9 awesome ground cover plants to beautify your UK garden

Posted on 13/09/2025

9 Awesome Ground Cover Plants to Beautify Your UK Garden

Transforming your garden into a breathtaking tapestry of colors, textures, and forms can be a fulfilling endeavor. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by incorporating ground cover plants in your landscaping design. These living carpets not only add beauty but also suppress weeds and reduce maintenance. In this article, we delve into nine remarkable ground cover plants that are ideal for UK gardens.

1. Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Thymus serpyllum, commonly known as wild thyme or creeping thyme, is a delightful perennial that serves as an excellent ground cover. Its low-growing habit, coupled with beautiful pink or purple flowers, adds a fragrant and visually striking element to any garden.

• Ideal for: Rock gardens, borders, and pathways.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, light soil.
• Light: Thrives in full sun.
• Maintenance: Minimal - drought tolerant once established.

2. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

This fast-growing plant, also known as moneywort, features beautiful yellow-green leaves that can brighten up shady areas of your garden. Creeping Jenny is versatile and can also be used in hanging baskets due to its cascading growth habit.

• Ideal for: Garden borders, containers, and damp areas.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil.
• Light: Partial to full shade, but color is best in full sun.
• Maintenance: Requires regular watering in dry periods.

3. Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Known for their striking foliage, which ranges from deep purple to fiery red, Heucheras are treasured for their ability to bring color to shaded areas. They also produce delicate, bell-shaped flowers, enhancing their appeal as a ground cover plant.

• Ideal for: Shaded borders and woodland gardens.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.
• Light: Prefers partial shade.
• Maintenance: Regular watering during dry summers and mulching in winter.

4. Aubrieta (Rock Cress)

Aubrieta, also known as rock cress, is another vibrant addition to UK gardens. With its dazzling violet, pink, or blue flowers, this hardy perennial forms a lush mat that spills gracefully over walls or edges.

• Ideal for: Rock gardens, walls, and border edges.
• Soil: Light, well-drained soil.
• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Maintenance: Prune after flowering to maintain shape.

5. Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)

This resilient plant expands rapidly and is known for its unique blue flowers and glossy, dark leaves. Ajuga forms dense mats, making it perfect for turf replacement or erosion control on slopes.

• Ideal for: Under trees, slopes, and shady areas.
• Soil: Prefers most styles but thrives in moist, rich soil.
• Light: Shade to partial sun.
• Maintenance: Trim back to contain spread; watch for fungal problems in damp conditions.

6. Sagina subulata (Irish Moss or Scotch Moss)

If you're looking for a soft, lush ground cover, Irish Moss is an excellent choice. It grows well between stepping stones, creating a charming effect with its tiny white flowers.

• Ideal for: Between pavers, borders, and rock gardens.
• Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
• Light: Partial to full sun.
• Maintenance: Keep evenly moist and trim to prevent overgrowth.

7. Vinca minor (Periwinkle)

This evergreen provides year-round interest with its attractive foliage and lavender-blue flowers. Periwinkle is adaptable and suitable for a variety of situations, especially areas under trees where grass struggles.

• Ideal for: Woodland gardens and shaded slopes.
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but tolerant of poor conditions.
• Light: Partial shade to full shade.
• Maintenance: Prune to control spread, as it can become invasive.

8. Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox)

Renowned for its vibrant pastel hues, Creeping Phlox creates a stunning floral display. It's ideal for cascading over walls or creating colorful carpet-like expanses.

• Ideal for: Rock gardens, slopes, and sunny borders.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.
• Light: Full sun.
• Maintenance: Trim after flowering to promote new growth.

9. Hedera helix (English Ivy)

A quintessential choice for UK gardens, English Ivy is renowned for its brilliant dark green leaves and robust nature. It's useful for covering walls and fences and acts as a great ground cover plant.

• Ideal for: Walls, fences, and ground cover in sheltered areas.
• Soil: Any well-drained soil.
• Light: Partial shade to full shade.
• Maintenance: Regular trimming to prevent invasiveness.

Conclusion

Whether you're creating an elegant border, controlling erosion, or simply trying to add a touch of natural beauty to your garden, these ground cover plants offer diverse benefits. By choosing the right ground cover plant for your UK garden, you can enjoy a colorful and low-maintenance landscape all year round. Embrace the beauty and functionality of these plants to create a garden that not only looks stunning but also provides an oasis of tranquility and a haven for local wildlife.