Popularity, clearly labeled
The Most Popular Groundcovers for Shade
Among groundcovers catalog-rated for shade rather than full sun, these are the genera Sow gardeners save most. Check local invasiveness guidance before choosing a spreading plant.

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 132 varieties. From creeping mats to tall fragrant panicles, phlox fills several garden layers.
Zones 4–8All 132 varieties →
Dead Nettle
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 19 varieties. Silver-marked leaves brighten shade while low stems close gaps beneath taller plants.
Zones 4–8All 19 varieties →
Bugleweed
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 26 varieties. Glossy rosettes knit together quickly, followed by upright blue spring flowers.
Zones 4–9All 26 varieties →
Sedge
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 88 varieties. Sedges offer an exceptional range of textures for weaving through difficult sites.
Zones 5–9All 88 varieties →
Green and Gold
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 3 varieties. Golden daisies brighten a low North American native mat from spring into summer.
Zones 5–8All 3 varieties →
Wintergreen
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 2 varieties. Glossy evergreen leaves and bright berries bring small-scale woodland interest.
Zones 4–8All 2 varieties →
Periwinkle
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 6 varieties. Evergreen trailing stems cover difficult shade quickly, where their spread can be bounded.
Zones 4–9All 6 varieties →
Mondo Grass
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 24 varieties. Dark, grassy foliage creates a compact evergreen line in sun or shade.
Zones 4–9All 24 varieties →
Wild Ginger
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 67 varieties. Heart-shaped leaves form a quiet woodland carpet beneath shrubs and trees.
Zones 4–9All 67 varieties →
Spurge
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 9 varieties. Evergreen leaf whorls make a uniform carpet beneath dense tree canopies.
Zones 4–9All 9 varieties →
Partridge Berry
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 1 variety. Its representative is notable for being North American native and usually passed over by deer.
Zones 4–9All 1 variety →
12Acorus
Sweet Flag
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 14 varieties. Its representative is notable for being usually passed over by deer and late spring flowering.
Zones 5–10All 14 varieties →
Brass Buttons
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 4 varieties. Fern-like miniature foliage forms an intricate mat around pavers and stones.
Zones 4–9All 4 varieties →
Kenilworth Ivy
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 4 varieties. Its representative is notable for being usually passed over by deer and spring to fall flowering.
Zones 5–9All 4 varieties →
15Viola
Violet / Pansy
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 35 varieties. Small, expressive flowers bring early color and often seed into charming colonies.
Zones 4–8All 35 varieties →
Barren Strawberry
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 2 varieties. Its representative is notable for being dry-spell tolerant and usually passed over by deer.
Zones 4–8All 2 varieties →
17Isopyrum
False Rue Anemone
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 1 variety. Its representative is notable for being usually passed over by deer and early spring flowering.
Zones 4–8All 1 variety →
Yellow Archangel
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 4 varieties. Its representative is notable for being usually passed over by deer and mid-spring flowering.
Zones 4–9All 4 varieties →
19Meehania
Meehan's Mint
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 2 varieties. Its representative is notable for being usually passed over by deer and late spring flowering.
Zones 4–8All 2 varieties →
Spikemoss
Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 9 varieties. Its representative is notable for being early spring flowering and easy-care.
Zones 4–9All 9 varieties →
About this list
How was this the most popular groundcovers for shade list ranked?
A plant must first match the catalog filters named in the title. Each genus is represented and ranked by its most-saved matching variety, so genera with many cultivars do not receive an automatic advantage.
How fast do groundcovers spread?
The useful ones cover in 2–3 seasons. Faster spreaders exist but read the fine print — anything described as "vigorous" in a catalog can mean "invasive" in a garden.
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