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30 Best Ground Cover Plants (Low-Maintenance Options)

Golden Flowers of Creeping Jenny Ground Cover Plants

Ground cover plants are not only versatile but also super easy to care for. Although turfgrasses are the most common residential ground cover plants, some places just arenโ€™t suitable for them. Thatโ€™s where alternative ground cover plants come in handy!

They can be used to decorate the spaces between stepping stones, fill in shady spots (like between tree roots), or replace grass (especially on slopes and hills that are hard to mow).

Plus, not only does the low-growing foliage look nice, but ground cover plants have a lot of other benefits as well. They stop weeds from growing, control erosion, protect nearby plants from harsh winters, and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

In this article, as a master gardener, Iโ€™ve put together a list of the 30 best ground cover plants for your backyard, including colorful flowers, succulents, and evergreens.

These ground cover plants will improve the curb appeal of your home, no matter if you have a tiny garden or a sizable landscaped yard.

Youโ€™ll find key information such as sun conditions and zone requirements for each of them to help you quickly narrow down the options to find the ideal one for your garden.

How to Grow and Care for a Rubber Tree (Ficus Elastica)

Rubber Plant

Rubber plants, scientifically known as Ficus elastica, are popular houseplants that can add a touch of natural beauty and freshness to any living space. They are known for their large, glossy leaves and ease of care, making them a great choice for novice and experienced gardeners alike. The evergreen tropical tree Ficus elastica, which is […]

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Date Palm Trees

Date palm tree with fruit and the sky in the background

Thereโ€™s nothing like the strong, commanding presence of the Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera). At the top of the tree, a regal crown is created by its arching, waxy, gray-green fronds, which can grow to be more than 10 feet long. Typically, in the spring, panicles of light yellow flowers emerge and they give way to […]

How to Grow and Care for Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium Nidus)

Birdโ€™s nest fern isolated on green background

Bird’s nest ferns (Asplenium nidus) are epiphytic ferns that grow on the surface of other plants in their rainforest habitat. These ferns develop from a central rosette and have long, upright, bright green fronds. Bird’s nest ferns have smooth, lance-shaped fronds that occasionally develop gentle ripples with enough light, unlike some other ferns that grow […]

How to Grow and Care for Arrowhead Plant (Complete Guide)

Arrowhead Plant

Arrowhead plant, also known as Syngonium podophyllum, is a stunning houseplant that can add a touch of elegance to any indoor space. With its arrow-shaped leaves and vibrant colors, it is a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. Also known as American evergreens or Nephthytis, theyโ€™re native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, […]

How to Grow and Care for String of Turtles (Complete Guide)

String of Turtle Leaves

The String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) is a fascinating, tiny succulent native to Brazilian rainforests that has charmed plant enthusiasts worldwide. This unique plant thrives in warm climates but also adapts well to average household conditions, making it a popular addition to houseplant collections and apartment jungles. With its small, round, turtle-like leaves, the String […]

How to Grow and Care for Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura)

Close-up of Prayer Plant in white pot

The Prayer Plant, known scientifically as Maranta leuconeura, is a great addition to any indoor garden โ€“ enchanting beginners and experts alike with its radiant leaf hues and noteworthy night movements where it raises its leaves, resembling hands in prayer. This movement is also how this plant gets its unique name. This houseplant is one […]

Lucky Bamboo Care Guide: How to Grow and Care for it Indoors

Lucky Bamboo

Lucky bamboo (dracaena sanderiana) has been gaining popularity in recent years, not only for its ornamental value but also for its believed auspicious properties in Chinese culture. According to feng shui principles, placing lucky bamboo anywhere will bring prosperity to that area. Another interesting fact about lucky bamboo is that it is not technically bamboo. […]

Polka Dot Plant: How to Grow and Care for Polka Dot Plant

Colorful leaves of a polka dot plant

The Polka Dot Plant, with its splashy foliage, can be a captivating addition to any gardener’s collection. Also known as freckle face plant, itโ€™s an herbaceous perennial that features brightly variegated leaves. The polka dot plant is a good neighbor in the garden because of its compact, mounding growth habit. While some leaf patterns will […]

Neon Pothos: Complete Indoor Plant Care and Growing Guide

Neon Pothos

If youโ€™re an indoor plant enthusiast, then you might want to add the Neon Pothos to your collection. Its vibrant and eye-catchingย leavesย are a delightful addition to any room decor. Plus, these low-maintenanceย houseplantsย grow well inย potsย or in aย hanging basket. The beautifulย vinesย trailย out for a stunning look. This type of pothos is native to theย tropicalย Solomon Islandsย in Oceania and can […]

Shamrock Plant: How to Grow and Care for Shamrock Indoors

Shamrock Plant

Are you a plant enthusiast looking for a unique and charming addition to your indoor garden? Look no further than the shamrock plant! This delicate plant, also known as the oxalis or love plant, is a popular choice for houseplant enthusiasts because of its beautiful blooms and ease of care. Shamrock plants (Oxalis spp.) are […]

Parlor Palm Guide: How to Grow and Care for Parlor Palm

Parlor palm houseplant in gray pot with a watering can next to it

The Parlor Palm, also known as Chamaedorea elegans, is a popular houseplant known for its durable and undemanding nature. Its delicate, green leaves and easy growth habit make Parlor Palm an excellent choice for indoor decoration. Parlor palm features vibrant, lush tropical fronds. The parlor palm, also known as Chamaedorea elegans, is one of the […]

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