UK Gardeners' Choice: 9 Ground Cover Plants to Consider

Posted on 15/08/2025

UK Gardeners' Choice: 9 Ground Cover Plants to Consider

Creating a beautiful and functional garden involves more than just choosing vibrant flowers or towering trees. Ground cover plants play a pivotal role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of gardens while offering numerous practical benefits. These low-growing plants help in weed suppression, soil stabilization, and moisture retention. Let's explore some of the top choices for UK gardeners when it comes to effective ground cover plants.

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping Thyme, with its aromatic foliage and abundant blooms, is an outstanding choice for those looking to add a splash of color and scent to their garden. This hardy perennial is perfect for filling in spaces between stepping stones or along pathways.

• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained soil
• Bloom Time: Late spring to midsummer

This tough plant tolerates foot traffic and is deer-resistant, making it an excellent option for busy gardens.

2. Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)

If you're searching for a velvety green carpet-like ground cover, Irish Moss is your answer. It thrives in cool, moist climates and adds a soft texture to your landscape.

• Sun Requirements: Partial shade to full sun
• Soil Type: Rich, well-drained soil
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

The dense, moss-like foliage makes it a serene addition, ideal for creating a fairy-tale garden setting.

3. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)

Ajuga, also known as Bugleweed, is a versatile ground cover with attractive foliage and spikes of blue flowers. Its creeping habit helps fill in gaps quickly, suppressing weeds effectively.

• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained soil
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

Available in various foliage colors, Ajuga adds visual interest throughout the year.

4. Hosta (Hosta spp.)

Hostas are a favorite for shady areas, providing lush, green foliage that forms dense clumps. Perfect for underplanting trees or as a border plant.

• Sun Requirements: Partial to full shade
• Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Bloom Time: Midsummer

Their large leaves come in shades of green, blue, and variegated patterns, offering a range of design possibilities.

5. Sedum (Sedum spp.)

Extremely drought-tolerant, Sedum, also known as Stonecrop, is ideal for sunny, dry areas in your garden. This succulent plant requires minimal maintenance and is excellent for rock gardens.

• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy soil
• Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall

Its fleshy leaves and vibrant flower clusters make it a standout choice.

6. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Periwinkle, or Vinca minor, is a resilient evergreen ground cover that offers glossy leaves and charming blue or white flowers. It's perfect for areas where other plants struggle to establish.

• Sun Requirements: Full sun to shade
• Soil Type: Any well-drained soil
• Bloom Time: Spring and intermittently through summer

This plant is perfect for covering large areas rapidly.

7. Lilyturf (Liriope muscari)

Lilyturf offers grassy foliage and spikes of purple flowers. This hardy perineal is ideal for lining walkways or serving as a border plant.

• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Well-drained soil
• Bloom Time: Late summer to autumn

Its evergreen nature ensures year-round interest and it's notably low maintenance.

8. Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla)

Brunnera, with its heart-shaped leaves and delicate blue flowers, is often chosen for adding a cottage-garden feel. Commonly known as False Forget-Me-Not, it's perfect for shady spots.

• Sun Requirements: Partial to full shade
• Soil Type: Moist, fertile soil
• Bloom Time: Spring

Its attractive foliage is an excellent accompaniment to other shade-loving plants.

9. Heuchera (Heuchera spp.)

Also known as Coral Bells, Heuchera offers stunning foliage in a range of colors from deep purple to bright lime. It works as an eye-catcher in any garden layout.

• Sun Requirements: Partial shade to full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained soil
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

These plants are not just reliable ground cover; they provide dynamic visual interest with their colorful leaves and attractive flower spikes.

Conclusion

By selecting any of these ground cover plants, UK gardeners can effectively enhance the beauty of their gardens while maintaining functionality. From the aromatic Creeping Thyme to the leafy allure of Hostas and Heuchera, these plants offer a diverse palette to suit varying garden styles and conditions. Embrace the strength and beauty of these plants to create a sustainable and visually pleasing landscape.