Maybe your garden looks a little bland, or you’ve got this big patch of soil calling out for attention. Either way, white-flowering groundcovers are an elegant way to spruce up your outdoor space. Not only do they add a refreshing brightness and break up all the green, but they can also help keep pesky weeds at bay. So, let’s jump into a few of the best ground covers with white flowers that you can plant in your garden or as a lawn alternative.
- 1. White flowering candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
- 2. White creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Albus’)
- 3. White Nancy spotted dead nettle (Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’)
- 4. Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)
- 5. ‘White Nugget’ ice plant (Delosperma congestum ‘White Nugget’)
- 6. ‘White Delight’ creeping phlox (Phlox subulata ‘White Delight’)
- 7. White bugleweed (Ajuga reptans ‘Alba’)
- 8. White stonecrop (Sedum album)
- 9. Snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum)
- 10. Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum)
- 11. Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
- 12. Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)
- 13. White flowering periwinkle (Vinca minor ‘Alba’)
- Why are ground cover flowers a good choice?
- FAQ
1. White flowering candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
Candytuft, or Iberis sempervirens, to use its botanical name, is a popular choice for a white-flowering ground cover. This fast-growing evergreen plant is native to the Mediterranean region but can be spotted in many temperate climates around the world.
Its blanket-like clumps of scalloped foliage and dainty white flowers look gorgeous and are great for filling in rock gardens, edging, borders, and walkways — basically everywhere!
Just remember to plant candytuft in smaller areas, as this low-sprawling plant will soon run wild and take over. It likes full sun or part shade and can tolerate moderate drought conditions once established. The flowers also attract pollinators, so you can rest assured knowing your garden is wildlife-friendly.
Pro tips:
- If you happen to live in an area that sees harsher winters, you’ll want to throw some organic mulch around the plants to keep them from freezing and dying off.
- The best way to propagate this beauty is either by cuttings or in late autumn by seeds.
- Always provide good drainage for this particular flower, as it’s not too fond of wet and poorly-drained soil.
- Once your candytuft has finished blossoming, give it a good trim back to promote new growth and encourage a denser habit.
General characteristics:
- USDA hardiness zones: 3 – 8
- Recommended propagation strategy: Stem cutting or seed
- Spread: By growing off its stems
- Duration: Perennial sub-shrub, evergreen in warmer regions, semi-evergreen in colder regions
- Mature size: 6 to 12 inches tall, 6 to 35 inches wide
- Sun exposure: Full sun, partial shade
- Soil type: Moist but well-drained chalk, sand, loam
- Soil pH: Alkaline, Neutral
- Bloom time: Spring, early summer (April-June)
- Maintenance: Low; trim after flowering; add organic matter to the soil in winter; use slow-release fertilizer in spring
- Tolerate: Deer, Rabbit
- Attracts: Butterflies
Candytuft seed options:
– Greenwood Nursery – Candytuft + Iberis Sempervirens
– Candytuft Seeds Iberis Sempervirens
– Candytuft Perennial Ground Cover
2. White creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Albus’)
While all its pink and purple cousins get the spotlight, the white-flowered creeping thyme deserves a fair share of love, too. It’s a fragrant plant bursting with small white blooms in the early summer, backed by dark green leaves growing in dense mats. Its scent and bright color make it a beautiful, truly delightful addition to any garden.
Creeping thyme loves full sun and well-drained soil, and that is pretty much all you need to grow it successfully. It’s an excellent ground cover in hot, dry spots and looks wonderful edging a pathway. Because it also tolerates foot traffic, creeping thyme makes an ideal plant for paving stones, terraces, or a low-maintenance grass alternative.
Pro tips:
- Fall is the perfect time to plant your creeping thyme. Just be sure to plant several weeks before the first frost.
- Loosen heavy clay soils with manure, compost, or gravel before planting for the best results.
General characteristics:
- USDA hardiness zones: 4-9
- Recommended propagation strategy: Seed
- Spread: Rhizomes
- Duration: Perennial
- Mature size: Height 2-6 inches, width 1 foot
- Sun exposure: Full sun, partial shade
- Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil, sand, shallow rocky soils
- Soil pH: Acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Bloom time: Summer (June – September)
- Maintenance: Low; occasional watering in dry spells; mulch in spring or fall; slow-release fertilizer and pruning in spring
- Tolerate: Deer, Rabbits
- Attracts: Butterflies
White creeping thyme seed options:
– Breoudo – White Creeping Thyme
– PLAT FIRM – Creeping Thyme White Perennial Ground Cover
3. White Nancy spotted dead nettle (Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’)
You may think dead nettle is anything but lively, but you’d be surprised at what White Nancy has to offer. It’s an attractive, semi-evergreen ground cover with heart-shaped silvery-green foliage and a white flowery crown that reaches up to eight inches tall. It blooms generously for around ten weeks until the end of summer.
In terms of maintenance, White Nancy spotted dead nettle is fairly easy. It prefers shady areas and humus-rich soils but not too much water or high humidity. Deer, rabbits, and pests don’t like it, so you have all the more reason to give it a go. And if you feel like giving it a makeover, trim it after flowering. It’s also easily propagated through division in autumn and early spring.
Word of caution: This species can easily become invasive, so be sure to check if it’s allowed in your area.
General characteristics:
- USDA hardiness zones: 3 – 8
- Recommended propagation strategy: Division
- Spread: Via stems
- Duration: Perennial
- Mature size: Height 4 – 8 inches tall, width 2 – 3 feet
- Sun exposure: Full shade, partial shade
- Soil type: Well-drained, moist, humus-rich, chalk, clay, loam, sand
- Soil pH: Alkaline, acid, neutral
- Bloom time: Late spring, sporadically in fall (May – September)
- Maintenance: Low; trim after flowering; water sparingly; mulch in winter
- Tolerate: Deer, Rabbits
4. Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)
Say hello to this charming little wildflower native to North America, bunchberry. It’s unlike any other dogwood, with delicate white star-shaped flowers that appear in late spring and small clusters of edible small red fruits in late summer. You’ll love its glossy, ovate green foliage that turns bright red in autumn.
To keep this gem flourishing, you’ll want to plant it in partly a shaded area with moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. It’ll grow up to nine inches tall and 12 feet wide, so plan accordingly. As far as pests, watch out for horse chestnut scale. But, other than that, it’s smooth sailing.
For establishing, you can scatter the seeds or propagate new plants by dividing existing ones after they’ve flowered and produced fruit. They will look beautiful in rock gardens, woodlands, or as a stunning ground cover. The wildlife will thank you, too, since the berry-like fruit is a favorite among birds and other critters.
General characteristics:
- USDA hardiness zones: 2 – 7
- Recommended propagation strategy: Seed or division
- Spread: By underground stems
- Duration: Perennial
- Mature size: Height 4 – 9 inches, width 6 – 12 inches
- Sun exposure: Full to part shade
- Soil type: Moist, well-drained, clay, loam, sand
- Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
- Bloom time: Late spring, early summer (May – July)
- Maintenance: Low; trim after flowering; protect from frosts with organic matter
- Tolerate: Deer, Rabbit
- Attracts: Butterflies, birds
Bunchberry seed options:
– CHUXAY GARDEN – Bunchberry Plant
5. ‘White Nugget’ ice plant (Delosperma congestum ‘White Nugget’)
Ice plant is adored by many for its carpet of succulent foliage and vibrant daisy-like flowers. Among its many varieties, Delosperma ‘White Nugget’ stands out for its profusion of bright white blooms through the summer. It makes for a beautiful ground cover, spreading quickly to form an evergreen cushion. Though its maintenance is low, it does demand excellent drainage for healthy growth.
‘White Nugget’ is a real hard worker and will tolerate extreme climates without a hitch. This plant adapts well to both heat and drought and is perfect for xeriscaping. It’s incredibly low-maintenance and deer-resistant. To encourage a neat and tidy appearance, trim it back in autumn and enjoy the show come spring.
If you’re curious about how far this ice plant can spread, it’s up to 8-12 inches wide and two inches tall in ideal conditions.
Pro tips:
- Grow this perennial in either full sun or part shade, and water it sparingly during the active growing season.
- This flower is a great choice for border fronts, rock gardens, banks, and slopes, and makes a great ground cover and erosion control.
- It’s also easy to propagate; take stem cuttings during summer.
General characteristics:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 – 9
- Recommended propagation strategy: Stem cutting
- Spread: Seed
- Duration: Perennial evergreen succulent
- Mature size: Height 1 – 2 inches, width 8 inches – 1 foot
- Sun exposure: Full sun, partial shade
- Soil type: Loamy or sandy soil, well-drained
- Soil pH: Acid, neutral
- Bloom time: Spring through summer (late May – September)
- Maintenance: Low; trim back in autumn
- Tolerate: Deer
- Attracts: Butterflies
There are also other white-flowering varieties of ice plant, such as:
- Delosperma ‘Wheels of Wonder – White Wonder’
- Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’
- Delosperma Hotcakes ‘Coconut Crush’
‘White Nugget’ ice plant seed options:
– Ice Plant – Delosperma Succulent Perennial Ground Cover
– CHUXAY GARDEN – White Ice Plant Ground Cover
6. ‘White Delight’ creeping phlox (Phlox subulata ‘White Delight’)
Its name says it all: the ‘white delight’ cultivar of creeping phlox, known also as moss phlox, is truly delightful. Native to much of North America, it’s an incredibly tough perennial that can withstand hot and cold alike.
Come late spring, this evergreen ground cover plant explodes with brilliant white flowers that cling to its wiry needle-like leaves until well into summer. It simply refuses to quit – what’s not to love?
White delight grows as a low-lying mat, reaching only about six inches tall. Its flowers bloom in clusters, creating an eye-catching carpet of white across your landscape. To keep it looking pristine, it’ll need a few prunings once its blooms fade. It’ll appreciate well-drained soil and full sun for optimal growth.
Pro tips:
- Choose sandy, slightly alkaline soils for this plant.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch to keep its roots warm in winter.
- Avoid planting dull green plants next to white delight creeping phlox as they’ll draw attention away from its white flowers.
- When planting it, space individual plants around 15″ apart.
- Use sharp, clean shears to trim away old flower heads.
General characteristics:
- USDA hardiness zones: 2 – 9
- Recommended propagation strategy: Nursery purchase
- Spread: By underground stems
- Duration: Perennial
- Mature size: Height 6 inches, width 20 inches
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil type: Loamy or sandy soils
- Soil pH: Slightly alkaline, neutral
- Bloom time: Early to late spring (April to May)
- Maintenance: Moderate; trim after flowering; mulch in winter
- Tolerate: Deer
- Attracts: Butterflies
‘White delight’ creeping phlox seed options:
– Greenwood Nursery – White Creeping/Moss Phlox + Subulata
– Outsidepride – Phlox White Ground Cover
– Wivolibe – Phlox for Planting
7. White bugleweed (Ajuga reptans ‘Alba’)
For something different in the garden, you can’t go wrong with a patch of white bugleweed. With its glossy, dark green foliage featuring purple markings and gorgeous white flower spikes, this European perennial is sure to catch the eye. Best of all, it flourishes in shady spots, so if you want to brighten up a rock garden or some other low-lying area, you’re in luck.
Be aware that this hardy plant can take off, so give it plenty of room to spread, and if you’re planting it in a container, make sure it’s large enough. You won’t regret it when those white blooms draw plenty of pollinators each spring.
Unfortunately, this cultivar of Ajuga is harder to find than the more common variety, but it’s well worth the effort. This lovely plant will add some character to your garden and won’t require much from you beyond water and occasional trimming. It could also be a great addition to a water-wise garden!
General characteristics:
- USDA hardiness zones: 4 – 10
- Recommended propagation strategy: Division
- Spread: Stolons
- Duration: Herbaceous perennial
- Mature size: Height 4-8 inches, width 1-2 feet
- Sun exposure: Part sun to shade
- Soil type: Well-drained, moist soil, clay, sandy
- Soil pH: Neutral, acidic
- Bloom time: Late spring to early summer (April to June)
- Maintenance: Low; trim after flowering
- Tolerate: Deer
- Attracts: Bees, other pollinators
8. White stonecrop (Sedum album)
Almost everyone loves stonecrops for their beauty and easy maintenance. They are
low-growing perennial plants, good for the busy gardener. Among all the varieties of stonecrop, white stonecrop stands out with its striking white flowers and glossy, finger-shaped leaves. It’s a hardy little trooper that looks great all season long!
Covered in beautiful white star-shaped blooms in the spring, white stonecrop has an awesome color change in fall and winter: the leaves turn a lovely rosy hue. This makes it an ideal option for homeowners that are looking for something special to spruce up the landscape all year round. Plus, white stonecrop is quite versatile. It grows in a variety of soils, from acidic to alkaline.
No need to worry about giving it too much water or care – it’s a drought-tolerant ground cover, so it can take care of itself. The only thing to remember with white stonecrop is control. That’s why it’s essential to keep it trimmed and well-managed. If it spreads too readily into places you don’t necessarily want it, no worries – just clip it back.
Pro tips:
- Don’t overwater — it loves a bit of drought.
- Plant it in full sun to get the best show.
- Prune it back to prevent it from becoming invasive.
General characteristics:
- USDA hardiness zones: 3 – 9
- Recommended propagation strategy: Seed, stem cuttings, leaf cuttings
- Spread: Via rhizomes
- Duration: Perennial succulent
- Mature size: Height 3-6 inches, width 1-2 feet
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil type: Well-drained, loamy, sandy
- Soil pH: Neutral, acidic, alkaline
- Bloom time: Late spring to early summer (April to June)
- Maintenance: Low; trim after flowering
- Tolerate: Deer, rabbit
- Attracts: Butterflies
White stonecrop seed options:
– Sedum album Seeds
9. Snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum)
Resembling little snowflakes, you would think snow-in-summer would prefer cooler temperatures, but you would be wrong. Actually, snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum) is a tough ground cover that thrives in drier climates, even on the hottest summer days. The plant can spread out pleasingly, and for this reason, it is a great choice as a ground cover for dry, sunny spots.
Snow-in-summer is an evergreen perennial, and it forms a dense mat of silvery foliage and white clusters of star-shaped petals. It’s well suited for dry rock gardens and wall coverings, making it a great choice for gardeners looking for something low maintenance yet unique.
Since the plant is so low to the ground, it doesn’t really need pruning. Removing the spent blooms can encourage them to stay tidy and prevent self-seeding. It also bears mentioning that it does best when split in the spring or fall and propagated from cuttings in early summer.
General characteristics:
- USDA hardiness zones: 3-7
- Recommended propagation strategy: Division
- Spread: Seed
- Duration: Perennial
- Mature size: Height 6 inches to 1 foot, width 6 inches to 2 feet
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil type: Well-drained, clay, chalky, loamy, sandy
- Soil pH: Neutral, acidic, alkaline
- Bloom time: Late spring to early summer (May to June)
- Maintenance: Low; remove spent blooms to prevent self-seeding; split in spring or fall
- Tolerate: Deer
Snow-in-summer seed options:
– Cerastium Tomentosum – Snow-in-Summer Flower
– CHUXAY GARDEN – Snow-in-Summer Hardy White Snow Flowers
– IB Prosperity – Cerastium tomentosum, Snow in Summer Flower
10. Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet woodruff is an oldie but a goodie, and for good reason. The sprightly foliage has a unique look, and in the spring, plumes of white blooms delight with their subtle, sweet perfume. Adding to this charming plant’s appeal is the fact that, once established, sweet woodruff is a hardy perennial and requires no fussing over it whatsoever.
It is the perfect choice for a shady spot in the garden and looks especially lovely when tucked around the base of a tree. It’s also happy in quite a few conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and it even thrives in various soils. Best of all, this ‘mat-forming’ perennial forms a lush carpet of emerald green foliage that helps to suppress weeds.
The aromatic intensity of sweet woodruff only intensifies when dried, and it was traditionally used as an herbal remedy. Today, the dried leaves and flowers are used as insect repellent, making the plant as practical as it is beautiful. But keep in mind that sweet woodruff is quite vigorous (it’s got strong rhizomes that help it spread fast) and can be somewhat aggressive in ideal conditions.
General characteristics:
- USDA hardiness zones: 4-8
- Recommended propagation strategy: Division or cuttings
- Spread: Via rhizomes and seeds
- Duration: Perennial
- Mature size: Height 8-12 inches, width 10 inches-1 foot
- Sun exposure: Partial sun, shade
- Soil type: Moist, well-drained, clay, chalky, loamy, sandy
- Soil pH: Neutral, acidic, alkaline
- Bloom time: Late spring to early summer (April to June)
- Maintenance: Low; try mulching around it for extra protection in chillier climates; water during prolonged dry spells; propagate via division or cuttings in early spring
- Tolerate: Deer, rabbit
Sweet woodruff seed options:
– TricaStore – Sweet Woodruff White Galium odoratum Ground Cover Flowers
– Green Promise Farms – Galium odoratum (Sweet Woodruff) Perennial
– KVITER – Sweet Woodruff White Galium odoratum Ground Cover
11. Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
Japanese spurge is a fantastic perennial ground cover for shady spots in the garden and is super hardy. Native to parts of East Asia, it looks amazing planted in drifts beneath trees or along banks. The plant forms a dense mat of deep emerald green foliage, and in early spring, it produces clusters of small white flowers that further enhance its beauty.
The beauty of this plant lies in its wonderful toughness. Japanese spurge is not only resistant to pests and deer browsing, but it also tolerates drought, shade, and heavy clay soils effortlessly. Moreover, it’s an effective ground cover for weed control, as it spreads to form a dense mat that blocks out weeds.
Unfortunately, this plant’s toughness can also be a double-edged sword – Japanese spurge is considered an invasive plant in some areas, so keep an eye on it and be sure to contain it when needed.
General characteristics:
- USDA hardiness zones: 4-8
- Recommended propagation strategy: Division or seed
- Spread: Via rhizomes
- Duration: Perennial
- Mature size: Height 3-6 inches, width 12 inches
- Sun exposure: Partial shade, full shade
- Soil type: Well-drained, clay, loamy, sandy
- Soil pH: Acidic
- Bloom time: Spring (March-April)
- Maintenance: Low; thin-out plants for better air circulation to prevent fungal disease; give adequate water to get it established, but once established, Japanese spurge is quite drought-tolerant; no fertilization required
- Tolerate: Deer, rabbit
- Attracts: Bees
Japanese spurge seed options:
– Pachysandra Terminalis Japanese Spurge Groundcover
– Pachysandra Terminalis ‘Green Carpet’ Groundcover
– Greenwood Nursery Store – Ground-Cover Plants – Japanese Spurge + Pachysandra Terminalis
12. Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)
Lily of the valley is an unmistakable beauty found in gardens around the world. Although not a true lily, its foliage resembles the majestic flower. Part of the Asparagaceae family, its delicate appearance packs a fierce punch with its persistent colonization. Whether you’re looking to fill a small shady nook or tackle a patch of grass, lily of the valley could be your next success story.
Medium green leaves about five to ten inches long and one to three inches wide arch from the center of a clump. In the spring, petite white flowers on long stems adorn themselves atop the leaf clumps. If planted with other varieties for cross-pollination, you will be blessed with sweet-smelling orange-red berries in the fall.
Lily of the valley loves partial shade and should be planted in organically rich, moist, but well-drained soil with a pH level of acidic to neutral. It prefers a mild climate with average humidity and can be planted in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. It’s the perfect plant for spots where not much else grows due to dense shade and can even tolerate drought once it’s established.
Pro tips:
- With little attention, the low-sprawling plant can grow quickly, so it must be monitored to prevent it from taking over your garden.
- Propagate with rhizome divisions in the spring and fall, and watch for pests or diseases.
- If flower production has slowed in your patch, try digging up and dividing the plant to refresh its growth.
Note: Lily of the valley is an attractive flower, but it can be dangerous, so take caution around it. Ingesting large amounts of it can cause a number of adverse reactions, including cardiac and digestive issues. Additionally, it can be invasive and labeled as a noxious weed in some regions.
General characteristics:
- USDA hardiness zones: 3-8
- Recommended propagation strategy: Division or seed
- Spread: Via rhizomes
- Duration: Perennial
- Mature size: Height 6 inches – 1 foot, width 9 inches – 1 foot
- Sun exposure: Partial sun, shade
- Soil type: Moist, well-drained, clay, loamy
- Soil pH: Acidic, alkaline, neutral
- Bloom time: Mid Spring (April-May)
- Maintenance: Prune yearly to control spreading; divide after the blooming season to encourage more profuse flowering the next year
- Tolerate: Deer, rabbit
Lily of the valley seed options:
– Easy to Grow – White Lily of The Valley Convallaria Majalis
– Easy to Grow – White Fragrant ‘Lily of The Valley’ Convallaria majalis
– IB Prosperity – Convallaria majalis, Lily of The Valley
13. White flowering periwinkle (Vinca minor ‘Alba’)
White flowering periwinkle may look sweet on the outside, but it’s definitely not an ordinary houseplant. It’s an aggressive spreading perennial you’ll see sprout up in your garden come springtime. It’s got thick, dark green foliage, and it shows off white trumpet-shaped flowers during the early summer months.
To get the most out of it, space individual plants about 18 inches apart, and it’ll look gorgeous all year round.
Vinca minor ‘Alba’ is great for shady landscape borders, pathways, ponds, and under the canopies of trees. And unlike other varieties, it won’t climb or smother other plants. It is fuss-free and drought-tolerant, making it a perfect pick for a rockier garden with other shrubs and herbs.
It will grow with lots of sun or part shade. Even though it’s a low-maintenance ground cover, remember to give it a trim post-bloom to help keep it in check.
General characteristics:
- USDA hardiness zones: 4-9
- Recommended propagation strategy: Division or semi-hardwood cuttings
- Spread: Via arching stolons that root when they reach the tips
- Duration: Perennial herb
- Mature size: Height 3-6 inches, width about 3 feet
- Sun exposure: Full sun, partial sun, shade
- Soil type: Moist, well-drained, clay, loamy, sandy
- Soil pH: Acidic, alkaline, neutral
- Bloom time: Spring (March-May)
- Maintenance: Low; trim after flowering for new growth; water occasionally during dry spells
- Tolerate: Deer
- Attracts: Butterflies
White flowering periwinkle seed options:
– Outsidepride – Vinca Periwinkle White Garden Flower
– Mountain Valley Seed Company Store – Vinca Flower
– Park Seed Store – Park Seed Pacifica White Hybrid Vinca Flower
Why are ground cover flowers a good choice?
These days, ground cover plants are becoming an increasingly popular choice for beautifying yards and gardens. They offer a unique range of benefits such as:
- Easy to maintain
- Low-maintenance, more eco-friendly grass alternatives
- Low spreading
- Variety of colors
- Protection against soil erosion
The best flowering ground covers for your landscape will depend on your particular climate and soil. However, some excellent options are widely adaptable. Once you find one that thrives in the right conditions, the next step is to choose your color palette. There are ground covers with flowers from across the rainbow! Find some examples below, and check out the links for even more options.
- Beautiful ground covers with blue flowers:
- Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
- Violets (Viola cornuta)
- Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)
- Pretty ground covers with pink flowers:
- Lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantia)
- Liriope (Liriope spicata)
- Stonecrop (Sedum spp.)
- Youthful ground covers with yellow flowers:
- Yellow alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis)
- Yellow stonecrop (Sedum nuttallianum)
- Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
- Powerful ground covers with purple flowers:
- Horned pansy (Viola cornuta)
- Hosta (Hosta sieboldiana)
- Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
These ground covers can instantly transform your lawn or garden into a stunning and vibrant display of colors. For the best results, choose the best ground cover flowers for your specific needs. For example, if you are looking for a plant that will provide a bit of shade for other plants in your garden, opt for something like horned pansy or bugleweed.
Also, some ground covers do best in certain climates and types of soil. Sweet woodruff, for instance, is a popular choice for shady areas, while lamb’s ears are naturally drought-resistant. Regarding the design of your ground cover project, remember that for a more natural look, it is better to plant several different types of flowers and plants rather than just one kind.
FAQ
While the exact blooming length will vary depending on the region and climate, White Nancy spotted dead nettle and creeping thyme offer long blooming seasons. Both of these ground covers produce white flowers throughout spring and summer.
There are plenty of great options out there, but one of the fastest-growing flowering ground covers is creeping thyme. In its first year, this hardy option is a little slower to get going, but once it’s established, it quickly spreads out and can reach a maximum of around 20 inches within just three years.
Other fast-growing flowering ground covers include:
● Bugleweed
● Sweet woodruff
● Sedums
One of the main benefits of using low-growing plants for ground covers is that they’re easy to maintain. For instance, creeping thyme demands very little in terms of care and can successfully keep weeds from sprouting, saving you time and energy in the garden.
Lily of the valley, sweet woodruff, and Japanese spurge are all excellent choices for ground covers in the shade. Lily of the valley produces petite white flowers atop its leaf clumps in the spring, and sweet woodruff blooms with a subtle sweet perfume. Japanese spurge is a dense mat of deep emerald green foliage, making it perfect for boggy spots or underneath trees.
Typically, flowering ground cover plants that spread quickly are often used as a weed barrier. For instance, creeping thyme and bugleweed have this capability, rapidly covering an area and keeping weeds from growing. To maintain the weed barrier, it’s essential to regularly check its edges and fill in any gaps you spot.
Final thoughts
Nothing spells classic beauty like white blooms in the garden, and luckily there are lots of ground covers to choose from. Whether you’re after a show-stopper for your sunny spot or a low-maintenance option for the shade, there’s something to suit you. Feel free to experiment and mix it up, or stick to just one kind of ground cover.
Keep in mind your climate when choosing plants, or better still, reach out to a local gardening service for guidance. An expert is always a great source of advice. Best of luck making your white flowery dreams come true!
Main Photo Credit: emer1940 / Canva Pro / License
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