants that spread over your yard, you can transform problem spots into beautiful, low-maintenance areas. Ground covers are especially handy if you live in places like Orangevale, Folsom, Fair Oaks, or anywhere else around Sacramento where hot, dry summers can stress a conventional lawn.
Ground covers come in all shapes, shades, and textures. Some produce bright blooms, others give you soothing green color year-round. In this ultimate guide, you’ll find plenty of practical tips for selecting, planting, and caring for ground covers. You’ll also discover how to manage slopes, reduce weeds, and preserve precious water. Ready to dig in?
Enjoy the benefits
Ground covers aren’t just about aesthetics. Sure, they look fantastic, but they also tackle a variety of landscaping challenges. Here are a few reasons they’re a top choice for homeowners who want something beyond ordinary turf grass:
- Erosion control. Sloped yards often lose soil in heavy rains. Ground covers form a stable, interwoven network of roots that strengthens the soil and helps prevent runoff.
- Weed suppression. A dense mat of leaves often keeps pesky weeds at bay by limiting light and space.
- Water conservation. Many ground cover species are drought-tolerant, so you’ll save on watering costs and your yard will still stay green.
- Low maintenance. Once established, ground covers generally need less mowing, fertilizing, or trimming than a regular lawn.
- Habitat for pollinators. Flowering ground covers like creeping thyme or phlox can invite bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden.
For extra inspiration, you could also explore ground cover alternatives to grass. These alternatives can be more sustainable and visually appealing than the classic turf.
Select for your conditions
When deciding which ground covers to plant, it’s tempting to jump straight to the prettiest blooms. But remember, the key is to pick a variety that fits your specific site conditions. Ask yourself:
- How much sun does your yard get? Think about how many hours of direct sunlight your space receives. Many ground cover species thrive in full sun, while others prefer part-sun or even shade.
- Is your soil well-draining? Some ground covers, such as ice plant or sedum, hate soggy feet. Others, like sweetspire, do just fine in moist soil.
- Do you have heavy foot traffic? If your yard doubles as a playground or dog run, look for tougher varieties like green carpet rupturewort or bugleweed, which can handle some trampling.
- What about slopes or erosion problems? Creeping junipers and ornamental grasses can anchor steep spots or loose soil.
- Are you aiming for weed suppression or water savings? Creeping thyme or sedum stonecrop might be perfect if you want maximum coverage with minimal watering.
If your property has a decent amount of shade, you might even review some ground cover plants for shaded areas. Handy if your yard is lined with tall fences, large trees, or north-facing slopes.
Find full-sun favorites
When it comes to bright, sun-drenched yards, you have an expansive list of ground covers to choose from.
Creeping thyme
Creeping thyme is a classic. It thrives in full sun, requires minimal watering, and smells wonderful—especially if you accidentally brush against it. Pollinators flock to its pink or purple blooms, so it’s a win for both you and your local butterflies. It also helps suppress weeds because it grows like a mat that leaves little room for intruders.
Ice plant
Looking for vibrant color? The ice plant might be your new best friend. This succulent ground cover bursts with pink, magenta, or purple daisy-like flowers all spring and summer. It handles dry soil like a champ, making it a top choice for sunny slopes or rocky gardens in the Sacramento region. According to research from Planet Natural, it even helps with erosion control.
Basket-of-gold
If bright yellow suits your style, check out basket-of-gold (Alyssum) for a pop of sunshine in the garden. It prefers well-draining soil and can take the heat. Once it gets established, it rarely needs extra water. Plus, it creates a soft cushion of foliage, making it an eye-catching border plant.
Sedum stonecrop
Sedum (also known as stonecrop) offers a succulent’s ease of care with a pretty bonus: clusters of blooms that last through the growing season. Many sedum varieties thrive in hot sun and well-draining soil, and some can even tolerate partial shade. Their succulent leaves help them retain moisture, which means less watering for you.
Dive into shade solutions
If your yard has spots that never see direct sunlight, don’t worry—there are still plenty of ground covers that can flourish. With a bit of planning, you can make those dim corners look lush and intriguing.
Periwinkle (vinca)
Periwinkle grows quickly, producing petite white, pink, or purple blooms. It handles full sun to shade, so it’s a versatile option in a yard with trees or structures that block out the light. Just be sure it has some room to roam—periwinkle can spread, which is fantastic for weed suppression but means occasional maintenance to keep it contained.
English ivy
English ivy does well in shady areas and has evergreen foliage year-round, giving your yard a consistent green. It can hug the ground or climb up structures, which might be helpful if you want to hide an unattractive fence. Do note that in some regions, it can become invasive. The cultivars ‘Baltica’ or ‘Thorndale’ are said to be among the hardiest, according to the University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management.
Lily-of-the-valley
Want something fragrant? Lily-of-the-valley produces tiny white flowers that smell wonderfully sweet in spring. It spreads through rhizomes, so over a few years it can fill a shaded nook with delicate blooms. Just keep in mind that the plant can be toxic if eaten, so it may not be the best pick if you have curious pets or kids.
Hens and chicks
This succulent might surprise you as a shade-tolerant option. Many folks picture hens and chicks (Sempervivum) basking in the sun, but they can handle partial sun or some shade. They don’t typically love deep shade, but if your yard has dappled light, these rosette-forming plants could do well.
For more tips on darker corners, you could also take a peek at ground cover plants for shaded areas, where you’ll find additional ideas for making the most of less-than-sunny patches.
Solve slope and erosion issues
Few garden challenges are as pesky as a steep slope with loose soil. One heavy rain, and your carefully placed mulch tends to wash downhill. That’s when certain ground covers shine. Roots that sprawl underground act like a natural net, preventing the soil from shifting.
Creeping junipers
Evergreen junipers stay low to the ground while spreading fairly wide. The Proven Winners site highlights Tortuga, a creeping juniper with a lovely emerald green color. Once established, it’s practically maintenance-free, helping with hillside erosion and giving you that classic conifer look without needing stands of tall trees.
Red switch grass
For a bigger statement, some homeowners prefer ornamental grasses, like red switch grass, especially when tackling erosion. It grows via dense rhizomes that knit the soil together, forming a natural barrier against runoff. It adds vertical interest, too, swaying in the wind and bringing movement to your landscape.
Aronia
If you love a bit of color in addition to slope coverage, consider Aronia. This shrub, sometimes referred to as chokeberry, produces beautiful white blooms in spring and colorful berries by fall. You get a functional plant for erosion plus ornamental features. The Low Scape Mound variety stays compact if you’re short on space.
Phlox
Phlox offers a mat-forming habit that’s excellent for stabilizing rocky or sandy slopes. Varieties like Mountainside ‘Majestic Magenta’ from Proven Winners drape over edges, providing coverage that also bursts with color each spring. If you want to reduce erosion and wow your neighbors with blooms, phlox might be your perfect match.
Conserve water effectively
Water usage is a major concern for many homeowners in the Greater Sacramento Area. If you’re thinking about a more sustainable yard, going with drought-tolerant ground covers can reduce your reliance on frequent watering.
Creeping thyme (again!)
Believe it or not, creeping thyme checks several boxes. It’s drought-tolerant, it grows in full sun, it handles some foot traffic, and it smells good. So if you’re searching for a single plant that balances looks with performance, thyme might be your top candidate.
Kurapia
Kurapia is relatively new on the landscaping scene, but it’s getting attention for being extremely water-efficient. It’s a hybrid ground cover developed in Japan, designed to root quickly and require minimal irrigation. If you’re looking for an alternative to standard grass that can handle daily wear, Kurapia might be worth investigating. Plus, it typically grows only a few inches tall, so it rarely needs mowing.
Sedum, junipers, and beyond
Sedums and creeping junipers (already mentioned) also thrive with minimal water. You can even check out the drought-tolerant ground cover for landscaping guide to explore more plant ideas. Bottom line: you have plenty of choices for building a lush yard without spiking your water bill.
Mulch and decomposed granite
It’s not all about living plants. Sometimes, mixing ground covers with mulch or decomposed granite can give you a balanced, low-water design. Mulch helps retain moisture around your plants, while decomposed granite offers a stable, semi-permeable surface that can reduce weeds and let rainwater seep through. Combining these options might be especially helpful if you need straightforward walkways or seating areas next to planted sections.
Install step by step
Planting ground covers isn’t complicated, but a careful approach pays off in the long run. Here’s a step-by-step plan:
- Prepare the site. Clear out existing weeds or turf. You can either dig them up by hand or use a suitable method that won’t harm nearby plants. Rake the soil thoroughly.
- Amend the soil if necessary. Some ground covers prefer well-draining soil. If that’s the case, work in a bit of compost or sand, depending on what your chosen variety requires.
- Space your plants. Ground covers are meant to spread, so you typically don’t need to plant them too close together. Check spacing guidelines on the label. If you’d like faster coverage, you can plant them a bit closer.
- Water thoroughly. Give your new ground covers a good soak right after planting to help them settle in.
- Mulch between young plants. Until they fill in, use mulch or another weed barrier in the gaps to keep weeds away and hold moisture in.
- Keep an eye on moisture. During the first few weeks, water regularly. After they establish deeper roots, you can reduce watering.
Some people also lay down a layer of landscaping fabric before planting to reduce weeds. Be sure to cut holes for each plant so the roots have room to expand.
Keep ground covers thriving
Even low-maintenance plants benefit from occasional care. To help your ground covers look their best:
- Water when needed. Even drought-tolerant options might need a little water in especially dry spells.
- Fertilize lightly. Most ground covers don’t demand heavy feeding. A light application of a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year can be enough.
- Prune or trim edges. If your ground cover threatens to overtake walkways or flowerbeds, trim back the runners.
- Divide or thin. Some species can become crowded after a few years. Splitting or thinning them can keep them healthy and prevent disease.
If you’re seeking a zero-fuss yard, consider reading more about low maintenance ground cover plants. It’s packed with tips that can save you time and energy in the long run.
Bring it all together
Ground covers are the secret weapon in residential landscaping. Whether you want to control erosion on a steep slope in Granite Bay, create a shade oasis under an old oak tree in Fair Oaks, or simply cut back on your water bills in Rocklin, these plants have you covered—literally. By choosing the best ground covers for landscaping, you’ll enjoy a yard that’s as hardworking as it is beautiful.
From creeping thyme’s sweet aroma to ice plant’s vivid blooms, it’s easy to see that ground covers can do the job of traditional lawns and more. Start by evaluating the growing conditions in your yard, and then match those conditions with the ground covers that fit best. Take it one section at a time—maybe you begin with a water-wise plot of Kurapia or a slope-stabilizing row of creeping junipers. Even small changes have a big impact over time.
Once your ground covers find their footing, they’ll return the favor in spades. Less watering, fewer weeds, and a welcoming habitat for pollinators. Plus, you’ll finally get to say goodbye to those weekend marathons of lawn mowing. With thoughtful plant choices and a bit of routine maintenance, you can create a vibrant, eco-friendly landscape that thrives in Sacramento’s climate.
So, what’s next? Pick one patch of your yard to transform. Prep the soil, pick your plant, and start small. You’ll see the difference in just a few weeks. And don’t hesitate to explore more specialized resources, like drought-tolerant ground cover for landscaping or ground cover alternatives to grass. Happy planting, and here’s to a gorgeous, hassle-free yard you’ll love for years to come!
Table: Ground Cover Highlights
| Plant | Sunlight | Water Needs | Notable Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creeping thyme | Full sun | Low | Bee-friendly, fragrant, thick weed-blocking growth |
| Ice plant | Full sun | Very low | Vivid flowers, succulent leaves for water storage |
| Basket-of-gold | Full sun | Low once established | Bright yellow blooms, minimal care |
| Periwinkle (vinca) | Full sun to shade | Moderate | Adaptable to sun or shade, good weed suppression |
| Creeping juniper | Full sun | Low once established | Great for slopes, evergreen coverage, erosion control |
| Sedum stonecrop | Full sun/part sun | Very low | Succulent ease, colorful flowers, quick to fill gaps |
| English ivy | Shade-preferring | Moderate | Evergreen vine, year-round color |
| Lily-of-the-valley | Shady conditions | Moderate | Fragrant spring blooms, spreads well |
| Red switch grass | Full sun | Low to moderate | Ornamental grass, sturdy root network for slopes |
| Kurapia | Full sun | Very low | Water-efficient, seldom needs mowing, durable |
Just remember to do a little research before planting, as each variety has its own quirks. Once you find the right match, you’ll see how seamlessly ground covers can solve landscaping challenges, while adding style to your yard. If you want less watering, fewer weeds, and a place to relax, these plants might be exactly what you need. Enjoy the transformation!