13 Low-Growing Perennial Groundcovers

Perennial groundcovers can add color and texture to a garden, but they can also control erosion, suppress weeds and function as a filler between larger plantings. Some groundcovers can even be used as an alternative to a grassy lawn, which can be a labor-intensive water waster. You could plant wild thyme in your yard and park your lawnmower forever. Here’s a selection of low-growing perennials that can make your life easier.

Commonly called bugleweed, this groundcover has attractive foliage ranging in color from purple to chartreuse, depending on the type. In the spring it produces short spikes of low-growing flowers in blue, pink or white. Ajuga will spread quickly in the shade.

Wooly thyme provides color and interest in winter and helps control erosion and suppress weeds when the weather warms up. It is rugged enough to walk on and releases a pleasant scent when crushed, so plant it in between pavers or next to a pathway.