Explore 9 Ground Cover Plants That Will Revolutionize Your UK Garden

Posted on 15/05/2025

garden planting

Discover 9 Ground Cover Plants to Transform Your UK Garden

Are you looking to fill those bare spots in your UK garden with lush, low-maintenance foliage? Consider ground cover plants. These versatile green warriors not only add aesthetic appeal, but they also improve soil health and reduce weed growth. Whether you're dealing with a sunny terrace or a shaded nook, there's a ground cover plant to fit every garden landscape.

1. Creeping Thyme

Thymus serpyllum, more commonly known as creeping thyme, is a favorite for its fragrant aroma and beautiful purplish-pink flowers. This hardy plant is ideal for sunny spots and offers a perennial solution that thrives in poor, dry soil.

Tolerates light foot traffic making it perfect for pathways.
Blooms in late spring to early summer.
Best suited for full sun locations.

2. Chamomile

If you're looking for a plant that's as functional as it is attractive, consider Anthemis nobilis or chamomile. Known for its daisy-like flowers, it adds a touch of elegance to any garden while the leaves can be harvested for tea.

Useful in both ornamental and edible landscapes.
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Low maintenance with a lovely, calming fragrance.

3. Vinca Minor (Lesser Periwinkle)

For a plant that can endure a variety of conditions, consider Vinca minor. Known for its glossy evergreen leaves and delightful violet-blue flowers, it's a perfect solution for shaded areas.

Can adapt to both shade and partial sun.
Low-growing and fast-spreading.
Excellent for preventing soil erosion.

4. Hebe

Native to New Zealand, Hebe is a perfect match for UK gardens. The small, bushy growth with white or purple flower spikes can be a dramatic addition to your garden landscape.

Does well in coastal gardens.
Requires minimal pruning.
Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

5. Woolly Thyme

Another member of the thyme family, woolly thyme offers a soft texture due to its hairy foliage. A charming option for rock gardens or between stepping stones.

Greyish-green leaves provide unique texture.
Requires little water and maintenance.
Grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.

6. Geranium 'Rozanne'

This hardy geranium is adored for its long blooming period--spanning from late spring to early autumn. With its violet-blue flowers, the Geranium 'Rozanne' captivates gardeners and adds a splash of color.

Tolerates partial shade to full sun locations.
Perennial plant with minimal care requirements.
A perfect option for attracting bees and butterflies.

7. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)

Looking for something evergreen that thrives in shade? Japanese spurge could be your solution. With its lush green leaves, it's a low-growing plant ideal for conserving ground moisture.

Thrives under shade or partial shade.
Ideal for mass planting and erosion control.
Easy to maintain, requiring little pruning or care.

8. Sedum

Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a succulent ground cover suitable for sunny, dry areas. Its diversity in leaf color and small star-like flowers make it a standout in any rock garden.

Low water requirements and drought-tolerant.
Great for roof gardens or wall crevices.
Available in a variety of lovely colors and textures.

9. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Renowned for its fragrant foliage, sweet woodruff offers a spectacular ground-hugging coverage perfect for shaded parts of your garden.

Does well in moist, shady environments.
Perfumed white flowers bloom in spring.
Great for natural pest repellent methods.