Weeding can feel like an endless battle, but there's a greener way to keep your borders weed-free. Instead of relying on chemical weed killers, which can harm wildlife and the environment, consider planting some of these six expert-approved perennials and evergreens. These plants naturally suppress weeds by forming a dense canopy over the soil, limiting the space and light weeds need to thrive. Let's dive into the details and explore how these plants can help you win the war on weeds.
Monkey Grass
Monkey grass, or Liriope muscari, is a tough and versatile ground cover that can be grown in a wide range of climates, from US hardiness zone 4 to zone 10. This part-shade perennial forms a lush carpet of evergreen foliage that covers bare soil and naturally crowds out weeds. Over time, it establishes a dense, low-growing plant that requires minimal attention once it's settled in. If you're looking for a plant that will form a dense carpet and keep weeds at bay, monkey grass is a superb option. It might take a year or two to fully establish, but once it does, it's a low-maintenance, weed-suppressing machine.
Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis, commonly known as the creeping juniper, is an attractive foliage shrub that provides year-round greenery. This native plant can be grown in US hardiness zones 3 to 9, making it ideal for challenging areas under large trees. Juniper is a great choice for those looking to get rid of weeds without using sprays or chemicals. The 'blue rug' groundcover juniper from Fast Growing Trees is a popular option, offering a dense, low-growing habit that can help choke out weeds. While it might take a few years to fill a border, the slow-growing nature of juniper means it will eventually prove very useful in your weed-fighting arsenal.
Carex
Carex is a low-maintenance plant that naturally crowds out weeds. Many carex species spread steadily to form dense clumps that cover bare soil and leave little room for unwanted growth. Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pennsylvanica) is a fast-growing native with fine-textured foliage that turns warm shades of orange and copper in fall. It can be grown in US hardiness zones 3 to 8 and thrives in partially shaded locations. To get the best results, plant carex in generous drifts rather than as isolated specimens, allowing the foliage to quickly fill gaps and shade the soil.
Ground Cover Roses
Ground cover roses, or procumbent roses, are low-growing plants that can form a dense and thick rose carpet. These roses, when planted close together, can help keep weeds out of the yard by competing with the canopy and root networks of your roses. Ground cover roses are typically 1 to 2 feet tall and can be found in a wide selection of varieties. When growing ground cover roses, it's optimal to select a sunny site with well-draining soil and fertilize them during the growing season using a rose feed. With a sea of blooms and a weed-free border, ground cover roses are a beautiful and practical choice.
Pinus Mugo
Pinus mugo, commonly known as the dwarf pine, is a slow-growing shrub that forms a cloud-like structure when planted in groups. This compact and dense habit makes it an effective weed-suppressor, as fallen pine needles form a mulch layer on the surface of the soil that can prevent weeds from germinating. While it might take several years to fill a border, the dwarf pine is ideal for those cooler yards in northerly locations, offering a weed-free solution for hard-to-reach areas.
Hellebores
Hellebores are shade-loving perennials that produce large, leathery evergreen leaves that cover the soil for much of the year. These plants are surprisingly effective at keeping weeds at bay, particularly in woodland-style borders and other shady corners. Hellebores can be planted in generous drifts rather than as individual specimens, allowing their foliage to knit together and form a canopy that shades the ground and limits unwanted growth. With a wide range of varieties offering flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and near-black, hellebores are a beautiful and practical choice for weed suppression.
A Greener Approach
Preventing weeds from germinating is the best course of action in any yard, and all of these weed-suppressing plants will help to stop weeds from taking hold in your borders. While weeds can be troublesome, remember that they are a valuable food source for pollinators such as birds and bees. If you can, consider leaving a small patch of ground where weeds can grow to attract hungry pollinators to your plot. For more information, see our guide on flowering weeds for pollinators. And if you love inspiring garden ideas, outdoor advice, and the latest news, sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.
