lawn are gamy - maintenance , thirsty , and often underwhelming . If you ’re tired of pout , watering , and fertilizing for a dapple of greens that leave little back , there ’s a smart choice : perennials . These tough , beautiful plant offer everything grass doesn’t — and more .

From spreading groundcover to low - grow blooms , these perennials createlush , survive carpetsthat are better for pollinators , soil health , and your weekend schedule . They come back year after class , thrive with minimum aid , and turn your yard into avibrant , eco - friendly space .

In this clause , we ’ll show you 14 recurrent option thatoutperform grassin every way . Whether you want color , grain , or just less work , these plants will help you build up abetter lawn — without the lawn .

14 Perennials That Replace Lawn Better Than Grass Ever Could

Creeping Thyme

pussyfoot Thyme offers a stunning carpet - comparable ground screen that not only looks inviting but also secrete a delightful fragrance when pace on . This perennial is an fantabulous choice for those who enjoy a sensory experience decent in their backyard . Notably drouth - tolerant , it thrives in sunny spotlight where Gunter Grass might skin .

More than just a pretty face , creep Thyme is easy to exert , requiring minimal lacrimation once established . Its purple blooms attract bees and butterflies , adding a racy cutaneous senses to any garden . A historical favorite in herbal medication , it conduct a bequest of both beauty and usefulness .

Sedum

Sedum , with its succulent - like caliber , present a rich alternative for garden enthusiasts seek down in the mouth - maintenance beauty . This perennial is perfect for bouldery landscapes or areas with poor soil where other plant might fail . Its diversity in gloss and form provides endless originative possibilities .

love for retaining moisture , Sedum requires infrequent tearing , making it ideal for eco - witting gardeners . The plant ’s star - shaped flowers attract pollinators , enhancing biodiversity in the garden . Native to many parts of the world , Sedum has a historied chronicle of resiliency and adaptability , realise its seat in gardens worldwide .

Irish Moss

Irish Moss pop the question a serene , velvety unripe alternative to traditional grass . idealistic for shaded areas , it creates a sonant ground cover that feels epicurean underfoot . Its tiny white flower add a subtle charm , making it a favorite among those look for elegance .

This perennial thrives in damp environment , involve even watering to maintain its lucullan appearance . Often seen in Japanese gardens , Irish Moss lends an alien touch to any landscape . Its ability to fill gaps between pave stones effortlessly create it a practical choice for paseo and terrace .

Ajuga

Ajuga , also bonk as Bugleweed , is lionise for its run into foliage and vibrant flower spikes . This perennial terra firma cover spread out speedily , produce a colored tapestry in garden . Its deep purple leaves remain visually appealing throughout the twelvemonth .

idealistic for shaded area , Ajuga requires minimum care , gain it a favorite for meddling gardeners . The plant ’s fast - rise nature aid inhibit weeds , concentrate garden maintenance . Historically used in traditional practice of medicine , Ajuga carry a rich cultural significance alongside its cosmetic value .

Yarrow

Yarrow contribute a touch of savage beauty to garden with its feathery foliage and clustering of cheerful flowers . This perennial is known for its hardiness , thriving in various climate and soil types . It ’s an fantabulous pick for those looking to introduce rustic charm .

Not only is Yarrow drouth - large-minded , but it also attracts beneficial insects , enhancing the garden ’s ecosystem . With a history rooted in herbal medicine , it offers both esthetic and practical benefit . Its full-bodied nature makes it a raw material in naturalistic garden design .

Blue Star Creeper

Blue Star Creeper charms with its prissy blue flowers that produce a starry cover over garden paths and borders . This perennial is perfect for those seeking a soft and inviting ground screening with a touch of whimsey .

expand in both sun and partial tone , Blue Star Creeper adapts to various garden options . It ’s low - growing nature makes it idealistic for sate space between stepping gemstone . The industrial plant ’s subtle smasher and relief of care make it a delightful addition to any garden landscape painting .

Clover

Clover , often overlooked , offer a resilient and eco - friendly alternative to grass lawns . Known for its atomic number 7 - neutering power , it enrich the dirt , dilute the need for fertilizers . Its delicate grain and charming flowers make it a hardheaded yet beautiful choice .

Clover is drought - resistant and easy to exert , requiring less mowing than traditional Mary Jane . It ’s a favorite among those seeking a sustainable lawn option . Historically , clover has been associated with effective fortune , adding a whimsical touch to its practical benefit .

Liriope

Liriope , often referred to as Lilyturf , bring a structured elegance to garden borders and nerve pathway . Its dim tufts of Gunter Wilhelm Grass - like leafage and vivacious purple flower spike offer a striking contrast in any landscape painting .

This perennial thrives in both cheery and shaded area , march surpassing adaptability . Liriope ’s down - maintenance nature gain it a democratic choice for meddlesome gardener seeking to add grain and color without the flap . Its rich greenish foliage remains attractive year - orotund , kick in to its enduring appeal .

Sweet Woodruff

Sweet Woodruff enchants with its frail , whorled leaves and fragrant livid flowers . This recurrent ground blanket thrives in shaded areas , make it perfect for underplanting in woodland garden .

Beyond its beauty , Sweet Woodruff is known for its sweet perfume , often used in medley and sachet . It ’s a charming pick for those looking to add a receptive element to their garden . Historically used for its medicinal properties , this plant life carries a rich heritage of utility and thanksgiving .

Lamb’s Ear

Lamb ’s Ear beguile with its soft , woolly depart that invite touch . This perennial lend a unique texture to gardens , progress to it a favourite among tactual gardeners . Its low - growing nature and silvern hue ply a striking dividing line to more graphic plants .

thrive in cheery touch , Lamb ’s Ear is drouth - tolerant , requiring minimal aid once established . The plant ’s velvety leave have been used historically in folk remedies , add an intriguing aspect to its ornamental charm . Ideal for borders , it complements various garden styles attractively .

Corsican Mint

Corsican Mint offers a brisk twist to traditional ground covers with its minty fragrance and tiny green leaves . This perennial is consummate for those who transport in redolent plants that engage the senses .

Though soft in show , Corsican Mint is surprisingly bouncy , thriving in moist , shaded areas . Its modest purple blossom add together a pop of color amidst greenery , enhance its ocular appeal . Historically , it has been used in culinary program , offering both esthetic and practical benefits .

Mazus

Mazus dazzles with its vibrant , scurvy - growing carpeting of purple and bloodless flowers . This perennial is a brilliant alternative for those seeking to make a colourful , live tapestry in their garden blank space .

Adapting well to various light term , Mazus is versatile , expand in both sun and partial shade . The plant ’s speedy spread covers priming apace , making it an efficient pick for satiate simple patches . Its ease of care and cheerful blooms make it a delightful choice for gardeners look to add a splash of color .

Bugleweed

Bugleweed , with its lush leafage and striking blue flower spikes , offer a vibrant choice to traditional lawns . This perennial thrives in shaded area , providing a colorful primer coat cover that is both audacious and beautiful .

require minimal sustentation , Lycopus virginicus spreads easily , stamp down green goddess and heighten garden aesthetics . Its historic use in herbal cure adds an challenging bed to its appeal . Ideal for those essay a downcast - endeavour , high - impingement works , it complement various landscape expressive style .

Feverfew

Feverfew delights with its dainty white flowers and feathery , aromatic foliage . This perennial is a wonderful selection for those seeking an easy - fear flora that offers both visual and fragrant appeal .

Thriving in sunny environments , Feverfew is drought - resistant once found , making it suitable for H2O - impertinent gardens . Historically celebrated for its medicative qualities , it add a mite of historical appeal to modern landscape painting . Its bright blooms and resilience make it a standout choice for garden enthusiasts .

Creeping Thyme

© coloradomastergardeners

Creeping Thyme

Sedum

© provenwinners

Sedum

Irish Moss

© degrootsnurseries

Irish Moss

Ajuga

© semkenlandscaping

Ajuga

Yarrow

© harvesthomeflowers

Yarrow

Blue Star Creeper

© tulipe.kristine

Blue Star Creeper

Clover

© fortcollinsnursery

Clover

Liriope

© ianbarkergardens

Liriope

Sweet Woodruff

© homeandgardenparadise

Sweet Woodruff

Lamb’s Ear

© ianbarkergardens

Corsican Mint

© kuchsplants

Mazus

© foodscapeforaliving

Bugleweed

© flowerworldusa

Feverfew

© theretired_gardener