The Top 9 Ground Cover Plants for Successful UK Gardening

Posted on 12/09/2025

The Top 9 Ground Cover Plants for Successful UK Gardening

If you're looking to enhance your garden with a lush, picturesque view, incorporating ground cover plants is a brilliant strategy. Not only do they fill in gaps and minimize maintenance, but they also combat weeds, retain moisture, and add layers of texture to your outdoor space. This article highlights the top 9 ground cover plants that flourish in the UK's unique climate. With a range of options to suit your garden's specific needs, these ground covers will transform even the most challenging spots into vibrant areas of interest.

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping Thyme is a versatile and fragrant choice for any UK garden. It produces clusters of delicate lilac flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. This drought-resistant ground cover prefers full sun and well-drained soil, spreading quickly to create a dense, carpet-like effect.

Why Choose Creeping Thyme?

• Low maintenance
• Edible and aromatic
• Tolerates light foot traffic

2. Rock Cress (Aubrieta deltoidea)

Famous for its vibrant violet blooms and evergreen foliage, Rock Cress thrives on walls, slopes, and rocky gardens. This low-growing perennial can withstand cold UK winters, making it an ideal ground cover solution for year-round interest.

Benefits of Rock Cress

• Long blooming season
• Cold hardy
• Perfect for borders and rockeries

3. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Bugleweed is renowned for its ability to form a dense mat, even under shady conditions. This plant is particularly attractive with its deep blue, spike-like flowers and can tolerate a variety of soils, making it an essential addition to shade gardens.

Key Features of Bugleweed

• Thrives in shade
• Variety of foliage colors
• Great for erosion control

4. Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)

Corsican Mint is a small-leaved plant that emits a fresh minty aroma as you walk over it. It is known for its resilience and grows swiftly, covering the ground swiftly with its vibrant green leaves.

Advantages of Corsican Mint

• Adds fragrance to your garden
• Ideal for filling gaps between stepping stones
• Prefers moist conditions

5. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

For shady gardens, Sweet Woodruff is an excellent choice. Known for its fragrant star-shaped white flowers, it makes a delightful ground cover plant, particularly in woodland gardens or under trees.

Reasons to Grow Sweet Woodruff

• Sweet scent
• Effective against weeds
• Low maintenance

6. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)

This evergreen perennial is perfect for creating a thick cover in shady areas. Its glossy green leaves make a striking contrast against its small, white spring flowers.

Features of Japanese Spurge

• Thrives in full to partial shade
• Minimal care required
• Combats soil erosion

7. Ground Morning Glory (Convolvulus sabatius)

Ground Morning Glory offers a stunning display with its blue, funnel-shaped flowers. Although it prefers sunlight, this hardy plant can adapt to various conditions and adds a splash of color to any space.

Perks of Ground Morning Glory

• Fast growing
• Adapts to poor soils
• Attracts pollinators

8. Golden Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea')

The trailing stems of Golden Creeping Jenny bring a striking lime-yellow hue to gardens. It grows rapidly, making it ideal for providing quick cover and vibrant color near water features or damp areas.

Highlights of Golden Creeping Jenny

• Bright foliage color
• Thrives in wet conditions
• Works well in containers

9. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Periwinkle is a classic ground cover plant, admired for its glossy green leaves and starry blue or white flowers. It's perfect for suppressing weeds and covering extensive areas swiftly.

Reasons to Love Periwinkle

• Easy to grow and maintain
• Tolerates a wide range of conditions
• Beautiful evergreen foliage

Conclusion

Incorporating the right ground cover plants can transform your UK garden, filling in empty spaces and reducing garden upkeep. From the aromatic Creeping Thyme to the lush Periwinkle, you'll find plenty of options that suit your garden's conditions and design preferences. Opt for a combination of these plant choices to create a visually appealing, low-maintenance, and serene outdoor space that thrives throughout the seasons.