Every gardener knows the frustration of staring at a bare patch of soil in an otherwise beautiful yard. Whether it’s the result of poor turf growth, erosion, shaded spots where grass refuses to thrive, or simply an empty area begging for greenery, those bare spots can feel like blemishes on an otherwise healthy landscape. The solution? Fast-growing ground covers. These low-growing plants spread quickly, filling in unsightly gaps and adding texture, color, and even blooms to the garden. Beyond their beauty, many of these plants also help prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and reduce maintenance needs, making them a practical and aesthetic choice. If you’re eager to transform empty soil into lush coverage, here’s a guide to the fastest-growing ground covers that can take over bare spots and create a vibrant carpet of life in record time.
The Magic of Ground Covers in Landscaping
Ground covers are the unsung heroes of landscaping. They work where grass can’t, thriving in shady nooks, rocky slopes, and problem soils. Unlike turf, which needs regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing, most ground covers require minimal care once established. Their spreading nature makes them ideal for filling in awkward spaces between stepping stones, beneath trees, or along difficult hillsides. They can even add year-round interest, with evergreen foliage and seasonal flowers. Fast-growing varieties take this utility a step further, offering near-instant gratification for those who don’t want to wait years for full coverage. With strategic selection, you can choose plants that not only fill bare spots quickly but also enhance your garden’s color palette and overall design.
Why Speed Matters in Ground Cover Selection
While slow-growing plants have their place in landscaping, there are times when speed is everything. A patch of exposed soil is more than just unsightly—it’s vulnerable to erosion, especially after heavy rains. It’s also an open invitation for weeds to establish themselves, making future maintenance a constant battle. Fast-growing ground covers act like a living mulch, covering soil quickly and denying weeds the sunlight they need to germinate. They also stabilize the ground, preventing runoff and soil loss. If you’re working on a new landscape design, speed can help achieve a finished look sooner, boosting curb appeal and reducing the temptation to fill gaps with less desirable plants. For property owners trying to control maintenance costs, faster establishment means less time spent replanting or fighting weeds.
Creeping Jenny: A Golden Carpet That Spreads Like Wildfire
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is one of the most visually striking fast-growing ground covers, known for its bright chartreuse foliage that seems to glow in the garden. This plant’s trailing stems quickly root wherever they touch the soil, creating a dense mat that suppresses weeds and covers bare ground with ease. In summer, it produces small, cup-shaped yellow flowers that add an extra layer of charm. Creeping Jenny thrives in both sun and partial shade, making it versatile for multiple areas of the garden. It’s particularly effective along the edges of garden beds, cascading over retaining walls, or filling in between stepping stones. In moist soil, it can grow aggressively, so it’s best used in spaces where you want it to dominate. Its speed and vibrancy make it a perfect choice for quickly turning drab spots into golden highlights.
Sweet Woodruff: A Fragrant Blanket for Shady Spaces
For those bare patches beneath trees or in north-facing gardens, Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a fast-growing shade-loving ground cover that works wonders. This plant’s delicate whorls of green leaves create a soft carpet, and in spring, clusters of small white flowers appear, releasing a sweet hay-like fragrance when crushed. Sweet Woodruff spreads rapidly by underground runners, quickly filling in large areas. Its ability to thrive in dry shade makes it especially valuable in problem spots where other plants fail. Beyond its visual appeal, Sweet Woodruff has a long history in herbal traditions, often used in potpourri and flavoring beverages. Planting it under deciduous trees allows it to enjoy early spring sunlight before the canopy fills in, ensuring strong growth and vibrant coverage.
Creeping Thyme: A Low-Maintenance Aromatic Powerhouse
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum and related varieties) is a fragrant, fast-growing ground cover that adds sensory appeal to any landscape. Its tiny, evergreen leaves form a dense mat, and in summer, it bursts into a haze of pink, purple, or white blooms that attract pollinators. One of the biggest advantages of Creeping Thyme is its durability—it can handle foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for pathways, patios, and garden borders. It thrives in poor soil and requires little watering once established, making it a top pick for low-maintenance landscaping. Its spreading habit allows it to cover bare patches quickly, and its pleasant scent is released whenever the foliage is brushed or stepped on. For gardeners looking for beauty, fragrance, and speed, Creeping Thyme delivers on all fronts.
Ajuga: Bold Foliage and Striking Blooms
Ajuga reptans, commonly called Bugleweed, is a bold ground cover known for its colorful foliage and quick growth. Its leaves range from deep green to rich burgundy and variegated patterns, providing year-round interest even when not in bloom. In spring, Ajuga sends up spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers that rise above the foliage, creating a dramatic display. This plant spreads by stolons, rooting as it grows, and can quickly form a dense mat that chokes out weeds. Ajuga adapts well to sun or shade, though its colors are most vibrant in partial sunlight. It’s ideal for filling in around shrubs, under trees, or along walkways. With its combination of fast spread, vibrant foliage, and showy flowers, Ajuga offers both function and flair.
Sedum: The Succulent Speedster
For sunny, dry areas where little else thrives, Sedum (Stonecrop) offers a fast-growing, drought-tolerant ground cover solution. Low-growing varieties such as Sedum acre or Sedum spurium spread rapidly, forming dense mats of fleshy leaves that store water and resist heat. Sedum’s tiny star-shaped flowers bloom in summer, often attracting bees and butterflies. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a favorite for rock gardens, slopes, and other challenging spots. Once established, Sedum requires virtually no care and continues to expand year after year, covering ground at an impressive pace. Its ability to thrive in poor, sandy soil makes it an excellent choice for erosion control on dry slopes. The combination of speed, resilience, and beauty makes Sedum an unbeatable contender for sunny bare spots.
Vinca Minor: Evergreen Coverage Year-Round
Also known as Periwinkle, Vinca minor is a fast-growing, evergreen ground cover that thrives in both sun and shade. Its glossy green leaves create a lush carpet, and in spring, it produces charming violet-blue flowers that continue sporadically through summer. Vinca spreads via trailing stems that root wherever they touch the ground, allowing it to cover bare areas quickly and effectively. It’s especially useful for slopes, shady garden beds, and underplanting shrubs. Vinca minor’s year-round foliage ensures that even in winter, your garden retains a touch of green. Its adaptability and low maintenance needs make it a classic choice for quick ground coverage in a variety of conditions.
Lamium: Colorful Leaves for Shady Corners
Lamium maculatum, or Dead Nettle, is a fast-spreading ground cover with a flair for color. Its variegated silver and green leaves brighten shady areas, while clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers appear from spring through summer. Lamium’s spreading habit allows it to quickly fill bare spots, even in challenging dry shade. It’s a great choice for adding texture and color beneath trees, along fence lines, or in neglected garden corners. Despite its delicate appearance, Lamium is tough and resilient, thriving with minimal care once established. For gardeners seeking speed and visual variety, Lamium provides a fast-growing solution that’s as beautiful as it is functional.
Fast-Growing Ground Covers for Erosion Control
Some bare spots aren’t just unsightly—they’re actively losing soil to erosion. In these cases, fast-growing ground covers can act as living erosion-control blankets. Plants like Creeping Phlox, Clover, and Wintercreeper spread quickly and create dense root systems that hold soil in place. Creeping Phlox forms a vibrant spring display, Clover enriches the soil with nitrogen, and Wintercreeper offers evergreen coverage in sun or shade. These plants not only fill in space quickly but also provide practical benefits for soil stability, making them excellent choices for hillsides, ditches, and other erosion-prone areas.
Choosing the Right Ground Cover for Your Space
When selecting a fast-growing ground cover, consider factors like sun exposure, soil type, and moisture levels. A plant that thrives in full sun may struggle in shade, and some fast growers can become invasive if planted in the wrong environment. For example, Creeping Jenny loves moisture and can overrun wet areas, while Sedum prefers dry, sandy soils and may rot in constantly damp spots. Knowing your site conditions will help you choose a ground cover that grows quickly without creating future problems. It’s also wise to consider maintenance—some ground covers require occasional trimming to keep them in check, while others are happy to grow unbothered.
Establishing Fast Growth From the Start
To help your chosen ground cover take off quickly, prepare the planting area thoroughly. Remove weeds, loosen compacted soil, and amend with compost if needed. Plant at the recommended spacing for the variety, and water regularly until established. Mulching lightly between plants can help retain moisture and reduce weed competition during the early stages. For the fastest results, start with plugs or small pots rather than seeds, as established plants will spread more quickly. Once your ground cover gets going, maintenance is minimal, and you’ll enjoy a lush, living carpet that transforms your bare spot into a focal point.
The Beauty of Instant Transformation
Fast-growing ground covers offer a unique sense of instant gratification in gardening. In just one season, they can turn a barren patch of earth into a vibrant, textured, and colorful part of your landscape. Beyond their visual appeal, these plants bring ecological benefits, supporting pollinators, improving soil health, and reducing erosion. They also lighten the gardener’s workload, minimizing the need for mowing, weeding, and watering. By selecting the right plant for your space and giving it a strong start, you can enjoy the magic of watching nature take over—turning an empty canvas into a masterpiece.
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