3 Beautiful Flowering Ground Covers That Bloom All Summer Long
When it comes to creating a beautiful, low-maintenance yard, ground covers are the true unsung heroes. As their name suggests, these low-growing, wide-spreading plants cover bare patches in your garden, which keeps weeds out and helps regulate moisture and soil temperature. And, while they might not have the instant "wow factor" of taller plants, the right ground cover can make your garden flush with blooms all summer long.
Whether you want to add some lower layers, fill in empty spots, or bring some more texture to your yard, ground covers are both a practical and attractive solution. Many are pollinator-friendly and surprisingly easy to grow, which makes them ideal for both beginner gardeners and seasoned green thumbs.
The best part? Some flowering ground covers, like the ones we've rounded up here — moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora), Texas primrose (Calylophus drummondianus), and two-row stonecrop (Phedimus spurius 'Summer Glory') — bloom nonstop from early summer until fall. So, if you're looking for the best ground covers for flower beds and dreaming of a garden that's lush, colorful, and easy to manage, here are three stunning options that prove you don't have to grow tall to make a big impact.
The fast-growing plant that brings a burst of color
Moss rose is an eye-catching ground cover plant that's easy to grow and drought-tolerant. It's fast-growing, endlessly cheerful, and can bloom all summer long, even during long, dry spells. Its flowers come in shades of bright pink, orange, yellow, red, and lavender, bringing a much-appreciated burst of color to your yard even when the weather starts to cool. Moss rose is also perfect for the time-poor gardener, as it thrives in full sun and most soil types. Once established, its dense foliage helps lock in moisture and suppress weeds, making it a smart choice for dry corners of the yard where other plants may struggle.
Growing up to just 8 inches tall, moss rose spreads out to create a colorful carpet, perfect for lining sunny borders, edging walkways, or filling in bare patches. While it's usually grown as an annual, it's known to self-seed and often pops back up the next year with zero effort on your part. If you're after something that looks beautiful and lasts all summer without demanding constant care, moss rose checks all the boxes.
The cheery ground cover that's also drought tolerant
Want to add a splash of sunshine to your yard that lasts all season? Texas primrose, also known as sun drops, is a bright, bushy ground cover that blooms from late spring all the way until late fall. These cheerful, buttery yellow flowers open in the evening and bring a warm, golden glow to your garden just as the sun's strength begins to wane.
Both beautiful and practical, the cup-shaped blooms are also a magnet for pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies. And, though the flowers appear delicate, Texas primrose is anything but. Native to the southwestern states and hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, these flowers thrive in heat, and this tough perennial is also drought-tolerant. Once established, it's incredibly low-maintenance. Just give it a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and then minimal watering is all it needs. Deadheading will keep the blooms coming into the cooler months. It's a pretty pollinator-friendly ground cover that truly pulls its weight.
The weed-suppressing perennial that likes dry soil
As its name suggests, the 'Summer Glory' variety of two-row stonecrop (formerly Sedum spurium, now Phedimus spurius 'Summer Glory') is a ground cover that blooms vibrantly throughout the summer months. With its clusters of bright pink, star-shaped flowers, summer glory is a ground cover that you'll be excited to see blooming in your yard.
Luckily, summer glory is just as sensible as it is pretty. It's drought-tolerant, hardy in zones 3 through 9, and its thick foliage can suppress pesky weeds. It likes to be planted in well-drained, mostly dry soil. This plant also stores water in its leaves, helping it thrive in dry spots where other plants can't. It's deer-resistant and a pollinator favorite thanks to its bright, easily-accessible blooms.
If you're after a splash of color for the low-lying spots in your garden, summer glory is just the ticket. It's easy to grow, low-maintenance, and keeps your garden looking vibrant all through the summer season, which is music to any gardener's ears.