Wisconsin presents a range of growing conditions from cold winters and short springs to hot, humid summers in some regions. Choosing the right low-growing groundcover can reduce maintenance, control erosion, provide seasonal color, and create habitat for pollinators. This guide covers reliable low-growing groundcovers that perform well in Wisconsin (primarily USDA zones 3 to 6), how to plant and maintain them, and practical recommendations for specific situations such as dry slopes, shady beds, and sunny rock gardens.
Low-growing groundcovers are plants that generally stay under 6 to 12 inches tall and spread to cover bare soil. They are useful for:
Choosing groundcover should be about matching plant traits to site conditions: sun exposure, soil moisture, soil type, deer pressure, and winter exposure. Below are plants grouped by typical conditions, followed by practical planting and maintenance guidance.
These species tolerate full sun and dry, well-drained soils and are excellent for rock gardens, slopes, and sunny borders.
Height: 1 to 3 inches; spread 12 to 18 inches.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Very well-drained; tolerates poor, rocky soils.
Attributes: Fragrant foliage, late spring to early summer flowers that attract bees, excellent between pavers or as a lawn alternative in low-traffic areas. Drought tolerant once established.
Height: 2 to 8 inches depending on species.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Very well-drained; tolerant of shallow soils and poor fertility.
Attributes: Succulent foliage, long bloom season on many cultivars, excellent for hot, sunny rock gardens and green roofs. Use low-spreading sedums for groundcover effect.
Height: 4 to 6 inches.
Light: Full sun to light shade.
Soil: Well-drained; tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils.
Attributes: Early spring carpet of colorful flowers, good on slopes or rock walls. Shear lightly after bloom to maintain density.
Height: 6 to 18 inches depending on cultivar.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Tolerates poor, dry soils; excellent for erosion control on slopes.
Attributes: Evergreen texture, winter-hardy varieties available. Use cautiously near sidewalks to avoid snowplow damage; some cultivars can be stiff and prickly.
Shade-tolerant groundcovers are essential under mature trees where turf struggles. Key factors are competition with tree roots and fluctuating moisture.
Height: 6 to 8 inches.
Light: Shade to part shade; tolerates drier shade better than P. terminalis in some soils.
Soil: Moist, well-drained; tolerates clay if not waterlogged.
Attributes: Native relative of common pachysandra, fragrant early spring flowers, better adapted to dry shade and less aggressive in some landscapes.
Height: 6 to 9 inches.
Light: Shade to part shade.
Soil: Moist, well-drained.
Attributes: Dense evergreen mat; reliable groundcover under trees and along foundations. Can be slow to establish; avoid in very dry sites.
Height: 4 to 6 inches.
Light: Shade to part shade.
Soil: Moist, humusy, well-drained soils.
Attributes: Fragrant foliage, delicate white spring flowers, spreads slowly by seed and rhizomes. Good in woodland gardens.
Height: 4 to 10 inches.
Light: Part sun to full shade.
Soil: Dry to mesic, well-drained soils.
Attributes: Fine texture, grasslike appearance, excellent lawn alternative under oaks and pines; tolerates foot traffic moderately.
Moist sites need plants that tolerate standing water for short periods or consistently damp soil.
Height: 6 to 8 inches.
Light: Part shade to full shade; tolerates some sun if soil is moist.
Soil: Moist, well-drained, humusy soils.
Attributes: Native, golden-yellow star flowers in late spring, evergreen in mild winters. Spreads slowly by rhizomes.
Height: 3 to 6 inches.
Light: Sun to part shade.
Soil: Moist to well-drained soils.
Attributes: Edible small fruit, attractive white spring flowers, forms a low mat with runners. Tolerates a range of conditions.
Planting and establishment require the most effort. Once established, many groundcovers need only light maintenance.
Some popular groundcovers can be invasive or escape into natural areas. Vinca minor (periwinkle) and Lamium (dead-nettles) can spread aggressively and displace native plants. Use them with caution, avoid planting near natural areas, or choose less aggressive native alternatives.
Deer browsing varies by region. Many aromatic or hairy-leaved groundcovers (thyme, some sedums, pachysandra) are less preferred by deer, but heavy pressure will push deer to eat almost anything. If deer are a problem, choose recognized deer-resistant plants, use repellents, or install barriers.
With careful selection and proper establishment, low-growing groundcovers will provide long-lasting, low-maintenance solutions for many challenging planting areas in Wisconsin landscapes.