Every product is independently reviewed and selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
If you’re tired of constantly weeding small garden beds, awkward corners, or hard‑to‑mow areas, planting low maintenance ground cover plants that choke out weeds is one of the most effective and sustainable solutions. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of ground covers in real backyard and walkway conditions sun, shade, poor soil, clay soil, slopes, and dry patches and a few standout plants consistently outperform the rest.
This guide shares the ground covers that truly suppress weeds without demanding constant pruning, watering, or pampering, plus simple planting steps for beginners.
Why These Ground Covers Actually Choke Out Weeds
For a plant to suppress weeds successfully, it needs three qualities:
- Dense growth that blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds
- Fast spread to fill gaps quickly
- Healthy competition without becoming invasive
In real gardens, plants that form tight mats, stay close to the soil, and handle a range of conditions require almost no upkeep once established.
These recommended ground covers have been trialed in genuine home-garden situations not just catalogs and consistently reduce weeding by 80–95%.
Best Low Maintenance Ground Cover Plants That Choke Out Weeds
1. Creeping Thyme
Best for: Full sun, hot and dry areas Why it works: Forms a dense carpet that smothers weeds Maintenance: Very low Bonus: Pollinator-friendly and fragrant
Hands-on note: Creeping thyme handled drought better than my lawn grass and filled cracks between stepping stones beautifully.
2. Ajuga (Bugleweed)
Best for: Partial shade to full shade Why it works: Rapid spreader with thick leaf coverage Maintenance: Low (occasional thinning) Warning: Can spread aggressively in ideal conditions use edging.
Real observation: It thrives under trees where grass refuses to grow.
3. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Best for: Full sun, rocky or poor soil Why it works: Tight mats that outcompete most weeds Maintenance: Extremely low Bonus: Drought-proof
Sedums survived on my south-facing slope where almost nothing else lived.
4. Pachysandra
Best for: Deep shade Why it works: Evergreen carpet that blocks nearly all weeds Maintenance: Very low once established Note: Requires well-draining soil
Great under shrubs and north-facing walls.
5. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Best for: Part sun, moist soil Why it works: Fast spreader; smothers weeds quickly Maintenance: Low Warning: Can become invasive in wet climates good for containers or defined beds.
In containers, it cascades beautifully while still suppressing weeds at ground level.
6. Mondo Grass (Dwarf Varieties)
Best for: Shade to part shade Why it works: Forms thick clumps that eventually create a weed-proof mat Maintenance: Extremely low
Great for filling between pavers in shaded areas.
7. Liriope (Lilyturf)
Best for: Sun to shade Why it works: Grows into dense clumps weeds cannot penetrate Maintenance: Very low Bonus: Purple summer flowers
Perfect border plant that doubles as weed suppression.
8. Ice Plant (Delosperma)
Best for: Hot climates, sandy soil Why it works: Spreads quickly and stays low Maintenance: Very low Warning: Avoid in cold-wet winters
I’ve grown it successfully in pots and dry beds it spreads and blooms all season.
9. Periwinkle (Vinca Minor)
Best for: Shade to part shade Why it works: Evergreen, vigorous groundcover Maintenance: Low Note: Fast spreader use in controlled areas
Excellent for steep shady slopes.
10. Clover (Micro Clover or White Dutch Clover)
Best for: Sun Why it works: Outcompetes lawn weeds easily Maintenance: Very low Bonus: Fixes nitrogen into soil
Micro clover creates a soft lawn alternative that requires little mowing.
What Actually You’ll Need
- Ground cover plants or plugs
- Garden trowel
- Compost or organic soil amendment
- Mulch (optional during establishment)
- Hose or watering can
- Edging materials (stones, bricks, or plastic edging)
Eco-friendly options:
- Homemade compost
- Reusing stone or brick as edges
Step-by-Step: Planting Ground Covers That Resist Weeds
Planting ground covers that resist weeds not a easy process so we give you step wise process which are given below:-
1. Prep the Area (Quick Method)
- Pull out large weeds
- Don’t overly disturb the soil (prevents new weeds from sprouting)
- Spread a thin layer of compost
Real-life tip: Avoid deep tilling it wakes up buried weed seeds.
2. Plan Plant Spacing
General guideline:
- Fast spreaders: 12–18 inches apart
- Slow spreaders: 6–12 inches apart
Closer planting means faster weed suppression.
3. Plant Correctly
- Dig holes slightly wider than roots
- Place plants level with soil top
- Firm soil gently around roots
- Water thoroughly
Balcony or container gardeners can also use these ground covers on potted arrangements.
4. Mulch Lightly (Optional)
A thin 1-inch layer:
- Blocks weeds while plants establish
- Retains moisture
Remove mulch gradually once plants spread.
5. Water the First Month Only
After establishment:
- Creeping thyme, sedum, and ice plant need minimal water
- Ajuga and creeping jenny prefer moderate moisture
- Pachysandra and mondo grass like consistent but light watering
Check soil moisture weekly during the first few weeks only.
Professional Tips & Best Practices from Real Garden Trials
- Group plants by sunlight needs mixing sun lovers and shade lovers causes die-off gaps
- Use edging to keep fast spreaders contained
- Avoid planting thirsty ground covers on slopes they dry too fast
- Add organic matter only once too much compost makes spreading plants “soft”
- Don’t fertilize heavily; most ground covers prefer lean soil
- Keep foot traffic minimal on new plantings
Common beginner mistakes:
- Planting in heavy shade without choosing shade-tolerant varieties
- Overwatering drought-tolerant ground covers
- Not spacing correctly, leaving weed gaps
- Expecting full coverage in a few weeks most need one growing season
FAQs: Low Maintenance Ground Covers That Choke Out Weeds
What is the easiest ground cover for beginners?
Creeping thyme, sedum, and clover are extremely forgiving and require almost no care.
Will ground cover plants really stop weeds?
Yes once dense coverage forms, sunlight is blocked, and weeds can’t germinate.
How fast do ground covers grow?
Most take one full season to fully fill in. Fast spreaders fill gaps in 2–3 months.
Can I use ground covers under trees?
Yes ajuga, pachysandra, and vinca are excellent for tree bases.
Do ground covers need mowing?
No almost all recommended plants grow low and stay tidy.
Are any of these invasive?
Creeping jenny and vinca can be aggressive; use edging for control.
When NOT to Use Ground Covers
Avoid ground covers if:
- Soil is waterlogged or compacts heavily
- Area receives heavy foot or pet traffic
- You expect instant full coverage
- You’re in an extremely cold climate without choosing hardy varieties
- Your HOA forbids fast-spreading plants like vinca or creeping jenny
Alternatives: mulch, gravel, or raised beds.
Alternatives to Living Ground Covers
- Wood mulch
- Rubber mulch (for play areas)
- Gravel/stone
- Landscape fabric + mulch (temporary solution)
- Moss (for shady, moist zones)
Plants remain the most eco-friendly, long-term option.
Conclusion
Choosing low maintenance ground cover plants that choke out weeds is one of the easiest ways to create a beautiful, natural, low-effort landscape. Creeping thyme, sedum, ajuga, pachysandra, mondo grass, and clover are some of the most reliable options based on real garden experience across different climates and soil types.
Start with the right plant for your sunlight conditions, give them one good season to establish, and you’ll enjoy years of weed-free, low-maintenance coverage.