Green Your UK Garden with 9 Ground Covers

Posted on 18/08/2025

Green Your UK Garden with 9 Ground Covers

Transforming your UK garden into a lush green paradise can take your outdoor space from ordinary to extraordinary. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by using ground covers. These low-growing plants not only add beauty but also offer numerous environmental benefits. In this article, we'll explore nine outstanding options for greening your UK garden with ground cover plants.

The Benefits of Ground Covers

Ground covers provide an array of advantages for gardeners:

• Erosion Control: Their roots stabilize the soil, preventing erosion.
• Weed Suppression: They spread quickly, suffocating weeds and reducing competition for resources.
• Moisture Retention: Ground covers help retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Wildlife Habitat: These plants create a haven for pollinators and beneficial insects.

Choosing the Right Ground Cover for the UK Climate

The UK's temperate maritime climate is perfect for a variety of ground covers. However, it's important to select species that match your garden's conditions, considering factors such as sunlight, soil type, and water availability. Below are nine ideal candidates.

1. Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)

Ajuga reptans, commonly known as Bugleweed, is a fantastic choice for shady areas in your garden. Its lush, dark green leaves provide an attractive ground cover, while its blue flowers add a splash of color in the spring.

Key Features:

• Thrives in partial to full shade
• Flowers beautifully in late spring
• Requires minimal maintenance

2. Cotula squalida (Brass Buttons)

Cotula squalida, or Brass Buttons, is an ideal choice for areas with moist soil. Its feathery, fern-like foliage competes effectively with weeds, offering your garden a neat and uniform appearance.

Key Features:

• Loves moist, well-drained soil
• Features yellow button-like flowers
• Perfect for rock gardens and borders

3. Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme)

Creeping Thyme, or Thymus serpyllum, is a versatile ground cover that works well in sunny spots. It's not only visually appealing with its aromatic foliage and purple flowers but also attracts butterflies to your garden.

Key Features:

• Requires full sun for optimal growth
• Hardy and drought-resistant
• Aromatic and edible foliage

4. Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle)

Vinca minor, known as Lesser Periwinkle, is perfect for gardeners who want low-maintenance, evergreen ground coverage. Its small, glossy leaves and periwinkle-blue flowers add a touch of elegance to any shaded garden area.

Key Features:

• Ideal for shade and semi-shade areas
• Bears attractive blue or violet flowers
• Beneficial for erosion control on slopes

5. Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox)

Creeping Phlox is a much-loved ground cover for its vibrant, carpet-like blooms that appear in spring. Perfect for sunny locations, it creates a dazzling display that is sure to catch the eye.

Key Features:

• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil
• Blooms in early spring with a palette of colors
• Excellent for use on slopes and rockeries

6. Sagina subulata (Irish Moss)

Irish Moss, or Sagina subulata, is a moss-like ground cover that flourishes in cool, moist conditions. Its bright green foliage forms a dense mat, and its tiny white flowers add a delicate touch.

Key Features:

• Grows well in shade and partial shade
• Requires moist, well-drained soil
• Ideal for pathways and between stepping stones

7. Hedera helix (English Ivy)

English Ivy, scientifically known as Hedera helix, is a vigorous ground cover known for its glossy leaves and robust growth. It's perfect for shaded areas and does well in urban gardens.

Key Features:

• Adaptable to various conditions
• Provides year-round coverage
• Can also be used as a climbing plant

8. Arabis alpina (Rock Cress)

Rock Cress is an ideal choice for rock gardens or edges, offering pink and white flowers in spring. It forms a low, compact mound, making it perfect for the edges of paths and borders.

Key Features:

• Thrives in full sun and rocky soil
• Flowers in early spring
• Doubles as a perennial ground cover

9. Convolvulus sabatius (Ground Morning Glory)

Convolvulus sabatius, or Ground Morning Glory, yields charming, funnel-shaped blue flowers. It's perfect for sunny areas and is suitable for both ground cover and cascading over walls or containers.

Key Features:

• Loves full sun
• Tolerant of dry conditions
• Flowers throughout summer and autumn

Choose Wisely for a Thriving Garden

Integrating ground covers into your garden design is an excellent way to cultivate a healthier, more vibrant garden landscape in the UK. Consider your garden's unique conditions, such as sunlight, soil, and moisture levels, to select the best plant varieties that will thrive and complement your outdoor space. With these nine options, you can create a thriving, green sanctuary that not only enhances your garden's visual appeal but also supports local biodiversity.

Embrace the power of ground covers, and take a step towards more sustainable and beautiful gardening practices today.