UK garden makeover with 9 fabulous ground cover plants

Posted on 16/05/2025

UK Garden Makeover with 9 Fabulous Ground Cover Plants

Transforming your garden into a lush, green oasis has never been easier with the strategic use of ground cover plants. These resilient greenery options are perfect for creating a stunning yet low-maintenance landscape. In the UK, where the climate can be quite unpredictable, selecting the right ground cover plants is essential for a garden makeover that lasts all year round. Here, we explore nine fabulous options that not only survive but thrive in UK gardens.

Why Choose Ground Cover Plants?

Ground cover plants offer several advantages for your garden. They can dramatically enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space while providing practical benefits, such as moisture retention, weed suppression, and soil protection. Moreover, by choosing the appropriate plants, you can craft a garden that requires minimal upkeep.

Top 9 Ground Cover Plants for UK Gardens

1. Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Thyme is a hardy, aromatic herb that thrives in sunny spots. It's a popular choice for ground coverage due to its low-growing habit and fragrant leaves. Perfect for rock gardens and pathways, thyme offers the added bonus of attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its evergreen nature ensures a vibrant garden year-round.

2. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

The vibrant yellow-green foliage of Creeping Jenny is perfect for brightening shady corners. Known for its toughness and rapid growth, this plant thrives in damp soils and looks stunning cascading over walls or the edges of containers. Its spreading habit makes it a perfect choice for quickly covering bare spots.

3. Sedum (Sedum spurium)

Sedum, with its fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers, is ideal for UK gardens due to its drought tolerance and low maintenance needs. This succulent's adaptability to poor soils and ability to withstand heavy rains make it an exceptional choice for roof gardens or rocky landscapes.

4. Wild Ginger (Asarum europaeum)

Wild Ginger's dark green, heart-shaped leaves offer a unique aesthetic for shady areas. This perennial is known for its creeping nature and ability to suppress weeds effectively. The glossy leaves maintain their appeal in all seasons, making it a reliable ground cover option.

5. Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)

This delicate plant features tiny blue flowers that bloom throughout the summer, making it a charming addition to any garden. Blue Star Creeper tolerates light foot traffic, making it suitable for filling in gaps between paving stones or in pathways. Its rapid growth means your garden will be covered in no time.

6. Vinca Minor (Lesser Periwinkle)

Vinca Minor is an evergreen ground cover with beautiful violet-blue flowers that appear from spring to autumn. Its vigorous growth and adaptability to various soil conditions make it a popular choice in the UK. It's perfect for slopes, banks, or under trees where other plants might struggle to thrive.

7. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)

Ajuga, also known as bugleweed, features rich purple foliage and spikes of blue flowers. This plant is fantastic for gardens needing a splash of color. Ajuga thrives in both sun and shade, and its mat-forming growth habit suppresses weeds effectively. It's especially attractive as a border plant in shaded areas.

8. Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Moss Phlox, with its carpet of colorful blossoms, is perfect for adding a touch of glamour to your garden. These drought-resistant plants thrive in well-drained soils and are ideal for rock gardens or cascading over stones. The dense foliage ensures effective ground coverage throughout the year.

9. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Known for its delicate white flowers and lovely fragrance, Sweet Woodruff is an excellent shade-loving ground cover. Its attractive foliage remains lush and green throughout the year, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits, such as erosion prevention on slopes and hillsides.

Planting and Maintenance Tips

To ensure your ground cover plants thrive, consider the following planting and maintenance tips:

• Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-drained and enriched with compost or organic matter to support healthy plant growth.
• Plant Spacing: Consider the mature spread of the plants and space them adequately to allow for proper growth and coverage.
• Watering: While these plants generally require minimal watering, it's crucial to provide enough moisture during the establishment period and drought conditions.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide the plants with an extra boost of nutrients.
• Pruning: Regular trimming will help manage growth and encourage denser foliage. Remove any dead or diseased plant material promptly.

Creating a Stunning UK Garden

With these nine fabulous ground cover plants, your UK garden can be transformed into a lively and low-maintenance landscape. Each plant's unique characteristics offer distinct benefits, making them perfect for various garden environments, from sun-soaked patches to shaded retreats. By strategically planting and caring for these ground covers, you'll cultivate a garden that's not only visually appealing but also resilient to the challenges of the UK's climate.

Embark on your garden makeover today and enjoy the year-round beauty that these exceptional ground cover plants provide.