Ground Cover With Purple Flowers

If you’re looking for a beautiful way to fill empty garden spaces, consider a ground cover with purple flowers. These low-maintenance purple blooms can solve many landscaping problems with style.

They suppress weeds, prevent soil erosion, and add a carpet of color for months. Best of all, once established, they ask for very little in return. Let’s look at some of the best options for your yard.

This category includes many tough, spreading plants. They offer a reliable show of purple hues. From deep violets to soft lavenders, there’s a variety for almost every climate and condition.

Choosing the right one depends on your sunlight, soil, and hardiness zone. Here are some top performers known for there reliability and beauty.

Excellent Purple Flowering Ground Cover Choices

These plants are proven winners in gardens across the country. They provide consistent coverage and color with minimal fuss.

Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

This herb is a superstar for sunny, dry spots. It forms a dense, fragrant mat only a few inches high.

Flowers: Tiny masses of purple-pink in early summer.
Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant.
Bonus: Releases a lovely scent when walked on.

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Also called moss phlox, it creates a stunning spring spectacle. Its evergreen foliage forms a needle-like carpet.

Flowers: Vibrant purple, pink, or white blooms in mid-spring.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Prefers average soil.
Bonus: Excellent for draping over rock walls or slopes.

Lithodora (Lithodora diffusa)

This plant offers an intense, true blue-purple flower. It’s a real eye-catcher in late spring to early summer.

Flowers: Vivid gentian-blue flowers that are truly stunning.
Conditions: Full sun, acidic, well-drained soil. Doesn’t like wet feet.
Bonus: The dark green foliage is evergreen in milder climates.

Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Ajuga is fantastic for shady areas where grass struggles. It spreads quickly by runners to form a thick cover.

Flowers: Spikes of deep blue-purple flowers in late spring.
Conditions: Part shade to full shade. Tolerates sun if moist.
Bonus: Cultivars like ‘Black Scallop’ offer colorful foliage too.

Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

This is a classic, vigorous ground cover for tough spots. Its glossy leaves and cheerful flowers are very reliable.

Flowers: Lavender-blue, pinwheel-shaped flowers in spring.
Conditions: Shade to part sun. Handles poor soil and dry shade.
Bonus: Evergreen foliage provides year-round interest.

How to Plant and Establish Your Ground Cover

Getting your plants off to a good start is key. Proper planting reduces maintenance and ensures healthy growth.

Site Preparation is Crucial

This is the most important step. Weeds are the biggest competitor for young ground covers.

Clear the area completely of all existing weeds and grass.
Loosen the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches.
Mix in some compost to improve drainage and fertility.
Level the area, breaking up any large clumps.

Spacing and Planting

Follow the spacing recommendations for your chosen plant. Closer spacing gives faster coverage but costs more.

Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant’s root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring it’s level with the soil surface.
Backfill with soil and firm it gently around the base.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting.

Low-Maintenance Care Tips

The goal is to let the plants thrive with little intervention. These tips will help you achive that.

Watering Wisely

Water regularly during the first growing season. This helps the roots establish deeply.

After establishment, most are drought-tolerant.
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong roots.
Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal to keep foliage dry.

Minimal Feeding

Ground covers rarely need heavy fertilization. To much feed can cause weak, leggy growth.

A top-dressing of compost in early spring is usually sufficient.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote leaves over flowers.

Simple Pruning and Control

Some ground covers can be enthusiastic spreaders. A little annual maintenance keeps them in check.

Shear back after flowering to encourage dense growth and prevent self-seeding.
Use a spade to cut back any runners that venture into unwanted areas.
In early spring, rake out any dead foliage to make room for new growth.

Design Ideas for Purple Blooms

Think beyond just filling space. Use these plants to create beautiful garden moments.

Plant creeping thyme between stepping stones for a fragrant path.
Use ajuga or periwinkle under trees where grass won’t grow.
Let creeping phlox cascade over a retaining wall for a spring waterfall of color.
Combine different purple-flowering covers for a tapestry of textures and bloom times.
Edge a garden border with a low-growing variety like lithodora for a defined look.

FAQ About Purple Flowering Ground Covers

What is the fastest spreading purple ground cover?

Periwinkle (Vinca minor) and bugleweed (Ajuga) are among the fastest to fill in an area. They spread by runners and can cover ground quickly in favorable conditions.

Which purple ground cover is best for full sun?

Creeping thyme and creeping phlox excel in full sun locations. They are both very drought-tolerant once established and thrive with plenty of sunlight.

Is there a purple ground cover for deep shade?

Periwinkle is one of the best options for deep, dry shade. It’s remarkably adaptable and will produce its classic purple-blue flowers even in low-light conditions.

How do I stop ground cover from spreading too much?

Install edging barriers when you plant, or use natural borders like paths and sidewalks. Annual trimming of the edges with a spade or lawn edger is also an effective control method.

Can I walk on purple flowering ground covers?

Some can handle light foot traffic. Creeping thyme is the best choice for walking on, as it releases a pleasant scent. Most others, like phlox or ajuga, are best admired without regular stepping on.

Adding a ground cover with purple flowers is a smart gardening move. These low-maintenance purple blooms offer lasting beauty with pratical benefits. By choosing the right plant for your spot and giving it a good start, you’ll enjoy a colorful, easy-care garden for years to come. Your biggest challenge might just be picking your favorite purple hue.