- 1. White flowering candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)<\/a><\/li>
- 2. White creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Albus’)<\/a><\/li>
- 3. White Nancy spotted dead nettle (Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’)<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)<\/a><\/li>
- 5. ‘White Nugget’ ice plant (Delosperma congestum ‘White Nugget’)<\/a><\/li>
- 6. ‘White Delight’ creeping phlox (Phlox subulata ‘White Delight’)<\/a><\/li>
- 7. White bugleweed (Ajuga reptans \u2018Alba\u2019)<\/a><\/li>
- 8. White stonecrop (Sedum album)<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum)<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum)<\/a><\/li>
- 11. Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)<\/a><\/li>
- 12. Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)<\/a><\/li>
- 13. White flowering periwinkle (Vinca minor \u2018Alba\u2019)<\/a><\/li>
- Why are ground cover flowers a good choice?<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
1. White flowering candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)<\/em><\/span><\/h2>
![\"White](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/White-flowering-candytuft-Iberis-sempervirens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: acilo<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Candytuft, or Iberis sempervirens,<\/em> 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. <\/p>
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 \u2014 basically everywhere! <\/p>
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. <\/p>
Pro tips:<\/strong><\/p>
- 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. <\/li>
- The best way to propagate this beauty is either by cuttings or in late autumn by seeds. <\/li>
- Always provide good drainage for this particular flower, as it’s not too fond of wet and poorly-drained soil. <\/li>
- Once your candytuft has finished blossoming, give it a good trim back to promote new growth and encourage a denser habit.<\/li> <\/ul>
General characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 3 – 8<\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy<\/strong>: Stem cutting or seed<\/li>
- Spread:<\/strong> By growing off its stems<\/li>
- Duration:<\/strong> Perennial sub-shrub, evergreen in warmer regions, semi-evergreen in colder regions<\/li>
- Mature size: <\/strong>6 to 12 inches tall, 6 to 35 inches wide<\/li>
- Sun exposure:<\/strong> Full sun, partial shade <\/li>
- Soil type:<\/strong> Moist but well-drained chalk, sand, loam <\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> Alkaline, Neutral<\/li>
- Bloom time: <\/strong>Spring, early summer (April-June)<\/li>
- Maintenance:<\/strong> Low; trim after flowering; add organic matter to the soil in winter; use slow-release fertilizer in spring<\/li>
- Tolerate: <\/strong>Deer, Rabbit<\/li>
- Attracts: <\/strong>Butterflies<\/li> <\/ul>
Candytuft seed options:<\/strong>
\u2013 Greenwood Nursery – Candytuft + Iberis Sempervirens<\/a>
\u2013 Candytuft Seeds Iberis Sempervirens<\/a>
\u2013 Candytuft Perennial Ground Cover<\/a><\/p>2. White creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Albus’)<\/em><\/span><\/h2>
![\"White](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/White-creeping-thyme-Thymus-serpyllum-Albus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: TonyBaggett<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> 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.<\/p>
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<\/a>. <\/p>
Pro tips:<\/strong><\/p>
- Fall is the perfect time to plant your creeping thyme. Just be sure to plant several weeks before the first frost. <\/li>
- Loosen heavy clay soils with manure, compost, or gravel before planting for the best results.<\/li> <\/ul>
General characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 4-9 <\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy: <\/strong>Seed<\/li>
- Spread: <\/strong>Rhizomes <\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Perennial <\/li>
- Mature size: <\/strong>Height 2-6 inches, width 1 foot <\/li>
- Sun exposure: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Moist, well-drained soil, sand, shallow rocky soils<\/li>
- Soil pH: <\/strong>Acidic, neutral, alkaline<\/li>
- Bloom time<\/strong>: Summer (June – September)<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Low; occasional watering in dry spells; mulch in spring or fall; slow-release fertilizer and pruning in spring<\/li>
- Tolerate: <\/strong>Deer, Rabbits<\/li>
- Attracts: <\/strong>Butterflies<\/li> <\/ul>
White creeping thyme seed options:<\/strong>
\u2013 Breoudo – White Creeping Thyme<\/a>
\u2013 PLAT FIRM – Creeping Thyme White Perennial Ground Cover<\/a><\/p>3. White Nancy spotted dead nettle (Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’)<\/em><\/span><\/h2>
![\"White](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/White-Nancy-spotted-dead-nettle-Lamium-maculatum-White-Nancy.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Gratysanna<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> 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. <\/p>
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. <\/p>
Word of caution: <\/strong>This species can easily become invasive, so be sure to check<\/a> if it’s allowed in your area. <\/p>
General characteristics: <\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones<\/strong>: 3 – 8<\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy:<\/strong> Division<\/li>
- Spread<\/strong>: Via stems<\/li>
- Duration<\/strong>: Perennial<\/li>
- Mature size: <\/strong>Height 4 – 8 inches tall, width 2 – 3 feet<\/li>
- Sun exposure: <\/strong>Full shade, partial shade<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Well-drained, moist, humus-rich, chalk, clay, loam, sand<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> Alkaline, acid, neutral<\/li>
- Bloom time:<\/strong> Late spring, sporadically in fall (May – September)<\/li>
- Maintenance:<\/strong> Low; trim after flowering; water sparingly; mulch in winter<\/li>
- Tolerate: <\/strong>Deer, Rabbits<\/li> <\/ul>
4. Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)<\/em><\/span><\/h2>
![\"Bunchberry](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Bunchberry-Cornus-canadensis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: SkyF<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> 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. <\/p>
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. <\/p>
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. <\/p>
General characteristics: <\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 2 – 7 <\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy:<\/strong> Seed or division <\/li>
- Spread<\/strong>: By underground stems <\/li>
- Duration<\/strong>: Perennial<\/li>
- Mature size: <\/strong>Height 4 – 9 inches, width 6 – 12 inches <\/li>
- Sun exposure:<\/strong> Full to part shade <\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Moist, well-drained, clay, loam, sand<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> Acidic to neutral <\/li>
- Bloom time<\/strong>: Late spring, early summer (May – July) <\/li>
- Maintenance:<\/strong> Low; trim after flowering; protect from frosts with organic matter <\/li>
- Tolerate: <\/strong>Deer, Rabbit<\/li>
- Attracts: <\/strong>Butterflies, birds<\/li> <\/ul>
Bunchberry seed options:<\/strong>
\u2013 CHUXAY GARDEN – Bunchberry Plant<\/a><\/p>5. ‘White Nugget’ ice plant (Delosperma congestum ‘White Nugget’)<\/em><\/span><\/h2>
![\"'White](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/White-Nugget-ice-plant-Delosperma-congestum-White-Nugget.jpg\")
Photo Credit: AL-Travelpicture<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Ice plant is adored by many for its carpet of succulent foliage and vibrant daisy-like flowers. Among its many varieties, Delosperma<\/em> ‘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.<\/p>
‘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. <\/p>
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. <\/p>
Pro tips:<\/strong><\/p>
- Grow this perennial in either full sun or part shade, and water it sparingly during the active growing season. <\/li>
- This flower is a great choice for border fronts, rock gardens, banks, and slopes, and makes a great ground cover and erosion control.<\/li>
- It’s also easy to propagate; take stem cuttings during summer.<\/li> <\/ul>
General characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>
- USDA Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>6 – 9<\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy<\/strong>: Stem cutting <\/li>
- Spread: <\/strong>Seed<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Perennial evergreen succulent<\/li>
- Mature size:<\/strong> Height 1 – 2 inches, width 8 inches – 1 foot<\/li>
- Sun exposure: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade <\/li>
- Soil type:<\/strong> Loamy or sandy soil, well-drained <\/li>
- Soil pH: <\/strong>Acid, neutral <\/li>
- Bloom time:<\/strong> Spring through summer (late May – September)<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Low; trim back in autumn <\/li>
- Tolerate:<\/strong> Deer<\/li>
- Attracts:<\/strong> Butterflies<\/li> <\/ul>
There are also other white-flowering varieties of ice plant, such as:<\/p>
- Delosperma<\/em> ‘Wheels of Wonder – White Wonder’<\/li>
- Delosperma<\/em> ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’<\/li>
- Delosperma<\/em> Hotcakes ‘Coconut Crush’ <\/li> <\/ul>
‘White Nugget’ ice plant seed options:<\/strong>
\u2013 Ice Plant – Delosperma Succulent Perennial Ground Cover<\/a>
\u2013 CHUXAY GARDEN – White Ice Plant Ground Cover<\/a><\/p>6. ‘White Delight’ creeping phlox (Phlox subulata ‘White Delight’)<\/em><\/span><\/h2>
![\"'White](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/White-Delight-creeping-phlox-Phlox-subulata-White-Delight.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mindstyle<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> 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. <\/p>
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? <\/p>
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. <\/p>
Pro tips:<\/strong><\/p>
- Choose sandy, slightly alkaline soils for this plant. <\/li>
- Apply a thick layer of mulch to keep its roots warm in winter. <\/li>
- Avoid planting dull green plants next to white delight creeping phlox as they’ll draw attention away from its white flowers. <\/li>
- When planting it, space individual plants around 15″ apart. <\/li>
- Use sharp, clean shears to trim away old flower heads.<\/li> <\/ul>
General characteristics: <\/strong><\/p>
- Delosperma<\/em> ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’<\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy<\/strong>: Stem cutting <\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zones: <\/strong>6 – 9<\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy:<\/strong> Seed or division <\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy:<\/strong> Division<\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy: <\/strong>Seed<\/li>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 4-9 <\/li>
- Recommended propagation strategy<\/strong>: Stem cutting or seed<\/li>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 3 – 8<\/li>
- 2. White creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Albus’)<\/a><\/li>