UK Gardeners: 9 Ground Cover Plants to Try

Posted on 20/06/2025

UK Gardeners: 9 Ground Cover Plants to Try

Ground cover plants serve multiple functions in a garden. They help suppress weeds, reduce soil erosion, and enhance the esthetic appeal of your landscape. For UK gardeners looking to fill in empty patches with vibrant green and colorful blooms, there are various options to consider. This guide introduces nine versatile ground cover plants perfect for UK gardens.

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping Thyme is an excellent choice for those seeking a fragrant, low-growing plant. This hardy herb is not only lovely but also serves a practical function: it releases a refreshing aroma when walked upon.

• Perennial: Yes
• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained
• Benefits: Drought-tolerant, attracts pollinators

2. Trailing Bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana)

The Trailing Bellflower offers abundant purple-blue blooms that contribute to a fascinating ground cover. It's ideal for draping over walls or edges.

• Perennial: Yes
• Sun: Partial to full sun
• Soil: Well-drained to moist
• Benefits: Fast-growing, low maintenance

3. Hostas (Hosta spp.)

Valued for their luxuriant foliage, Hostas thrive in shaded areas. These ground cover plants are particularly favored for gardens with partial to full shade.

• Perennial: Yes
• Sun: Shade to partial shade
• Soil: Rich, moist
• Benefits: Showy leaves, low maintenance

4. Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)

This evergreen ground cover plant is perfect for areas beneath shrubs and trees. Pachysandra forms a dense carpet of foliage that thrives in shady corners of your yard.

• Perennial: Yes
• Sun: Full shade to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained
• Benefits: Evergreen, shade-tolerant

5. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Bugleweed is renowned for its striking purple-blue flowers and luscious foliage. This plant spreads rapidly, making it an ideal choice for quickly filling empty spaces.

• Perennial: Yes
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained
• Benefits: Quick-growing, low maintenance

6. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Sweet Woodruff offers a sweet aroma and displays delicate white flowers during the spring. It's a wonderful option for shaded areas.

• Perennial: Yes
• Sun: Shade to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained
• Benefits: Fragrant, deer-resistant

7. Heather (Calluna vulgaris)

Known for its vibrant blooms and excellent ability to withstand harsh climates, Heather is ideal for gardeners in the UK.

• Perennial: Yes
• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, acidic
• Benefits: Tough, long-lasting blooms

8. Stonecrop (Sedum spp.)

Stonecrop is a succulent plant that offers unique textures and colors. It's perfect for rock gardens and dry areas.

• Perennial: Yes
• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, poor
• Benefits: Drought-resistant, attracts pollinators

9. Mind-your-own-business (Soleirolia soleirolii)

This plant, also known as "Baby's Tears," forms a mat-like growth and is perfect for rock gardens and shady spots.

• Perennial: Yes
• Sun: Partial shade to full shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained
• Benefits: Prolific, dense coverage

Conclusion

For UK gardeners, selecting the right ground cover plants can transform your garden into a lush, visually appealing space. Each of the cited ground cover plants comes with unique attributes--some prefer sun-drenched locations, whereas others thrive in the shade. With the proper selections, you can enjoy a resilient, low-maintenance garden year-round.

Before planting, consider your garden's specific conditions, such as sunlight, soil type, and moisture levels, to ensure your chosen ground cover plants thrive. Whether you require coverage in shaded areas or sunny slopes, there's a perfect match among these nine popular UK options.