Best Ground Covers to Grow in Massachusetts

Zone 6 offers an excellent sweet spot for ground cover gardening, with its 180-day growing season providing ample time for establishment while still delivering enough winter chill to satisfy cold-hardy perennials. The challenge lies in selecting varieties that can handle winter lows of -10°F to 0°F without sacrificing summer performance during hot, humid stretches. This zone's variable spring weather—where warm spells can trigger early growth only to be followed by late cold snaps—demands ground covers with flexible dormancy patterns.

The key to success in Zone 6 is choosing ground covers that establish quickly during the long growing season but possess the root hardiness to survive ice, snow load, and freeze-thaw cycles. Look for varieties with proven track records in similar climates, focusing on those that spread reliably without becoming invasive. Dense, mat-forming growth habits work particularly well here, as they create their own insulating microclimate while suppressing weeds effectively through the extended growing period.

Our top picks for Zone 6 combine rapid establishment, winter resilience, and season-long appeal. Whether you're dealing with sunny slopes, shaded woodland areas, or challenging spots where grass struggles, these varieties have proven themselves in real Zone 6 gardens, handling everything from late spring freezes to summer drought stress while providing reliable ground coverage year after year.