What are some good low-growing groundcovers?

Question:

What are some good low-growing groundcovers?

Answer:

Plant heights vary somewhat based on the growing conditions at the site.  However, there are several groundcovers that are 12 inches or less in height. 

Shade Groundcovers

Low-growing groundcovers for shade include:

• bugle weed (Ajuga reptans)
• wild ginger (Asarum species)
• lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis)
• barrenwort (Epimedium species)
• sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum)
• spotted dead nettle (Lamium maculatum)
• creeping lily turf (Liriope spicata)
• vinca (Vinca minor)
• barren strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides). 

Sunny Groundcovers

Excellent low-growing groundcovers for sunny areas contain:

• Creeping or moss phlox (Phlox subulata)
• several species and cultivars of stonecrop (Sedum species)