Native New Jersey Ground Covers That Bloom in Early Spring

As winter fades and the first signs of spring emerge, gardeners in New Jersey eagerly anticipate the return of color to their landscapes. While many associate early spring blooms with bulbs like crocuses and daffodils, native ground covers can also provide essential early-season beauty and ecological benefits. These plants help suppress weeds, prevent soil erosion, and support pollinators just as they begin to emerge.

Here are some fantastic early-blooming native ground covers for New Jersey gardens:

1. Golden Groundsel (Packera aurea)

⭐ Bloom Time: April – May
⭐ Sun: Part shade to full shade
⭐ Soil: Moist to average, well-drained
⭐ Wildlife Benefits: Supports early pollinators, including native bees

Golden groundsel is a powerhouse for shady gardens, forming a lush carpet of green foliage that explodes into clusters of bright yellow daisy-like flowers in early spring. It thrives in woodland settings and moist areas, making it a great choice for rain gardens and shaded borders.

2. Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

⭐ Bloom Time: April – May
⭐ Sun: Part shade to full shade
⭐ Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained
⭐ Wildlife Benefits: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Also known as woodland phlox, this lovely ground cover offers fragrant blue-purple flowers that spread across forest floors and shaded garden beds. It’s a wonderful way to introduce early-season nectar for pollinators while adding a soft, romantic touch to your garden.

3. Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata)

⭐ Bloom Time: March – May
⭐ Sun: Full sun
⭐ Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky
⭐ Wildlife Benefits: Attracts early-season pollinators

For those with sunny, dry areas, Phlox subulata, or moss phlox, is a fantastic choice. This tough, low-growing plant forms a dense mat of evergreen foliage, bursting into vibrant carpets of pink, purple, or white flowers in early spring. It’s excellent for rock gardens, slopes, and edges where erosion control is needed.

4. Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)

⭐ Bloom Time: April – May
⭐ Sun: Part shade to full shade
⭐ Soil: Moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter
⭐ Wildlife Benefits: Supports native bees

Foamflower is a stunning native ground cover with frothy white flower spikes that rise above deeply lobed, semi-evergreen foliage. It thrives in woodland settings and shaded garden edges, pairing beautifully with ferns and hostas.

5. Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides)

⭐ Bloom Time: April – May
⭐ Sun: Full sun to part shade
⭐ Soil: Well-drained, drought-tolerant
⭐ Wildlife Benefits: Provides shelter for small insects

This low-growing native forms a dense mat of glossy green leaves and produces cheerful yellow flowers in early spring. Unlike true strawberries, it does not produce edible fruit, but it makes an excellent, tough, and deer-resistant ground cover for sun or partial shade.

Why Choose Native Ground Covers?

Native ground covers not only add seasonal beauty but also contribute to a healthier, more sustainable landscape. By planting species adapted to New Jersey’s climate, you create resilient plant communities that require less maintenance, reduce the need for mulch, fertilizers and pesticides, and support local wildlife.