Types of Hardy Flowering Ground Cover

Flowering ground covers create transition zones between landscape elements, adding their own ornamental interest and functionality in the landscape. The best ground cover plants grow densely, inhibiting weed growth. Cold hardy ground covers can withstand freezing temperatures, but the minimum temperature a plant can tolerate varies among species. For instance, plants that are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 4 can withstand a minimum temperature of -30 degrees Fahrenheit, while a plant that is hardy in USDA zone 3 can withstand -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Select ground covers according to hardiness, sun exposure and soil type, as well as flower color and height.

Periwinkle (Vinca minor), also known as creeping myrtle, is a vining ground cover that grows up to 6 inches tall in moist, well-drained soil in partial to deep shade in USDA zones 4 through 9. Although the major flush of blossoms occurs in spring, periwinkle blooms sporadically throughout the growing season. Plant periwinkle in hard-to-mow areas or on steep banks, where the thick, fibrous root system helps control erosion.

Plaintain lily (Hosta spp.), an herbaceous perennial, grows in clumps, with heights ranging from several inches tall to 3 feet. Flowers develop on tall, slender stems in late summer and attract butterflies. Hosta leaves are highly decorative for color -- which ranges from deep emerald green to blue, chartreuse or variegated -- and they come in a variety of textures that add visual interest. Hostas make good ground covers to line walkways or create borders in perennial gardens when they are planted in moist, well-drained soil in USDA zones 3 through 8. Hostas are also useful for erosion control on shaded slopes, as their fleshy roots hold onto the soil and their large clumps of leaves protect the soil underneath from pounding rain.

Carpet bugle (Ajuga reptans spp.) spreads by creeping when it is planted in full sun to full shade in moist, well-drained soil in USDA zones 3 through 9. Foliage forms a dense mat of evergreen or darkly variegated leaves. Spikes of white to purple or pink flowers appear in spring.

Violets (Viola spp.) grow in shade or sun, but perform best in moist, shady locations in USDA zones 4 through 11. Short flower stalks arise amid the heart-shaped foliage in spring and fall.

Carpet bugle and violets can both become invasive when grown under optimal conditions, and will spread into lawn areas where they survive even with frequent mowing.

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) grows 6 inches tall in USDA zones 3 through 9. The needle-like foliage gives creeping phlox the appearance of moss, which gives rise to the common name, moss phlox. Although creeping phlox grows in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, it also grows in sandy or gravelly soil in hot, dry environments. To promote a second flush of blossoms and to keep growth dense, cut creeping phlox back by one-half after flowering. Attractive to butterflies, creeping phlox grows well in a rock garden, where it drapes slightly over stones.

Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) tolerates drought, making it suitable for slopes and other dry, sunny-to-partial-shade locations in USDA zones 4 through 9. Dark blue, periwinkle-like flowers bloom in late summer. Foliage turns mahogany red in autumn.

Woolly yarrow (Achillea tomentosa) forms mats of woolly gray foliage 6 to 12 inches tall in USDA zones 3 through 7. Yellow Flowers appear on spikes in umbels in summer. This low maintenance ground cover grows in well-drained soil and tolerates shallow, rocky conditions.

Creeping baby's breath (Gypsophila repens) establishes from seeds and grows in cold, dry locations of USDA zones 4 through 9 in acid to alkaline soil. Flowers grow in panicles on this 6-inch tall plant throughout the summer, and are encouraged for heavier bloom with light pruning.

Dianthus (Dianthus gratianopolitanus) attract birds and butterflies in spring when in bloom with clove-scented blossoms in USDA zones 3 through 9. Growing up to 6 inches tall in neutral to alkaline fast-draining soil, Dianthus forms mats of dense blue-green foliage. Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Petite' grows only 3 inches tall and blooms during the summer in USDA zones 4 through 9.

Hens and chicks (Sempervivum spp.), thrive on neglect, so long as they are planted in full sun in USDA zones 4 through 9. Plant this fleshy, mat-forming ground cover in poor, fast-draining soil. The textural quality of the leaves and various foliage colors give this plant visual interest even when it is not in bloom. Mature hens, the largest rosettes, bloom when they are three to four years old.

Pussy toes (Antennaria dioica) is a hardy ground cover that grows in USDA zones 3 through 8. Growing 2 to 3 inches tall with a spread of 18 inches, pussy toes grows best in dry climates in gritty, fast-draining soil. In spring, pink flower spikes%20Gaertn.,%201791_-Antennaire%20dio%C3%AFque,%20Pied-de-chat%20dio%C3%AFque(02).jpg) rise 10 inches above foliage.

Wine cups or purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), a 1-foot-tall native of prairies and grasslands in the United States and Mexico, grows in USDA zones 5 through 11 in sandy, well-drained soil. Satiny magenta flowers bloom in early summer among the divided, toothed leaves.

White dwarf clover (Trifolium repens) spreads quickly and makes a hardy ground cover, choking out weeds in USDA zones 3 through 10 when it is planted in full sun or dappled shade. White clover heads, which attract bees and butterflies, are sometimes tinged with pink. Drought resistant, this 4- to 8-inch tall evergreen broadleaf needs little or no fertilizer, due to its own nitrogen-fixing capability, and can be mowed like a lawn.