Grass has been a favorite choice for people who wanted to create a green space in their garden for many years.

The problem is that, although this plant is ideal for creating a green meadow, it also has several disadvantages: it requires high maintenance, it consumes a lot of water (and now that we are at risk of drought, that is a problem…).

That is why more and more people are looking for interesting but more sustainable alternatives.

And some of the most popular are ground cover plants. One option attractive and functional to turn your garden into a meadow full of color and life.

Hence this post.

Here we will explore:

• What are ground cover plants.
• Its advantages.
• The most popular varieties

So you can find the perfect option for your home. ;)

What are ground cover plants

His name already gives us a clue of what we are talking about.

Ground cover plants are low-growing plant species. Plants that do not grow upwards, but to the sides.

And it is that the upholstery species extend horizontally, covering the ground and forming a dense vegetal carpet.

These plants often have shallow roots and creeping stems that intertwine to form a dense, uniform coat.

Unlike conventional grass, ground cover plants offer a wide range of colors and textures, making them an attractive alternative to beautifying outdoor spaces.

Advantages of ground cover plants in front of the lawn

Ground cover plants have several advantages compared to traditional grass:

• First of all, its horizontal and compact growth prevents the appearance of weeds, thus reducing the need for maintenance and the use of herbicides.
• In addition, by completely covering the soil, ground cover plants help conserve moisture and prevent soil erosion.
• And as we anticipated at the beginning of the post, they usually require less water and fertilizers than grass, which makes them a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option.

Sure, they also have some drawbacks.

And the most important is that they can take a long time to grow and spread throughout the garden (while with the grass we have the option of installing turf.

But in our opinion, this small "but" does not at all cloud all its benefits. .;)

The most popular ground cover plants

1. Lampranthus aureus

Lampranthus aureus is a perennial ground cover plant native to South Africa.

Its succulent leaves are bright green, and its flowers, which appear in spring, can range from yellow to deep orange.

This plant prefers sunny exposure and well-drained soil.It requires moderate watering and adapts well to hot, dry climates.

2. Begonia semperflorens

Begonia semperflorens is a very popular annual ground cover plant due to its abundant blooms and attractive foliage. Its leaves are bright green and its flowers can be white, pink or red.

It flowers during spring and summer and requires partial shade exposure and rich, well-drained soil.

It is a hardy plant that adapts well to different climates.

3. Rosemary officinalis

Also known as rosemary.

This plant is not only a very popular aromatic plant in the kitchen. In addition, it is perfect as an upholstery.

It is a perennial species that gives off a pleasant aroma and has dark green foliage.

In addition to its culinary and medicinal properties, rosemary can be used as a ground cover plant in sunny gardens.

It prefers dry, well-drained soils, and is drought tolerant once established. Its bluish flowers appear in spring and further embellish its appearance.

4. Pachysandra terminalis

Pachysandra terminalis is an evergreen ground cover plant native to Asia.

Its glossy, green leaves form a dense cover that spreads across the ground.

This plant prefers shade or semi-shade and a well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It is hardy and easy to grow, ideal for low maintenance areas.

5. Ivy

Ivy is a climbing ground cover plant well known for its ability to cover walls, fences and floors.

Its leaves are perennial and can be of different shapes and shades of green, depending on the variety.

The ivy prefers exposure to shade or semi-shade and a well-drained soil.

It is a resistant and fast-growing plant, ideal for large areas that you want to cover quickly.

6. Potentilla reptans

Potentilla reptans is a creeping ground cover plant native to Europe. Its leaves are deep green in color and its yellow or white flowers appear during spring and summer.

This plant is hardy and adapts well to a wide range of growing conditions. It prefers sunny or semi-shade exposure and a well-drained soil.

It requires regular watering during the growing season.

7. Vinca difformis

Vinca difformis, also known as vinca minor, is a perennial ground cover plant native to Europe.

Its leaves are oval and dark green, while its flowers can be white or pale pink. It blooms through winter and spring, providing a splash of color in the cooler months.

Periwinkle prefers partial to full shade exposure and well-drained soil. It is a resistant and low maintenance plant.

8. Ophiopogon japonicus

Ophiopogon japonicus is a perennial ground cover plant native to Asia.

Its leaves are narrow, elongated and dark green, and its growth is dense and compact. This plant produces small white or pale lilac flowers in summer, followed by black berries. It prefers an exposure to the shade or semi-shade and a soil rich in organic matter and well drained.

It is a hardy, low-maintenance plant, ideal for shady areas of the garden.

9. Help reptans

The Ajuga reptans, also known as bugle or St. Lawrence grass, is a perennial ground cover plant native to Europe. Its leaves are dark green in color and form dense rosettes. During spring and summer, it produces flower spikes in shades ranging from blue to purple.

This plant prefers partial to full shade exposure and well-drained soil. It is resistant and adapts well to different growing conditions.

10. Geranium macrorrhizum

Geranium macrorrhizum is a perennial groundcover plant native to Europe and Asia.

Its leaves are dark green in color and have a pleasant scent when brushed against.

During the spring and summer, it produces pink or purple flowers that add a splash of color to the garden. This plant prefers a sunny or semi-shade exposure and a well-drained soil. It is resistant and low maintenance, perfect for covering large areas.

Do you already know which upholstery plant you are going to choose for your garden?

Ground cover plants are a versatile and attractive alternative to traditional grass. With their horizontal growth and wide range of colors and textures, these plants can transform your garden into a meadow full of life.

By choosing ground cover plants, you can enjoy the benefits of a green space that is low maintenance and more friendly to the environment.

However.

Keep in mind that, to enjoy a beautiful and well-organized garden with ground cover plants (or with any type of plant) prior planning and design is necessary.

And we can help you with this.

At Viveros González we have a garden design service, where we shape your ideal garden and take it from the plan to thereality.

You want to know more?

You just have to enter here and contact us.

We will help you so that the garden of your dreams is no longer just a dream.