Discover 9 Ground Covers Perfect for UK Gardens

Posted on 16/05/2025

Discover 9 Ground Covers Perfect for UK Gardens

The quest for the perfect ground cover is an essential aspect of designing a visually appealing and low-maintenance garden. Ground covers serve multiple functions, from improving soil health to reducing weed occurrence, enhancing aesthetics, and even providing a habitat for wildlife. In the ever-changing climate of the UK, choosing the right ground covers that adapt well to different weather patterns is crucial. Here, we unveil nine excellent ground covers suited for UK gardens, ensuring your outdoor space flourishes throughout the year.

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping Thyme is a fragrant and resilient ground cover, perfect for those looking to add a sensory element to their garden. This perennial herb thrives in sunny locations, creating a lush carpet of tiny, aromatic leaves that release fragrance when stepped upon.

Benefits:

• Low-growing and compact, perfect for filling gaps between paving stones or creating a scented walkway.
• Attracts bees and butterflies with its delicate pink or purple flowers.
• Drought-resistant, making it ideal for various soil types and weather conditions.

2. Lilyturf (Liriope muscari)

Lilyturf, or liriope, is known for its grass-like foliage and striking purple flower spikes. This semi-evergreen plant is a popular choice for shaded gardens.

Benefits:

• Very low maintenance once established.
• Tolerant of shade and drought, adaptable to different conditions.
• Adds texture and color throughout the year.

3. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Bugleweed is a robust, evergreen ground cover with attractive foliage and stunning blue flower spikes. Perfect for preventing soil erosion, it thrives in shady and damp areas.

Benefits:

• Quick-spreading, ideal for covering large areas.
• Rich in color variants, from deep purples to glossy greens.
• Great for suppressing weeds due to its dense, mat-forming nature.

4. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Perfect for woodland gardens, Sweet Woodruff is renowned for its star-shaped white flowers and soft, fragrant scent. This shade-tolerant plant is both ornamental and practical.

Benefits:

• Ideal for shaded or partially shaded areas.
• Its fragrance is released when the leaves are dried, often used in potpourris.
• Attracts beneficial insects, enhancing garden biodiversity.

5. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

The Periwinkle is a vigorous evergreen ground cover with charming blue or purple flowers. It's suitable for various garden settings, particularly under trees and in borders.

Benefits:

• Effortlessly fills shady areas with vibrant color.
• Controls erosion on slopes or banks.
• Produces flowers over a long period, from spring to late autumn.

6. Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Known for its ornamental foliage, Heuchera, or Coral Bells, offers vibrant colors and textures throughout the year. This perennial is well-suited for shaded borders.

Benefits:

• Available in a wide range of leaf colors, from lime green to deep burgundy.
• Provides year-round interest in the garden.
• Easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.

7. Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)

Siberian Bugloss, or False Forget-Me-Not, is cherished for its heart-shaped leaves and clusters of blue flowers resembling forget-me-nots. It's an excellent choice for shady gardens.

Benefits:

• Bold, attractive foliage that creates excellent contrast with other plants.
• Prolonged bloom period in the spring.
• Thrives in damp, shaded environments.

8. Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Often recognized for its relaxing properties, Chamomile makes a delightful ground cover with its feathery leaves and cheerful white flowers.

Benefits:

• Grows well in poor soil conditions and tolerates regular cutting.
• Produces flowers known for their calming effects, ideal for herbal infusions.
• Attractive to pollinators, enhancing garden wildlife.

9. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

With its golden-yellow leaves, Creeping Jenny is a versatile ground cover that brightens any garden. It is suitable for damper areas and can handle partial shade.

Benefits:

• Fast-growing, providing quick ground cover.
• Offers vibrant color contrast with other plants.
• Can be used around water features, as it tolerates overly moist areas.

Choosing the Right Ground Cover for Your UK Garden

When selecting ground covers for your UK garden, consider the climatic conditions, soil type, and garden aesthetic you wish to achieve. Ground covers such as Creeping Thyme and Periwinkle are perfect for sunny areas, while Bugleweed and Sweet Woodruff excel in shade. The right ground cover will not only enhance your garden's visual appeal but also reduce maintenance and encourage biodiversity.

By incorporating these nine remarkable ground covers, you can create a dynamic and flourishing outdoor space that thrives in the UK climate conditions. Whether you're seeking vibrant blossoms, aromatic leaves, or year-round greenery, there's a ground cover ready to transform your gardening experience.