Not Hostas: There's A Beautiful Ground Cover That Also Controls Weeds

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Hostas are the go-to ground cover for filling shady garden beds. Sure, they offer a lush, leafy look in an assortment of sizes, shapes, and colors. But hostas aren't the only plant capable of doing all these things — if you're looking to go a step further, there's a gorgeous alternative that deserves a place in your yard. 'Woodlander Lilac' phlox (Phlox hybrida 'Woodlander Lilac') isn't just a low-growing perennial with a pretty face, though it doesn't shy away from showing off itsbig blooms. This phlox pulls double duty by keeping weeds at bay with its fast-growing, mat-like habit while giving your landscape a burst of light purple hues.

This ornamental hybrid perennial is an early-spring bloomer. As the flowers are busy popping, 'Woodlander Lilac' phlox's thick green leaves carpet the ground. Unlike some sun-loving ground cover, like hostas, which can leave bare patches between plants, this one spreads into a continuous, dense mat. And since pesky weeds rely on sunlight, 'Woodlander Lilac' phlox is right there to help control their growth. In as little as one or two years, your landscape can look like it's blanketed in pretty blooms without being overrun by a slew of annoying weeds.

Once the 'Woodlander Lilac' phlox settles into your landscape, it doesn't demand a ton of attention the way other showy blooms might. Like lots of beautiful phlox varieties, this one appreciates moist but well-draining soil during its first year to give its roots time to develop. Thriving in a variety of climates from USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, 'Woodlander Lilac' phlox will evolve into a resilient and reliable flowering ground cover in no time. At maturity, it can reach up to 6 inches tall and spread up to 2 feet wide. It can handle lighting conditions ranging from partial shade to full sun, so plant it in a spot that gets at least four hours of sunlight per day.

As long as you give 'Woodlander Lilac' phlox plants a strong start, they can reduce the number of weeds growing in your garden beds, borders, and along pathways. While the occasional weed will still manage to creep in despite its dense foliage, the constant need to yank them out won't feel like a full-time job. Another advantage this ground cover offers is that it will attract oodles of pollinators like butterflies, but luckily, deer and rabbits tend to turn their noses up at these perennials. Plant these alongside companion flowers for phlox to create a stunning garden display that can also keep weeds at bay.