9 Ground Cover Plants That Are Ideal for UK Gardens

Posted on 16/05/2025

Introduction to Ground Cover Plants for UK Gardens

Ground cover plants are the unsung heroes of gardens, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits such as weed suppression and soil erosion control. Choosing the right ground cover plant for your UK garden means considering climate, soil type, and the plant's growth habits. Whether you are aiming for a vibrant display or a subtle carpet of green, there are numerous options to explore. In this article, we delve into nine ideal ground cover plants that thrive in UK gardens.

1. Vinca minor (Common Periwinkle)

Vinca minor, also known as Common Periwinkle, is a popular choice for UK gardens due to its evergreen foliage and charming purple flowers. This plant is both hardy and adaptable, thriving in partial shade and tolerating a variety of soil types. Its mat-forming habit makes it excellent for suppressing weeds and covering expansive areas with ease.

Benefits of Vinca minor

• Low maintenance and drought tolerant
• Attractive flowers that bloom in spring
• Effective in preventing soil erosion

2. Geranium macrorrhizum (Bigroot Geranium)

The Bigroot Geranium is renowned for its robust foliage and fragrant, pink blossoms. Its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions--from full sun to full shade--makes it versatile for different garden locations. Known for its pest-resistance, this plant creates a lush carpet that deters weeds.

Advantages of Bigroot Geranium

• Resistant to deer and rabbits
• Low maintenance and spreads easily
• Beautiful autumn foliage color change

3. Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)

Ajuga reptans or Bugleweed is a dynamic ground cover plant with striking foliage and dense spikes of blue flowers. Preferring moist, shaded areas, it forms a dense mat that keeps weeds at bay. This plant is perfect for creating interest in shaded parts of the garden.

Key Features of Bugleweed

• Quick spreading and easy to manage
• Rich foliage color varieties, from deep green to burgundy
• Ideal for shaded garden areas

4. Hedera helix (English Ivy)

As a well-known garden staple, English Ivy provides a lush, evergreen look year-round. It's well-suited for shady areas and can be used for soil coverage or vertical accent on walls and fences. The dense foliage of Hedera helix makes it effective in weed suppression.

Pros of Growing English Ivy

• Extremely hardy and adaptable
• Makes a great choice for covering vertical surfaces
• Evergreen characteristics provide winter interest

5. Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge)

Pachysandra terminalis, commonly known as Japanese Spurge, is prized for its glossy leaves and tolerance for deep shade. This evergreen ground cover forms a low-growing carpet, providing a year-round green backdrop in gardens and landscapes.

Highlights of Japanese Spurge

• Ideal for low-light areas
• Maintains good density against weeds
• Produces small white flowers in spring

6. Thymus serpyllum (Wild Thyme)

Wild Thyme is not only an aromatic delight but also a resilient ground cover option for spots with good drainage. Perfect for sunny areas, Thymus serpyllum offers vibrant purple-pink blooms that attract pollinators, adding both color and life to gardens.

Why Choose Wild Thyme?

• Low-growing and suitable for rocky gardens
• Aromatic foliage adds to garden sensory experiences
• Attracts bees and other pollinators

7. Sedum spurium (Two-row Stonecrop)

Sedum spurium, or Two-row Stonecrop, is a sturdy perennial that offers a tapestry of colors, ranging from green to red. Thriving in poor soils and full sun, it provides excellent ground coverage without much water requirement, making it water wise and easy to care for.

Highlights of Two-row Stonecrop

• Drought tolerant and sun-loving
• Varied foliage colors for visual interest
• Low maintenance needs

8. Alchemilla mollis (Lady's Mantle)

The Lady's Mantle is beloved for its soft, fuzzy leaves that hold dew, creating a shimmering garden effect. This plant is versatile, handling both sun and shade, and its lime-green flowers add a subtle charm throughout the summer.

Benefits of Lady's Mantle

• Delicate foliage adds texture to plantings
• Tolerates a range of light conditions
• Spring-blooming makes it a season favorite

9. Lamium maculatum (Spotted Dead-nettle)

Lamium maculatum, known as Spotted Dead-nettle, offers striking variegated foliage and small, tubular flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple. It's ideal for shaded areas, providing a splash of color in spots where other plants might not fare well.

Features of Spotted Dead-nettle

• Attractive foliage with bright flower spikes
• Thrives in shaded garden beds
• Deer resistant and low maintenance

Conclusion

Ground cover plants offer versatility and beauty to any UK garden. By selecting appropriate species like the ones discussed above, you can create a lush, vibrant, and easy-care landscape. Whether you are seeking evergreen coverage or seasonal color, these ground cover options cater to a variety of garden needs, delivering both function and aesthetics.

Choose wisely and enjoy a thriving tapestry of green that enhances your garden year-round.