Groundcovers are an excellent alternative to turfgrass. Once they are established, groundcovers require less maintenance than turf, they can outcompete most weeds, and many have attractive flowers.
Groundcovers will require more time to establish initially but are worth the effort in the long run. While a few can tolerate light foot traffic, groundcovers will not create an area conducive to recreation, but they do provide a nice backdrop or carpet to highlight the house and landscape.
When considering a groundcover to replace turfgrass, select species well suited for the growing conditions. There are a wide variety of options for full sun to full shade as well as dry to wet soil conditions. Remember, the area can be a mix or matrix of several different species to provide interest all season.
A partial list of groundcovers that are good turfgrass alternatives is provided below. The plants are listed from shortest to tallest.
Groundcover Alternatives to Turfgrass
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Height | Light | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bugleweed | Ajuga spp. | 2 to 8 inches | Sun to Part Shade | Low growing with coloful leaves |
| Thyme | Thymus spp. | 3 to 6 inches | Full to Part Sun | Fragrant, dark green, gray or variegated leaves; purple flowers in early summer |
| Stonecrop | Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ and other species or cultivars | 2 to 8 inches | Full to Part Sun | Yellow, succulent leaves that turn reddish in fall; other species with many leaf colors; dry soils best |
| Moneywort | Lysimachia nummularia | 4 inches | Full Sun to Full Shade | Can be an aggressive spreader in moist soils, use with caution |
| Barren Strawberry | Waldsteinia fragarioides | 4 to 6 inches | Full Sun to Part Shade | Small yellow flowers with strawberry like foliage |
| Moss Phlox | Phlox subulata | 4 to 6 inches | Full Sun to Part Shade | Pink, white, blue/purple, red, and bicolor flowers in spring |
| Roman Chamomile | Chamaemelum nobile | 4 to 6 inches | Full Sun to Part Shade | Daisy flowers and aromatic foliage |
| Periwinkle | Vinca minor | 6 inches | Full Sun to Full Shade | Lilac-blue flower in spring |
| Sweet Woodruff | Galium odoratum | 6 to 8 inches | Full to Part Shade | Leaves are fragrant |
| English Ivy | Hedera helix | 6 to 10 inches | Part Sun to Full Shade | Semi-evergreen, Marginally hardy in northern Iowa |
| Lily-of-the-Valley | Convallaria majalis | 6 to 12 inches | Part to Full Shade | Aggressive spreader, use with caution |
| Japanese Spurge | Pachysandra terminalis | 6 to 12 inches | Part to Full Shade | Glossy green foliage |
| Barrenwort | Epimedium spp. | 8 to 12 inches | Part Shade to Full Shade | Great for dry shade |
| Creeping Lily-Turf | Liriope spicata | 8 to 12 inches | Part to Full Shade | Grass-like dark green foliage |
| Creeping Buttercup | Ranunculus repens | 8 to 12 inches | Full Sun to Part Shade | Aggressive spreader, especially in organic moist soils. Use with caution |
| Spotted Deadnettle | Lamium maculatum | 8 to 12 inches | Full to Part Shade | Ornamental flowers and foliage |
| Yellow Archangel | Lamium galeobdolon | 12 to 15 inches | Full to Part Shade | Yellow flowers in spring |
| Bishop's Goutweed | Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum' | 12 to 30 inches | Full to Part Shade | Aggressive spreader, use with caution |
| Allegany Spurge | Pachysandra procumbens | 12 to 15 inches | Full to Part Shade | Native |
| Creeping Juniper | Juniperus horizontalis | 1-2 feet tall | Full to Part Sun | Adaptable evergreen |
| Lamb's Ear | Stachys byzantina | 8 to 15 inches | Full to Part Sun | Soft, gray leaves; dry soils best |
| Hardy Geranium | Geranium spp. | 6 to 24 inches | Full Sun to Part Shade | Flowers in spring, often have red foliage in fall |
| Hosta | Hosta spp. | 12 to 36 inches | Full Shade to Part Sun | The large leaves shade the ground |