9 Must-Have Ground Cover Plants for the UK Gardener

Posted on 16/05/2025

9 Must-Have Ground Cover Plants for the UK Gardener

For those looking to create a lush, vibrant garden without the hassle of high-maintenance plants, ground cover plants offer an excellent solution. These versatile plants not only beautify a garden but also play a crucial role in weed suppression and soil conservation. Here, we delve into nine must-have ground cover plants that are perfect for UK gardens, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The Benefits of Ground Cover Plants

Ground cover plants provide numerous advantages, which make them essential in any garden. These include:

• Weed Suppression: Densely grown plants prevent sunlight from reaching weeds, significantly reducing their growth.
• Soil Protection: They help in preventing soil erosion by holding the soil firmly with their roots.
• Moisture Retention: Ground cover plants reduce evaporation, helping the soil retain moisture for longer.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With a wide range of species, these plants add color, texture, and structure to gardens.

A Selection of the Best Ground Cover Plants in the UK

1. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

If you wish to add a burst of vibrant yellow to your garden, Creeping Jenny is an excellent choice. Its foliage adds visual warmth throughout the seasons. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade, making it an ideal plant for the changing British climate.

2. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Known for its evergreen foliage and delicate blue or purple flowers, Periwinkle is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil conditions. It's perfect for those shaded areas where grass struggles to survive, keeping your garden lush and green all year round.

3. Thyme (Thymus spp.)

This aromatic herb is more than just a kitchen staple. As a ground cover, thyme brings a fragrant presence with its tiny leaves and purple blooms. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance yet stunning plant.

4. Stonecrop (Sedum spp.)

Stonecrop is a succulent ground cover that offers durability and easy care. Its fleshy leaves can store water, making it drought-tolerant and suitable for sunny spots. This plant's variety of colors and forms provide a dynamic contrast to traditional ground covers.

5. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Ajuga, or Bugleweed, showcases glossy, dark leaves and vibrant blue flower spikes. It is noted for its vigorous growth, effortlessly spreading across areas that are difficult to cultivate. Bugleweed thrives in both sun and shade, offering adaptability to garden designs.

6. Hebe (Hebe spp.)

Offering evergreen foliage and beautiful flower spikes, Hebe is an undervalued garden plant. It's adaptable to UK climates, preferring sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. The distinguishing feature of Hebe is its low maintenance and long flowering season, which attracts pollinators to the garden.

7. Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina)

Lamb's Ear is best known for its soft, fuzzy leaves which create a silver-grey carpet. This drought-tolerant plant fits perfectly into dry areas of the garden where other plants may struggle. The foliage of Lamb's Ear brings an interesting texture and color element to garden designs.

8. Saxifrage (Saxifraga spp.)

Suitable for rock gardens and alpine settings, Saxifrage offers a delicate blend of leaf textures and petite flowers. It thrives in cool, damp conditions, making it perfect for UK gardens. Saxifrage adds a splash of color with its charming blooms and resilient nature.

9. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

This plant features sweet-smelling leaves and delicate white flowers, flourishing in shaded, damp conditions. Sweet Woodruff is an effective weed suppressant, and its sweet aroma makes it a delightful addition to any garden.

Tips for Successful Ground Cover Planting

To maximize the benefits of ground cover plants, keep the following tips in mind:

• Soil Preparation: Ensure your soil is well-aerated and enriched to promote healthy growth.
• Planting Density: Plant densely to achieve quicker coverage and effective weed suppression.
• Watering: Regular watering in the initial weeks is crucial until the plants are established.
• Pruning: Regular pruning helps control the spread of vigorous growers and maintains a tidy appearance.

Conclusion

By incorporating these must-have ground cover plants into your garden, you can create a more sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and low-maintenance landscape. These plants provide not only an attractive ground cover solution but also practical benefits such as weed suppression and soil conservation. Whether you're dealing with a sunny border or a shaded nook, the diverse array of options ensures there's a perfect plant for every UK gardener.

Get creative and experiment with combining different ground covers to create depth and interest in your garden, ensuring beauty and functionality in equal measure.