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Lush, grassy lawn are a staple in many communities, but homeowners also like low-maintenance groundcover that's better suited to help pollinators like bees and butterflies. Whether you’re over the upkeep of grass or just looking for a change, there are alternatives that grow fast, spread easily, and don’t need much attention once they’re rooted. Perhaps best of all, they native plants reduce reliance on irrigation systems and look great while supporting local ecosystems.
Here are three perennial plant options that are simple to grow and better for the planet.
Clover: A Tough, Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternative
Clover is one of the easiest grass replacements around, and in many yards it has spread so quickly, homeowners mistake it for weeds. Depending on your clover stance, there's no denying that it’s hardy, doesn’t need much water once it’s growing, and can handle droughts better than most turfgrass. Plus, it attracts bees and acts like a soil amendment by naturally adding nitrogen.
“Clover is one of the best options for a low-maintenance lawn option that is great for pollinators and increasing biodiversity in the area it’s planted,” says Matthew Koch, Ph.D., Director of Biotechnology and Genetics at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. “Clover thrives in Northern and Southern zones, and doesn't require much water once established. Plus, the roots are hardy enough to withstand drought conditions, and it actually acts as natural fertilizer by adding nitrogen to the soil.”
A great choice for people trying this out for the first time is O.M. Scott & Sons Clover Seed, which includes Strawberry clover. Strawberry clover produces lush green foliage with small pink flowers and does especially well in dry conditions and a variety of soil types.
If you’re wondering how to replace native grass with clover, it’s simple: mow your current lawn very short, rake away the clippings, then spread the clover seed evenly over the area. You'll need to water it daily until the seeds sprout and start filling in. After that, a clover lawn pretty much takes care of itself with only occasional mowing.
Why choose clover?
- Grows in Northern and Southern zones
- Drought tolerant
- Adds nitrogen to the soil naturally
- Handles heavy foot traffic and drought well
- Attracts bees and butterflies
Creeping Thyme: Fragrant and Full of Color
If you’re looking for something low-growing that smells great and spreads fast, Creeping Thyme is a smart pick. Not just for the garden bed, it forms dense mats of tiny, fragrant green leaves that bloom with clusters of purple or pink flowers from late spring through mid-summer. Those blooms are magnets for bees and butterflies. And, yes, it's an edible plant!
“Creeping Thyme is another option for alternative ground cover that thrives in both Northern and Southern zones,” says Koch. “It grows quickly and forms a dense, fragrant carpet that attracts pollinators very well. With its small, aromatic leaves and vibrant clusters of nectar-rich pink or purple flowers that usually bloom in late spring to mid-summer, Creeping Thyme thrives in sunny, well-drained areas. It spreads rapidly to cover ground efficiently, while suppressing weeds and reducing soil erosion on steep banks.”
Thyme needs full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. It’s a little slower to take hold across your entire lawn, but once it fills in, it blocks weed growth and holds up to some light foot traffic.
Why choose Creeping Thyme?
- Strong scent and vibrant flowers in summer
- Great for pollinators like bees
- Low-growing plant
- Great for in sunny areas
- Suppresses weed seeds
- Spreads out without taking over
- Tolerates moderate foot traffic
Dichondra: A Lush, Spreading Groundcover for Warmer Climates
If you live in Southern regions and need something that can handle the heat, Dichondra might be the right pick. The aggressive spreader creates a thick green carpet with small kidney-shaped leaves and tiny white flowers. It spreads fast and grows low, so you won’t have to mow it.
“Dichondra is a fast-growing ground cover suited for Southern zones that quickly establishes a lush, green carpet,” says Koch. “Known for its low, trailing growth habit, kidney shaped leaves and small white flowers, Dichondra spreads rapidly to cover large areas with minimal maintenance. Ideal for sunny to partially shady spots, it provides an attractive, dense mat that effectively suppresses weed seeds and controls erosion, while attracting pollinators.”
To make planting easier, you can use Scotts Pursue Dichondra. It needs less care than traditional lawns and fills in quickly as a perennial groundcover.
Why choose Dichondra?
- Fast-growing and easy to establish
- Dense green carpet look
- Drought resistant
- Thrives in a sunny spot or partial shade
- Attracts pollinators
- Offers erosion and keeps weeds out
FAQ
Can I mix groundcovers, or do I have to choose just one?
Oh, please, mix them! This works as long as they have similar light and water needs. For example, clover and creeping thyme can work well together in sunny areas. Mixing also adds variety and can extend flowering time for pollinators.
Do I need to remove all my grass before planting groundcover?
Not always. For clover, you can often overseed right into an existing lawn after mowing it short. For groundcovers like creeping thyme or dichondra, it’s better to remove the grass first to give the new plants a better chance to spread. I always say, if you accidentally scalp part of your lawn while mowing, this is the perfect time to add groundcover seed that'll slowly take over as patches in your grass.
