Select 9 Ground Covers for a Gorgeous UK Garden

Posted on 16/05/2025

Select 9 Ground Covers for a Gorgeous UK Garden

Transforming your garden into a stunning landscape can be achieved with the right selection of ground covers. These plants offer the perfect solution for adding texture, color, and depth to your garden landscape while covering bare spots efficiently. Whether you desire an evergreen blanket or a burst of flowers, ground cover plants are versatile, low-maintenance, and thrive in various conditions. Here are nine fantastic options to consider for your UK garden.

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping Thyme is an excellent choice for sunny spots in your garden. This aromatic herb forms a dense mat of small, green leaves and becomes adorned with purple blooms in the summer. As an added bonus, it's edible and attracts pollinators. Plant it between stepping stones or along border edges for an aromatic, visual delight.

Why Choose Creeping Thyme?

• Drought-tolerant
• Low maintenance
• Attracts bees and butterflies

2. Hostas (Hosta spp.)

If you're seeking a lush, leafy ground cover, consider incorporating Hostas into shady areas of your garden. Known for their eye-catching foliage, Hostas offer shades of green, blue, and gold. Despite lacking flowers, their leaves provide texture and contrast against other garden elements.

Advantages of Growing Hostas

• Tolerant of shade and moist soil
• Resilient to UK weather conditions
• Diverse leaf colors and shapes

3. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Bugleweed is an evergreen ground cover producing stunning spikes of blue flowers during spring. It thrives in both sun and partial shade, making it versatile for different garden areas. The plant spreads quickly, covering large patches with dark-green or variegated leaves.

Benefits of Bugleweed

• Easy to grow and care for
• Suppresses weeds effectively
• Colorful foliage available in different varieties

4. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

For a ground cover that thrives in shady gardens, the delicate and fragrant Lily of the Valley is a top choice. Its small white flowers resemble dainty bells and are paired with lush, green leaves. This plant is ideal for adding romance to shaded corners.

Perks of Planting Lily of the Valley

• Highly fragrant blooms
• Thrives in shade and moist soil
• Low-growing and requires minimal care

5. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)

Japanese Spurge stands out with its glossy, dark green leaves. This evergreen plant excels in shaded areas where grass struggles to grow. Its small white flowers appear in spring, providing added interest and beauty throughout the year.

Japanese Spurge Considerations

• Works as an excellent ground cover under trees
• Retains its leaves year-round
• Easy to maintain

6. Sedum (Sedum spp.)

Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a succulent-like ground cover that is perfect for sunny spots in your garden. It comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, offering versatility in your landscape design. It's known for its fleshy leaves and starry flowers that bloom late in the season.

Why Sedum is a Great Choice

• Drought resistant and low maintenance
• Attracts pollinators
• Variety in form and foliage color

7. Wild Ginger (Asarum europaeum)

For a lush, leafy look in shady garden spots, Wild Ginger offers heart-shaped, glossy leaves that spread to create a dense cover. It can serve as an excellent underplanting for trees and shrubs.

Wild Ginger Benefits

• Adaptable to woodland settings
• Evergreen and hardy
• Provides a lush undergrowth

8. Bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia)

Bergenia, often called elephant ears due to its large, shiny leaves, is perfect for adding structure and interest to your garden. It produces lovely pink flowers that emerge in early spring.

Reasons to Grow Bergenia

• Thrives in full sun to partial shade
• Reliable ground cover for diverse soil types
• Attractive foliage throughout the year

9. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

Creeping Jenny adds a different texture with its trailing stems and vibrant yellow-green leaves. It's perfect for softening edges and spilling over garden borders or hanging baskets.

Creeping Jenny Highlights

• Fast-spreading and easy to manage
• Provides bright foliage accents
• Versatile, adaptable to moist and sunny areas

Conclusion

Selecting the right ground covers for your UK garden is essential in creating a thriving and attractive landscape. From the vibrant hues of Creeping Jenny to the aromatic allure of Creeping Thyme, these plants offer both practicality and beauty. With minimal upkeep and maximum impact, they effortlessly enhance your garden's aesthetic while ensuring it remains lush and weed-free. Incorporate these nine outstanding ground covers to transform your outdoor space into a picturesque retreat.