Best flowering native ground covers for a woodland garden

Foamflower, with its white or pink spring flowers, is an idea woodland ground cover that spreads into impressive drifts.

Creating a thriving woodland garden requires incorporating native ground covers and, if they include a lovely flower, all the better. Three top choices for native ground covers in a woodland garden are Wild Ginger, Foamflower, and Allegheny Spurge.

Of the three, foamflower is by far the showiest providing delicate white or pink flowers in spring that look especially impressive growing in a large, natural-looking drift.

Wild Ginger, known for its heart-shaped leaves and unique maroon flowers, thrives in shaded areas, making it a perfect addition to the understory of a woodland garden. Its low-growing nature creates a lush carpet effect, adding texture and visual interest.

Foamflower is a versatile ground cover that can tolerate varying light conditions. Its attractive foliage and ability to spread make it an excellent choice for filling in gaps between larger plants in a woodland setting.

Be sure to check out a few of my other posts on groundcovers

• Best ground covers for a woodland garden

• Easiest ground covers to grow

Allegheny Spurge, also known as Pachysandra procumbens, is a hardy native ground cover (unlike the popular and more common Japanese Pachysandra) with attractive green and silver variegated leaves. It thrives in partial to full shade and produces small, white flowers in early spring, adding a pop of color to the garden.

These three native ground covers not only enhance the beauty of a woodland garden but also provide essential habitat for local wildlife, making them valuable additions to any naturalistic landscape.

• Looking for more information on ground covers? The Complete Book of Ground Covers (Amazon link) is an excellent resource. It may also be available from your local bookstore.

Wild ginger boasts an unusual but certainly less impressive flower than the foamflower. It’s leaves are the hi-light of these native ground covers.

More ground covers to consider

If you are more open to other ground covers, there is a huge selection available for both sunny and shady locations

Ground covers play a crucial role in enhancing the beauty and functionality of our gardens. They provide a lush carpet of foliage and flowers that not only adds visual appeal but also helps to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

By covering the ground, these plants create a cohesive look in the garden, tying together different elements and creating a sense of unity.

Additionally, ground covers offer practical benefits such as erosion control on slopes, reducing the need for frequent watering, and acting as a natural mulch to protect plant roots. They can also attract beneficial insects and pollinators, contributing to a healthier ecosystem in your garden.

Choosing the right ground covers can transform a dull, bare patch of soil into a vibrant and dynamic space bursting with color and life. Whether you opt for low-growing varieties to fill in gaps between larger plants or use them to create a living pathway, ground covers are versatile and adaptable to various garden styles and conditions.

Incorporating these plants into your garden not only adds aesthetic value but also promotes sustainability and biodiversity.

Five of the best spring flowering ground covers

When it comes to spring flowering ground covers, there are several standout options that can bring a burst of color to your outdoor space.

One excellent choice is “Creeping Phlox,” a low-growing perennial that produces a carpet of delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, or blue.

Another top contender is "Aubrieta," a hardy plant with cascading blooms in vibrant hues like purple, pink, and blue.

For a more unique touch, consider "Candytuft," a plant that forms dense mounds of white flowers, creating a stunning contrast against its dark green foliage.

“Moss Phlox” is another spring favorite, offering a carpet of colorful blooms that attract pollinators to your garden. Lastly, “Basket-of-Gold” is a bright and cheerful option with golden-yellow flowers that add a pop of color to any landscape.

These spring flowering ground covers not only enhance the beauty of your garden but also provide essential ground coverage and help maintain soil health. Consider incorporating these vibrant plants into your outdoor space for a stunning spring display.

Five of the best summer flowering ground covers

If you are looking for later, summer flowering ground covers, there are lots to choose from.

One exceptional choice is the “Blanket Flower,” known for its striking red and yellow daisy-like blooms that attract butterflies and bees.

Another standout option is the “Ice Plant,” a succulent ground cover with bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, orange, or yellow.

For a touch of elegance, consider planting “Lantana,” a versatile ground cover with clusters of flowers in hues of pink, orange, yellow, and purple that bloom throughout the summer.

“Verbena” is another top contender, producing clusters of small, fragrant flowers in various colors like purple, pink, red, and white, attracting pollinators to your garden.

Lastly, “Creeping Jenny” is a low-maintenance ground cover with cascading stems and small yellow flowers that add a pop of color to borders and containers.

These summer flowering ground covers not only beautify your outdoor space but also help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture, making them a practical and visually appealing choice for your garden.