11 Plants That Help You Fight Weeds — With Less Work

Want to keep your garden weed-free without constant pulling or harsh chemicals? These low-maintenance plants create dense ground cover that naturally blocks weeds — saving you time and effort.

Lamb’s Ear

This silvery-green plant forms a thick mat that smothers weeds and produces lavender flower spikes in spring.
Best grown on its own, as its dense leaves can crowd out neighboring plants.
Growing conditions: Full sun; loamy, well-drained soil

Creeping Mazus

A compact, weed-blocking groundcover that blooms with white tubular flowers in mid-spring.
It forms a dense carpet that leaves little room for unwanted growth.
Growing conditions: Partial sun to full shade; well-drained soil

Creeping Thyme

This evergreen spreads across the soil and releases a fragrant scent while keeping weeds out.
It blooms from early to mid-summer and thrives in dry spots.
Growing conditions: Full sun; average, dry, well-drained soil

Creeping Phlox

Creeping phlox forms a lush carpet of green with pink, purple, or white star-shaped flowers in late winter or early spring.
It’s great for adding year-round interest.
Growing conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil

Crimson Clover

Sow crimson clover in fall to prevent bare soil where weeds can grow.
It’s a seasonal bloomer that enriches the soil and thrives even in clay.
Growing conditions: Full sun; all soil types

Bugleweed (Ajuga)

This evergreen spreads into a tight mat that blocks light for weeds.
Choose less aggressive varieties and enjoy lavender blooms that attract pollinators.
Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade; rich, well-drained soil

Common Yarrow

Planted in clusters, yarrow chokes out weeds and adds bold color to the garden with its red, orange, or yellow flower clusters.
Growing conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil

Sweet Woodruff

Great for shady spots, sweet woodruff forms a dense ground layer that prevents sunlight from reaching weeds.
In spring, it produces white flowers atop whorls of leaves.
Growing conditions: Full shade; loamy to rich, well-drained soil

Clematis ‘Sapphire Indigo’

This low-growing, non-climbing clematis spreads across the garden, smothering weeds and blooming all summer.
A standout for both beauty and function.
Growing conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil

Sedge Varieties (Carex)

Low-maintenance and striking in the shade, sedge varieties like Carex ‘Everglow’ suppress weeds while adding texture and color.
Growing conditions: Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil

Azaleas

Azaleas are not only beautiful but effective at blocking weeds thanks to their dense foliage and wide-spreading roots.
They add curb appeal and seasonal color.
Growing conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil