However, the question is: which are the best groundcover plants? Though there are hundreds of options, we have listed the top seven best groundcover plants to have in 2022. 

Top 7 Best Groundcover Plants for 2022

Here is our selection of the 7 best groundcover plants to have in your lawn or garden in 2022:

1. Creeping sedum

Creeping sedum is a perennial succulent and grows equally well in partial shade and full sun. Depending on the type of sedum from 300 species, this drought-tolerant plant bears large, vibrant orange, green, white, purple, pink, red and yellow flowers. Creeping sedum has various colored leaves too, that could be green to chartreuse to even black. 

Specs:

• USDA Hardiness Zones = 3 – 8 
• Popular types = Mexican stonecrop, Dragon’s blood and Blue stonecrop
• Care = Low-maintenance, needs less water, grows in well-drained soils 
• Flowering = Fall, spring and summer
• Spread = Shallow root system, grows low to ground (max. up to 8 inches)
• Cost = USD 9 to USD 15 (for live plants)

2. Creeping thyme

Creeping thyme ranks second on our list of the top 7 best groundcover plants. It is a drought-tolerant plant that is a perfect addition to rock gardens. Though it does not tolerate much foot traffic, it does grow well in the sun. Thyme is also useful to add taste to food in certain cuisines. 

Specs:

• USDA Hardiness Zones = 5 – 8 
• Popular types = English thyme, Wooly thyme and Caraway thyme
• Care = Low-maintenance, moist soil, slow-release fertilizer (once a quarter) 
• Flowering = Pink, purple flowers in Summer and Fall
• Spread = Above-ground stems (stolons) reach 2-3 inches height
• Cost = USD 10 for Seeds/USD 12 for Plant Trays/USD 40 for Container Plants

3. Pachysandra

Pachysandra is a perennial, evergreen groundcover plant. It grows well in full shade and is highly resistant to vermin (deer, rabbits, etc.) as well as being highly drought-resistant. You can grow this plant easily in well-drained soil, along inclines and under trees and shrubs. Make sure to plant these at least 6 to 12 inches apart to give space for growth. 

Specs:

• USDA Hardiness Zones = 4 to 9 
• Popular types = Variegata, Eco Treasure, Green Carpet and Alleghany
• Care = Low-maintenance, grows well in poor-quality soil too
• Flowering = White, aromatic flowers in Spring
• Spread = Below-ground stems (rhizomes) can reach up to 1 foot height 
• Cost = USD 15 per tray/USD 80 for 100-bare root plants

4. Periwinkle

Periwinkle is another excellent groundcover plant. It is an evergreen perennial that flourishes in partial and full shade. You should plant periwinkle beneath shrubs and trees and along inclines for a vibrant spot of color during spring, summer and sometimes, fall. These plants can grow up to 3 to 6 inches in height, are resistant to drought, salt and deer. Apart from this, periwinkle is also useful to prevent soil erosion and grows well in poor quality soil too.

Specs:

• USDA Hardiness Zones = 4 to 9
• Popular types = Flore Plano, Alba, Bowles Variety and Sterling Silver
• Care = Low-maintenance, infrequent watering, no major pest problems
• Flowering = White, purple and blue blooms (depending on cultivar)
• Spread = Above-ground stems (runners) take root and spread quickly
• Cost = USD 15 (for 81-plant tray)

5. Bugleweed

Bugleweed can quickly fill in large empty outdoor spaces where grass does not grow well. It also boosts your home’s curb appeal with its evergreen and colorful blooms. This can be planted almost anywhere as the plant grows equally well in full sun and full shade. It can also withstand significant foot traffic and is resistant to vermin, such as rabbits and deer. 

Specs:

• USDA Hardiness Zones = 3 to 10 
• Popular types = Chocolate Chip, Catlin’s Giant and Black Scallop
• Care = Low-maintenance, no fertilizer needed, grows well with rainwater 
• Flowering = White, blue or purple flowers in spring and summer
• Spread = Above-ground stems (runners) creep along ground, max. height is 3 to 6 inches
• Cost = USD 12 (for a tray) 

6. Creeping phlox

Creeping phlox ranks sixth on our list of the best groundcover plants. It is perfect for use in xeriscaping. This plant grows well in full sun. It is also resistant to pollution and drought and also grows well in poor quality soil. This plant reaches a maximum height of only 4 to 6 inches, which gives your lawn or garden a smooth, verdant green carpet. 

Specs:

• USDA Hardiness Zones = 3 to 10 
• Popular types = Emerald Blue, Candy Stripe and Scarlet Flame
• Care = Low-maintenance, only needs trimming in winter
• Flowering = Yellow, blue, purple, pink, white and red flowers in spring
• Spread = Grows moderately and has a 2-foot spread
• Cost = USD 4 (for seed-packet)/USD 10 (for trays)/USD 14 (for potted plant)

7. Ice Plant

The ice plant gets its name from the way its vibrant leaves seem to shine in the sunlight, as if it is covered with a thin layer of frost. This is a perennial succulent and grows well in full sun, as well as hot, dry climates. Besides being an excellent plant for groundcover, ice plant is also a perfect addition to a colorful garden. 

Specs:

• USDA Hardiness Zones = 6 to 10 
• Popular types = Hardy Yellow, Starburst, Alan’s Apricot, Cooper’s Ice Plant
• Care = Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, needs no fertilization
• Flowering = Purple and pink flowers in summer and fall (flower color depends on type)
• Spread = Quick growth through underground root system, grows 2 to 4 feet/3 to 6 inches wide
• Cost = USD 11 (for 6-plant tray)

Conclusion

The 7 best groundcover plants to get in 2022 are creeping sedum, creeping thyme, pachysandra, periwinkle, bugleweed, creeping phlox and ice plant. These are all low-maintenance plants and usually grow in almost any soil and climate conditions. To learn the best-suited groundcover plants for your garden or lawn, it is recommended to consult with professional garden care experts, such as at Eden.