Weeding might feel like a never-ending chore, but what if your plants could do the job for you? That’s the magic of groundcovers. These low-growing, fast-spreading plants form dense mats that shade the soil, making it nearly impossible for weeds to break through. Even better, they add a lush carpet of greenery—and often colorful flowers—that turn plain garden beds into eye-catching displays.
If you’re tired of spending hours pulling weeds, here are 9 fast-growing groundcovers that smother weeds naturally.
1. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
With its golden-green trailing foliage, Creeping Jenny is as beautiful as it is tough. This vigorous spreader thrives in moist soil and full sun to partial shade. It quickly forms a dense mat, choking out weeds while brightening up pathways, borders, and even container edges.
Best for: Damp areas, ground-hugging color, container spillers.
2. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga, also called Bugleweed, is a powerhouse groundcover with stunning foliage in shades of green, bronze, or purple. In spring, it sends up short spikes of blue flowers that attract pollinators. Fast-spreading runners knit tightly together, making it an effective weed suppressant.
Best for: Shady garden spots and under trees.
3. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Low-maintenance and aromatic, Creeping Thyme doubles as both a groundcover and a culinary herb. It’s drought-tolerant, thrives in full sun, and produces carpets of purple or pink blooms in summer. Once established, it forms a thick mat that weeds simply can’t compete with.
Best for: Sunny walkways, rock gardens, and pollinator-friendly lawns.
4. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
This charming groundcover thrives in shady areas where grass struggles. Its fragrant, star-shaped white flowers bloom in spring, and its dense mat of foliage keeps weeds at bay. Sweet Woodruff is perfect for creating a woodland feel under trees or along shaded borders.
Best for: Shade gardens and naturalized woodland settings.
5. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedums come in many varieties, but creeping types like Sedum spurium are excellent groundcovers. They thrive in poor, sandy soil, tolerate drought, and spread quickly with their fleshy leaves. Many varieties also boast vibrant fall colors.
Best for: Dry, sunny spots and rock gardens.
6. Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Vinca minor is a classic groundcover for good reason. Its glossy evergreen leaves and periwinkle-blue blooms cover the ground quickly, thriving in both sun and partial shade. This plant forms a thick carpet that’s nearly impenetrable to weeds.
Best for: Slopes, shady areas, and erosion control.
7. Hosta
While not technically a creeping plant, large hosta leaves create such dense clumps that weeds don’t stand a chance. Available in endless color variations, they’re particularly effective in shady garden beds. Over time, hostas expand to cover large areas.
Best for: Shaded beds, borders, and under trees.
8. Pachysandra (Japanese Spurge)
Pachysandra is one of the most reliable evergreen groundcovers. It tolerates poor soil, grows well in deep shade, and spreads steadily to form a lush green carpet. In spring, small white flowers add extra charm.
Best for: Shade-heavy areas and problem spots where little else grows.
9. Clover (Trifolium repens)
Clover is making a big comeback as a lawn alternative. Not only does it spread fast and block weeds, but it also fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility. White clover is especially popular for eco-friendly lawns that stay lush and green with less maintenance.
Best for: Lawns, sunny meadows, and eco-friendly yards.
Tips for Success with Weed-Smothering Groundcovers
- Prepare the soil first: Remove existing weeds before planting for the best start.
- Plant densely: The closer you space them, the faster they’ll knit together.
- Water until established: Most groundcovers spread quickly once their roots take hold.
- Choose the right plant for the right spot: Sun, shade, and soil type all matter.
Final Thoughts
Groundcovers aren’t just about beauty—they’re about working smarter, not harder in your garden. By choosing the right fast-spreading plants, you’ll enjoy vibrant, weed-free beds that practically take care of themselves.
Instead of reaching for the hoe or herbicide, let these 9 groundcovers do the heavy lifting. Your back (and your weekends) will thank you.
