12 Ground Covers With Pink Flowers

Adding that chic touch to your garden is a piece of cake when you choose pink-blooming ground covers. While they look stunning, these hard-working plants can also fight weeds and even hold soil in place. And if that’s not enough, most are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Here are some of the best ground covers with pink flowers for you to choose from. 

1. Pink creeping phlox (Phlox subulata)

Creeping phlox is a rock star among perennials. Its vivid rose-pink blooms start in April and last all the way till August, lighting up gardens and drawing plenty of stares. Native to dry, rocky places, it’s not only low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, but its evergreen foliage provides year-round color.

Plus, there’s no need to bust out the mower since this sun-lover is a vigorous mat-former that only grows about eight inches high. 

As it spreads up to two feet with star-shaped flowers, it’s perfect for setting up a striking garden bed, replacing patches of turf, or taking care of pesky weeds. And don’t forget about the butterflies – this beauty attracts consistent insect pollination. Pretty and practical? We’ll take two!

Pro tips:

• Plant in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun.
• Prune spent flowers and cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
• This plant spreads quickly, so divide it every three to four years.
• Wonderful for borders, rock gardens, and edging pathways.

General characteristics:  

• USDA hardiness zones: 5 – 9
• Recommended propagation strategy: Stem cuttings (spring or fall), Division (every three-four years in early spring)
• Spread: Stolons
• Duration: Perennial woody plant
• Mature size: Height 3 – 12 inches tall, width 9 inches – 2 feet
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial sun
• Soil type: Moist but well-drained chalk, sand, loam 
• Soil pH: 5.5 – 7.0
• Bloom time: Spring, late summer (April-August)
• Maintenance: Creeping phlox needs regular irrigation during times of dryness. Early spring is the time to fertilize it with a slow-release fertilizer. To keep new blooms coming, trimming off the dead flowerheads is a must.
• Spacing: 10 inches apart
• Tolerate: Deer, Rabbit

Pink creeping phlox seed options:
– Old Cobblers Farm – Phlox Subulata Creeping Phlox
– Greenwood Nursery – Creeping/Moss Phlox + Subulata
– Isla’s garden seeds – Mountain Phlox Flower

2. Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Did you know that creeping thyme is associated with courage? According to NC State University, this fragrant little plant, botanically known as Thymus serpyllum, is believed to symbolize courage in Greek mythology. An easily identifiable member of the mint family, it flourishes with minimal care even in the harshest conditions like poor soil or salty areas.

You can’t help but love its delightful bluish-green foliage and delicate, pinkish-purple flowers appearing all summer long. Moreover, this lovely ground cover plant emits a subtle minty aroma.

Besides its great look and smell, creeping thyme is a real winner when it comes to landscaping. As a low-growing plant, it’s perfect for pathways and in-between paving stones and surprisingly tolerant of foot traffic. It’ll reach heights of about six inches and grow up to 10 inches wide. 

Pro tips:

• Creeping thyme needs at least 4-5 hours per day of direct sunlight, although it will cope better in conditions of full sun (6-8 hours per day).
• This plant has a severe problem considering soil drainage. It only grows in excellent-drained soils, or it will get quickly soggy and waterlogged.

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 4 – 9
• Recommended propagation strategy: Stem cuttings (early summer); Division (early spring or fall)
• Spread: Rhizomes 
• ​​Duration: Perennial woody plant
• Mature size: Height 2 to 3 inches, width up to 10 inches
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil type: Dry, Well-drained, Loam, Sandy, Rocky Soil
• Soil pH: 6.5 – 7.5
• Bloom time: Summer (June-September)
• Maintenance: Prune twice a year in spring and in fall; moderate your watering; go easy on the fertilizer
• Spacing: About 15 inches apart
• Tolerate: Deer, rabbit
• Attracts: Bees and Butterflies

Creeping thyme seed options:
– Dichmag – Magic Carpet Creeping Thyme
– Seed Kingdom – Creeping Thyme
– Wivolibe – Magic Creeping Thyme

3. Stonecrop (Sedum spp.)

Sedum never disappoints when it comes to colorful garden displays. Besides the traditional green varieties, you can also find graceful Sedum species with gorgeous pink flowers, from electric magenta to delicate blush pinks.

One such star is the Sedum ‘Brilliant.’ It offers bright, baby-pink blooms that pack a real punch in any garden. It has an upright, bushy habit and grows up to 18 inches high, bearing flat clusters of flowers that gradually transition to a reddish-brown hue as they age. You can think of it as a small broccoli head with star-shaped petals. 

Ready to grow your own? This plant has few requirements and will stick with you for ages. It prefers well-drained soils and plenty of sunlight, but you can keep it in partial shade as well. Providing some water during a drought is the only extra effort this plant needs from you.

Pro tips: 

• Plant it in an area where it will not be disturbed, as it hates to be handled and shifted.
• For longer-lasting, low-maintenance displays, try growing it with other drought-tolerant plants.
• Deadhead this plant post-flowering to maintain shape and keep it in good condition.
• Keep the soil slightly moist by watering in periods of drought.

Other sedum varieties with pink blooms you may want to consider are:

• Sedum ‘Beach Party’ – rose pink flowers and yellow-green foliage with red edges
• Sedum ‘Herbstfreude’- deep raspberry pink flowers that change to rusty red 
• Sedum ‘Matrona’- pale pink flowers and purple-veined, purple-tinged leaves

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones:  3 – 9
• Recommended propagation strategy: Stem cuttings (early spring or summer), division (early spring or fall)
• Spread: Via rhizomes 
• Duration: Perennial succulent
• Mature size: Height 3 inches to 2 feet (depending on the type), width 1-2 feet
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil type: Well-drained, loamy, sandy
• Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Bloom time: Late summer to late fall with beautiful foliage during winter (August-November) 
• Maintenance: Low; trim after flowering; water occasionally during dry spells
• Spacing: About 3-4 feet apart
• Tolerate: Deer, rabbit 
• Attracts: Butterflies

Stonecrop seed options:
– CaribbeanGarden – Sedum
– Perennial Farm Marketplace – Sedum spec. ‘Neon’ (Stonecrop)
– Outsidepride – Perennial Sedum Purple Carpet

4. Spotted deadnettle ‘Pink Pewter’ (Lamium maculatum ‘Pink Pewter’) 

Spotted deadnettle ‘Pink Pewter’ is the perfect pick for adding a hint of elegance and texture to the shadier areas of your garden. It’s like a silver-green gem, brightening up your plot with beautiful pale pinkish-orange blossoms from late spring right through early fall. Native to European and Asian regions, this sensational plant boasts heart-shaped leaves flecked with silver.

Happily, it’s a low-maintenance and drought-resistant beauty, looking just as amazing in the heat of the summer as it does during cooler months. All it needs is a trim back with your best pruning shears in late fall or early spring. 

Reaching up to eight inches high and two feet wide, it’s an ideal choice for walkways, slopes, edging pathways, rock gardens, and other cozy spots in your landscape. Just be sure to check with your local extension office before planting, as ‘Pink Pewter’ is an invasive species in some regions. 

Pro tips:

• Keep an eye on it as it can spread quickly, so dividing the root occasionally and edging the bed are recommended.
• Lightly trim the foliage back as it begins to outgrow its bounds.

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 4 – 8
• Recommended propagation strategy: Division, Cuttings (spring or early fall)
• Spread: Runners
• ​​Duration: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature size: Height 6-8 inches, width 12-24 inches
• Sun exposure: Full shade, partial sun 
• Soil type: Moist, Well-drained, Loam, Sandy, Clay, Chalk
• Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.0
• Bloom time: Late spring, early summer, and continues into fall (March-June, September)
• Maintenance: Every few years, divide and replant. Additionally, give them a light trim to get rid of any dead or dying leaves. To add even more moisture and keep the weeds away, mulch around them. 
• Spacing: 6 – 10 inches apart
• Tolerate: Deer, rabbit

5. Hardy ice plant (Delosperma cooperi)

Hardy ice plant is an evergreen flowering ground cover that provides a splash of pinkish-purple daisy-like blooms all summer long. Native to South Africa, Delosperma cooperi creates an impressive display that’ll have you saying, ‘Wow!’ With its mat-forming succulent qualities, this plant will spruce up any area. 

The cherry on top? It’s super low-maintenance and thrives in dry, hot conditions with low water requirements. It loves the sun, doesn’t mind a bit of saltiness, and can withstand drought like a champ. Plus, hardy ice plant is deer-resistant and a reliable host for plenty of butterflies. 

It’s a great choice for rock gardens, coastal gardens, border fronts, and slopes. Space plants 15 to 18 inches apart for the best effect. Don’t even think about planting in wet or soggy soil, as that can definitely kill this little guy.

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 6 – 10
• Recommended propagation strategy: Division (early spring), self-seeding
• Spread: Seed
• ​​Duration: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature size: Height 3-6 inches, width 1-2 feet
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil type: Dry, well-drained, sandy
• Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.0 
• Bloom time: Spring, summer, fall (March-September)
• Maintenance: Water occasionally during hot summers
• Spacing: 15-18 inches apart
• Tolerate: Deer
• Attracts: Butterflies

Hardy ice plant seed options:
– Hardy Ice Plant
– EZ Growing Plants – Delosperma Cooperi, Hardy Ice Plant
– Seedville – Ice Plant Magenta Fuchsia Delosperma Cooperi Flower

6. Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina)

True to its name, lamb’s ear’s soft, fuzzy foliage looks just like a cute little lamb’s ear. Its silver-gray and purply-pink leaves spread low and wide throughout your garden, creating a mound of lushness that looks amazing in any setting. Come springtime, it blooms with muted lavender-pink flowers, giving your garden a classic, country-style charm.

Gifted with a low, spreading habit that reaches up to two feet tall, it’s perfect for paths and walkways, around shrubs and stone planters, and in other sunny spots. This wonderful plant thrives best in full sun or light shade. And while it might need some extra water during prolonged dry spells, otherwise this sun-loving perennial requires low maintenance.

Pro tips:

• It needs good air circulation and doesn’t appreciate humidity or soggy conditions.
• Give it plenty of sun and dry to medium-moisture soil, and it will reward you with beautiful color and texture all season long.  
• Space plants 18 inches apart for a natural, billowing look.
• Deadhead faded blooms to extend the flowering period and add a neat look.
• Divide the clumps every two to three years.

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 4 – 10
• Recommended propagation strategy: Division (spring)
• Spread: Stem rooting 
• ​​Duration: Perennial
• Mature size: Height 6 inches – 2 feet, width up to 3 feet
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial sun
• Soil type: Dry, well-drained, loam, chalk, sand
• Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Bloom time: Late spring – Early Summer (May-June)
• Maintenance: Extra water needed during prolonged dry spells; trim dead flowers
• Spacing: 1-3 feet apart
• Tolerate: Deer, rabbit 
• Attracts: Butterflies

Lamb’s ear seed options:
– CHUXAY GARDEN – Lamb’s Ears
– Stachys byzantina lanata Lamb’s Ear
– Palm Beach Medicinal Herbs – Woolly Lamb’s Ear

7. Pink bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

While people mostly think of bugleweed as blue-purple, did you know there’s a pink version? Pink bugleweed is a gorgeous evergreen perennial, growing between four to eight inches tall. It creates a nice leafy layer that blooms for months. The flowers are tiny, pale pink, and show up in neat spikes. 

Like most ground cover plants, this type of bugleweed is easy to maintain. It loves shady spots but can also tolerate a bit of sun as long as it has plenty of water. Plant it with some space between it and other plants, let the air circulate around it, and remember to deadhead spent flowers. 

Moreover, it’s deer-proof, so you can say goodbye to worrying about Bambi nipping away your ground cover.

Pro tips:

• Plant this beauty in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil.
• Make sure there’s enough space between plants to avoid becoming overcrowded.
• Pruning helps control its spread and should be done twice a year.

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 4 – 9
• Recommended propagation strategy: Seed, division
• Spread: Stolons
• ​​Duration: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature size: Height 4-8 inches, width 2 to 4 inches
• Sun exposure: Full shade, partial sun 
• Soil type: Moist, Well-drained, Loam, Sand, Clay
• Soil pH: 4.5 – 6.5
• Bloom time: Late spring, early summer (May-June)
• Maintenance: Water your plants regularly, and don’t forget to remove the dead flowers for potential re-blooming. Mulch for extra moisture and to fend off weeds. 
• Spacing: 10 – 15 inches apart
• Tolerate: Deer, rabbit
• Attracts: Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators

8. Coral bells (Heuchera spp.)

For all the candy-pink lovers out there, coral bells are the easiest way to create a dreamy look in your garden. Depending on the species and cultivar, Heuchera‘s foliage tone and color can differ. But most varieties show off bell-shaped flowers that are rose pink, lavender, white, and even yellow, with evergreen foliage making them a star all year round.

For instance, Heuchera ‘Bella Notte’ features stunning silver-purple leaves and pinkish blooms that will stay strong from spring to fall. This charmer can reach a foot in height and spread out in two-foot clumps, making it a fab choice for beds, borders, pathways, and rock gardens. It’s also pretty easy to take care of.

Grow it in part shade with some rich soil and keep an eye on moisture levels if it’s in full sun. Prune off those faded blooms when the time is right, and divide the clumps every three to four years. Winter mulch will keep the roots all nice and cozy.

As mentioned earlier, Heuchera is a beautiful plant with lots of pink varieties, including:

• Heuchera ‘Berry Timeless’ 
• Heuchera ‘Black Taffeta’ 
• Heuchera ‘Caramel’ 
• Heuchera ‘Grape Soda’ 

General characteristics (for ‘Bella Notte’):

• USDA hardiness zones: 4 – 9
• Recommended propagation strategy: Division
• ​​Duration: Perennial
• Mature size: Height 9 inches – 1 foot, width up to 2 feet
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial sun 
• Soil type: Moist, Well-drained, Loam, Sandy
• Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.0
• Bloom time: Early spring, early fall (March-September)
• Maintenance: Regular water is required in times of drought. Apply winter mulch in late fall. Prune stems of faded flowers to promote additional blooms.
• Spacing: 15 inches apart
• Tolerate: Deer
• Attracts: Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds

Coral bells seed options:
– Perennial Farm Marketplace – Coral Bells
– Alyf Market – Palace Purple Coral Bells
– Outsidepride – Perennial Coral Bells

9. Cranesbill (Geranium spp.)

Cranesbill (Geranium spp.) is a sturdy, low-maintenance perennial that features delicate cup-shaped, blue, raspberry-red, or magenta-pink blooms above compact, mat-forming foliage. In the pink-flowering category, Geranium ‘Mavis Simpson’  boasts beautiful shades of soft, shell-pink blossoms with a white center. Backed up by deep green foliage, these long-lasting flowers make a stunning show from late May to late October. 

This hardy geranium is a great pick for any sunny or lightly shaded area in the garden, requiring very little maintenance. Known for its ability to create a lovely ground cover, it can slowly cover a large area without much fuss.

Also a fabulous border plant, it’s nice and low growing, reaching a height of just 18 inches with a spread of two to four feet. To keep it in check, remember to snip away the dead flower heads and old faded foliage. And before you know it, your Geranium ‘Mavis Simpson’ will be back to blooming in all its glory.

Other beautiful cranesbill varieties with stunning shades of pink include:

• Geranium ‘Elke’ – deep pink flowers with white centers
• Geranium ‘Patricia’- magenta flowers
• Geranium ‘Ballerina’ (Ashy Cranesbill) – deep pink, almost purple flowers with white beacons

General characteristics (for ‘Mavis Simpson’):

• USDA hardiness zones: 6 – 8
• Recommended propagation strategy: Division (spring)
• ​​Duration: Perennial
• Mature size: Height up to 2 feet, width up to 4 feet
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial sun 
• Soil type: Moist, Well-drained, Loam, Sand, Chalk, Clay
• Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.0
• Bloom time: Late spring to late fall (May-October)
• Maintenance: Deadhead regularly; trim after flowering; water occasionally
• Spacing: 4 feet apart
• Tolerate: Deer
• Attracts: Butterflies

Cranesbill seed options:
– Geranium Subcaulescens ‘Giuseppii’ Cranesbill
– Hirt’s Gardens – Max Frei Hardy Geranium , Bloody Cranesbill
– Seedsforbrains – Geranium Robertianum Cranesbill Pink Shade Flower

10. Pink evening primrose (Oenothera speciosa ‘Siskiyou’)

As the sun sets, your garden is just beginning to roar with life, thanks to this vibrant native beauty. The simply stunning pink evening primrose enhances the outdoor after-hours with its long, sweetly scented light pink blooms that make big statements.

A popular species of the Oenothera group, Oenothera speciosa ‘Siskiyou’ is not only a visual delight but also attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. It’s a sprawling plant, forming masses of foliage, making it perfect for ground cover. 

Cultivate it in moist, well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded location, providing a light trim back when the plant begins to wilt. To keep it healthy and prevent overcrowding, be sure to cut it back after flowering. And there you have it: a beautiful pink ground cover that’s low-maintenance and an absolute delight to behold.

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 4 – 9
• Recommended propagation strategy: Seed
• ​​Duration: Perennial
• Mature size: Height 6-8 inches, width up to 2 feet
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial sun 
• Soil type: Moist, Well-drained, Loam, Sand, Chalk
• Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Bloom time: Summer (May-July)
• Maintenance: Deadhead after blooming; cut back in fall to maintain shape
• Spacing: About 15 inches apart
• Tolerate: Deer
• Attracts: Butterflies, bees

Pink evening primrose seed options:
– astor_farm – Showy Pink Evening Primrose
– Seed Needs – Showy Evening Primrose
– MySeeds.Co – Big Pack – Evening Primrose

11. Cheddar pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus)

Swoon-worthy and subtle, cheddar pink is a hardy, evergreen perennial plant that offers a festive display from spring to summer in different shades of pink. This eye-catching delight features abundant, highly scented, small rose-pink flowers with frilled petals atop wiry stems. 

Native to Europe, it grows and spreads out in a very uniform way, forming an attractive six-inch high tuft of compact foliage ideal for rock gardens and edging pathways. It’s quite happy in full sun but can do with some light shade as well. And rest assured, it needs low maintenance and no staking. 

Of course, there is one important thing to remember when growing this lovely plant – it’s toxic to domestic animals like cats and dogs. So if you have four-legged (or winged) friends, it would be best to steer clear of cheddar pink.

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 4 – 8
• Recommended propagation strategy: Division (spring, every three years), tip cuttings (summer)
• ​​Duration: Perennial
• Mature size: Height 5-6 inches, width up to 1 foot
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial sun 
• Soil type: Well-drained, Loam, Sand, Chalk
• Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Bloom time: Late spring, summer (May-June)
• Maintenance: Deadhead regularly; divide in spring every three years; trim after flowering
• Spacing: About 12 inches apart
• Tolerate: Deer
• Attracts: Butterflies, bees

Cheddar pink seed options:
– Hazzard’s – Dianthus gratianopolitanus Cheddar Pink
– Elwyn – Dianthus Cheddar Pink Flower
– KVITER – Cheddar Pink Flowers

12. Ground cover rose (Rosa spp.)

Enjoy a burst of bright pink blooms and dark green foliage in your garden year-round with dynamic ground cover roses. These low-growing rose varieties have incredible disease and pest resistance, giving you over a thousand blooms from mid-spring to late fall. Nobody can deny the lush beauty of this hardy shrub, especially its clusters of bright-pink flowers against its glossy foliage. 

For best results, give it a spot in the sun or part shade with four to five hours of direct sunlight daily, some rich soil, and a slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Although deadheading is unnecessary, a little pruning can go a long way toward keeping it in tip-top shape. Lastly, watch for deer since they’re big fans of rose bushes. 

Note: Ground cover roses are part of the rose family, but they really stand out from the crowd. Since they have a low-growing habit and thick growth, these flowers are also seen as a ground cover. They’re sort of like a living carpet in your garden, providing shade and pretty pops of color. Although they won’t prevent weeds or erosion like traditional ground cover plants might, they’re still low-maintenance and can last you a long time.

Pro tips:

• Ideal for rock gardens, mass displays, and borders.
• Mulch for better moisture levels and to beat the weeds.
• Apply a controlled-release fertilizer for optimum growth.
• Protect the plant from hungry deer. 

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 5 – 11
• Recommended propagation strategy: Stem cuttings (spring or fall)
• Spread: Stems
• ​​Duration: Woody perennials
• Mature size: Height 2 to 3 feet, width up to 4 feet
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial sun
• Soil type: Moist, Well-drained, Chalk, Loam, Sand, Rocky Soil
• Soil pH: 6.0 – 6.5
• Bloom time: Spring, Summer, Fall (March – September)
• Maintenance: Water regularly if conditions are dry and cut back after flowering to keep it dense and bushy. Mulch and fertilize occasionally.
• Spacing: About 4-5 feet apart
• Attracts: Butterflies

Ground cover rose seed options:
– Green Promise Farms – Rosa Carpet
– New Life Nursery & Garden – Sweet Drift® Pink Groundcover Rose
– Brighter Blooms – Sweet Drift Rose

FAQ

Final Thoughts

Pink is the get-up-and-go color of happiness and loveliness, and nothing can beat a backyard bursting with pretty pink-blooming ground covers. And, no matter where you live, there are plenty of great options to make your outdoor space stand out. But here’s the key: pick the right ground cover for your landscape and give it lots of love. 

You have to consider things like climate, sun exposure, soil conditions, and how much maintenance the plant needs. If it all seems too overwhelming, don’t be afraid to get help from a local gardening pro. Professional gardeners will know exactly what kind of ground cover could thrive in your landscape, and they can help you bring the colorful garden of your dreams to life.

Main Photo Credit: odypehoto / Canva Pro / License

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