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19 Ground Cover With Purple Flowers: Brighten Your Outdoors

Ground cover with purple flowers is a beautiful and versatile way to add color to your garden. The low-growing, mat-forming creeping plants are mostly evergreen and perennial spreading plants.

Depending on your garden, you can plant these purple flowering ground cover plants under shade or full sun. We have prepared a complete list of evergreen ground cover plants you can choose to grow.

A List of Ground Cover With Purple Flowers

1. Creeping Phlox

Characteristics	A low-growing perennial plant Produces a carpet of colorful flowers Hardy and versatile plant
Blooming	Produces star-shaped flowers in purple, pink, and white Blooms four years after planting Every year in the spring
Where to Grow	Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11 Grows in pots, hanging baskets, or directly in the garden
Care guide	Provide full sun Water less frequently Fertilize during the active growing stage

Phlox is drought tolerant, making it a great option for xeriscaping. It is also attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a great option for creating a wildlife-friendly garden. When planting, choosing a well-draining site with fertile soil is important to provide adequate moisture during dry periods.

They are a great addition that you can place in your garden, as these flowers are prone to add a beautiful ambiance even around your house, or surrounding your walkway. On the other hand, the key to beautify is when they would start to bloom during the spring season, and grow three to eight inches high.

2. Purple Dead Nettle

Characteristics	A hardy ground cover Has square stems Has glossy, dark green foliage
Blooming	Blooms in the spring and summer Purple flowers appear on the square stems
Where to Grow	Ideal for large landscape An alternative to grass
Care guide	Water less frequently as it’s drought tolerant Grow under full sun to partial shade Fertilize lightly

It is a hardy ground cover perfect for covering large areas in a landscape, in addition, its a vigorous and easy-to-grow ground cover as an alternative to grass. It is ideal for gardens that receive a lot of foot traffic or for use in areas that are difficult to maintain. On the other hand, this is the type of plant that is low maintenance, easy to grow, and prefers full sun to partial shade.

Which is why a lot of people are a fan of this plant, in addition, they would be able to grow 16 to 18 inches in their height and show their beautiful flowers would start to bloom from early May and last till September, although some people would still grow it till the month of November, which is mid-fall.

3. Creeping Thyme

Characteristics	Low-growing evergreen Grows up to three inches tall Mat-forming cushion of blue-green foliage
Blooming	Blooms during summer Produces pink-purple flowers
Where to Grow	On garden edges, rock gardens, and as ground cover Thrives in USDA zones four to nine
Care guide	Water less often Ensure the soil drains well

Thymus Serpyllum is a beautiful mat-forming plant that blooms with beautiful purple-pinkish flowers, also, it covers the ground completely, forming a stunning mat that is breathtakingly beautiful. This is the type of plant that is rabbit and deer resistant, making it ideal for garden edges. Also, the foliage turns from blue-green into a warm bronze autumn color.

You can easily propagate this plant through cuttings and applying hormones to it, but remember that when they start to grow and produce flowers, these would only last for a very short period of time, which is from mid-spring to early summer.

On another note, when they are growing they are prone to release chemicals in the air that would hinder the attraction of pests around this plant, and even near thee surrounding ones.

4. Bugleweed

Characteristics	A vigorous evergreen purple cover plant Also known as carpet bugle
Blooming	Blooms in summer Produces purple, blue, or lavender flowers
Where to Grow	Best for shaded banks or slopes Grow as an alternative to grass Grows in USDA hardiness zones three to ten
Care guide	Water sparingly Ensure the soil drains well

Ajuga reptans is a fast-growing creeping plant that is ideal for covering the ground under full sun or shade. It has a dense growth making it perfect for keeping the weeds away.

It is a horizontal growing plant with glossy green, obovate leaves and clusters of tiny flowers. It is an excellent choice for patios containers, small gardens, and rock gardens.

You should make sure that the zones it is going to be growing in would be from three to ten, and the soil that it is in should be a well draining one. Just as it would start to establish itself, in summer you would start to see little blooms of purple shades.

5. Graceward

Characteristics	Has small linear green leaves Has thin stems
Blooming	From late spring to the end of summer Produces tiny purple-blue flowers
Where to Grow	Hanging baskets, patio containers, rock gardens, and borders Thrives in USDA hardiness zones six through eight
Care guide	Grow under full sun Water frequently Ensure the soil is well-drained

Lithodora diffusa is a variety of lithodora with deep blue or purple-hued trumpet-shaped flowers, this is glower is also called the graceward plant. It is a carpet-forming evergreen shrub perfect for low-maintenance gardens, or anywhere you need ground cover under full sun.

In addition to growing as ground cover, it also prevents weeds and soil erosion. You can also have the option to grow this plant in hanging baskets too, but the condition is to make sure that it is placed in a well draining soil and gets fertilized in late winter, however, it will thrive well even when it doesn’t have any.

6. Royal Candles

Characteristics	A clump-forming perennial Grows to 12 to 24 inches
Blooming	Blooms all summer long Produces purple or violet-blue flowers
Where to Grow	Containers, rock gardens, and garden edges Thrives in USDA zones three to eight
Care guide	Keep the soil moist Ensure the soil is well-drained

Spike speedwell or Veronica Spicata is a clump-forming perennial with bushy mounds of leaves and purple flowering spikes. It is resistant to pests, diseases, rabbits, and deer making it an ideal garden border to keep all these away. This means that if you surround your garden with this plant, it will protect other plants that animals can invade and eat them.

In order to see these little purple flowers blooming, remember to give it the appropriate care, and one of them is the zone that you would grow them in, zones three to eight are the best ones. Make sure that the soil is kept moist but don’t overwater it, or else it will be prone to diseases.

7. Spotted Deadnettle

Characteristics	Hardy perennial plant Glossy, dark green leaves An excellent ground cover option
Blooming	Produces small, pink, or purple flowers Blooms throughout summer months
Where to Grow	Under shrubs, trees, shade gardens, or garden edges Thrives in USDA hardiness zones three to eight
Care guide	Water at minimum quantities Fertilize sparingly

Lamium maculatum is a perennial ground cover with heart-shaped leaves and trailing stems. It has vibrant, eye-catching purplish pink or magenta flowers. When you plant it, remember that it should have a proper care, so that it would spread and show you what a great way it is to have purple flowers as ground covers.

This easy-spreading plant grows as a cover in full shade. It grows to about four to eight inches high. It is resistant to pests, diseases, deer, and rabbits, which means no sudden harm will come to it, as these animals will not barge in and bite them off, because of the strong odor it has, and the taste simply doesn’t feel appetizing for them.

8. Purple Moss Phlox

Characteristics	Low-growing perennial ground cover Hardy and versatile Easily adapts to surrounding conditions
Blooming	Produces small, violet-purple flowers on trailing stems Blooms throughout the growing season
Where to Grow	Suitable for rock gardens or alpine beds As a border plant on slopes or rock walls
Care guide	Ensure the soil is well drained Keep the soil moist

Phlox subulata is a great addition to any garden, this is the type of plant that has an attractive ornamental appeal that makes it stand out. On the other hand, you should even know how the moss phlox is also a great option for erosion control on slopes or hillsides.

In addition, the reason why it is loved is its low maintenance characteristic and how facile growing and giving care would be, as a result, it is a great choice for gardeners who want to add color to their landscape without much fuss.

9. Horned Violet

Characteristics	A tender perennial evergreen plant A rapid grower
Blooming	Blooms in summer Produces violet-blue and lavender flowers
Where to Grow	Slopy areas, decorating walkways, or ground cover Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 11
Care guide	Water frequently Fertilize at the start of growing season

Viola cornuta is a tender perennial that grows as a creeping plant, this is the type of plant that is known to be growing rapidly with a creeping horizontal or upward growth habit. As a result, it works best in decorating walkways or as a bedding plant.

It can grow as an annual or perennial, depending on the area you live, however, make sure you would plant the viola cornuta in the zones 6 to 11 of the USDA zones, and you would water it often, because it requires so. Lastly, make sure that the soil is fertilized during the months that it would start growing.

10. Creeping Liriope

Characteristics	A clumping grass-like plant Long linear, pointed leaves
Blooming	Blooms the whole summer season Produces clusters of purple flowers
Where to Grow	Thrives in USDA hardiness zones four to ten Best for heavy foot traffic areas Best for open ground under full sun
Care guide	Keep the soil moist Fertilize sparingly

Liriope Spicata is a creeping plant that spreads fast under full sun, and this is how it would thrive, being a clumping, grass-like ideal for covering the open ground.

Thisi is the type of growing grass that spreads pretty rapidly to form a dense mat of soft foliage, but prone to heavy foot trafficking. As a result, you can conclude how it will stay resilient, even when children step on them, and the flowers will still look pretty nice.

It grows to about nine inches tall, as it has a low maintenance characteristic, which is why it is popularly used. On the other hand, also remember that this is a plant that’s resistant to deer, rabbits, and heat.

11. Woodland Sage

Characteristics	Clump-forming deciduous perennial Grows upright Flower spikes remain erect
Blooming	Blooms from June to September The flowers are violet-blue Flowers appear on dense spikes
Where to Grow	Perennial borders, walkways, and cottage gardens Thrives in USDA hardiness four to eight
Care guide	Keep the soil moist Keep it from powdery mildew, leaf rust, or spot

Salvia nemerosa is native to Europe and Western Asia and can reach up to three feet tall and two feet wide. It is easy to grow and thrives under full sun to partial shade.

Another key characteristic is that this is the sage that would tolerate many types of soils and is resistant to rabbit and deer infestation. However, you must make sure that you would keep the soil moist and tackle the different pests that would attack the greens and weaken the flowers.

12. Butterfly Bush

Characteristics	A deciduous shrub Invasive if not controlled Has clusters of flowers at the branch tips
Blooming	Starts from summer to fall Bears purple, pink, or white flowers Flowers have abundant nectar for birds and butterflies
Where to Grow	Best for pots, borders, rock gardens, and garden edges Thrives in USDA five through nine
Care guide	Keep the soil moist Grow under full sun

This deciduous shrub has an arching habit and stunning flowers. It grows as a perennial in cold areas dying back in the winter and re-growing in spring. In warm areas, it grows as an annual. It has coarse leaves and striking flower spikes that attract pollinators.

Moreover, these long, coarse, and sage leaves grow on long slim, arching stems, and in spring you would see them blooming up little flowers that look vibrant. It requires little attention, making it easy to manage. It can be invasive if left alone as it self-seeds. It is banned in some regions.

13. Verbena

Characteristics	A trailing flowering ground cover Has clusters of small, violet-purple flowers Tolerates some level of negligence
Blooming	Produces clusters of small, violet-purple flowers Blooms throughout summer
Where to Grow	Prefers USDA hardiness levels 9 to 11 Grow at the rock garden, border plants, or garden cover
Care guide	Provide full sun Water less frequently Fertilize sparingly

Verbena is a great option for rock gardens, as it loves to trail over the edges. These are the types of flowers that look great in your garden, as they have little flowers that grow well attracting different pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

You can propagate by cuttings or by layering, and it can also be grown from seed. However, when you are growing them, make sure that you would fertilize them well, when needed, and place them in a location where receiving full sun is an available option, and lastly, just as you do so, you will see them thrive till summer.

14. Blue Mistflower

Characteristics	A herbaceous perennial Considered a weed in the coastal plain Purple stems with toothed deltoid leaves
Blooming	Blooms from late summer to fall frost Produces purplish-blue fluffy flowers Pollinators love nectar
Where to Grow	Grow long the roadsides and moist ditch banks Thrives in USDA hardiness zones three to six
Care guide	Keep the soil moist Provide well-draining soils

Conoclinium Coelestinum is a fast-growing plant that prefers moist, humusy soils that do not dry out fast in full sun. This is a great indicator that this plant is one that would require its soil to be kept humid, however you must make sure that you wouldn’t overwater it.

On another note, remember that it is a great plant to consider for an area around a pond, as it does not spread its roots to affect others. You can propagate by clump division at the start of spring, and you would see it in a healthy state till winter, even.

15. Anise Hyssop

Characteristics	An aromatic hardy perennial Has a blend of mint and anise Has square stems with leaves on opposite sides
Blooming	Produces lavender-colored flowers Blooms in the hot summer months
Where to Grow	Gardens that need bushy plants Thrives in hardiness zones four through nine
Care guide	Water frequently Fertilize sparingly Ensure the soil is well-draining

Agastache foeniculum is a hardy perennial with very attractive flowers. When they establish themselves well, this is the time when they would start growing tall and in an elongated manner having lavender-colored flowers are very attractive to bees.

It has unique square stems that allow the leaves to arrange perfectly on opposite sides, moreover the leaves are cordite in its shape with dainty scalloped margins. In spring, when they are growing, you would see it having lots of white hairs on the leaves’ underside.

The latter is the reason why this plant is resistant to deer and rabbits, which means they won’t come and eat it off in the middle of the night.

16. Evergreen Candytuft

Characteristics	A hardy evergreen perennial Spreads quickly, covering the ground fast
Blooming	Produces small, white, purple, or violet flowers Blooms in the spring and summer months
Where to Grow	In pots, walkways, rock gardens, and borders Thrives in USDA hardiness zones four through eight
Care guide	Keep the soil moist consistently Fertilize sparingly at the beginning Cut it back yearly

Iberis sempervirens are great for walkways, rock gardens, borders, and normal gardens. When you are growing it remember that it is advisable to cut it back at least every year as it grows leggy and tall, and make sure you would fertilize it when the plant is still young.

On the other hand, you may see it damaged, and this is because deer would occasionally damage it, so plant it away from your vegetable patch.

17. Sedum

Characteristics	A low-growing succulent Hardy and tolerant of full sun Tolerates dry conditions
Blooming	Blooms in the summer Produces clusters of star-shaped purple flowers
Where to Grow	On rock gardens, borders, and gardens Needs full sun Thrives in USDA hardiness zones
Care guide	Water less often Fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer Provide full sunlight

This plant grows like a mat covering the ground fast and perfectly. It has distinct fleshy foliage and a wide range of sizes and shapes. This low-growing succulent produces clusters of small, star-shaped purple flowers in the summer.

It is hardy and tolerant of both full sun and partial shade, making it a great option for shaded areas of your garden. But when you want it to grow, remember that you shouldn’t overwater it, on the contrary, water it much less, because it needs occasional irrigation.

18. Grape Hyacinth

Characteristics	Low-growing bulbous perennial Hardy and tolerant of full sun
Blooming	Blooms end of spring to early summer Produces spikes of small, deep purple flowers
Where to Grow	In rock gardens, edges, and borders Thrives in USDA hardiness zones three to nine
Care guide	Cut down the foliage once it dies Keep the soil moist Fertilize at the beginning of the season

Muscari Armeniacum is a mid-spring blooming perennial from the Lily family. It is native to Southeastern Europe and not a true hyacinth. This is the type of plant that has scented flowers in all its many species.

It has small, bell-shaped cobalt blue or lavender flowers, which are low-growing bulbous perennial is hardy and tolerant of both full sun and partial shade, making it a great option for shaded areas of your garden. It prefers well-drained soil and can handle both dry and moist conditions.

What you can do is incorporating it into your landscape is easy and low maintenance, but be mindful of regular deadheading, watering, fertilization, and pest control for the best results. Also, remember to fertilize them in spring or before the blooming season, so that you would establish its growth properly.

19. Wild Violet

Characteristics	Low-growing plant A hardy perennial Heart-shaped glossy green leaves
Blooming	Blooms in the hot summer season Produces purple-bluish blooms
Where to Grow	In rock gardens, bedding, and container Thrives in USDA zones three to seven
Care guide	Keep the soil moist all the time Provide light shade

Wild violet forms an attractive ground covering and spreads quickly, making a gorgeous carpet of purple and green colors. It prefers to grow under full or partial shade, and a properly moist soil to thrive, and remember that it is a plant that needs to be set in the zones three to seven.

On the other hand, if you wish to grow it in a healthy way, you can also grow it under the sun if you provide adequate watering, because it will grow well in late spring and hot summer.

Conclusion

Ground cover with purple flowers are as many as we have seen in the list above. To summarize this article, here are a few important points to remember.

Purple flowered cover plants are mostly mat-like as they spread along the ground covering every section; however, some can grow a little taller.
Most of these plants can grow together as they share the growing conditions, so don’t worry if you have a large landscape; you can add these flowers.
Our favorite choice of these plants includes creeping thyme, creeping liriope, bugleweed, Graceward, woodland sage, and royal candles.

The most critical thing is to provide the right growing conditions, and these plants will easily thrive. It is possible to add these flowers to various gardens – rock gardens, hedges, slopes, etc.

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