Fragrant Ground Cover Plants

Prostrate Abelia

• Prostrate abelia (Abelia x grandiflora 'Prostrata') is a semi-evergreen ground cover that grows to a mature height of 1 1/2 to 2 feet with a 4 to 5 foot spread. The plant has 1 1/2-inch, glossy dark green foliage and blooms with fragrant white flower clusters in the summer. Prostrate abelia has a medium to fine texture and a moderate growth rate. The ground cover prefers a moist, well-drained soil and areas of sun to partial shade. It is also well adapted to growing in damp, clay or dry ground. Prostrate abelia is deer resistant and well tolerant of drought.

Blue Catmint

• Blue catmint (Nepeta x faasenii) is a semi-green ground cover also referred to as faasen's catmint. The plant has aromatic 1-inch, gray-green, oblong-shaped foliage with rounded teeth. Blue catmint grows to a mature height of 1 1/2 to 2 feet with a 2- to 3-foot spread. The ground cover has a moderate growth rate and grows well in areas of sun to light shade. The plant adapts well to a range of well-drained soil types and blooms with 1/2-inch spikes of violet-blue flowers during summer. Blue catmint is tolerant of drought.

Bearberry Cotoneaster

• Bearberry cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri) is a slow-growing evergreen ground cover that grows to a mature height of 1 to 1 1/2 feet with a 6-foot spread. The fine-textured ground cover has glossy, alternate, leathery, dark green foliage and blooms with 1/2-inch, fragrant white flowers in the spring. The flowers are followed by green fruit that takes on a red color by the end of summer. Bearberry cotoneaster grows best in areas of sun and partial shade and is often used in rock gardens and on low banks.