Explore 9 Fabulous Ground Cover Choices for Your UK Garden

Posted on 26/06/2025

Explore 9 Fabulous Ground Cover Choices for Your UK Garden

Creating a stunning garden in the UK involves understanding your local climate and selecting plants that thrive in this particular environment. One of the fundamental aspects of achieving a beautiful and functional garden is choosing the right ground cover plants. These plants not only add texture and color but also help in suppressing weeds, retaining moisture, and preventing soil erosion. Let's dive into nine fabulous ground cover choices that are perfect for your UK garden.

1. Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)

The Ajuga reptans, commonly known as Bugleweed, is a hardy perennial plant that features attractive, shiny leaves that can vary in color from dark green to vibrant purple. It grows well in both sunny and shaded areas, making it versatile for different garden spaces.

Why Choose Bugleweed?

• Shade tolerant: Ideal for covering ground beneath trees.
• Low maintenance: Minimal care required once established.
• Beautiful blooms: Displays spikes of blue flowers mid-spring.

2. Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle)

The Vinca minor, or Lesser Periwinkle, is another excellent choice for UK gardens. With glossy green leaves and charming purple-blue flowers, this evergreen ground cover plant provides year-round interest.

Benefits of Lesser Periwinkle

• Evergreen foliage: Maintains green leaves throughout winter.
• Rapid spread: Quickly fills in empty garden areas.
• Versatile growth: Thrives in various soil conditions.

3. Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme)

Known for its delightful fragrance and culinary uses, Thymus serpyllum, or Creeping Thyme, is a wonderful addition to any garden seeking a low-growing ground cover.

Reasons to Plant Creeping Thyme

• Fragrant aroma: Releases a pleasant scent when stepped on.
• Attractive blooms: Features pink to purple flowers during the summer months.
• Drought tolerant: Requires minimal watering once established.

4. Galium odoratum (Sweet Woodruff)

Galium odoratum, commonly known as Sweet Woodruff, is beloved for its pleasant fragrance and delicate, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in late spring.

Advantages of Sweet Woodruff

• Shade loving: Perfect for shaded garden areas.
• Lovely fragrance: Leaves and flowers release a sweet scent.
• Self-seeding: Natural ability to colonize and spread.

5. Sedum acre (Biting Stonecrop)

Sedum acre, or Biting Stonecrop, is a drought-resistant succulent that thrives in rocky or sandy soil. With its bright yellow flowers, it offers a cheerful splash of color in the summer.

Reasons to Opt for Biting Stonecrop

• Drought resistant: Perfect for dry, sunny spots.
• Low maintenance: Requires very little attention once established.
• Vibrant blooms: Produces striking yellow flowers in summer.

6. Waldsteinia ternata (Barren Strawberry)

For an attractive evergreen ground cover, consider Waldsteinia ternata, also known as Barren Strawberry. Despite its name, it produces small, yellow flowers, adding brightness to early spring.

Benefits of Barren Strawberry

• Evergreen: Maintains foliage throughout the year.
• Shade tolerant: Adaptable to both sun and shade.
• Bright flowers: Adds cheerfulness with its yellow blooms.

7. Heuchera (Coral Bells)

With a broad spectrum of leaf colors, from deep purples to vibrant greens, the Heuchera or Coral Bells, provides a color palette that can suit any garden design.

Why Coral Bells are a Good Choice

• Colorful foliage: Offers a wide range of leaf colors.
• Long blooming season: Flowers from late spring through summer.
• Shade loving: Thrives under trees and in shaded areas.

8. Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny)

Lysimachia nummularia, more commonly referred to as Creeping Jenny, is a fast-growing ground cover that features bright green or golden foliage.

Advantages of Using Creeping Jenny

• Versatile growth: Suitable for sun and partial shade.
• Aggressive spread: Efficiently covers large areas quickly.
• Golden foliage: Adds brightness with its yellow-hued leaves.

9. Aubrieta (Rock Cress)

A low-growing plant ideal for rock gardens, Aubrieta or Rock Cress, presents intense purple or pink blooms that cascade over stones, making it a stunning ground cover option.

Reasons to Incorporate Rock Cress

• Eye-catching blooms: Displays color-rich flowers in spring.
• Hardy performer: Grows well in stony or gravelly soil.
• Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established.

Choosing the best ground cover plants for your UK garden not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal but also offers environmental benefits. Whether you're aiming for vibrant colors or lush greenery, these nine fabulous choices provide a range of options to create a garden that's both beautiful and sustainable.

Ensure to consider planting conditions such as sunlight exposure, soil type, and moisture availability when making your selections. With careful planning and the right choices, your garden can become a charming haven that requires less upkeep while looking stunning year-round.