Our Favorite Ground Cover Plants To Grow in Colorado

Ground covers are natural low-growth, low-maintenance plant species. These ground covers often hide unsightly areas around buildings, such as walkways, patios, driveways, and parking lots. In addition, they help fill in spaces between trees, shrubs, and other landscaping features.

Ground covers are great for suppressing weeds, helping to hold in moisture and keep it from washing away, and preventing erosion on sloped land. Some can even be used to stabilize soils on steep hillsides.

Ferny plants can live many years, and some species can survive without water. Most fern species are evergreen, meaning they keep leaves year-round. Evergreens require little maintenance, so they’re perfect for beginners who want to add green foliage to their homes. You may not realize it, but your houseplants play an essential role in keeping air quality inside your home. Plants remove harmful chemicals such as benzene and xylene from indoor air. In addition, plants help reduce airborne allergens such as pollen and dust mites. That means your plants can also improve your health!

Ajuga Reptans

Bugleweed is a perennial herbaceous shrub native to Europe, Asia Minor, North Africa, and some parts of Australia. It grows using underground rhizome systems, which produce new plants each year. The stems may reach heights of 3–4 feet tall.

Bugleweed doesn’t always spread rapidly through its underground stems, but if you don’t want to let it spread, you might be able to prevent it by planting it in a separate location.

The tree excels at growing in shady conditions and can grow well in rocky, steep, or otherwise difficult-to-cultivate soil. It can also help stabilize the eroded ground, holding onto a lot of nitrogen.

Bugleweed is helpful in preventing soil loss when planted next to black walnuts. It is resistant to chemicals produced by black walnuts, so it doesn’t compete with other plants.

Bergenia cordifolia

Native to Siberia, Heartleaf Bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia) is an upright, clumping evergreens noted for its incredible hardihood and vigor. It is also a deciduous, semi-succulent, perennial plant that belongs to the Berberidaceae family. This plant has been cultivated since ancient times. It was introduced into Western culture during the Renaissance period. It’s very easy to care for, requiring little water once established. It will tolerate drought conditions and thrive in poor soil.

It can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It prefers moist soil but tolerates dry conditions. It can also be used as a ground cover, hiding unsightly areas around building foundations and walkways. The attractive, low-maintenance evergreens make it a great addition to borders and rock gardens.

Liriope muscari

It is quickly grown in any average, medium-moisture, well-draining soil in full sun to partially shaded sites. Liriope muscaria, also known as lily turfs, is a tuft-forming perennial herbaceous flowering plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It can grow anywhere between 3 inches and 18 inches high, depending on the species.

Lilyturfs are evergreen perennials that are effortless to care for and require little maintenance once planted. Their foliage is generally dark green, although some varieties may be variegated.

The thick and strong stems and the lilyturfs make excellent cut flowers. Liriope is native to temperate regions worldwide, including parts of Africa, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Russia, South America, and the United States. In the US, the most popular variety is Liriope muscarioides, also known as the Blue Lilies. These types of lilyturfs are found throughout the country, especially in the Midwest and Northeast.

There are no significant insect or disease problems. Look out for slug and snail infestations. Crown rots may be a problem.

Excellent grassy ground cover for shady areas of the landscape. Good massing for accents or small groupings.

Prefers moist, rich soil in part-shaded sites.

Tolerates a broad range of light levels and soil types.

Will tolerate temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C).

Leaves remain green through the growing season. You need to cut foliage to the base in late fall/early spring to prepare for new growth.

It may not survive freezing temperatures in the north.

Aubrieta deltoidea

This tough ground cover makes an excellent addition to sunny gardens and border plantings. Its glossy foliage adds textural interest to any planting scheme.

You can find auberita in colors such as green, yellow, red, orange, pink, and purple. It’s charming when paired with other colored perennials. It likes damp, fertile soil and full sun. It’s drought tolerant and a great choice for dry climates. Auberita is easy to grow and maintain. Just trim back any dead or damaged foliage to promote new growth. Keep your plant watered during hot weather, but limit watering to avoid root rot.

If you want to buy aubrieta plants, you can usually get them in plug form at nurseries. Plug plants are easier to handle than seeds and grow faster than seedlings.

Ipomoeas

Ipomoeas are vines with long stems and large, heart-shaped leaves. They produce large, white flowers with red throat parts in late spring to early autumn. The roots of these plants produce edible tubers. These tubers can grow to 30 inches (76 centimeters). To harvest them, cut off the entire plant and dig out the tubers. Cook them until soft before eating.

This evergreen shrub will grow 1-3 meters high and 0-2 meters wide (1-5 feet tall and 0-4 feet wide).
thrives in full sun to partial shade; average, moist, well-draining soils; drought tolerant.
Great for pergolas, walls, fences, or as a groundcover.
It’s easy to grow without being invasive. Remove dead flowers to prevent self-sowing.
It’s virtually pest and disease free. This weed is difficult to eradicate from landscapes because of its extensive roots.
This plant has low toxicity.

Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea is native to North America and Europe. It grows best in rich, organic soils that have plenty of moisture. It blooms in summer and fall.

Echinacea is very popular among gardeners. It’s one of the easiest perennials to grow. It’s also one of the most rewarding when it comes to harvest. Echinacea is used medicinally to treat colds, flu, sore throats, coughs, and other respiratory ailments. It’s also used to treat wounds, bruises, insect bites, and skin irritations. Echinacea’s are available in many colors, including purple, pink, white, orange, etc.

Sow seeds directly into the garden in spring or fall. Keep weeds under control during planting and watering. Once established, echinacea doesn’t need much care. Prune back spent flower stalks to promote new growth. Maintain healthy soil by adding compost and mulch around plants. Avoid fertilizing echinacea unless recommended on the package label. Fertilizers can cause problems like leaf burn and stunted growth. If you notice yellowing leaves, remove the affected plants immediately. Echinacea is hardy to USDA Zone 3.

Hostas

Hostas are perennial plants that thrive in cool climates. They prefer well-drained soil. They also tolerate some shade and dry conditions.

Hostas are often grown as groundcovers. They’re great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Hostas are commonly planted along walkways and borders. They’re also helpful in hiding unsightly objects.

Hostas come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some hostas look like miniature trees, while others resemble ferns, and there are hundreds of different varieties of hostas.

Colorado Native Lupines

Lupines are annual flowers that grow from seed. They’re native to western North America. Colorado Lupines are easy to grow and maintain. They’re drought tolerant and don’t require much maintenance. Lupines are often found growing wild in fields and meadows. They’re also commonly seen growing in gardens. Lupine flowers are usually yellow, orange, red, or white.

Coral bells

Coral bells are a group of flowering plants, including lilies, irises, and peonies. Coral bells are native to Asia and Africa. They’re also known as cormorants because of their long stems. Coral bells are easy to grow and require little water. They’re typically sold as cuttings or bulbs. Coral bells have large blooms with showy petals. Their flowers are usually yellow, red, orange, or white. They’re also called “coral bells” because of their shape.

Vinca Minor

Vinca minor is a perennial herbaceous vine that grows up to 3 feet tall. This colorful groundcover blooms in shades of blue and violet throughout summer.

This versatile ground cover spreads quickly and easily by sending out runners underground. These roots send down deep taproots that help anchor the plant into the soil. Because vinca does best in full sun, it’s perfect for shady areas where you don’t want to lose too much light. If you let it grow under trees, remember to prune off the tops every spring.

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Creeping phlox is an attractive low-growing ground cover used in sunny and shaded locations. Creeping phlox has small, daisy-like flowers that open in early spring. Its leaves are dark green and oval-shaped. Creeping phlox is hardy to USDA Zone 5b. It prefers moist but well-drained soils and will not tolerate standing water.

Creeping phlox is a good choice for planting around foundations and retaining walls. It’s also helpful in covering cracks and crevices in concrete slabs. Creeping phlox is one of the easiest perennials to grow. It doesn’t need any special care once established. Creeping phlox is available in many colors, including white, pink, red, rose, purple, blue, and combinations.

Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum)

Deadnettle is a biennial herb that sends new shoots each year after its first season. It is also a member of the mint family. It has square stems covered in tiny hairs. Leaves are opposite on the stem and alternate along the stem.

The flowers are small and white. Deadnettle is native to Europe and Asia. It’s considered invasive in some parts of the United States.

Deadnettle is most effective when planted near pathways and borders. It’s also great for filling gaps between stepping stones. Deadnettle is easy to grow and requires no special care. It tolerates dry conditions and poor soil. Deadnettle is available in various colors, including white and cream.

Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Dill is a popular culinary herb that belongs to the carrot family. It’s a biannual herb that produces seed heads in late summer. Dill is a member of the parsley family. It has round, hairy stems topped with clusters of small, feathery leaves. Dill is native to southern Europe and western Asia. It’s widely cultivated today.

Dill is an excellent addition to your vegetable garden. It’s beneficial for adding flavor to salads and soups. Dill is also a favorite among beekeepers because it attracts honeybees. It is hardy to USDA Zones 4 through 9. It needs total sun exposure and regular watering during hot weather.

Dill is available in various colors, including yellow, orange, red, brown, and other combinations.

​Dill is a beautiful addition to your garden. It adds color and fragrance to flower beds, vegetable gardens, and containers. You’ll find dill growing wild in meadows and fields. It thrives in rich, well-drained soil. Dill is easy to grow and needs little maintenance. It likes full sun and average temperatures.

Wax Begonia

Wax begonias are a type of flowering plant that grows from bulbs. They have large, showy blooms. Wax begonias can be grown as annuals or perennials. The plants bloom best if they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They prefer warm temperatures and do not like frost.

Wax begonias are available in various colors, including white, yellow, pink, lavender, salmon, and red.

Wax begonia is a straightforward plant to grow. It does not require much attention. It’s tolerant of drought and neglect. Wax begonias are available from nurseries and garden centers.

​Wax begonias make lovely additions to your landscape. They’re perfect for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. They add beauty to flowerbeds, borders, and rock gardens. Wax begonias thrive in full sun and moist soil. They don’t tolerate cold temperatures.