9 Ground Cover Plants to Beautify Your UK Garden

Posted on 15/05/2025

9 Ground Cover Plants to Beautify Your UK Garden

Are you looking to enhance the visual appeal of your garden? Ground cover plants are an excellent solution! Not only do they add beauty and texture to your garden, but they also help in suppressing weeds, maintaining soil moisture, and preventing erosion. Here's a detailed guide on the best nine ground cover plants perfect for UK gardens.

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping Thyme is a delightful, aromatic ground cover that thrives in dry, sunny spots. It stays low to the ground and blooms vibrant purple flowers during the summer.

• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
• Benefits: Aromatic and drought-tolerant

2. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Bugleweed, also known as Ajuga, is a versatile plant ideal for shady areas. Its foliage ranges from bronze to purple, and it produces striking blue flower spikes in late spring to early summer.

• Light: Partial shade to full shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
• Benefits: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies

3. Woolly Yarrow (Achillea tomentosa)

Woolly Yarrow is known for its fuzzy, grey-green foliage and bright yellow flower clusters that appear in the summer. It is drought-tolerant and prefers sunny locations.

• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil
• Benefits: Low maintenance and attracts beneficial insects

4. Sedum (Sedum acre)

This hardy succulent, often referred to as "Gold Moss," forms a dense mat with small, fleshy leaves. It blooms small yellow flowers and is perfect for rock gardens.

• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Sandy, well-drained soil
• Benefits: Low water needs and attractive to pollinators

5. Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Moss Phlox is a gorgeous ground cover known for its stunning carpet of pink, white, blue, or purple flowers in spring. This plant is excellent for covering sloped areas or rockeries.

• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, rocky or sandy soil
• Benefits: Deer-resistant and quick spreading

6. Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina)

Lamb's Ear is adored for its soft, fuzzy leaves that add a unique texture to gardens. It is resilient and thrives in well-drained soils.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil
• Benefits: Easy to grow and great for dry areas

7. Wild Strawberries (Fragaria vesca)

This delightful ground cover provides not only lush foliage but also produces small, edible strawberries. It prefers partial shade and is great for filling empty spaces.

• Light: Partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Benefits: Attracts wildlife and provides delicious fruit

8. Pachysandra sp.

A reliable choice for shady spots, Pachysandra offers evergreen foliage and small white flowers in spring. It forms a dense cover, suppressing weeds effectively.

• Light: Full shade to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
• Benefits: Low maintenance and shade-loving

9. Ivy (Hedera helix)

Ivy is a classic choice for many gardens due to its adaptability and ability to create lush, green carpets. Though it can be invasive, it is excellent for providing year-round cover.

• Light: Full shade to full sun
• Soil: Most soil types, preferably well-drained
• Benefits: Evergreen and tolerant of various conditions

Tips for Growing Ground Cover Plants in the UK

When choosing ground cover plants, consider their growing conditions and how they will fit into your garden's existing landscape. Here are some basic tips to ensure your ground cover plants thrive:

• Plant at the right time: Spring or autumn are ideal seasons for planting ground cover plants as the mild temperature and rainfall help establish roots.
• Prepare the soil: Ensure the soil is well-tilled, free of weeds, and enriched with organic matter or compost.
• Water regularly: Ground covers need consistent moisture during initial growth phases. Once established, many varieties require less water.
• Spacing: Follow specific plant spacing recommendations to avoid overcrowding and ensure optimal growth.
• Mulching: Use a layer of mulch to prevent weed growth and conserve moisture.

Conclusion

Ground cover plants enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your garden by providing a lush green carpet that can tolerate various weather conditions in the UK. From aromatic Creeping Thyme to resilient Ivy, there's a perfect ground cover plant for every garden. By selecting the right plants and applying good garden practices, you can easily transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, low-maintenance oasis. Start planting these amazing ground cover plants today and watch your UK garden flourish like never before!