Ground Covers to Avoid: Invasive Spreading Plants That Can Ruin Your Garden
- Devin
- May 2
- 10 min read
Ground covers are like the unsung heroes of the garden. They swoop in to fill those awkward empty spaces, help suppress weeds, keep soil cozy with moisture, and bring a lush, finished look that ties everything together. Whether it’s a creeping green carpet under your trees or a colorful cascade tumbling over a slope, ground covers make gardening feel a bit more magical—and a lot less weedy.
But here’s the twist: not all ground covers play nice.
While many varieties behave themselves and stay within bounds, some come with a dark side. These fast-spreading charmers can quickly turn into aggressive invaders, overrunning flower beds, choking out native plants, and turning your carefully planned garden into an all-you-can-spread buffet. What starts as a simple fix can evolve into a long-term battle with a green invader that refuses to quit.
In this guide, we’re digging into the ground covers you don’t want to plant—no matter how tempting they look at the nursery. We’ll also share safer alternatives that offer beauty without the botanical drama. Your garden deserves peace, not a turf war.
Why Some Ground Covers Become a Problem?
At first glance, fast-spreading ground covers seem like a gardener’s dream—lush, low-maintenance, and eager to grow. But sometimes that eagerness crosses the line from helpful to hostile. What makes certain ground covers so problematic? Let’s dig a little deeper.
Built to Spread... and Spread... and Spread
Invasive ground covers often possess traits that give them a competitive edge—rhizomes, stolons, or aggressive root systems that allow them to spread rapidly above and below ground. These traits might sound efficient, but they don’t come with an off switch. Once established, these plants can blanket entire areas, ignoring your garden's borders and muscling out neighboring plants.
Outcompeting the Natives
One of the biggest concerns with invasive ground covers is their impact on the ecosystem. When these plants escape garden boundaries and spread into natural habitats, they can crowd out native species that local wildlife depends on. Over time, this disrupts biodiversity, weakens soil health, and alters entire ecosystems. What began as a pretty patch under your hydrangeas might contribute to a much larger environmental issue.
Maintenance Mayhem
Ironically, the very thing that makes invasive ground covers attractive—low upkeep—can backfire. Once these plants take over, they become notoriously difficult to control. You'll find yourself constantly pulling, pruning, or even resorting to digging them out by the root. And if they sneak into your lawn or other beds, the cleanup becomes a full-time job.
In short, the wrong ground cover can go from being your garden’s green ally to its number-one nemesis. But don’t worry—we’re not here just to tell you what to avoid. Keep reading, and we’ll highlight some infamous invaders and the well-behaved alternatives that make far better neighbors.
Top Ground Covers to Avoid
Not all ground covers are garden-friendly. Some come with serious baggage—aggressive growth, ecological disruption, and long-term headaches. Below are some of the most notorious offenders you should think twice about before planting in your garden.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Why it’s popular: Evergreen foliage, excellent coverage, and the ability to climb walls and fences make English Ivy a frequent choice for ornamental landscapes.
Why it’s bad: English Ivy is one of the most aggressive ground covers you can plant. It doesn’t just sprawl across the ground—it climbs trees, walls, and structures, smothering everything in its path. Outdoors, it can choke native trees by covering their bark, reducing photosynthesis, and weakening them over time. It also harbors moisture that encourages rot and pests. Once established, it's incredibly difficult to eradicate.
Periwinkle (Vinca minor or Vinca major)
Why it’s popular: With its glossy leaves and violet-blue flowers, Vinca adds a touch of elegance to shady spaces and offers quick coverage.
Why it’s bad: Periwinkle spreads rapidly by trailing stems that root wherever they touch the ground. It forms dense mats that block sunlight and crowd out native wildflowers. Worse, its thick coverage prevents tree seedlings and understory plants from establishing, which diminishes biodiversity. It’s commonly found in forests where it has escaped cultivation.
Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Source: Askifas - Common Bugle
Why it’s popular: This low-growing perennial features beautiful blue-purple flower spikes and can tolerate a variety of soil types and light conditions.
Why it’s bad: Though it looks innocent, bugleweed is a stealthy spreader. It forms dense colonies through stolons (horizontal stems that root), and can overtake lawns, flower beds, and pathways. Once it gets going, manual removal is a challenge due to its mat-like root structure. If not carefully contained, it can become a maintenance nightmare.
Japanese Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)
Why it’s popular: A go-to for shady areas, this evergreen ground cover provides consistent green foliage and thrives in tough conditions.
Why it’s bad: While it behaves in some regions, Japanese Pachysandra is invasive in others. It spreads aggressively through underground runners, forming dense carpets that exclude native plants. It also offers little value to wildlife and can alter soil conditions. Plus, once established, its root network makes it very hard to remove completely.
Bishop’s Weed (Aegopodium podagraria, aka Goutweed or Snow-on-the-Mountain)
Why it’s popular: Variegated foliage and fast growth make this an appealing choice for problem spots, especially in poor soil or shady corners.
Why it’s bad: Bishop’s Weed is one of the most infamously invasive plants in home gardens. It spreads both by seed and underground rhizomes, forming large monocultures that can suffocate all other plants. It's extremely difficult to get rid of—any tiny fragment of root left behind can regrow, meaning even digging it up isn't always enough.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Why it’s popular: With its golden-green foliage and trailing habit, Creeping Jenny adds color and texture to garden edges, containers, and water features.
Why it’s bad: While not as aggressive as some others on this list, Creeping Jenny is a fast spreader that can easily escape boundaries if left unchecked. It’s particularly problematic in moist environments, where it can quickly form thick mats that suppress native plant growth. It's considered invasive in several U.S. states.
Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)
Why it’s popular: This evergreen vine boasts variegated leaves and climbing ability, often used for ground cover or to mask walls.
Why it’s bad: Wintercreeper grows rapidly and aggressively. It climbs trees and structures like ivy, shades out native plants, and can overwhelm woodland areas. It’s especially difficult to control once established because it spreads through both runners and seeds.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Why it’s popular: Sweet-scented, bell-shaped flowers make this plant a nostalgic favorite. It thrives in shade and is often planted in woodland gardens.
Why it’s bad: Despite its charm, Lily of the Valley spreads quickly through rhizomes, forming dense patches that push out neighboring plants. It’s also toxic to humans and pets, making it a concern in family-friendly yards. Getting rid of it involves repeated digging and constant vigilance.
Houttuynia (Houttuynia cordata)
Why it’s popular: Its colorful, heart-shaped leaves and ability to thrive in wet conditions make it a unique choice for water gardens.
Why it’s bad: This plant is a true garden invader. Once planted, it spreads like wildfire through underground runners, and even a tiny root fragment left behind can regrow. Most gardeners who try to remove it find it returns with a vengeance. It’s nearly impossible to fully eliminate without using herbicides—often repeatedly.
Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon)
Why it’s popular: This plant offers striking variegated leaves and bright yellow flowers, growing well in shade where other plants might struggle.
Why it’s bad: Yellow Archangel is highly invasive in many forested regions. It spreads aggressively through stolons and often escapes garden settings into natural areas. Once it establishes in woodlands, it forms dense mats that outcompete native flora and are very difficult to remove.
If you’ve already planted one of these runaway ground covers and it’s starting to creep a little too far, don’t panic—but definitely don’t wait. There are ways to manage them, from regular pruning and runner removal to installing barriers. But let’s be honest—prevention is easier than control.
So if you’re planning new plantings or replacing an overzealous spreader, why not choose something just as beautiful, but much better behaved?
Coming up next: our favorite native and non-invasive ground cover alternatives, tailored by region, that will give you peace of mind and a gorgeous garden.
What to Plant Instead: Safe Alternatives
Ground covers can still be gorgeous, low-maintenance, and beneficial—without trying to take over your entire garden. The key is choosing native or non-invasive varieties suited to your region. These plant heroes play nicely with neighbors, support pollinators, and offer long-lasting beauty. Here are some regionally appropriate favorites:
Eastern U.S. Favorites
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) – Thrives in shade with velvety, heart-shaped leaves and unique hidden blooms.
Allegheny Spurge (Pachysandra procumbens) – Native and slow-spreading, this shade-loving ground cover has mottled leaves and fragrant spring flowers.
Golden Groundsel (Packera aurea) – A semi-evergreen with bright yellow daisy-like flowers in spring. Excellent for moist, shady sites.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera) – A cheerful, low-growing native with starry spring blooms that works well in both sun and part shade.
Midwestern Marvels
Photo from One Stop Garden Shop Co. Nursery and Garden
Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) – Loved for its unique, fluffy seed heads and tolerance of dry, sunny conditions.
Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica) – Ideal for shaded dry spots, offering a soft, grassy look without the mowing.
Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) – Fast-spreading but not invasive, this native feeds pollinators and produces tiny edible fruits.
Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) – A woodland favorite with frothy spring flowers and beautiful foliage. Works well in shaded garden beds.
Western Wonders
Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana) – A native ground hugger for Pacific Northwest forests; ideal for shady, damp spots.
California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum) – Bold red flowers that beckon hummingbirds in hot, dry gardens.
Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana) – A semi-spreading native that tolerates coastal winds and brings dramatic spring blooms.
Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) – A fragrant ground cover with tiny white flowers and medicinal history. Great for shaded areas.
Southern Beauties
Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) – Handles heat and foot traffic with ease, all while attracting bees and butterflies.
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) – Climbing or trailing, this showy native offers coral-colored blooms hummingbirds adore.
Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata) – Adds color to partial shade in early spring and is well-behaved in garden beds.
Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium) – Technically not a grass but offers grassy texture and tiny star-like flowers in the sun.
Universal, Low-Risk Options
These ground covers grow well in multiple regions and don’t pose invasive risks:
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) – Drought-tolerant, aromatic, and loved by pollinators.
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) – A shade-loving charmer with star-shaped leaves and vanilla-scented white blooms.
Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) – Forms dense mats with strawberry-like foliage and yellow flowers—minus the invasive tendencies.
By choosing regionally appropriate ground covers that don’t come with a takeover plan, you can protect your garden’s harmony and support local wildlife. With these alternatives, your garden stays both beautiful and balanced—no constant pruning or regret required.
How to Remove or Control Invasive Ground Covers?
So, one of those overly enthusiastic ground covers has taken over your garden. Don’t worry—it happens to the best of us. The good news? With a little strategy and patience, you can take back control.
🧤 Manual Removal: Persistence is Key
Start by digging up as much of the plant as possible, being sure to remove every bit of root, rhizome, or runner. Even small fragments left behind can regenerate. Use a digging fork instead of a shovel to reduce root breakage. For plants like Bishop’s Weed or Houttuynia, plan to revisit the area frequently—monthly, if not weekly—to remove regrowth. Smothering with thick cardboard and mulch can help suppress re-emergence.
☠️ Chemical Options: Use with Caution
For widespread or deeply rooted invasives, selective herbicides like glyphosate may be necessary. Apply carefully, ideally on a windless day and only to targeted areas. Always read the label and avoid use near water bodies or native plantings. A combination of cutting the plant back and applying herbicide to the fresh regrowth can be more effective than spraying mature growth.
🔒 Prevention & Long-Term Solutions
The best defense is a good offense. Replace removed invasives with native or non-invasive alternatives to prevent bare soil (which invites weeds). Install deep root barriers to stop underground runners, and regularly inspect your garden’s edges to catch any sneak attacks early.
Reclaiming your garden takes time, but every weed pulled is a step toward restoring balance—and beauty—to your landscape.
A Better Ground Game: Final Thoughts
Ground covers can be a garden’s best friend—or its worst enemy. While their ability to fill space, reduce weeds, and retain moisture makes them appealing, it’s vital to choose species that won’t overstay their welcome. Invasive varieties like English Ivy, Vinca, and Bishop’s Weed may offer quick results, but they often come with long-term consequences—from high-maintenance removal to ecological harm.
The good news? You have plenty of beautiful, eco-friendly alternatives. Native and non-invasive ground covers can give you the same coverage and charm without turning your garden into a battleground. Whether you live in the humid South or the dry West, there's a ground-hugging plant that fits your space—and supports the local environment, too.
And if you’re already in too deep with an aggressive spreader? Don’t worry. Armed with the right tools, techniques, and a little patience, you can reclaim your garden and turn it into a space that’s healthy, beautiful, and easier to maintain in the long run.
Can I still grow ground covers if I have a small garden?
Yes! Many ground covers are perfect for small spaces. Just be sure to choose slow-growing or clumping varieties rather than aggressive spreaders.
What if my invasive ground cover is blooming and looks great?
Even if it looks lovely, invasive ground covers can cause long-term harm to your soil and surrounding plants. Consider replacing them with equally attractive, well-behaved alternatives.
Are native ground covers low-maintenance?
In most cases, yes! Once established, native ground covers tend to thrive with minimal input, since they’re adapted to local conditions.
Is mulch a good alternative to ground cover plants?
Mulch can suppress weeds and retain moisture but lacks the ecological benefits and beauty of living plant coverage. A mix of mulch and low-growing plants often works best.
How do I transition from an invasive ground cover to a native one?
Remove the invasive plants thoroughly, monitor regrowth, and introduce your new native cover with proper spacing and soil prep. Patience and vigilance will ensure success!
It’s time to take back control of your garden’s ground game. Whether you’re pulling out an overzealous spreader or planning a fresh start, choosing the right ground covers makes all the difference. Go native, stay non-invasive, and create a landscape that works with nature—not against it.
👉 Start by walking your garden today—what’s thriving, what’s taking over, and what could be better? Your dream ground cover might just be one plant swap away.
Let us know your favorite native ground covers in the comments or share your before-and-after garden stories—we’d love to hear how your green space is growing!
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