11 Ground Covers and 4 Low Shrubs That Replace Lawn Beautifully

Traditional lawns can be thirsty , high - maintenance , and not always the most eco - friendly choice . fortuitously , there ’s a grow movement toward replace turf with riotous , depleted - growing alternatives that offer more beauty and biodiversity — with less effort .

Ground covers and lowly shrubs can create a textured , vivacious landscape that bear pollinators , conserves urine , and looks good yr - round . Whether you want a gentle carpeting of green or a mix of blooms and leaf , there are plenty of options to suit your blank and style .

In this clause , discover 11 ground covers and 4 low bush that exchange lawn beautifully — and learn how to transubstantiate your yard into a more sustainable , optic - catching landscape .

11 Ground Covers and 4 Low Shrubs That Replace Lawn Beautifully

Creeping Thyme

This aromatic works is more than just a culinary delectation . With its low maturation habit , creeping thyme make a vivacious tapestry of purples and greens that naturally suppresses weeds . Its resilience reach it perfect for sunny , ironic areas where grass might shinny . Imagine stepping out and being recognise by its new aroma and soft salad days , create a sensory garden experience .

Irish Moss

Often mistaken for a traditional moss , Irish Moss offer up a buffer , vivacious unripe surface dotted with petite white flowers . It ’s a magic addition to shaded garden areas and expand in well - drained grunge . Perfect for occupy gaps between stepping I. F. Stone , it adds a touch of whimsy to any path or patio .

Sedum

Sedums are succulents roll in the hay for their drought tolerance and vivacious colors . These brave works come in various forms , from low - grow earth cover to rise rosettes , offering a colorful mosaic in any garden blank space . Their thick leaves retain water , ensuring they flourish even in poor soil conditions .

Clover

Clover ’s trifoliate leaf and charming heyday make it a delightful lawn option . This N - desex plant enriches the soil , reducing the penury for fertilization . It spread quickly , creating a flaccid , green carpet even in less - than - ideal conditions . Plus , it ’s a favorite among pollinator .

Ajuga (Bugleweed)

Ajuga , commonly known as Bugleweed , features spectacular , dark green foliage and intense blue flush spikes . It ’s a various ground cover song that can fly high in both sunlight and ghost , create a rich , textured layer in garden . Its speedy growth helps it outcompete weed , make it a humble - maintenance option .

Lilyturf (Liriope)

Lilyturf , or Liriope , is valued for its pasture - alike leaves and purple bloom spikes that add vertical interest . It ’s an excellent choice for perimeter or under trees where grass might scramble . This hardy perennial is sluttish to care for and provides twelvemonth - round color , resist various farm conditions .

Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny offers bright yellow-bellied leaf that cascades attractively , get to it idealistic for robe over bulwark or softening the edges of garden bed . It fly high in Lord’s Day and fond shade , adding a cheerful splash of color that changes with the seasons . This versatile plant is also effective at manipulate erosion .

Pachysandra

Pachysandra is known for its sheeny evergreen leaves and low - grow substance abuse , provide a dense matting nonsuch for shaded arena . This plant is a groovy friend in weed suppression and thrives in areas where grass fails to grow . It put up seasonal sake with modest lily-white flowers in spring .

Vinca Minor

Also called Periwinkle , Vinca Minor is fete for its glossy foliation and charming blue flower . This vigorous priming coat cover thrives in shade and is excellent for controlling erosion on slope . It mold a impenetrable carpet that requires minimal criminal maintenance once established , bringing year - round verdure to gardens .

Sweet Woodruff

Sweet Woodruff enchants with its principal - shaped parting and tiny white flowers , creating a pouf - tale upshot in shaded gardens . It ’s a fragrant addition with a fresh , hay - like scent , often used in pastiche . This works is also deer - resistant , sum to its charm as a gloomy - sustenance ground cover version .

Mazus

Mazus is a superbly robust ground covering fire with shiny purple efflorescence that add up a spatter of color to any garden . It ’s unadulterated for filling gaps between pavers or cascade over edge . This plant life boom in moist , well - debilitate soil and can stand light foundation traffic , making it a functional and decorative option .

Dwarf Boxwood

Dwarf Boxwood extend a classic touch with its dull , green foliation that ’s everlasting for creating integrated borders . It thrives in Lord’s Day or partial spectre and need minimum pruning to maintain its shape . This bush is an abiding favorite for schematic garden , offer class - round appealingness with its evergreen nature .

Japanese Spirea

Japanese Spirea is cherish for its vivacious pinkish heyday and fine - textured foliation that changes color throughout the season . It ’s a compact bush that fits well into low gardens and postulate slight more than one-year pruning . Not only does it attract butterfly , but it also ply a longsighted season of sake .

Lavender

Lavender ’s iconic over-embellished flowers and silver leaf evoke the unagitated landscape painting of Provence . This aromatic shrub thrives in full sun and well - drained soil , making it a drought - patient of choice for those seeking beauty and sweetness . Its efflorescence draw in pollinators , and the plant ’s fossil oil is esteem for its calm properties .

Dwarf Nandina

Dwarf Nandina , or Heavenly Bamboo , offers a burst of vividness with its impassioned red foliation and delicate berries , specially striking in wintertime garden . This low - criminal maintenance bush is perfect for add vertical interest with minimum care , flourish in both sunshine and fond shade . Its vibrant hues create year - round of golf interest .

Creeping Thyme