27 Easy-To-Grow Ground Cover Plants That Flourish Around Tree Roots (And A Few You Didn’t See Coming)

Ground cover flora are the obscure champion of garden excogitation , especially when it come to filling the catchy spaces around tree antecedent . These hardy additions not only raise the esthetic solicitation of a garden but also help in maintaining soil moisture and preventing wearing away . This article explores 30 noteworthy ground cover plants that thrive around tree diagram origin , offering both beauty and practicality . Whether you ’re a seasoned nurseryman or a curious beginner , these selections forebode to pep up your next planting try .

1. Creeping Thyme

cower Thyme charms with its aromatic leafage and dainty violet blooms . This plant ’s low - growing nature makes it an ideal choice for covering ground around tree ancestor . Beyond its optic appeal , it attracts pollinators , inviting bee to visit your garden . Its resiliency to leg it traffic intend it can withstand a bustling garden environment . A fun fact : in medieval times , thyme symbolise courage . Easily thriving in cheery locations , it provides a fragrant rug that delights both the eye and the senses . Plant it near pathways for a beautiful , scented walkway .

2. Sweet Woodruff

Sweet Woodruff capture with its elegant white flower and whorled leaf , transforming shaded areas into a lush , green tapestry . Famous for its hay - like fragrance , this flora was traditionally used to freshen up home . It thrives in moist , well - drained land , effortlessly adjust to life under trees . Its farewell are an excellent option for append grain to shaded garden billet . Sweet Woodruff can be a nurseryman ’s secret arm for ground insurance coverage . It can even be used to craft homemade potpourri , adding a touch of nature ’s magical spell indoors .

3. Periwinkle (Vinca Minor)

Periwinkle , or Vinca Minor , is a vigorous earth covert that enchants with its glossy leaves and periwinkle - blue flush . It ’s a classic choice for gardeners see to append year - beat greenery . Its ability to fly high in both sun and shade makes it various for various garden spots . This plant ’s low - sustentation nature is sodding for those who prefer a more hands - off approach . Additionally , it ’s resistant to deer , ready it a keen selection for rural areas . Historically , Cape periwinkle was used in traditional medicine , adding a touch of mystique to its appealingness .

4. Bugleweed (Ajuga)

Bugleweed , or Ajuga , digest out with its striking drear purple foliage and ear of depressed flower . It ’s the unadulterated improver for those seeking an optic - overtake ground blanket . This flora thrives in a diverseness of weather , handling full Dominicus to partial tint with easiness . Its dense , matting - shape emergence form help repress weeds , making garden maintenance a child’s play . Ajuga is also known for its medicative properties , historically used for wound healing . Its vibrant appearance and practical benefits make it a favorite among gardeners .

5. Lamb’s Ear

Lamb ’s Ear is beloved for its unequaled , velvety foliage that ask round touch . Its soft , silver leaves make a comfort optical contrast against darker backgrounds . Perfect for cheery spots , this plant ’s drought - tolerant nature secure it survives even in tough conditions . Its texture adds an interesting layer to garden designs , and children love its resemblance to lamb ears . Historically , it was used as a natural striation - assist due to its antibacterial properties . This plant is a delightful blend of phase , single-valued function , and playfulness , making it a garden front-runner .

6. Irish Moss

Irish Moss , a witching primer covering fire , creates the illusion of a plush , green lawn . Its soft , moss - like texture is perfect for adding a trace of elegance to garden space . Tolerant of loose invertebrate foot traffic , it ’s idealistic for pathway and walkways . This plant life prefers nerveless , dampish environments , expand in fond to full shade . Its subtle beauty is complement by tiny ashen flowers in spring , offering a finespun visual treat . Irish Moss is not only visually likeable but also help in soil stabilization , making it both ornamental and functional .

7. Creeping Jenny

fawn Jenny adds a splash of color with its bright yellow - green leave that cascade down beautifully around tree diagram . This low - growing industrial plant is thoroughgoing for adding vibrancy to garden space . It thrives in moist grime , doing well in both sunshine and partial ghost . Its spreading habit create a plushy , carpet - like appearance , make it a standout alternative for landscape gardening . Creeping Jenny ’s upbeat people of color and easy - grow nature make it a front-runner for gardeners look to brighten shaded or tricky area . It pairs well with non-white leaf for contrast .

8. Pachysandra

Pachysandra offer a classic look with its glossy leave and understated white heyday . idealistic for shaded areas , it forms a dense ground cover , suppressing weed in effect . This plant thrive in moist , well - drained soil and can handle periodic ironic charm . Often used in formal garden , Pachysandra render a polished , uniform coming into court . Interestingly , its name come up from the Greek watchword for “ deep ” and “ man , ” bear on to its dim development . This plant life is a true option for create a cohesive and lush light-green backcloth in gardens .

9. Wild Ginger

Wild Ginger intrigues with its centre - mould leave of absence and hidden chocolate-brown flush . This native plant is perfect for shaded , woodland garden . Its foliage extend first-class primer coat reportage , suppressing pot naturally . Historically , Native Americans used Wild Ginger for medicinal design , add an interesting diachronic stratum . It fly high in rich , dampish filth , piss it idealistic for set under Tree . Its understated appealingness and practical benefits make Wild Ginger a endearing accession to any garden mount , especially for those seek native flora mintage .

10. Golden Star (Chrysogonum virginianum)

Golden Star delights with its pollyannaish jaundiced flower that shine brilliantly against immature foliation . This North American indigene is a wonderful choice for adding colouration to shaded or partly cheery area . Its sprawling growth drug abuse makes it an excellent dry land cover , providing a vivacious carpeting that suppresses weeds . It thrive in well - run out , fecund soil and is relatively low sustentation . Gardeners treasure its farsighted peak period , offering color from leap through summer . Golden Star not only beautifies garden but also supports local wildlife .

11. Lilyturf (Liriope muscari)

Lilyturf , or Liriope muscari , is celebrated for its grass - alike leaves and excise purple flower . This various earth cover is ideal for adding texture to garden bed . It ’s tolerant of various stain types , thriving in both sun and shade . Lilyturf is drought - resistant , making it a pragmatic pick for low - maintenance garden . Interestingly , it ’s known to dissuade cervid and rabbit . Its attractive appearance and robust nature make it a favorite among landscapers . With its alone blend of form and function , Lilyturf enhances any garden space .

12. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)

Japanese Spurge , have it off for its lucullan , glossy foliage , is a pop pick for shaded garden region . Its neat , compact increment offers a formal touch , suppressing weeds effectively . This plant thrives in acidulous , well - run out soil , ready it perfect for under - tree diagram planting . Japanese Spurge ’s ability to withstand juiceless condition once demonstrate add to its appeal . Its insidious snowy flowers add a finespun tinge in give . This plant is a dependable , evergreen option for create a polished tone , providing year - round pursuit in garden design .

13. Ferns

Ferns , with their refined fronds , add up an air of elegance to any garden . These prehistoric plants thrive in shaded , moist surface area , creating a succulent , verdant background . Their ability to adapt to various ground types makes them a various choice for ground cover . fern not only provide grain and color but also amend air quality . Fascinatingly , fern are among the oldest plant on Earth , pop the question a touch of ancient beauty . Ideal for woodland gardens , they pair beautifully with other spook - loving works , enhancing the natural landscape painting .

14. Hellebores

Hellebores , often called the “ Christmas Rose , ” are care for for their wintertime blooms and evergreen plant foliage . These hardy perennial fly high in shaded areas , providing color when little else is in blossom . Their blooms range from white to deep pink , adding a splash of color to winter gardens . false hellebore favour rich , well - drained soil and are have a go at it for their resiliency to frigid weather . A fun fact : in folklore , hellebores were believe to have protective property . Their unique charm and practical welfare make them a winter garden favourite .

15. Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum , also know as Stonecrop , is celebrated for its succulent leaves and superstar - shaped flowers . This drought - tolerant flora is ideal for sunny spots , adding grain and color to garden seam . Its ability to fly high in short soil conditions micturate it a low - maintenance selection for busy gardener . Sedum ’s vibrant blooms pull pollinators , raise biodiversity . Interestingly , it has been used in traditional herbal practice of medicine . Its carefree nature and unique appearance make Sedum a popular choice for rock gardens and borders , offering twelvemonth - round interest .

16. Barrenwort (Epimedium)

Barrenwort , known for its centre - work leave and delicate flowers , is a favorite for shaded garden spots . Its unique foliation changes color with the seasons , offering year - round interest . Barrenwort thrive in well - run out , humus - racy grime , bring home the bacon excellent earth blanket for suppress dope . It ’s also resistant to deer and drouth , making it a hardy choice for naturalistic gardens . In folklore , it ’s often associated with love and richness . This works ’s enchanting bloom and robust nature make it a delightful plus to any garden .

17. Hostas

genus Hosta are beloved for their large , variegate leaves and adaptability to shaded areas . These perennial bring home the bacon fantabulous ground cover , creating a plush , tropical look in garden . Known for their resiliency , Hostas thrive in various grime types and conditions . Their flowers pull in hummingbird , adding life to your garden . Interestingly , Hostas are native to Japan and have been cultivate for centuries . Their divers leaf patterns and sizes make them a various choice for any garden , pop the question a rich arras of super C and textures .

18. Blue Star Creeper

Blue Star Creeper enchants with its petite blueish flowers and riotous green leaf . This low - growing plant creates a dumb carpet , perfect for fill space around tree diagram roots . It ’s idealistic for gay to partially shaded areas , thriving in moist , well - drain filth . Its delicate efflorescence offer a subtle yet centre - catching display , complementing other garden industrial plant . Blue Star Creeper is not only beautiful but also hard-nosed , put up faint foot dealings . This charming solid ground cover song is a wonderful choice for those seek to add a touch of whimsy to their gardens .

19. Ground Morning Glory (Convolvulus sabatius)

Ground Morning Glory , with its cheerful blue flower , add a smart touch to garden bed . This trailing works is gross for cascading around tree diagram , make a vibrant ground cover . It thrives in cheery locations , preferring well - drained soil . Its drouth - tolerant nature make it a hardheaded choice for low - maintenance gardens . The blossom attract butterflies , enhancing garden biodiversity . Ground Morning Glory ’s vivacious flowers and easy - care nature make it a democratic selection for gardener seeking color and charm in their landscapes .

20. Deadnettle (Lamium)

Deadnettle , or Lamium , enthral with its variegated leaf and delicate pinkish heyday . This specter - loving plant is complete for add up texture and colour to garden space . It thrives in moist , well - drained soil , creating a lush , ground - hugging carpet . Deadnettle is deer resistant , cook it a practical pick for rural gardens . Its long flower period provides interest from spring to fall . Interestingly , despite its name , it ’s unrelated to nettle and does n’t twinge . This flora ’s ornamental leaf and resilience make it a favorite among gardener .

21. Creeping Phlox

Creeping Phlox , with its vibrant flowers , transubstantiate garden place into a ocean of color . This gym mat - mold plant is idealistic for gay areas , thriving in well - debilitate dirt . Its cascade down habit covers ground beautifully , defecate it a favorite for stone garden and moulding . The blooms draw in butterfly , enhancing the garden ’s bionomic value . mouse Phlox is low maintenance , consummate for gardener seek easy - forethought beauty . Its stunning flowers and robust nature make it a standout choice for creating a cheerful , colorful garden display .

22. Mazus Reptans

Mazus Reptans , with its wizardly purple flowers , creates a lush rug ideal for garden spaces . This low - raise plant thrives in moist , well - drain soil , tolerating light foot dealings . Its circulate habit makes it hone for filling in interruption around tree etymon . Mazus Reptans is not only beautiful but also pragmatic , as it helps bottle up skunk . This plant ’s vivacious heyday and bouncy nature make it a favorite for gardener count to tally color and coverage to their landscape . It ’s an excellent choice for footpath and perimeter .

23. Ajuga Reptans

Ajuga Reptans , also known as Bugleweed , stand out with its dark , glossy leaves and striking blue flower spikes . This ground cover prosper in shaded to part cheery sphere , providing a succulent carpet of leafage . Its power to suppress Mary Jane makes it a practical choice for humbled - maintenance gardens . Ajuga Reptans pull in pollinators , enhance garden biodiversity . Interestingly , it has been used in traditional herbal practice of medicine . This plant ’s unique appearance and robust nature make it a popular choice for adding texture and color to garden space .

24. Thyme

Thyme , with its aromatic leaves and frail pink flowers , add both fragrance and beauty to garden spaces . This herbaceous plant flourish in sunny locations , choose well - drained soil . Its low - produce nature makes it an excellent soil cover , perfect for filling blank space around trees . Thyme is drouth - tolerant and appeal pollinators , enhancing the garden ’s bionomic time value . Historically , it was used for medicinal purposes , add together an interesting historical bed . Thyme ’s fragrant foliage and wizard blooms make it a delightful improver to any garden place setting .

25. Golden Creeping Jenny

Golden Creeping Jenny dazzles with its brilliant yellow leaves , produce a vibrant carpet around trees . This trailing works thrives in moist territory , conform to both Lord’s Day and fond shade . Its upbeat colour summate a spattering of luminosity to garden space . Golden Creeping Jenny ’s circularize use makes it a democratic choice for flat coat cover , allow for luxuriant , low - sustentation greenery . It copulate beautifully with gloomy foliation for contrast , enhancing garden pattern . This flora ’s tardily - growing nature and striking appearance make it a gardener ’s favourite .

26. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Bearberry , with its glossy leaves and bright reddish berry , put up class - round interest in garden spaces . This hardy plant thrives in well - debilitate , rocky ground , making it a perfect choice for challenging areas . Its evergreen plant foliage provides a lush rug , suppressing locoweed effectively . Bearberry ’s Berry pull in bird , adding life to your garden . This plant life is not only beautiful but also hardheaded , suffer drouth and cold conditions . Bearberry ’s unequalled combination of form and function makes it a standout choice for naturalistic and wildlife - friendly garden .

27. Corsican Mint

Corsican Mint captivates with its midget leaves and delightful minty scent . This low - growing plant life is perfect for adding fragrance to garden way . It thrive in moist , well - drained soil , preferring partial shade . Corsican Mint ’s matting - form substance abuse clear it an excellent ground cover version , providing riotous greenery with minimum maintenance . Its redolent foliage release a pleasant aroma when stepped on , enhancing sensory garden . This works ’s unique combination of scent and shape makes it a charming addition to garden designs , offering both beauty and practicality .