Discover 9 Perfect Ground Cover Plants for Your UK Garden

Posted on 16/05/2025

Discover 9 Perfect Ground Cover Plants for Your UK Garden

Your garden is an extension of your home, offering a serene escape from the daily hustle and bustle. Ground cover plants are an essential element in creating a lush, easy-to-maintain landscape in your UK garden. These plants not only provide a beautiful green carpet but also help in reducing soil erosion, minimizing weeds, and adding biodiversity to your outdoor space. Here, we explore nine perfect ground cover plants for your UK garden.

Why Choose Ground Cover Plants?

Ground cover plants are low-growing, spreading plants that can bring numerous benefits to your garden. Here are some reasons to include them in your landscape:

• Weed suppression: Ground covers reduce the opportunity for weeds to take root.
• Soil protection: They help conserve soil moisture and prevent erosion.
• Low maintenance: Once established, many ground cover plants require minimal upkeep.
• Wildlife support: These plants can provide food and shelter for pollinators and other garden wildlife.

Choosing the Right Ground Cover Plant for Your UK Garden

When selecting ground cover plants, consider factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and the specific climate of your region. The following ground cover plants thrive in the UK climate and can transform your garden into a beautiful and sustainable landscape.

1. Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)

Ajuga reptans is a versatile ground cover plant that grows well in both sun and shade. This perennial plant features attractive dark green to purplish foliage and produces spikes of blue flowers in the spring.

• Soil: Tolerates a wide range but prefers moist, well-drained soil.
• Light: Partial shade to full sun.
• Care: Low maintenance, occasionally trim to control spread.
• Benefits: Excellent for adding a splash of color to shaded areas.

2. Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle)

This evergreen ground cover is perfect for tough spots in the garden, such as under trees. Vinca minor features glossy evergreen leaves and produces charming violet-blue flowers in spring.

• Soil: Adaptable to various soil types. Prefers well-drained soil.
• Light: Full sun to full shade.
• Care: Minimal care; prune occasionally to prevent overspread.
• Benefits: Effective for erosion control on slopes.

3. Geranium macrorrhizum (Bigroot Geranium)

Geranium macrorrhizum is an excellent choice for sunny borders. Its fragrant leaves and pink or purple flowers can brighten up any landscape.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, rich soil.
• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Care: Fairly drought-tolerant. Trim to maintain shape.
• Benefits: Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

4. Waldsteinia ternata (Barren Strawberry)

Known for its golden-yellow flowers, Waldsteinia ternata is an attractive ground cover ideal for covering large areas.

• Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil.
• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Care: Low maintenance. Regular watering promotes vigor.
• Benefits: Rapid spreader, great for covering bare ground.

5. Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme)

A fragrant and attractive choice, Thymus serpyllum is a perennial herb that produces a colorful carpet of purple or pink flowers.

• Soil: Prefers sandy, well-drained soil.
• Light: Full sun.
• Care: Drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance after establishment.
• Benefits: Aromatic flowers attract pollinators and repel pests.

6. Hedera helix (English Ivy)

Hedera helix is a vigorous, evergreen ground cover that's ideal for adding texture and greenery to your garden.

• Soil: Adapts well to most soil types.
• Light: Tolerates shade to partial sun.
• Care: Regular trimming to control spread.
• Benefits: Highly effective at controlling soil erosion.

7. Alchemilla mollis (Lady's Mantle)

With delicate, scalloped leaves and clusters of soft, yellow flowers, Alchemilla mollis is both functional and ornamental.

• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil.
• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Care: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
• Benefits: Ideal for borders and mixed beds.

8. Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny)

This rapidly spreading ground cover plant is known for its bright green leaves and is often used for trailing over walls and rocks.

• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil.
• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Care: Regular watering in dry conditions encourages lush growth.
• Benefits: Excellent choice for water feature edges.

9. Sagina subulata (Irish Moss)

Known for creating a lush, green carpet, Sagina subulata is a great choice for rock gardens and between stepping stones.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy soil.
• Light: Partial shade to full sun.
• Care: Requires regular watering to prevent drying out.
• Benefits: Perfect for creating a 'fairy-tale' lawn effect.

Conclusion: Enhance Your Garden with Ground Covers

Whether you're looking for a way to add color, control weeds, or simply beautify your landscape, these ground cover plants are excellent options for any UK garden. Consider mixing and matching to create an engaging, low-maintenance garden that will thrive year-round. With the right selection, you can build a garden that's not only beautiful but also sustainable and wildlife-friendly.