9 Ground Cover Plants to Bring Your UK Garden to Life

Posted on 15/05/2025

9 Ground Cover Plants to Bring Your UK Garden to Life

If you're looking to transform your garden into a lush, green paradise, ground cover plants are an essential addition. Not only do they fill in bare spots, but they also help in suppressing weeds, conserving moisture, and adding texture and color to your garden. In this article, we'll explore nine versatile ground cover plants perfect for UK gardens. These selections will help create a vibrant and thriving outdoor space.

1. Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle)

This hardy evergreen ground cover is known for its glossy leaves and charming violet-blue flowers. The periwinkle is an excellent choice for shaded areas, where many other plants might struggle. It's particularly effective in suppressing weeds and thrives in well-drained soil.

Benefits of Vinca minor:

• Low maintenance and drought-tolerant
• Attractive all year round
• Fast-spreading, covering large areas quickly

2. Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)

Ajuga reptans, or Bugleweed, is valued for its vibrant foliage, which can be dark green, bronze, or even variegated. During summer, it produces striking blue flower spikes, adding a dash of color to your garden. This versatile ground cover is perfect for both sunny and shaded areas.

Why Choose Ajuga reptans?

• Tolerant of various soil types
• Provides year-round interest
• Easy to divide and propagate

3. Hedera helix (English Ivy)

English Ivy is a fast-growing ground cover plant, renowned for its ability to thrive in the trickiest of spots. It's perfect for shaded areas and can even handle poor soil conditions. Its evergreen leaves make it a favorite for adding texture and visual interest throughout the year.

Advantages of Hedera helix:

• Highly adaptable to different environments
• Provides excellent ground coverage
• Helps with erosion control

4. Geranium macrorrhizum (Bigroot Geranium)

This hardy perennial is beloved for its fragrant foliage and pink, white, or purple flowers. The Bigroot Geranium is an excellent choice for a ground cover plant, as it's deer-resistant and tolerates a variety of soil conditions.

Reasons to Plant Geranium macrorrhizum:

• Deters pests naturally
• Requires minimal maintenance
• Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies

5. Sedum spurium (Caucasian Stonecrop)

Sedum spurium is a low-growing succulent ground cover plant with fleshy leaves and small star-shaped flowers. This resilient plant thrives in sunny areas and is perfect for rock gardens or mixed borders.

Benefits of Sedum spurium:

• Low water requirements
• Can tolerate poor soil conditions
• Provides excellent resilience in drought conditions

6. Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme)

Also known as wild thyme, Creeping Thyme is a delightful addition to any UK garden. With its aromatic leaves, it releases a pleasing scent when stepped on, making it ideal for paths and walkways.

Why Should You Consider Thymus serpyllum?

• Produces lovely pink or purple flowers
• Attracts beneficial insects like bees
• Easy to maintain and drought-tolerant

7. Alchemilla mollis (Lady's Mantle)

Lady's Mantle is admired for its distinctive, fan-shaped leaves that catch rainwater and its frothy greenish-yellow flowers. It's an excellent choice for planting in borders or under trees in partial shade.

Perks of Alchemilla mollis:

• Thrives in a variety of garden conditions
• Offers a long-lasting display from spring through summer
• Adds a graceful touch to any landscape design

8. Ferns

Ferns are a classic choice for bringing a lush, prehistoric feel to the garden. Due to their love for shade, these versatile plants are perfect for densely shaded areas where little else thrives. Choose from a variety of fern species to suit your garden aesthetics.

Reasons to Plant Ferns:

• Exceptionally low-maintenance
• Provides a range of textures and colors
• Can thrive in moist, cool conditions

9. Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox)

Creeping Phlox offers a stunning carpet of color with its dense mats of flowers. This species is perfect for sprawling over rocks, edging paths, or cascading down a garden wall. It's ideal for sunny gardens, offering vibrant blooms in spring.

Why Choose Phlox subulata?

• Attracts butterflies and other pollinators
• Available in an array of colors, such as pink, purple, and white
• Resilient against pests and diseases

Final Thoughts

Introducing these ground cover plants to your UK garden can significantly enhance its beauty and functionality. With a range of colors, textures, and growth habits, these plants offer solutions for various garden conditions, including shaded areas and poor soil. By selecting the right ground cover plants, you can create a more sustainable garden ecosystem while enjoying a lush and vibrant outdoor space year-round.