Unveil the charm of 9 superb ground covers for UK gardeners

Posted on 16/05/2025

Unveil the Charm of 9 Superb Ground Covers for UK Gardeners

Ground covers are an essential part of landscaping, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical solutions to many gardening problems. Whether you're looking to fill empty spaces or prevent soil erosion, choosing the right ground cover plants can transform your outdoor space. In this guide, we'll explore nine superb ground covers ideal for UK gardens. Let's dive in!

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping thyme is a delightful choice for UK gardeners due to its versatility and hardy nature. This low-growing plant, with its fragrant leaves and pretty flowers, can thrive in poor soil conditions and resists drought. It also attracts pollinators, making it a friendly plant for nature lovers.

• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Well-drained soil, sandy or loamy
• Features: Fragrant foliage, pink or purple flowers
• Uses: Rock gardens, walkways, herb gardens

2. Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Chamomile serves as a classic ground cover with the added benefit of producing relaxing herbal tea. It's perfect for gardeners keen on sustainability and natural health. This perennial plant brings a touch of the wildflower meadow appeal.

• Light Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
• Features: Daisy-like flowers, sweet fragrance
• Uses: Lawns, herbal gardens, cottage gardens

3. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Known for its rich, deep foliage and intense blue flower spikes, bugleweed is a resilient ground cover option. Its rapid growth and adaptability to shade make it a comprehensive choice for those tricky spots under trees or shrubs.

• Light Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained soil
• Features: Blue flowers, evergreen leaves
• Uses: Woodland gardens, border edging, underplanting

4. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Periwinkle is a robust, evergreen ground cover plant, renowned for its lush green foliage and periwinkle-blue flowers. Ideal for suppressing weeds, it is both low-maintenance and visually charming.

• Light Requirements: Full sun to full shade
• Soil Type: Well-drained, acidic to neutral soil
• Features: Blue or white blooms, evergreen foliage
• Uses: Ground cover, erosion control, shade gardens

5. Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)

Bugloss offers attractive heart-shaped leaves with frosty undertones and tiny blue flowers reminiscent of forget-me-nots. It's perfect for shady spots where other ground covers might struggle.

• Light Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
• Soil Type: Moist, humus-rich soil
• Features: Blue flowers, variegated leaves
• Uses: Shaded borders, woodland gardens, containers

6. Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)

Wintercreeper stands out with its year-round foliage and ability to withstand varying UK climates. It's especially effective for those looking to add vertical interest, as it can climb if given support.

• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Any well-drained soil
• Features: Evergreen, variegated foliage
• Uses: Ground cover, walls, trellises

7. Heuchera (Heuchera spp.)

Coral bells, or Heuchera, provide a unique texture and vivid colors in a garden. This semi-evergreen perennial showcases leaves in a myriad of hues from deep purple to bright lime green, along with delicate flower spikes.

• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained soil
• Features: Varied leaf colors, bell-shaped flowers
• Uses: Mixed borders, foundation planting, containers

8. Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)

This dwarf perennial is ideal for areas that require a delicate carpet of color. The diminutive blue star-like flowers are sure to enchant gardeners seeking an alternative to grass.

• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained soil
• Features: Low-growing, star-shaped flowers
• Uses: Lawns, path edges, rock gardens

9. Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)

This version of thyme offers velvety, soft foliage and subtle pink flowers, making it a wonderful tactile addition to any garden. It is drought-resistant and thrives where other plants might falter.

• Light Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Type: Sandy, well-drained soil
• Features: Woolly-textured leaves, pink blooms
• Uses: Rock gardens, filling gaps in patios, herb gardens

Conclusion

Selecting the right ground cover plants can significantly enhance the beauty and functionality of your UK garden. These nine superb options offer diverse textures, colors, and growth habits to suit various garden designs. By choosing plants that match your environment and aesthetic needs, you'll ensure a vibrant and thriving garden all year round.

Happy gardening, and may your garden flourish with the charm of these wonderful ground covers!