Creeping Phlox/ Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata): Vigorous mat-forming 6” high plant that rambles through rocks and drapes over rock walls. Dense ground cover excellent for controlling erosion on slopes. Note: Not for pathways, it does not tolerate foot traffic. Perennial, Full sun, Flowers can be white, rose, hot pink or magenta, Deer Resistant. USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9.
Hens-and-chicks (Sempervivum)
Ground-hugging, cold hardy, sun loving, drought tolerant succulent. Leaves form in rosette shapes, propagate by offsets (chicks). With 3,000 cultivars available leaf colors range from shades of green, to silver-blues, to dark purple, and delicate pink. Use in rock gardens, containers or areas you want to “fill-in”. Perennial, Full sun to Part Sun, Likes Sandy/ Gritty Soil, Drought Tolerant, Deer proof. Groundcover. USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 10.
Irish Moss/Corsican Pearl Wort (Sagina subulata)
Handsome lush low-growing green moss that forms a carpet-like foliage 1″ tall. Tiny translucent star-shaped white flowers. Irish Moss is prefect for rock gardens, between stone or paver pathways. Perennial, Evergreen, Full or Part Shade, Needs Water & Well-Draining Soil, White Flowers, Deer Proof, Groundcover. USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 10.
Article by Carlotta Lucas
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): Excellent for pathways, grows flat and tolerates foot traffic. Likes well-drained soil. Soft fuzzy Appearance. Herbaceous Perennial, Fragrant, Pink flower, Sun/Part Shade, Deer Proof, Attracts Bees. USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.
Wooly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus): Durable plant perfect for filling in between stepping stones, or rock gardens. Soft foliage creates a low, lush mat with pink flowers. Herbaceous Perennial, Attracts Butterflies & Bees, Sun/Part Shade, Drought Tolerant/ Water Wise Groundcover, Deer Proof. USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8.
Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis): A wonderful creeping perennial for filling in. Use between stepping stones, under shrubs, in rockery, around ponds. Tiny green leaves form a dense, low mat ½ inches high. Produces tiny light blue star-shaped flowers which cover the plant late spring into fall. Perennial, Evergreen, Full Sun/Part Shade, Tolerates Foot Traffic, Like Moisture, Deer Proof. USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9.