Make Your UK Garden Stand Out with These 9 Ground Covers

Posted on 19/06/2025

garden outdoor space

Creating a garden that captures attention and thrives year-round can be achieved with the strategic use of ground covers. These resilient and visually appealing plants not only enhance the beauty of your outdoor space but also provide functional benefits such as weed suppression and soil retention. In this article, we will explore nine of the best ground covers that can help you make your UK garden truly stand out.

The Benefits of Ground Covers

Weed Control: Ground covers act as natural barriers against weeds, minimizing competition for nutrients.
Soil Erosion Prevention: Their roots bind the soil together, reducing erosion.
Moisture Retention: Ground covers help keep the soil moist by providing shade.
Low Maintenance: Most ground covers require minimal upkeep compared to other garden plants.
Attract Pollinators: Some flowering varieties attract bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.

Top 9 Ground Covers for UK Gardens

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

If you're looking for a fragrant and drought-resistant option, creeping thyme is an excellent choice. This low-growing herb delights with tiny purple flowers in summer and a fresh aroma. Creeping thyme thrives in well-drained soil and requires full sun, making it perfect for covering pathways and sunny borders.

2. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

<Sweet woodruff> is a charming ground cover that produces delicate white flowers in spring. It thrives in shaded areas, making it an ideal option for spots beneath trees and shrubs. This ground cover is known for its sweet scent, especially when dried, and is a low-maintenance choice.

3. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Also known as dwarf periwinkle, this trailing evergreen vine produces charming blue or purple flowers. Its ability to thrive in various conditions, from sunny spots to partial shade, makes periwinkle a versatile ground cover. It's also known for its vigorous growth, providing excellent coverage.

4. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

<Bugleweed>, with its glossy foliage and spiky blue flowers, adds a vibrant splash to your garden. It's very tolerant of shade and slightly moist soil, making it suitable for almost any UK garden. Its quick spreading nature is beneficial for areas needing fast coverage.

5. Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Chamomile is not only valued for its lovely daisy-like flowers but also for its aromatic scent. It thrives in sunny areas with well-drained soil. Chamomile can be used to create a soft and fragrant ground cover, ideal for cottage gardens or pathways.

6. Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)

This unusual yet attractive plant features speckled foliage and clusters of pink, blue, or white flowers. Lungwort thrives in partial to full shade and moist conditions. It's perfect for brightening up shadowy areas and attracting pollinators.

7. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)

Japanese spurge is a hardy evergreen ground cover that flourishes in shaded gardens. Its glossy leaves create an attractive carpet, and it's especially useful for covering ground under large trees where grass struggles to thrive. It's low-maintenance once established and can provide year-round interest.

8. Lilyturf (Liriope muscari)

For a unique texture and added color, lilyturf offers narrow, grass-like leaves and showy purple flower spikes. It's adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions and sun exposures. This ground cover is robust and can endure the varying climates of UK gardens.

9. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

<Red clover> is more than just a ground cover; it's a nitrogen fixer that improves soil quality. Its beautiful red flowers add color to your garden during the summer months. Red clover thrives in different soil types and conditions, from full sun to partial shade.

Tips for Planting and Maintaining Ground Covers

Site Preparation: Clear the area of weeds and debris to give your ground covers the best start.
Spacing: Consider the mature size of the plants and space them accordingly to ensure full coverage.
Watering: Newly planted ground covers need regular watering until established, then can often thrive on rainfall alone.
Pruning: Occasional trimming helps control growth and encourages denser foliage.
Fertilizing: Most ground covers require little to no fertilization, but light feeding in spring can boost growth.

By integrating these nine ground covers into your UK garden, you not only enhance its beauty but also create a sustainable, low-maintenance ecosystem. Each plant offers unique features that can be tailored to fit various garden styles and conditions, ensuring your outdoor space remains captivating throughout the seasons. Whatever your garden's needs, there's a perfect ground cover waiting to thrive in your landscape.