Lawn Substitutes for Moss

Bishop's Weed

• Bishop's weed (Aegopodium podograria), a rapidly growing ground cover, needs to be controlled or it can overrun the lawn. Bishop's weed works well in areas near concrete paths and walls and grows to about 1 foot in height. This plant will grow in areas of partial shade and along steep slopes. It prefers evenly moist soil but will grow in nearly any type of soil. This plant thrives in shady areas but will perform adequately when planted in full sun.

Periwinkle

• Periwinkle (Vinca minor), produces beautiful white or blue blossoms in the early spring and is a good choice for a ground cover. Periwinkle grows about 8 inches in height and is a colorful, creeping ground cover. Rich, moist soil helps it to thrive, as well as full sunshine. Periwinkle can grow in partial shade as well. Periwinkle is a hardy plant that can survive in winters where temperatures get below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant uses the snow as protection from the cold and wind.

Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle

• The dwarf bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera), with red flowers that bloom in mid summer, offers a colorful ground cover. It is a short, shrublike plant that thrives in areas exposed to rocks that feature excellent drainage. The dwarf bush averages between 2 to 4 feet in height. It is a low-maintenance plant that grows well in shade as well as sunlight and makes a good substitute for moss.

Lily of the Valley

• Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) grows slowly but offers wonderfully fragrant flowers in a pleasing bell shape, making it a pretty ground cover substitute for moss. Lily of the valley prefers shade and can adapt to most any soil type. When the flowers wither and fall off, the plant produces bright crimson berries. Lily of the valley grows to approximately 6 inches tall and blossoms in the early spring. They are also hardy enough to withstand cold winter weather.