In brief: Ground cover plants suppress weeds by quickly shading the soil and closing bare germination sites. Depending on the location, suitable choices include creeping bugleweed, hardy alpine mixes and Delosperma. Plant densely, remove existing weeds with spreading roots and water regularly during the first year. This reduces maintenance without the need for weed-control fabric.
If you want to suppress weeds, you do not need plastic sheeting or chemical products everywhere. Densely growing ground cover plants shade the soil, fill bare areas and leave little room for emerging weeds. This works particularly well in perennial borders, under trees and shrubs, on slopes and in narrow border areas.
Choosing the right plant species is key to success. Delosperma thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soil, while creeping bugleweed prefers moist, partially shaded areas. A closed plant cover also does not develop overnight. During the establishment phase, even low-maintenance ground cover plants need water, monitoring and a little patience.
How can ground cover plants suppress weeds in the garden?
Weeds germinate wherever bare soil provides light, air and water. A dense carpet of leaves changes these conditions. The leaves shade the surface, the roots use water and nutrients, and runners fill open areas. Annual weeds have less room and are easier to remove while they are still young.
Weed control with ground cover plants is not about creating an absolutely weed-free area. Even in a closed planting, seeds can land on the leaves or germinate in small gaps. The difference lies in the amount of work required: A well-established plant cover reduces the number of open germination sites and significantly slows the growth of many weeds.
What can dense plant carpets do?
- Shade the soil: Less light reaches the surface. As a result, many light-germinating seeds develop more slowly.
- Close bare areas: Runners and densely arranged leaves reduce the gaps where weeds can take root.
- Retain moisture: A layer of foliage protects the soil surface from drying out quickly.
- Reduce erosion: Roots stabilise loose soil on slopes and beneath shrubs.
Deep-rooted and rhizomatous weeds such as ground elder, couch grass and bindweed are more challenging. Their underground parts continue growing beneath a plant cover. Remove these roots as thoroughly as possible before planting. Then check the area regularly and pull out new shoots while they are still young.
Using plants to suppress weeds therefore means creating good starting conditions first and then allowing the ground cover plants to form a closed cover. If you plant individual plants too far apart, many bare areas will remain at first. This keeps maintenance requirements high.
Expert tip
Plan the spacing according to the plants' mature spread, not the size of the container they come in. For many smaller species, leave 20 to 30 centimetres between plants. A thin mulch layer of around three to five centimetres bridges the establishment phase until the leaves shade the soil themselves.
“Low-growing plants that cover the soil fill bare areas and can reduce garden maintenance.”
Which low-maintenance ground cover plants suit your location?
Low-maintenance ground cover plants only thrive when the light, soil and water requirements match the species. A sun-loving plant stays sparse in deep shade and leaves gaps. A shade-tolerant species, on the other hand, suffers in a dry gravel bed. Choose your plants based on the location rather than just flower color or price.
Which ground cover plants are suitable for sun and dry soil?
Delosperma forms low, fleshy mats and suits sunny, well-drained beds. The plants tolerate dry periods once established. Waterlogging, especially in winter, can damage them. This product includes four hardy Delosperma plants in different colors. They are suitable for small areas, rock gardens and sunny bed edges.
For larger planting displays, the is a good option. The hardy Alpine Mix contains eight ground cover plants in different colors and, according to the product name, is designed to require little care. Plant the mix in well-drained soil and combine it with stones, gravel or other drought-tolerant plants.
Which species are suitable for partial shade?
Creeping bugleweed, botanically known as Ajuga reptans, grows particularly well in moist, humus-rich soil and partial shade. The plant forms runners, allowing it to fill gaps between trees and shrubs, perennials and paths. For this purpose, you can find as a set of six plant plugs. Water regularly after planting, but avoid permanently wet soil.
Other suitable species for partial shade include barren strawberry, cranesbill and barrenwort. Check the final height and spread of each species. Ground cover should cover the soil without growing over small perennials or shrubs.
Which characteristics should you compare?
- Spread: Fast-spreading species cover areas quickly but need clear boundaries.
- Water requirements: Do not mix drought-tolerant species with plants that require consistently moist soil.
- Hardiness: In exposed areas, resistance to frost, wind and changing moisture levels is important.
- Height: Low-growing mats suit paths, while taller species are better suited to planting beneath shrubs.
- Maintenance: Species with dense, healthy foliage leave fewer gaps for weeds.
Important note
Do not plant drought-tolerant Delosperma in compacted, wet clay soil. Improve drainage first. For fast-spreading species, also check the bed boundaries so they do not overgrow paths, neighboring areas or slow-growing plants.
How should you plant ground cover plants to control weeds?
Preparation determines how quickly the planting cover fills in. Remove existing weeds thoroughly before planting new plants. The fewer roots and rhizomes left in the soil, the easier it is for ground cover plants to get established.
How do you prepare the bed?
- Mark out the area: Decide where the ground cover is allowed to spread. Keep paths, walls and trunks freely accessible.
- Remove weeds: Loosen the top layer of soil and remove any root remnants. With ground elder or couch grass, check the area several times.
- Loosen the soil: Work the soil to a depth of around 20 to 30 centimetres. Remove compacted areas without unnecessarily mixing the soil layers.
- Amend the soil: Mix in mature compost for species that prefer humus-rich soil. For Delosperma and alpine cushion plants, improve heavy soil with mineral material and ensure good drainage.
- Level the area: An even surface makes planting easier and prevents waterlogging in hollows.
- Water before planting: Moist soil is easier to work and supports the first roots.
A planting trowel, gloves and sharp garden shears make the work easier. You can find suitable accessories in the Garden and Plant Accessories section.
What planting distance fills the area quickly?
First, follow the information on the plant label. As a general guide, plant many smaller ground cover plants 20 to 30 centimetres apart. At 20 centimetres, there are approximately 25 plants per square metre; at 25 centimetres, around 16; and at 30 centimetres, about 11 plants. The exact quantity depends on the mature width of the plants.
A closer spacing reduces the time needed to create a dense carpet. However, it increases the purchase price and water requirements in the first year. Wider spacing saves on plants but requires more weeding at the beginning. Find the right balance for your area, budget and desired effect.
Is weed control fabric a useful temporary solution?
On heavily weed-infested areas, fabric can make preparation easier. The is weed control fabric, ground cover fabric and covering fleece measuring 1 metre wide and 100 metres long, with a weight of 100 g/m². Lay it flat before planting, secure the edges and cut planting holes only as large as necessary. The product is currently in stock in the shop.
An alternative to weed control fabric made from living plants takes longer to establish, but improves the appearance and remains part of the garden. Use fabric where it suits the area, for example beneath a layer of mulch or on a difficult starting area. Check the cut-outs later and remove any weeds growing through the openings. You can find further solutions in the Weed Control Fabric category.
How much water do newly planted ground cover plants need?
Water thoroughly after planting. Then check the top few centimetres of soil and water again as soon as it begins to dry out. Short, frequent watering only keeps the surface moist and encourages shallow roots. During warm weeks, young plants need more attention than established cushions.
For larger beds, suitable irrigation makes the establishment phase easier. You can find information and accessories in the Garden Irrigation category.
Why does choosing the right location determine how well ground cover controls weeds?
Ground cover plants only fill gaps when they grow healthily and vigorously. In the wrong location, the plant cover remains thin. Light then reaches the soil again, allowing weeds to take advantage of every bare spot. Therefore, observe the bed for at least one full day before buying plants.
What is the difference between full sun, partial shade and shade?
A sunny location receives around six or more hours of direct sunlight. Delosperma, Sedum, carpet thyme and many alpine cushion plants thrive here. The soil should drain water quickly. A gravel bed or warm bed edge is more suitable than a compacted hollow.
Partial shade occurs beneath open-canopy trees and shrubs, on the eastern side of buildings or wherever the sun shines for only a few hours. Ajuga reptans, barrenwort and many cranesbill varieties cope well with these conditions. Keep the soil evenly moist without allowing it to become permanently waterlogged.
Only shade-tolerant species grow reliably in deep shade. Check the light requirements on the label. A plant that produces only a few leaves in the shade will not suppress weeds effectively.
What type of soil supports dense ground cover?
Loose, structurally stable soil provides roots with air and water. Too much sand dries out quickly, while heavy clay retains water and can become compacted. Improve the soil to suit the plant and incorporate compost or mineral material where appropriate. Even nutrient availability supports growth, but it cannot replace choosing a suitable location.
Avoid heavy fertilisation immediately after planting. Too much nitrogen encourages soft, rapid growth that may be more sensitive to drought or frost. First observe how the plants grow and only fertilise if there is a clear need.
How do you keep bed edges tidy?
Ground cover plants should not grow over paths or block drains. Cut back runners at the edge once or twice a year. A narrow clear strip makes weeding easier and creates a buffer between the bed and lawn. Beneath trees and shrubs, keep the area directly around the trunk clear so that the bark stays dry.
Additional advice
Only combine plants with similar water and light requirements. Check the area for gaps six to eight weeks after planting and fill them promptly. For leaf spots or pest infestations, a targeted diagnosis from the Pests and Plant Protection section can help.
How do you care for ground cover plants after they have established?
A dense planting cover reduces the work but does not eliminate it. Weed seeds can still reach the bed by wind, birds or compost. Remove young plants before they flower and produce seeds. Work carefully so you do not pull out the shallow roots of the ground cover plants.
What do ground cover plants need in their first year?
- Water: Water thoroughly when the soil is dry, and pay particular attention to sunny bed edges.
- Control: Weed briefly every week rather than tackling heavily overgrown areas only occasionally.
- Mulch: Add a thin layer when the soil remains visible between the plants.
- Spacing: Give the plants room to spread and avoid compacted areas caused by foot traffic.
- Fertilising: Fertilise sparingly and take the plant species, soil and time of year into account.
In the second year, their effectiveness increases significantly if the plants have developed well. Nevertheless, check the edges, areas around tree trunks and spots beneath drip lines. The soil often remains exposed there for longer or receives additional seed carried in from elsewhere.
How do you fill gaps permanently?
Gaps can be caused by drought, slugs, frost, root competition or unsuitable site conditions. First identify the cause. Replanting without correcting the soil or watering will not solve the problem. Loosen the area, remove perennial weeds and plant a suitable species.
Divide vigorous plants according to the requirements of the particular species. This rejuvenates older plantings and fills empty spaces cost-effectively. Cut back runners if they are crowding out other plants. A clearly defined edge makes maintenance quicker and keeps the ground cover where you planned it.
When are plants better than weed-control fabric?
Ground cover plants are suitable if you are looking for a long-lasting, living solution for beds, slopes or the edges of areas beneath trees and shrubs. They need time to establish, but provide flowers, structure and habitat. Weed-control fabric acts as an immediate barrier and is suitable as a preparation measure or for areas where a planting cover will not develop quickly enough.
The best solution often combines both methods: Remove existing weeds, use weed-control fabric as a temporary measure if needed, and then plant suitable species at a sufficient density. Once the plants cover the soil, you can limit the use of the fabric to the areas where you actually need it.
“Ground cover plants reduce maintenance when they are matched to the site, soil and intended use.”
What is the best strategy for your bed?
- Assess the site: Determine the light levels, soil moisture and available spreading area.
- Choose the plant: Use Delosperma for sunny, dry beds and Ajuga reptans for moist, partially shaded areas.
- Prepare the start: Remove perennial weeds, loosen the soil and choose the planting distance according to the label.
- Support establishment: Water regularly and remove new weeds until the leaves cover the area.
- Maintain the boundaries: Cut back runners and fill gaps promptly.
This combines low maintenance with attractive planting. If you want to suppress weeds with plants, do not look for the fastest-growing individual species; instead, build a healthy planting cover suited to the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which ground cover plants suppress weeds the fastest?
- Fast-growing, dense species cover bare soil particularly quickly. Bugleweed is suitable for moist, partially shaded areas. For sunny, dry beds, robust Delosperma species are a good choice. The plant species is not the only deciding factor: starting with a weed-free bed, allowing sufficient planting space and watering regularly during the first year are also important.
- How densely should I plant ground cover plants?
- Base the spacing on the species, pot size and the speed of coverage you want. For many small ground cover plants, a spacing of 20 to 30 centimetres is suitable. Closer spacing covers the area faster but increases the cost of plants and the need for water. Follow the label and leave enough room for growth.
- Are ground cover plants an alternative to weed-control fabric?
- Yes, once the plants have rooted and formed a dense cover. They require patience and care during establishment, while weed-control fabric creates an immediate barrier. Ground cover plants also improve the appearance of the garden and provide habitat. On heavily weed-infested areas, fabric can be used temporarily before planting.
- Which ground cover plants are suitable for dry, sunny sites?
- Delosperma, creeping thyme, Sedum and many alpine cushion plants cope well with sun and well-drained soil. Waterlogging harms them. Loosen compacted soil, mix in mineral material if necessary and water regularly after planting. Once established, the plants tolerate short dry periods better.
- How do I remove weeds between ground cover plants?
- Carefully pull out young weeds by hand after rain or watering. Work shallowly so you do not damage the roots of the ground cover plants. Cut runners back if they grow over paths. Check the area particularly during the first and second years, until the planting cover reliably fills the gaps.
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