9 Plants Every Gardener Should Grow to Help Fight Against Weeds

Lamb's Ear

Lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina) is a dense ground cover with gray-green leaves that prevents weeds and blooms lavender flowers in spring

Creeping Mazus

Creeping mazus (Mazus reptans) forms a dense, weed-suppressing mat with green leaves and tubular flowers in mid-spring

Creeping Phlox

Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera) creates a green carpet with pink, purple, and white flowers from late winter to early spring

Crimson Clover

Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) fills bare patches, blooms in mid-spring, and improves soil quality

Bugleweed

Bugleweed (Ajuga) forms a dense mat with dark foliage and lavender flowers that attract pollinators; grows in Zones 4-11, 11 inches tall, 15 inches wide

Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) grows in clusters to suppress weeds, with blooms in various colors like orange, yellow, and red

Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) spreads by its roots, forming a dense mat with white flowers in spring

Clematis

Sapphire indigo clematis (non-climbing variety) suppresses weeds while providing stunning summer flowers

Carex

Carex or sedge is a large genus of weed-suppressing plants, including 'Evercolor Everglow', which adds drama to gardens