How to Grow Moisture-loving Groundcovers
Moisture-loving Groundcovers
Sedum spp. & Thymus serpyllum
groundcoverMoisture-loving groundcovers are low-growing plants that spread horizontally to cover soil and suppress weeds. This category includes sedums (stonecrops) and creeping thyme, which provide year-round foliage, seasonal flowers, and habitat for pollinators while requiring minimal maintenance once established.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Moisture-loving Groundcovers in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Moisture-loving Groundcovers timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Moisture-loving Groundcovers
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Moisture-loving Groundcovers
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Moisture-loving Groundcovers dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 4-9 (varies by species; creeping thyme excels in 4-8, sedums in 3-10)
Sign up free to see if Moisture-loving Groundcovers grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Moisture-loving Groundcovers timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung plants with minimal growth, establishing root systems and sending out first runners.
Keep soil consistently moist (not wet). Mulch around plants to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature. Protect from foot traffic.
Vegetative Spread
6-12 weeksPlants develop runners and lateral stems, expanding outward. Foliage becomes denser and more uniform.
Reduce watering frequency as soil moisture decreases. Thin overcrowded stems if needed. Weed regularly until canopy closes.
Flowering
4-8 weeks (spring or early summer)Small flowers (pink, red, purple, or white depending on species) appear at stem tips, attracting pollinators.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. Maintain light watering schedule. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer.
Mature Groundcover
Ongoing (1+ years)Dense, continuous mat of foliage with good weed suppression. Minimal bare soil visible.
Water only during drought (rainfall usually sufficient). Fertilize lightly in spring if needed. Divide every 2-3 years to rejuvenate.
Winter Dormancy (in cold zones)
3-4 monthsFoliage may turn bronze or burgundy; sedums flatten; thyme remains semi-evergreen.
No watering needed. Remove fallen debris to prevent disease. Avoid heavy foot traffic on frozen plants.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
and
Hand-pick, use copper tape barriers, apply diatomaceous earth, reduce mulch depth near plants
-
Improve drainage, avoid overwatering, space plants for air circulation, remove infected tissue
-
Spray with insecticidal soap, prune infected stems, improve air circulation
-
Spray with strong water stream, use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
-
Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide
Uses
Erosion Control & Slope Stabilization
HouseholdDense groundcover mats stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion, reducing runoff and sediment loss. Their shallow to moderate root systems hold soil particles in place while allowing water infiltration. [source]
Culinary Herb (Thyme)
CulinaryCreeping thyme varieties produce aromatic leaves used fresh or dried in cooking, teas, and seasoning blends. Common culinary varieties include 'Coccineus' and 'Elfin.' [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Habitat
WildlifeGroundcover flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects throughout the growing season. The dense mat provides shelter for ground-dwelling predatory insects that control garden pests. [source]
Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternative
HouseholdGroundcovers eliminate the need for frequent mowing and chemical inputs while requiring minimal water and fertilizer once established. Ideal for rock gardens, pathways, and problem areas where grass struggles. [source]
Herbal Medicine (Thyme)
MedicinalThyme contains thymol and carvacrol with antimicrobial and antitussive properties traditionally used in herbal remedies for coughs, respiratory health, and digestive support. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Groundcovers are not typically harvested for food, but thyme stems can be lightly pruned for culinary use during the growing season. For propagation, divide clumps in spring or fall, or take stem cuttings in early summer and root in moist sand/perlite mix. Remove dead or damaged foliage in early spring to promote new growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Sedums can photosynthesize in dim light due to their CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) pathway, making them exceptionally drought-tolerant once established.
- 🌱 Creeping thyme blooms produce enough nectar to attract honeybees, and beekeepers often plant it near hives to provide early-season forage.
- 🌱 Groundcover mats can reduce soil surface temperatures by up to 10°F compared to bare soil, conserving moisture and moderating microclimates for other garden residents.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Moisture-loving Groundcovers planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Moisture-loving Groundcovers seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Moisture-loving Groundcovers timeline →