They suppress annoying weeds, replace high-maintenance lawns and transform fallow land into a sea of flowers. Ground cover plants support the creative gardener as problem solvers with a diverse portfolio. Species with stamina are required in full sun locations. This selection introduces you to the best ground cover plants that thrive under full sun.
Which ground cover plants are suitable for sunny locations?
The best sun-loving ground covers include carpet phlox (Phlox subulata), cranesbill (Geranium cantabrigiense), fat leaf “Weihenstephander Gold” (Sedum floriferum) and blue cushion “Blue Tit” (Aubrieta). They form dense, flowering cushions and can last for several years.
Flowering ground cover perennials – premium varieties for sunny locations
Ground cover perennials have the special advantage that they fulfill their task over many years and, with the help of their runners, form a dense cushion of flowers and leaves on their own. The following species and varieties favor a sun-drenched location:
- Carpet phlox (Phlox subulata): myriads of starry flowers in April and May; Growth height 5-10 cm, width 25-30 cm
- Storksbill (Geranium cantabrigiense): white flowers, beautiful autumn color; Growth height 15-25 cm, width 20-30 cm
- Fat leaf “Weihenstephander Gold” (Sedum floriferum): fireworks of colors in summer; Growth height 10-20 cm
- Blue Cushion “Blue Tit” (Aubrieta): delights with blue-violet flowers from April; Growth height 5-10 cm, width 25-35 cm
Where delicate, white clouds of flowers float above the ground, carpet gypsophila (Gypsophila repens) shows off its most beautiful side. As a specialist for dry, lean locations in full sun, this ground cover perennial is very popular with gardeners for adding greenery to gravel beds, wall crowns and rock gardens.
Annual carpet of flowers under the blazing sun - with these ground cover you can do it
Annual flowers with creeping growth score points with a never-ending flowering period. As if these ground cover plants were aware of their short lifespan of just one season, they grow rapidly from the start. If winter is just around the corner, the gardener doesn't have to worry about complex protective measures. Next year a new generation of the furious carpet flowers will be sown. The following overview presents recommended varieties:
| Annual groundcover | botanical name | Flowering time | Flower color | Growth height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scented Steinrich | Lobularia maritima | May to October | white | 10 to 20 cm |
| Tricolor Winds | Convolvulus tricolor | June to September | blue, yellow, red, pink, violet, white | 20 to 40 cm |
| Carpet chamomile, scented chamomile | Anthemis nobilis | June to September | white with yellow center | 20 to 40 cm |
| Yellow dwarf daisy | Chrysanthemum multicaule | June to October | golden yellow | 10 to 20 cm |
| Fried Egg Flower | Limnanthes douglasii | April to September | white and yellow | 10 to 20 cm |
Did you know that annual ground cover plants are perfect for revitalizing the soil. The renowned seed manufacturer Kiepenkerl (€44.00 on Amazon) has a special mixture on offer for this purpose. This includes annual flower beauties such as vetch (Vicia sativa) or flax (Linum perenne). The seeds are sown between April and July, require no care and gather to form a dense carpet of flowers as a pasture for bees and butterflies. The following year, the soil benefits from a loose, nutrient-rich structure, full of valuable microorganisms.
Flowering area greening with ground cover roses – variety tips
The queen of flowers is not above spreading her picturesque blossoms close to the ground. With the following varieties you can draw breathtaking garden pictures in sunny locations that will attract everyone's attention:
- Snow Queen enchants with pure white flowers and a seductive scent; Growth height 50-80 cm
- Satina boasts delicate pink, semi-double flowers and a densely bushy habit; Growth height 40-60 cm
- Knirps shines with lush, double, pink flowers and is considered to be particularly heat-tolerant; Growth height 20-30 cm
- Parasol lives up to its name with its lemon-yellow flowers; Growth height 50-80 cm
If you're looking for a ground cover rose for the cottage garden, you can't miss the “White Roadrunner” variety. The picturesque cup flowers are decorated with a slightly wavy edge. The flowering period lasts from June to September, accompanied by an intense scent.
Ground cover with a treat for the taste buds
The following ground cover plants are not limited to classic tasks such as weed suppression and decorative greenery. In addition, the species and varieties give the gardener an invigorating treat in the form of fruits or herbs:
- Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon): pink flowers, evergreen foliage, red berries; Growth height 10-20 cm, width 20-40 cm
- Thyme “Red Carpet” (Thymus praecox): pink-red summer flowers, fragrant herbal delight; Growth height 5-10 cm, width 10-20 cm
- Strawberry “Red Ruby” (Fragaria x ananassa) pampers the palate with tiny strawberries; Growth height 10-20 cm
Perennial borage comes as a ground cover with edible flowers and aromatic leaves. From June to September, a sky-blue carpet of flowers spreads out and invites you to snack.
Evergreen ground cover for sunny locations - a selection
Evergreen ground cover plants for sun-drenched beds are few and far between. Only a few species maintain posture under constant sunlight and summer drought. The following species and varieties have proven themselves well in practice:
| Evergreen ground cover | botanical name | Flowering time | Flower color | Growth height | Growth width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star moss | Sagina subulata | April to May | white | 3 to 18 cm | 20 to 25 cm |
| Lunchflower | Delosperma cooperi | June to August | various shades | 10 to 15 cm | 20 to 30 cm |
| Hot Stonecrop | Sedum acre ‘Aureum Gold’ | June to July | yellow flowers and leaves | 5 to 10 cm | 10 to 15 cm |
| Carpet Juniper | Juniperus communis | none | none | 40 to 60 cm | 200 to 300 cm |
The red prickly nut (Acaena inermis) provides convincing evidence that an evergreen ground cover can safely do without flowers. Instead, the 5 to 10 cm small beauty boasts purple, feathery decorative leaves all year round.
Tip
A variety of opulent climbing plants are often useful as ground cover. A shining example is the world-famous clematis “The President”. If the clematis does not find any climbing aid, it simply spreads its flower-filled tendrils on the ground.