Small Ground Cover Plants

Phlox is one of many types of small ground cover.Kazuko Kimizuka/Photodisc/Getty Images

Ground cover often gets overlooked, but it actually plays a large part in many landscape designs. Ground cover takes up space between plants and puts down roots in difficult locations, where other plants sometimes refuse to grow. Ground cover also serves several important purposes, such as preventing erosion and keeping out seeds. Not all ground cover must be intrusive and overwhelming. Small but efficient varieties of ground cover are available.

Creeping Phlox

Creeping phlox, also known as moss pink, is an ideal small ground cover plant for those hard-to-grow spots. Phlox grows in rock gardens, on hills and in poor quality soil. It doesn't take much watering, needs full sun and requires very little attention once it has gotten established. Phlox spreads quickly across the ground, but only grows a few inches in height. The small, green leaves will stay green year-round in a warm climate, but tend to turn brown in a frost. Masses of bright flowers, usually in white, lavender or pink, bloom throughout the spring. The only maintenance generally required when growing phlox is the occasional filling in of thin spots from cuttings from the outside edges.

Creeping vines, such as English ivy, will grow almost anywhere. The plant does best in partial to full shade, but will grow in the sun, although it may take on a brown look. The plant grows nearly 3 feet the first year it is planted, making a great choice for a gardener with a large space to fill. English ivy does most of its growing across the ground, however, not up. Most English ivy is only 6 to 8 inches tall. The small green leaves of English ivy will serve as an accent to your garden, standing back to let the larger flowers shine.

Care should be taken when planting English ivy near a structure. It will grow up the sides of buildings and other upright surfaces. English ivy has been known to force itself between bricks and blocks, compromising the integrity of structures.

Golden creeping Jenny lies low and hugs the ground, standing only 2 to 4 inches high. It grows slowly but without trouble, warming the area with its bright yellow leaves. The plant requires shade, but can grow in soil of any moisture level, making it a no-hassle type of ground cover. Yellow flowers bloom from late spring through late summer, brightening the effect of the golden leaves.