Ground Cover Lawn Substitutes

Blue Star Creeper

• Blue star creeper is a low-growing, spreading perennial that can be considered an evergreen in warmer climates. While this aggressive ground cover does well in shady areas, it will also thrive in full sun as long as it is watered regularly. Clothed in tiny light blue star-shaped flowers from spring to summer, this is a disease-resistant ground cover that holds up well to foot traffic.

Thyme

• When choosing thyme for a ground cover, it is best to go with either creeping or woolly thyme, as these species hold up much better to foot traffic than others. Thyme will give the added benefit of releasing a sweet odor when walked upon, and some species, such as 'Pink Chintz', will be covered in a blanket of pink flowers in early spring.

Hardy Yellow Ice Plant

• Delosperma nubigenum, commonly referred to as the yellow ice plant, is a hardy succulent perennial native to South Africa. Drought tolerant, the yellow ice plant forms a solid, low mat of evergreen leaves that will put out an abundance of yellow star-shaped flowers in the spring. Easily adaptable to most climates and growing to no more than 1 inch in height with a spread of 36 inches, this plant makes for an excellent lawn substitute.

Snow-in-Summer

• Snow-in-summer is an aggressive ground cover that is not for the conservative-minded property owner. With silvery gray foliage year round, snow-in-summer will literally blanket the ground with white flowers in the summertime, giving the appearance of snow. While this is a very attractive and low-maintenance ground cover, it does not tolerate foot traffic, so it is only suitable for ornamental purposes.