Top 10 Ground Cover Plants for the Philippines

Why Use Ground Cover Plants

Ground cover plants in the Philippines serve essential roles beyond decoration. They prevent soil erosion during heavy monsoon rains, suppress weeds that compete with your garden plants and reduce the amount of bare soil that dries out and cracks during summer.

A good ground cover creates a living carpet that keeps soil cool, retains moisture and reduces maintenance. For Filipino homeowners, ground cover plants transform bare patches, slopes and areas under trees into lush, green spaces that require minimal upkeep.

Here are ten proven ground cover plants that thrive in Philippine conditions, from full-sun grasses to shade-loving ornamentals.

1. Carabao Grass (Paspalum conjugatum)

Carabao grass is the most common lawn grass in the Philippines. You will find it growing naturally in parks, school yards and residential lawns across the country. It spreads rapidly through stolons, forming a dense mat that tolerates heavy foot traffic. Carabao grass thrives in full sun to partial shade and handles the Philippine rainy season without problems. It requires mowing every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain a tidy appearance. This grass is the most affordable option for large lawn areas and establishes quickly from plugs or sod.

2. Frog Grass (Axonopus compressus)

Frog grass produces a finer, softer blade than carabao grass, giving lawns a more manicured appearance. It is the preferred choice for Filipino homeowners who want a carpet-like lawn texture. Frog grass tolerates moderate shade, making it suitable for areas under scattered trees. It spreads through stolons and fills in gaps quickly during the rainy season. Water regularly during summer dry spells to keep it green. Frog grass needs mowing every 2 weeks and benefits from quarterly fertilisation with complete fertiliser.

3. Blue Grass (Digitaria didactyla)

Blue grass is a premium lawn grass popular in upscale Filipino subdivisions and golf courses. Its fine, blue-green blades create an elegant, dense turf that rivals imported grass varieties. Blue grass needs full sun and regular watering to maintain its colour. It is more demanding than carabao or frog grass, requiring weekly mowing, monthly fertilising and consistent irrigation. Despite the higher maintenance, blue grass delivers a superior visual result that elevates any front yard or garden.

4. Rhoeo (Tradescantia spathacea)

Rhoeo is a striking ornamental ground cover with sword-shaped leaves that are green on top and purple underneath. It grows 20 to 30 cm tall and spreads through offsets to form dense, colourful clusters. Rhoeo thrives in partial shade to full shade, making it perfect for planting under trees and along north-facing walls. It tolerates poor soil and irregular watering once established. Filipino landscapers use rhoeo extensively as edging along pathways, under canopy trees and in foundation plantings around buildings.

5. Alternanthera (Joseph's Coat)

Alternanthera is a low-growing ornamental ground cover available in vibrant shades of red, purple, pink and chartreuse green. Filipino landscapers use it to create colourful patterns, borders and accent beds. It grows 10 to 20 cm tall in full sun and spreads through stem cuttings planted directly into the soil. Alternanthera requires regular trimming every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain a compact shape. It thrives in full sun where its colours become most intense. This versatile plant is a staple in Philippine commercial and residential landscaping.

6. Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus)

Mondo grass is a dark green, grass-like ground cover that grows 10 to 15 cm tall in neat, arching clumps. Despite its name, it is not a true grass but a member of the lily family. Mondo grass excels in shaded areas where true grasses struggle to grow. Plant it between stepping stones, along shaded pathways and under dense tree canopies. It requires minimal mowing and stays compact naturally. Mondo grass spreads slowly through underground rhizomes and creates a lush, refined look in shaded garden areas.

7. Liriope (Ophiopogon jaburan)

Liriope is a larger cousin of mondo grass, growing 30 to 45 cm tall with broader, strap-shaped leaves. Some varieties feature attractive white or yellow leaf margins. Liriope produces spikes of small purple or white flowers followed by blue berries. It thrives in partial to full shade and works beautifully as border edging, mass plantings and under-tree ground cover. Liriope is tough, drought-tolerant once established and requires almost no maintenance in Philippine gardens. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years to prevent overcrowding.

8. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)

Creeping fig is a versatile ground cover that also climbs walls and vertical surfaces. Its small, heart-shaped leaves create a dense, flat mat that hugs whatever surface it grows on. Use creeping fig as ground cover in shaded areas or train it up walls, fences and pillars for a living green wall effect. It attaches with aerial rootlets and needs no support structure. In Philippine gardens, creeping fig grows vigorously year-round. Trim regularly to control spread, as it can become invasive if left unchecked on building walls.

9. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas ornamental)

Ornamental sweet potato vine is a fast-growing ground cover available in lime green, deep purple and tricolour varieties. It spreads rapidly, covering bare ground within weeks during the Philippine rainy season. Each trailing stem can extend 1 to 2 metres in a single growing season. Sweet potato vine thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates poor soil. Use it to fill large areas quickly, cascade over retaining walls and add bold colour to garden beds. Cut back hard every few months to keep it from overtaking neighbouring plants.

10. Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora)

Portulaca, also known as moss rose or "nine o'clock," is a flowering ground cover that thrives in the hottest, driest spots in Philippine gardens. Its succulent leaves store water, making it incredibly drought-tolerant. Portulaca produces vibrant flowers in red, pink, yellow, orange and white that open each morning and close by afternoon. Plant it along driveways, on rockeries, in raised beds and anywhere that receives scorching full sun. Portulaca reseeds freely and comes back year after year once established.

Best Practices for Ground Cover

Follow these tips to establish healthy ground cover in your Philippine garden.

• Prepare the soil first by removing all weeds, rocks and debris. Mix in compost or vermicast to improve fertility and drainage.
• Plant during the rainy season (June to August) for fastest establishment. Natural rainfall reduces your watering workload.
• Space plants properly. Place grass plugs 15 to 20 cm apart and ornamental ground covers 20 to 30 cm apart for full coverage within 2 to 3 months.
• Water daily for the first 2 weeks after planting, then gradually reduce to every other day until plants are established.
• Apply mulch between plants to suppress weeds while the ground cover fills in. Coconut coir or dried leaves work well.
• Fertilise monthly with a balanced fertiliser (14-14-14) during the first growing season to encourage rapid spread.
• Edge regularly along pathways and garden beds to prevent ground cover from invading areas where it is not wanted.
• Address bare patches promptly by replanting plugs or cuttings before weeds colonise the empty space.

Where to Buy Grass and Ground Cover

Urban Goes Green supplies grass varieties and soil for landscaping projects across Metro Manila. Browse our grass shop for carabao grass, frog grass and blue grass sod rolls.

Need help with your landscaping project? Our professional landscaping services team handles everything from soil preparation to grass installation and ornamental planting. Read our carabao grass vs frog grass comparison for help choosing the right lawn grass.

Frequently Asked Questions