9 Ground Covers to Beautify Your UK Garden
Posted on 22/06/2025
9 Ground Covers to Beautify Your UK Garden
Transforming your garden into a lush oasis can be an exciting endeavor, especially when you opt for the right ground cover plants. These plants not only enhance the beauty of your garden but also offer practical benefits like weed suppression and soil erosion prevention. Below, we explore nine delightful ground covers perfect for UK gardens.
1. Thyme (Thymus spp.)
Thyme is a versatile ground cover that infuses your garden with a refreshing aroma. It's an excellent choice for pathways and rocky landscapes given its low-growing nature and resilience.
Benefits of Thyme:
- Drought-tolerant once established.
- Attracts bees and other pollinators with its tiny flowers.
- Requires minimal maintenance.
2. Heather (Calluna vulgaris)
Heather is synonymous with the UK landscape, adding vibrant hues from late summer to winter. This evergreen shrub can thrive in acidic, well-drained soils.
Advantages of Heather:
- Long blooming season for extended visual interest.
- Enhances biodiversity by supporting various insect species.
- Perfect for erosion control on slopes.
3. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a succulent ground cover that thrives in well-drained soil and sunny spots. Its fleshy leaves store water, making it an ideal low-maintenance option.
Sedum Highlights:
- Various textures and colors to choose from.
- Flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Highly resilient and drought-tolerant.
4. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Periwinkle, or Vinca minor, is a popular choice for its evergreen foliage and periwinkle-blue flowers. Ideal for shady areas, it spreads quickly, forming a dense carpet.
Perks of Periwinkle:
- Suppresses weeds effectively with its dense growth.
- Flowers add a pop of color in early spring.
- Tolerates a wide range of soil types.
5. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny boasts beautiful yellow-green foliage that brightens up any garden space. It's particularly effective around water features or shady areas.
Reasons to Plant Creeping Jenny:
- Provides a striking ground cover with its vibrant leaves.
- Can be used in containers and hanging baskets.
- Thrives in both sunny and shaded locations.
6. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga, or Bugleweed, is a charming ground cover known for its glossy leaves and striking spikes of blue or purple flowers. It is perfect for adding a splash of color to shaded areas.
Benefits of Ajuga:
- Needs minimal care and maintenance.
- Provides year-round interest with its evergreen foliage.
- Flower spikes bloom in late spring, attracting bees.
7. Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)
Wild strawberries offer more than just delightful fruits. Their trifoliate leaves and charming white flowers can add charm to any garden.
Wild Strawberry Highlights:
- Produces sweet, edible berries.
- Great for filling gaps in cottage-style gardens.
- Flowers attract pollinators.
8. Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Lamb's Ear is loved for its soft, velvety foliage that glistens in the sunlight. It's especially effective as a border plant in full sun areas.
Advantages of Lamb's Ear:
- Low maintenance and drought-resistant.
- Leaves provide a unique texture, enhancing landscape aesthetics.
- Silver-gray leaves complement various garden themes.
9. Moss (Bryophyta spp.)
If your garden has a shaded, damp environment, then moss is an ideal choice. This subtle yet effective ground cover offers a serene, natural look.
Moss Perks:
- Thrives where other plants struggle.
- Requires no mowing and minimal upkeep.
- Enhances natural aesthetics of forest-like gardens.
Choosing the right ground cover plants can transform your UK garden into a picturesque retreat. Whether it's the vibrant colors of periwinkle or the aromatic charm of thyme, these plants provide versatility and beauty. Before selecting, consider the specific conditions of your garden, such as sunlight, soil type, and climate, to ensure the best outcome for your landscaping project.
