9 highly recommended ground covers to transform your UK space

Posted on 15/05/2025

9 Highly Recommended Ground Covers to Transform Your UK Space

Creating a vibrant and lush outdoor space doesn't always require endless rows of flowering plants or grassy lawns. Sometimes, the magic lies within the modest ground covers. These low-growing plants are perfect for adding texture, color, and interest to your garden. Here, we explore nine highly recommended ground covers that are perfect for transforming any UK space, making it both attractive and easy to maintain.

Why Choose Ground Covers?

Ground covers serve not only as decorative elements but also as functional assets in a garden. They help in suppressing weeds, preventing erosion, and adding biodiversity. Moreover, they can thrive in challenging spots where grass and other flora might struggle. Here's why ground covers are a great choice for any UK garden:

• Weed Suppression: By covering the soil, they prevent weed seeds from receiving sunlight and thus deter their growth.
• Moisture Retention: Ground covers help maintain soil moisture by providing shade and reducing evaporation.
• Erosion Control: Their roots help hold the soil together, preventing erosion during heavy rains.
• Biodiversity: These plants attract various insects and birds, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.

Top 9 Ground Covers for UK Gardens

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping Thyme is an aromatic herb that works well as a ground cover. Its fragrant leaves release a pleasant scent when walked upon. This hardy perennial is drought-tolerant and thrives in well-drained, sunny areas. Perfect for rock gardens or filling gaps between stepping stones.

• Color: Pink, purple, or white flowers.
• Height: Approximately 2-4 inches.
• Maintenance: Minimal, with occasional trimming required.

2. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)

Also known as Bugleweed, Ajuga is a rapid spreader ideal for shaded areas of your garden. Its glossy leaves come in various shades, offering stunning coverage. The blue, purple, or white flower spikes add a pop of color during the blooming season.

• Color: Variegated leaves with blue, purple, or white flowers.
• Height: Up to 6 inches.
• Maintenance: Low, although controlling its spread might be necessary.

3. Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny)

Creeping Jenny is loved for its cheerful, bright yellow-green foliage. It is perfect for areas that are both sunny and moist. Its trailing habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets or spilling over walls.

• Color: Golden yellow leaves and yellow flowers.
• Height: Up to 4 inches.
• Maintenance: Medium, requiring occasional thinning.

4. Vinca minor (Periwinkle)

Periwinkle is a popular choice due to its evergreen foliage and charming blue, purple, or white flowers. It is incredibly versatile and can thrive in both sun and shade, making it a robust and reliable option for ground cover in the UK.

• Color: Blue, purple, or white flowers.
• Height: 4-6 inches.
• Maintenance: Low, but it can be invasive if not controlled.

5. Geranium (Hardy Geranium)

Hardy Geraniums are a favorite for adding a splash of color. With a range of flowers from pink to blue and white, there is a variety for every taste. They adapt well to various conditions, surviving cold UK winters while being drought-tolerant in summer.

• Color: Pink, blue, white flowers.
• Height: Up to 10 inches.
• Maintenance: Low, prune after blooming.

6. Alchemilla mollis (Lady's Mantle)

Lady's Mantle is appreciated for its unique leaves that catch morning dew beautifully. Its delicate chartreuse blooms are a charming addition to any garden. This ground cover tolerates partial shade and is easy to grow, making it a user-friendly choice for UK landscapes.

• Color: Yellow-green flowers.
• Height: 10-12 inches.
• Maintenance: Low, with occasional trimming of spent flowers.

7. Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Known for their beautiful, varied foliage, Heuchera offers colors ranging from metallic silver to purple and red. They are excellent for shaded areas and provide lovely spikes of flowers, attracting pollinators to your garden.

• Color: Varied foliage with small white or pink flowers.
• Height: Up to 14 inches.
• Maintenance: Medium, requiring division every few years.

8. Euphorbia (Spurge)

Euphorbia provides a striking ground cover with its bright green foliage and chartreuse flowers. It's drought-resistant and thrives in sunny spots, making it suitable for UK gardens seeking low-maintenance beauty.

• Color: Bright green with chartreuse flowers.
• Height: 6-10 inches.
• Maintenance: Low, but handle with care as sap can be irritating.

9. Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedums are succulents, well-known for their ability to thrive in dry conditions. With numerous varieties offering different shapes and colors, they are excellent for rock gardens or dry, sunny patches in the landscape.

• Color: Variegated leaves with pink, yellow, or white flowers.
• Height: Up to 6 inches.
• Maintenance: Low, making it perfect for busy gardeners.

Conclusion

Integrating ground covers in your UK garden is a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice. From the aromatic smells of Creeping Thyme to the vibrant foliage of Heuchera, these plants can significantly enhance any outdoor space. By selecting the right ground covers suited to your garden's conditions, you'll enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that's full of life and color.

Transform your garden with these amazing ground cover plants, and you'll not only improve its appearance but also its ecological health. With thoughtful selection and placement, your outdoor space can become a beautiful sanctuary of greenery.