UK Gardeners' Guide: 9 Top Ground Covers

Posted on 23/05/2025

UK Gardeners' Guide: 9 Top Ground Covers

Ground covers are an essential part of any garden design, providing beauty and function to landscapes. They play a crucial role by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and retaining moisture. In the UK, where the climate can be diverse, choosing the right ground cover plants can be a rewarding challenge. Whether you're looking for flowering covers, foliage interest, or low-maintenance options, this guide will help you navigate the best choices for your garden.

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Known for its lovely fragrance and versatility, Creeping Thyme is an excellent choice for those who want a colorful and aromatic ground cover. It blooms with tiny purple flowers during summer and is perfect for filling gaps between paving stones.

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil
• Benefits: Drought-resistant and attracts bees and butterflies

2. Ground Morning Glory (Convolvulus sabatius)

This vigorous grower is famous for its beautiful sky-blue flowers. Ground Morning Glory performs best in sunny, sheltered spots and is ideal for cascading over retaining walls or containers.

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy soil
• Benefits: Easy to maintain and fast growing

3. Bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia)

Bergenia, often referred to as 'Elephant Ears' due to its large, leathery leaves, adds interest throughout the year. Blooming in spring with pink or white flowers, it gives winter gardens a touch of color with its red-tinged foliage.

• Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, rich soil
• Benefits: Evergreen foliage and low maintenance

4. Purple Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)

Purple Wintercreeper is an evergreen ground cover known for its adaptability and hardiness, featuring small green leaves that turn purplish-red in winter. It's perfect for covering large areas in need of ground cover.

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil
• Benefits: Versatile and thrives in various conditions

5. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Periwinkle is renowned for its evergreen foliage and perky blue flowers, making it an attractive option for shady areas. It's an excellent choice for underplanting trees and shrubs.

• Sunlight: Partial sun to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil
• Benefits: Quick cover and shade tolerance

6. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Bugleweed offers dense, mat-forming foliage with spikes of blue flowers in spring. Ideal for moist areas of the garden, Bugleweed can also thrive under trees and in poorly lit spots.

• Sunlight: Partial sun to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, humus-rich soil
• Benefits: Great for suppressing weeds and provides ground interest

7. Hebe "Emerald Gem" (Veronica 'Emerald Gem')

This compact evergreen shrub is ideal for creating structural interest within a garden. With its rounded shape and lime-green foliage, Hebe "Emerald Gem" adds a splash of color year-round.

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils
• Benefits: Hardy and tolerant of coastal conditions

8. Lilyturf (Liriope muscari)

Known for its long-lasting foliages and vibrant purple flower spikes, Lilyturf is an excellent ground cover choice for shady areas. It works well in borders and under trees.

• Sunlight: Partial sun to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil
• Benefits: Minimal maintenance and thrives in shade

9. Carpet Bugle (Ajuga reptans)

The Carpet Bugle, a variety of Bugleweed, is favored for its dense coverage and striking foliage. Its deep-purple leaves and springtime blue blooms make it ideal for adding texture and color.

• Sunlight: Partial sun to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, loamy soil
• Benefits: Excellent for erosion control and ground cover

Conclusion

Choosing the right ground cover plants can transform your garden by providing sustainable beauty and practicality. Each plant listed here holds unique advantages, from creating habitats for wildlife to reducing maintenance tasks. Whether you're enhancing a shaded area, controlling weeds, or adding texture, these top 9 ground covers present an array of options for every UK gardener. Consider your garden's specific conditions and aesthetics to map out a lush and engaging landscape.

For further guidance and inspiration, explore local horticultural resources and nearby botanical gardens to discover additional ground cover solutions tailored to your region.