Common Groundcover Plants for Colorado

Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

• A native species that grows up to 6 inches in height, kinnikinnick features pink flowers that appear in the spring. Also known as bearberry, the common evergreen plant produces attractive red berries once the flowers fade, adding visual interest to the garden. According to Colorado State University's Cooperative Extension, kinnikinnick thrives in both shady areas of the garden as well as hot, sunny slopes that drain well. It requires little maintenance, often growing in spots where other plants can't grow because of the lack of sun.

Creeping Oregon Grape (Mahonia repens)

• Creeping Oregon grape works well for shady areas of the garden. The native plant grows up to 18 inches in height, producing tiny yellow flowers in the spring. This common plant works add fall color with its attractive, deep-red leaves. Creeping Oregon grape grows in sandy areas as long, as it receives wind protection.

Pussytoes (Antennaria dioica)

• Rocky slopes work well for pussytoes since they prefer dry, sunny areas, according to the Colorado State University Extension. The native plant also thrives in hot weather without much maintenance. In late spring from May to June, pussytoes bloom in shades of white to pink. Their silvery-gray foliage grows in a thick mat up to 2 inches in height. The dense cover helps to inhibit weed growth.

Woolly Yarrow (Achillea tomentosa)

• Growing up to 4 inches in height, woolly yarrow is a common groundcover that forms a low-lying mat of grayish-silver plants. The plants are dotted with tiny bright yellow flowers. According to the Colorado State University Extension, woolly yarrow works well in sunny gardens where the plant produces flowers from June through August. Woolly yarrow spreads easily on its own, even in poor soil like that often found in rocky or mountainous country. The fragrant foliage and flowers attract bees and butterflies, but is resistant to deer and rabbits.