10 Easy Plants That Keep My Garden Weed-Free

Let’s be honest, gardening is great, but wrestling with weeds every weekend? Not so much. If you’re shooting for an easier, lush garden, think about rolling out some ground covers. These plants are the ultimate helpers—seriously cutting down your weeding time.

They’re also tough as anything, thriving in tough spots where other plants might throw in the towel. And the icing on the cake? Deer and rabbits usually aren’t fans, so they’ll keep their distance. Imagine that: a gorgeous garden with way less work. Sounds good, right?

Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff is a bit of a garden enforcer when it comes to dealing with weeds. Planted in shaded to part-shaded spots, it quickly carpets the area, effectively smothering any unwelcome plant intruders.

Hardy in zones 4 through 9, sweet woodruff shows off delicate white flowers each spring, adding a subtle charm to your garden’s understory.

Trailing Lantana

For those looking for a drought-tolerant champion, trailing lantana is a perfect plant. Thriving in zones 9 through 11, this ground cover doesn’t just grows quickly, covering large areas with its vibrant purple blooms that draw butterflies from spring through fall.

Deer and rabbits usually steer clear of it, making it even more appealing for easier garden maintenance. G it a good trim every other spring to keep it looking fresh and full.

Lamium

For those shady garden nooks that could use a bit of light, Lamium maculatum, or spotted deadnettle, could be your go-to. This resilient plant is unfazed by deer and rabbits, and once it gets going, it stands up well to both drought and heat.

Growing happily in zones 4 through 9, lamium isn’t picky about soil, making it a stress-free choice for sprucing up those dimmer spots in your garden.

Barrenwort

Barrenwort is great for shaded areas needing ground coverage. This low-growing plant (usually under 12 inches tall) spreads its roots underground through rhizomes, forming a dense mat that keeps weeds at bay.

It thrives in hardy zones 5 through 9, allowing gardeners to choose from a variety of flower and leaf colors to suit their aesthetic.

Sedum

If your garden battles with dry, sunny spots, sedum—also known as stonecrop—might just be your answer. This hardy trouper thrives in zones 3 through 8 and hugs the ground, making it a solid barrier against weeds. Plus, it’s not a favorite of rabbits or deer, which is always a bonus. When it blooms, you can either snip off the flowers post-bloom or let them be for a natural look.

Not sure which type to pick? Go for a sedum mat, which offers a variety of sedums all in one, making it super easy to get that lush, diverse look.

Groundsel

Ever heard of groundsel? Also known as golden ragwort or butterweed, this native plant spreads its basal foliage wide, creating a thick carpet that keeps unwanted visitors (like weeds) out. It lights up the garden in spring with bright yellow flowers that rise on stems up to 24 inches tall.

Hardy in zones 3 through 8, groundsel likes it a bit moist and will do well in shady to partially sunny spots. Just remember to deadhead those spent blooms to prevent it from popping up where you might not want it.

Gro-Low Sumac

This hardy shrub stretches out 6 to 8 feet wide and stands just 2 to 3 feet tall, making it a natural choice for filling large spaces quickly. It’s pretty versatile too, happy in everything from full sun to partial shade and adaptable to various soil types.

Gardeners love using it on those hard-to-mow slopes, and as a bonus, deer usually give it a pass. Hardy in zones 3 through 9, it’s as tough as it is functional.

Bugleweed

For spots that need a touch of green (or almost black, if you choose varieties like ‘Black Scallop’), bugleweed is a perfect option. This low-grower spreads fast, creating dense mats that can handle a bit of foot traffic—perfect along garden paths or around stepping stones.

It thrives in zones 4 through 9 and doesn’t fuss over whether it’s in the sun or shade. Come mid to late spring, you’ll see pops of blue flowers that you can trim back for a neater look. Plus, both deer and rabbits tend to steer clear of it.

Creeping Phlox

If you’re looking for something more low-maintenance for those sunny spots in your garden, creeping phlox might just be your new best friend. This ground cover grows just 4 to 6 inches tall but spreads eagerly in well-drained soil. It’s perfect for adding a splash of color in early spring, decking out spaces in vibrant pinks, whites, and purples.

Ideal for USDA Zones 3 through 9, creeping phlox isn’t just pretty—it’s tough, too, shrugging off drought once it’s settled in. Just space them about a foot apart and toss some mulch around to discourage weeds until they fill in.

Hardy Plumbago

Meet hardy plumbago, also known as leadwort—a true garden ally for those tricky partly shaded areas. This plant loves a bit of morning sun followed by afternoon shade, thriving across USDA Zones 5 through 9. It’s not just the eye-catching deep blue flowers in late summer that’ll catch your eye. Come fall, its leaves turn a stunning orange-red.

Plant it in well-drained soil and consider a protective layer of mulch in zone 5 to help it through the winter. This plumbago spreads through rhizomes under the soil, forming a dense mat that keeps weeds at bay.