Why Ground Covers Are a Gardener’s Best Friend

Flowering ground cover plants are the unsung heroes of beautiful, functional gardens. These low-growing spreaders form a living carpet that delivers year-round impact with minimal effort—perfect for the sunny front yard, the shaded backyard corner, or the tricky transition zones in between. Whether you're a new homeowner trying to tame a slope, a retiree tired of battling weeds, or a busy parent looking to simplify weekend chores, ground cover plants are here to help.

They’re not just pretty faces, either. These workhorses suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and prevent erosion. They soften harsh edges, fill in awkward gaps, and bring color to spaces where lawn grass struggles. Best of all? They ask for very little in return—making them a dream solution for Bettendorf yards of all shapes and sun exposures.

Ground Covers That Love the Sun

Sun-soaked areas are ideal real estate for ground covers that thrive on warmth and light. If your garden has full sun—six or more hours a day—these flowering ground cover plants will reward you with vibrant color and resilient performance.

Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

A favorite among pollinators and barefoot gardeners alike, creeping thyme forms a dense mat of tiny leaves and blooms in waves of purple or pink during the summer. It’s drought-tolerant, loves full sun, and releases a delicious scent when stepped on—making it a fantastic choice between pavers, along walkways, or on sunny slopes. Once established, it requires little water and zero mowing.

Stonecrop (Sedum) 

Sedum varieties like 'Dragon’s Blood' or 'Angelina' offer striking foliage and seasonal blooms ranging from yellow to rosy red. This succulent ground cover tolerates dry soil and heat like a champ, thriving in rocky or sandy beds. Ideal for hot borders or slope stabilization, sedum also attracts bees and butterflies, bringing your yard to life.

 Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

For a spring spectacle, nothing beats creeping phlox. This low-growing perennial bursts into clouds of pink, purple, or white flowers early in the season. It’s especially useful on slopes or garden walls where it can cascade over edges. A light shear after flowering encourages tidy growth and even more blooms next year.

Where to Plant These Sunny Superstars:
Sunny slopes, edges of driveways, raised beds, and even gravelly garden paths are perfect spots. These varieties not only love the sun but also handle tough spots where grass fails.

Ground Covers That Thrive in the Shade

When sunlight is limited, you need ground covers that are happy to perform in the shadows. Whether you’re working around mature trees, foundation plantings, or north-facing fences, these flowering ground cover plants for shade will fill those dim spaces with color and texture.

Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

A classic choice for shaded areas, periwinkle is as tough as it is beautiful. With glossy leaves and blue-purple flowers in spring, it spreads quickly without overwhelming other plants. It’s a strong contender for under evergreens or along shady paths, forming a dense mat that smothers weeds.

Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

This dainty but determined ground cover produces fragrant white blooms in spring and features delicate whorled leaves. It thrives under deciduous trees and shrubs where it can naturalize with grace. It’s also deer-resistant and offers a charming texture even after blooming.

Dead Nettle (Lamium) 

With silvery foliage and lavender, pink, or white flowers, lamium brightens even the gloomiest corners. It spreads nicely without becoming invasive and provides multi-season interest. Use it under shrubs or along shady borders for a soft, layered look.

Ajuga (Bugleweed)

Ajuga is a robust shade performer, with colorful foliage that ranges from bronze to burgundy. In spring, it sends up spikes of blue or purple flowers that attract pollinators. It's ideal for areas where you want something both bold and bulletproof.

Lush Looks for Shady Corners:
Try planting these around the bases of trees, under decks, or in areas where your lawn just won’t grow. Pair contrasting leaf textures for extra visual punch.

Mixed Light? No Problem

Many Bettendorf homeowners have yards with sun in the morning and shade by afternoon—or vice versa. Luckily, several ground covers are happy in both worlds, making them ideal for transitional spaces.

Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill)

Tough, beautiful, and unfussy, hardy geraniums offer delicate-looking flowers in shades of pink, blue, or violet and lush mounds of foliage. They tolerate a wide range of light conditions and are great for naturalistic plantings, borders, or under taller perennials.

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Famous for their colorful foliage—ranging from lime green to deep burgundy—heuchera adds vibrant contrast to any garden bed. While grown mostly for their leaves, they also produce tall spikes of bell-shaped flowers that pollinators love. They perform well in both sun and part shade, thriving in well-drained soil.

Tiarella (Foamflower)

Closely related to heuchera, foamflower sports frothy blooms in spring and often has variegated or patterned foliage. It’s perfect for that dappled shade under trees or next to structures, spreading gently without becoming aggressive.

Ground Covers That Go With the Flow:
Plant these in transition zones—along house foundations, beneath shrubs, or where sun shifts throughout the day. They provide flexibility without sacrificing beauty.

Choosing the Right Ground Cover for Your Yard Goals

With so many great choices, how do you decide? Focus on your yard’s needs and your gardening style.

• Need weed control? Choose dense spreaders like ajuga, vinca, or creeping thyme. They form tight mats that block out weeds.
  

• Cover a slope? Go for sedum, phlox subulata, or sweet woodruff, which hold soil while adding beauty.
  

• Soften hard edges? Plant hardy geranium or lamium around patios and walkways.
  

• Attract pollinators? Use thyme, heuchera, and ajuga—these are nectar-rich and loved by bees and butterflies.
  
  

Remember, Bettendorf, Iowa, ground cover plants should be chosen with local climate and soil in mind. Talk to your local nursery about varieties proven to thrive in Zone 5 landscapes.

Planting and Maintenance Tips

Getting started with flowering ground cover plants is refreshingly simple. Follow these key steps for long-term success:

• Prep the site: Clear existing weeds and loosen the top few inches of soil. Amend with compost if the soil is compacted or poor.
  

• Space correctly: Check plant labels for spacing guidance. While it’s tempting to crowd them for instant coverage, these plants need room to spread.
  

• Water wisely: Keep soil evenly moist until established—usually the first season. After that, most ground covers are relatively drought-tolerant.
  

• Mulch lightly: Use a thin layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds during their first year.
  

• Monitor spread: Many ground covers are vigorous growers. Every few years, divide or trim them back to keep them in bounds and looking fresh.
  

As with many landscape plants, low-maintenance ground cover plants tend to get better with age, filling in more fully and needing less attention year after year.

Ready to Fill Your Yard With Easy, Lasting Color?

Whether your yard bakes in the sun, hides beneath shady trees, or falls somewhere in between, flowering ground cover plants offer an easy, elegant solution. From weed suppression to slope coverage and pollinator support, these plants do it all—without demanding your weekends in return.

Stop by Wallace’s or your favorite Bettendorf nursery to explore ground cover plants for sun and shade that suit your property’s conditions and your personal style. Your future self (and your knees) will thank you for skipping the extra weeding.