Growing These 5 Native Perennials is the Best Way of Keeping Weeds Out of Your Yard – And Plant Experts Agree

Weeding is a constant chore in most yards – but the most effective way to suppress weeds isn’t chemical sprays or hours of hand-pulling. It’s growing dense, vigorous plants that naturally prevent unwanted species from taking hold. Fortunately, many native North American plants excel at exactly this, forming living mulches that outcompete weeds while supporting local ecosystems.

As a professional gardener, I’ve spent years battling nettles, dandelions and docks. Time and again, I’ve found that spreading ground covers, shrubs and perennials that fill borders are the best long-term solution, reducing bare soil and leaving little room for unwelcome plants to establish.

Here, garden experts reveal five of the best native plants to stop weeds, from low-maintenance evergreen ground covers to larger flowering shrubs. Add one or more of these to your yard this year, and you may find that weeding becomes a much quicker, and far less painful, task.

5 of the Best Native Plants to Stop Weeds

Native planting is perfectly adapted to the region where it originates. Whatever soil, climate or US hardiness zone, native plants are tough, resilient and low-maintenance options that can be relied upon.

When it comes to weed suppression, native species have an advantage, in that they are typically quick to establish and spread, and in doing so, outcompete invasive weeds.

Here are five species to consider growing this year.

1. Creeping Phlox

'Creeping phlox, or Phlox subulata, is native to the Northern Midwest regions of the US and throughout the Appalachian mountains,' says plant expert, Katie Sunderlage, who is based in Wisconsin.

In terms of how to grow phlox, Phlox subulata is remarkably versatile and can do well as far north as zone 3 and as far south as zone 9.

Creeping phlox live plants are available from Amazon.

'This is one of the best low-growing native ground cover plants to stop weeds. It has a dense, thick branching habit, perfect for keeping weeds at bay,' Katie says. 'It does very well in full sun locations. Just remember – the more sun the plant enjoys, the more flowers it will produce.

'Water weekly if rainfall is scarce to maintain evenly moist soil,' Katie says. 'Fertilizing is recommended in early spring to help promote prolific blooms. I tend to use a slow-release fertilizer that is formulated for flowering plants.

'It will grow to about 12 inches tall,' Katie says, 'so is perfect for filling borders or covering the earth under shrubs and trees. Once temperatures start to go up in summer, creeping phlox will brown and die back, only to reshoot in late summer or early fall as the mercury dips.'

Katie Sunderlage

Operations Manager at Holland Group, managing the customer service department and purchasing. Katie has been in the green industry since 2005 in the Greater Milwaukee area, earning her degree in Horticulture in 2008. She has been able to share her love for plants working in multiple garden centers, in sales positions and most recently in an online retail platform at Holland Group.

2. Yarrow

'Yarrow, or Achillea millefolium, is one of the best perennials to suppress weeds,' Katie says. 'It is native to much of the US and Canada and is hardy in zones 3 to 9. In mild regions, the crown of the plant will remain evergreen even through the winter months.

'When planted en masse, yarrow offers dense foliage and roots that help combat weeds,' Katie says. 'It grows to about three feet tall and comes in a wide variety of colors, including white, yellow and pink.'

'Millie Rose Rock' and 'Cerise Queen' are two pink varieties that always help to add impact to borders. There are many different varieties to try, and live achillea plants are available from Amazon.

'In terms of how to grow this full sun ground cover plant, yarrow does best in bright, open borders and prefers well-drained soil,' Katie adds. 'To keep yarrow blooming throughout the season, deadheading and pruning is recommended.'

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3. Shrub Roses

Native shrub roses are a surprisingly effective way to suppress weeds, thanks to their dense, spreading growth habit and ability to quickly cover bare soil. Once established, they act as a living mulch, shading out weed seedlings before they can gain a foothold.

‘Shrub roses tend to have a dense-growing habit, which makes them excellent for suppressing weeds in garden beds,’ says Katie. ‘We have many native roses that are among the easiest to grow, including California rose, Rosa californica, which can grow down to US hardiness zone 6 in sunny, open borders.’

Some wild rose varieties can spread up to 15 feet wide, making them particularly useful as ground cover in larger spaces. Most thrive in full sun for the best flowering, though many will tolerate partial shade.

For best results, plant native shrub roses in spring or fall, avoiding the heat of summer when young plants can struggle to establish. Deep watering during the first year will encourage strong root development and help plants settle in quickly.

Mulching newly planted roses is also key while they fill out. Apply an organic mulch such as pine bark, available from Amazon, in spring or fall to further suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil – especially helpful in the early stages of growth.

4. Golden Groundsel

Golden groundsel (Packera aurea) is a native perennial wildflower from eastern North America that works exceptionally well as a ground cover plants to stop weeds.

Ideal for naturalistic planting schemes, it spreads steadily to form a dense carpet of foliage, shading out weeds while adding seasonal color to borders and underplanting.

‘Packera aurea is one of the best native evergreen ground cover plants,’ says Carolyn Walker, plant expert and owner of Carolyn’s Shade Garden Nursery.

‘It has lush foliage and bright yellow, daisy-like blooms that flower atop three-foot stems for much of the growing season.’ Remarkably adaptable, golden groundsel thrives ‘anywhere down to zone 3 – sun or shade, rich or poor soil, wet or dry.’

Over time, its vigorous basal growth allows it to naturalize and creep outward, forming a thick green mat that suppresses unwanted plants.

Beyond its weed-blocking abilities, golden groundsel is also a standout choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. ‘The real reason to grow golden groundsel is that it is the ultimate plant for pollinators,’ Carolyn says. ‘It supports many different species of insects, bees, butterflies and birds with its nectar. Adding this to your yard is a no-brainer.’

Carolyn Walker

Carolyn is a plant expert and owner of Carolyn’s Shade Gardens, a retail nursery in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Carolyn grows and gardens in zone 6b/7a and is a shady plant expert.

5. California Fescue

California fescue, Festuca californica, is a fast-growing perennial grass that is native to California and Oregon. 'This ornamental silver-blue grass grows in clumps that can often reach four feet tall,' says Maya Argaman, native plant expert and Horticulture Senior Program Coordinator at the California Native Plant Society.

'Festuca californica, like many grasses, is both tolerant and resilient,' Maya says. 'It can be grown from zones 7 to 11, with a preference for loamy or clay soils.'

For the best results, grow in full sun to part shade, and water two to three times per month while it establishes. Over time, the clumps will form dense coverings in your borders and become fairly drought-tolerant.

'Whether planted as ground covers, understory plants or as statement perennials, native grasses will help to suppress weeds from growing,' Maya says. 'What's more, there are many species to consider, so you are sure to be one to suit your yard.'

Why not consider also growing Bouteloua gracilis, or blue grama grass? Seeds are available from Amazon. With wonderful seedheads in fall, blue grama is a practical and impactful option to plant this year.

Maya Argaman

Maya is the Horticulture Senior Program Coordinator at the California Native Plant Society. She graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Environmental Science and Management, where she fell in love with native plants in both the natural and built environment.

If you’re dealing with an infestation of nettles or brambles, it can be tempting to reach for weed-suppressing fabric or chemical sprays. However, neither is a long-term solution – and both come with drawbacks for soil health and wildlife.

Instead, consider a natural, plant-led approach. By choosing vigorous native plants that fill borders and shade out bare soil, you can reduce weeds without plastic or chemicals. While this method requires patience and a little determination, the results are well worth the wait.

In time, your borders will look fuller and more colorful – and they’ll also become a haven for birds, mammals, bees and other pollinators drawn to your eco-friendly planting.

For more weed-suppressing ideas, see our guide on how to grow ground cover roses to help keep weeds at bay this year.