Are you looking to enhance your garden with low-maintenance, visually appealing plants that will provide year-round interest? Evergreen ground cover plants are the perfect solution! Not only do they add aesthetic value to your landscape, but they also play a practical role in suppressing weeds, preventing erosion, and reducing the need for frequent mowing.

Table of Contents

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 15 of the best evergreen ground cover plants, including herbaceous perennials and low-growing shrubs. But before we dive into our top picks, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with fast-growing ground covers, particularly non-native species that can become invasive. Always check with your local extension office before introducing any new plants to your garden to avoid unintended consequences.

Creeping Myrtle

Creeping Myrtle, also known as Periwinkle (Vinca minor f. alba), is a versatile ground cover plant that thrives in dry shade. While it is known for its blue flowers, it also comes in a white bloom variety. This flowering vine is a problem solver for landscapes with dry shade conditions. However, it can be invasive in some areas, so be sure to monitor its spread and take necessary measures to control it. Creeping Myrtle is an excellent choice for deer-resistant ground cover in dry shade areas.

Name:
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Soil Needs:
Light:
Mature size:

Japanese Spurge

Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis) is a tough, broadleaf evergreen ground cover that thrives in shade. Resistant to pests, deer, and rabbits, this plant forms dense mats with its leathery, shiny leaves, effectively inhibiting weed growth. However, be cautious of its spreading tendencies, as it can extend beyond the intended garden areas and into natural habitats. Consider alternative options like Allegheny Spurge (Pachysandra procumbens) for similar growing conditions without the invasive potential.

Name:
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Light:
Soil Needs:
Mature size:

Creeping Phlox

Native to North America, Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera) is a full sun ground cover that prefers moist but tolerates dry soil. Celebrated for its colorful flowers that form a thick mat, this plant comes in various shades including red, pink, white, and blue. The best way to showcase Creeping Phlox is by growing masses of it on a hillside for erosion control. Remember to divide and relocate any excess plants to maintain the desired coverage.

Name:
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Light:
Soil Needs:
Mature size:

Black Mondo Grass

Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’) is a striking evergreen plant with grass-like blades that appear truly black. Native to Japan, this slow-growing perennial is ideal for semi-shaded areas, border plantings, or rock gardens. While it may not fill bare spots quickly, its unique color and low-maintenance requirements make it a valuable addition to any garden.

Name:
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Light:
Soil Needs:
Mature size:

Creeping Thyme

One of the evergreen varieties of creeping thyme is the Archer’s Gold thyme (Thymus citriodorus ‘Archer’s Gold’). This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in full sun and is perfect for walkways and other high-traffic areas. With its golden foliage and fragrant leaves, Creeping Thyme adds both visual appeal and aromatic charm to your garden.

Name:
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Light:
Soil Needs:
Mature size:

Spotted Dead Nettle

Spotted Dead Nettle (Lamium maculatum) is a beautiful flowering ground cover that thrives in dry or partially shaded areas. With pink flowers in spring and summer, along with silvery leaves edged in green, this plant offers a two-fold benefit as both a blooming and foliage plant. Consider different cultivars like ‘Aureum’ or ‘Golden Anniversary’ for unique color combinations and features.

Name:
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Light:
Soil Needs:
Mature size:

Angelina Stonecrop

Angelina Stonecrop (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’) is a popular choice for evergreen ground covers with its needle-like foliage that ranges from chartreuse to golden. This low-maintenance plant features tiny yellow flowers in summer and eye-catching orange foliage in the fall. Once established, Angelina Stonecrop is drought-resistant and adds texture to borders or rock gardens.

Name:
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Light:
Soil Needs:
Mature size:

Lenten Rose

Lenten Rose (Helleborus x hybridus) is an early-blooming ground cover that announces the arrival of spring with its beautiful flowers. While its downward-facing blooms may be hard to appreciate, consider growing this plant on a landscaping berm for better visibility. Opt for the ‘Ivory Prince’ cultivar to enjoy flowers that face upward and vole-resistant properties.

Name:
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Light:
Soil Needs:
Mature size:

Wall Germander

Wall Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) is a low-growing, clump-forming evergreen shrub that doubles as a ground cover. Native to the Mediterranean, this drought-tolerant plant is suitable for sunny areas and works well as an edging plant along walkways. Enjoy the low-maintenance qualities of Wall Germander in xeriscapes or other dry landscape settings.

Name:
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Light:
Soil Needs:
Mature size:

Candytuft

Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) is a drought-tolerant flowering subshrub that thrives in full sun. With its mounding growth habit, Candytuft brightens gardens with white or pink blossoms in late spring and early summer. Explore different cultivars like ‘Nana’ or ‘Purity’ for varying heights, spreads, and bloom colors that suit your landscape needs.

Name:
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Light:
Soil Needs:
Mature size:

Creeping Juniper

Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’) is a hardy evergreen plant with silvery-blue foliage that adds visual interest to sunny slopes. This drought-tolerant ground cover is excellent for erosion-prone areas where soil retention is essential. With its sturdy root system and low-maintenance requirements, Creeping Juniper is a practical solution for both aesthetic and functional landscaping needs.

Name:
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Light:
Soil Needs:
Mature size:

Moonshadow Euonymus

Moonshadow Euonymus (Euonymus fortunei ‘Moonshadow’) is a spreading shrub prized for its variegated leaves with bright yellow centers. Plant this low-growing ground cover en masse for a colorful addition to your garden. While adaptable to various conditions, Moonshadow Euonymus thrives best in full sun and requires minimal maintenance for long-term growth.

Name:
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Light:
Soil Needs:
Mature size:

Blue Star Juniper

Blue Star Juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’) is a compact evergreen plant with blue needles that create a striking visual impact. While not a creeping juniper, it stays short and slowly grows outward, making it an effective ground cover for mass plantings. With its drought resistance and low-maintenance nature, Blue Star Juniper is a versatile option for adding texture and color to your landscape.

Name:
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Light:
Soil Needs:
Mature size:

English Ivy

Once a popular choice for evergreen ground cover in shady areas, English Ivy (Hedera helix) has gained a reputation for its invasive tendencies. With over 400 cultivars, many of which are invasive, it’s crucial to exercise caution when planting English Ivy in your garden. Consider native alternatives like Allegheny Spurge or Golden Star for non-invasive options that thrive in shade without the risk of spreading uncontrollably.

Name:
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Light:
Soil Needs:
Mature size:

Bugleweed

Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) is a fast-growing, mat-forming ground cover that excels in suppressing weeds under trees and in shady areas. Though deer-resistant, Bugleweed can be invasive in certain regions, so choose cultivars like ‘Burgundy Glow’ for slower spread and controlled growth. With a variety of foliage and flower colors to choose from, Bugleweed adds visual interest and practicality to your garden.

Name:
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Light:
Soil Needs:
Mature size:

Conclusion

In conclusion, evergreen ground cover plants are valuable additions to any garden, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. By choosing the right plants for your specific conditions and needs, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape that thrives year-round. Remember to research each plant’s characteristics, growth habits, and potential invasiveness before introducing them to your garden. With careful selection and proper maintenance, evergreen ground cover plants can transform your outdoor space into a lush, vibrant oasis.

For more information on ground cover options and planting tips, explore resources like the North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox and Cooperative Extension for expert guidance. Let your garden flourish with the beauty and functionality of evergreen ground covers!