10 Fast-Growing Tiny Flowers for a Colorful Garden

Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme (Thymus spp.) is a fast-growing herbaceous perennial in the mint family. The low-growing plant, also called Breckland thyme or elfin thyme, produces small blooms in shades of pink, purple, or white and is incredibly low-maintenance.

“Creeping thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained soil,” says Ryan Harden, owner of The Harden Garden. “It’s great for gaps between steps and is a ground cover with tiny purple blooms and a pleasant scent.”

• Hardiness Zone: 2 to 9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining, sandy soil

Lantana

“An amazing option for warmer climates, Lantana (Lantana camara) has many different varieties with color options ranging from red, orange, purple, pink, and white,” says Ward Dilmore, founder and head landscape designer at Petrus Luxury Estate Landscaping Company. “It’s a great choice for flowing over a rock wall or a dry sunny spot.” 

Lantana thrives with 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily and well-draining soil. The versatile plant is a perennial in warm regions and an annual in colder climates. 

• Hardiness Zone: 7 to 11
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining, neutral soil

Dwarf Tickseed

Dwarf tickseed (Coreopsis auriculata) is a cheerful perennial wildflower in the daisy family. The evergreen plant grows easily in dense clumps, producing bright yellow flowers. Plant dwarf tickseed in a sunny location with well-draining soil.

“Deadhead to encourage blooms throughout the season,” Harden recommends. This will encourage more growth.

• Hardiness Zone: 2 to 11
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining, sandy soil

Rock Cress

Rock cress (Aubrieta deltoidea), also called Arabis, is a ground cover perennial with evergreen leaves and four-petaled small flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, or white.

This hardy plant is drought-tolerant once it’s established and is easy to grow from seed. “Plant rock cress in the sun with alkaline soil for permanent coverage,” Harden advises. 

• Hardiness Zone: 4 to 7
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining soil

Blue Star Creeper

For a blanket of small violet or white-hued flowers, plant blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis), an evergreen perennial that spreads quickly.

“This is a small, spreading ground cover that has attractive, small, blue or white flowers,” Dilmore says. “When established, it can create a nice dense ground cover with tiny star-shaped flowers.”

Plant blue star creeper 12 to 18 inches apart in full or partial sun with moist, well-draining soil. “It is fairly easy to grow, though it doesn’t like being overwatered,” Dilmore adds.

• Hardiness Zone: 6 to 8
• Light: Full or partial sun
• Soil: Well-draining, moist soil

Baby’s Breath

Baby’s breath (Gypsophila spp.) is a fast-growing plant with over 100 varieties, some annual and some perennials. With tiny, delicate white flowers, baby’s breath makes a beautiful ornamental addition to any garden and is popular for filling out bouquets.

“Baby’s breath grows best in sandy soil with full sun,” Harden says. “Don’t overwater it.” 

• Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining alkaline or neutral soil

Sweet Alyssum

Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a low-growing plant with beautiful purple, pink, or white blooms. The pleasantly fragrant flower is perfect as a ground cover or to fill empty gaps in your garden. Sweet alyssum is usually grown as an annual but can be a perennial in warmer climates. 

“Moderate watering and full exposure to the sun is essential for growth,” Harden says. 

• Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
• Light: Full to partial sun
• Soil: Well-draining, moist soil

Bugleweed

Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) is a low-maintenance perennial that will bring a burst of blue or purple color to your garden.

“Bugleweed is a great low-maintenance ground cover with interesting blue and purple flowers,” Dilmore says. “If you’re looking for an easy-to-grow ground cover with small flowers, bugleweed is a great option for low-sun areas.”

Bugleweed thrives in partial to full sun with well-drained soil. 

• Hardiness Zone: 3 to 10
• Light: Full or partial sun
• Soil: Well-draining, acidic soil

Wild Candytuft

Wild candytuft (Iberis amara) is a small ornamental annual with striking tiny flowers in white, pink, or pale violet. This fast-growing member of the mustard family can add dimension to your garden with its low-growing evergreen leaves and clusters of flowers.

“Wild candytuft grows well in full sun or partial shade with light, well-drained soil,” Harden explains. 

• Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
• Light: Full or partial sun
• Soil: Moist, well-draining soil

Phlox

Phlox (Phlox) can fill out your garden as a fast-growing ground cover peppered with tiny flowers in shades of pink, violet, blue, red, or white. “Phlox can create a flowing dense ground cover look with a few color options,” Dilmore says. 

There are taller versions of phlox as well but the most popular for tiny flowers are the shorter versions. Phlox thrives in full to partial sun with well-draining soil.

• Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
• Light: Full or partial sun
• Soil: Loamy, well-draining, rich soil