A small arched footbridge over a calm river, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage.
A lush green garden with a variety of leafy plants and trees, three large weathered ceramic pots, and three woven patio chairs with a small wooden table in the foreground.
Wooden bench with carved details on armrests and backrest, placed outdoors in front of lush green foliage.

Dream it

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Dream it 〰️

10 Best Ground Covers for Pacific Northwest Gardens

A garden pathway with a large rock and green plants along the edge.
White flowers with green leaves and stems in a garden

Ground Cover Growth Habit Sun/Shade Mature Size Special Features

Creeping Jenny ‍ ‍ Fast-spreading mat Sun to part shade 2-4” H × spread. Bright chartreuse foliage; excellent for softening edges and spilling over walls.

Sweet Woodruff ‍ ‍ Spreading mat Part shade to shade 6-12” H × spreading Fragrant foliage; white spring flowers; thrives under trees.

Kinnikinnick Low evergreen spreader Full sun to part shade 6-12” H × 3-8’ W Pacific Northwest native; red berries; excellent drought tolerance.

Mazus ‍ ‍ Dense creeping mat Sun to part shade 2-4” H × spreading Tiny purple flowers; tolerates light foot traffic.

Creeping Thyme ‍ ‍ Low aromatic mat Full sun 2-6” H × spreading Fragrant foliage; attracts pollinators; drought tolerant.

Ajuga ‍ ‍ Dense spreading mat Sun to shade 4-8” H × spreading Colorful foliage; blue flower spikes in spring.

Epimedium ‍ ‍ Slow-spreading clump Part shade to shade 8-18” H × spreading Tough dry-shade performer; attractive spring flowers.

Creeping Phlox ‍ ‍ Evergreen mat Full sun 4-6” H × 18-24” W Spectacular spring flower display; good for slopes.

Vancouveria hexandra ‍ ‍ Spreading woodland cover Shade to part shade 12-18” H × spreading Pacific Northwest native; excellent under trees.

Blue Star Creeper ‍ ‍ Dense carpe Sun to part shade 1-3” H × spreading Tiny blue flowers; fills gaps between stepping stones.

Close-up of low-growing green plants with small, round red berries on dark, rocky soil.
A garden scene with purple and pink flowering plants, rocks, and green foliage.