Transform your UK garden with these 9 ground cover plants

Posted on 15/05/2025

Transform Your UK Garden with These 9 Ground Cover Plants

Transforming your garden into a lush, low-maintenance paradise is simpler than you might think. Using ground cover plants can dramatically enhance your outdoor space with textures, colors, and year-round interest. Whether you are looking to spare yourself weeding duties or attract pollinators, incorporating ground cover plants is a solution that caters to a diverse array of gardening needs. Below, discover nine fantastic ground cover plants that thrive in the UK climate.

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping thyme is one of the best choices for a low-maintenance ground cover that brings both beauty and function. Its fragrant foliage and petite, vibrant flowers attract pollinators--making it perfect for a wildlife-friendly garden. As an added bonus, creeping thyme is edible and can be used in cooking.

• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained soil
• Height: 10 cm
• Spread: 30-40 cm

2. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

A striking choice for shaded areas, bugleweed offers dark green leaves and vibrant blue flower spikes. It's ideal for moist, shady areas where other plants struggle.

• Light: Partial shade to full shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
• Height: 5-20 cm
• Spread: Rapid spread

3. Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata)

If you're looking for a flash of vibrant color in spring, moss phlox is your answer. This robust ground cover unfurls carpets of flowers in colors like pink, purple, and white.

• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained soil
• Height: 10-15 cm
• Spread: 30 cm

4. Sedum (Sedum acre)

Sedum, or stonecrop, is perfect for dry, sunny areas. Its small, fleshy leaves retain water, making it an ideal choice for those aiming for a drought-tolerant garden.

• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil
• Height: 5 cm
• Spread: 30 cm

5. Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)

Named for its white flowers that bloom in early summer, snow-in-summer is perfect for adding a silvery hue to your garden. This plant thrives on poor soil conditions, making it ideal for garden borders and rockeries.

• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, poor soil
• Height: 15-20 cm
• Spread: 60 cm

6. Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)

An aromatic addition, Corsican mint is great for filling spaces between stepping stones due to its low-growing habits. This plant not only looks lovely but exudes a delightful scent.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
• Height: 2-5 cm
• Spread: 30 cm

7. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

Lily of the valley is appreciated for its sweet fragrance and delicate white bell flowers. It's perfect for shaded areas beneath trees or alongside shaded paths.

• Light: Partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich soil
• Height: 15-25 cm
• Spread: Slow spread

8. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Easy to grow and maintain, periwinkle is an excellent choice for a ground cover that adds greenery and flowers to shaded spots, with its bright green leaves and blue-purple flowers.

• Light: Full sun to shade
• Soil: Any well-drained soil
• Height: 10-20 cm
• Spread: Extensive spread

9. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Known for its sweetly scented white flowers, sweet woodruff is an ideal solution for shady areas. Its pretty foliage forms carpets that suppress weeds effectively.

• Light: Full shade to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
• Height: 15-20 cm
• Spread: 50 cm

Conclusion

Incorporating ground cover plants into your UK garden can offer unparalleled aesthetic charm while reducing maintenance time, conserving water, and enhancing biodiversity. By selecting the right mix of plants suited to your garden's unique conditions, you can transform your outdoor space into a splendid tapestry of color and texture. Embrace these versatile ground cover options and bring new life to your garden!