Top 9 Ground Cover Plants to Reinvent UK Gardens

Posted on 21/09/2025

Top 9 Ground Cover Plants to Reinvent UK Gardens

Transforming your garden into a vibrant and lush oasis doesn't have to be daunting. Incorporating ground cover plants is a brilliant way to fill gaps, reduce weeds, and add texture. Here's a comprehensive guide to the top 9 ground cover plants perfect for UK gardens.

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

The aromatic Creeping Thyme is a hardy ground cover plant that thrives in the UK climate. It's ideal for sunny areas and can even withstand some foot traffic. Not only does it release a pleasant scent when walked upon, but Creeping Thyme also offers beautiful purple flowers that attract pollinators.

• Ideal soil: Well-drained, sandy soil.
• Sunlight: Full sun.
• Benefits: Drought tolerant, low-maintenance, attracts bees.

2. Scottish Moss (Sagina subulata)

If you're aiming for a lush, grassy look without the upkeep of a lawn, consider Scottish Moss. It forms a dense, emerald-green carpet and produces tiny white flowers in the summer. Perfect for planting between stepping stones.

• Ideal soil: Moist, well-drained soil.
• Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun.
• Benefits: Minimal maintenance, soft to walk on.

3. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Periwinkle is a versatile and rapid spreader that can thrive in shaded areas. With its glossy leaves and vibrant blue or purple flowers, it creates an appealing ground cover that inhibits weed growth.

• Ideal soil: Moist yet well-drained soil.
• Sunlight: Shade to partial shade.
• Benefits: Low-maintenance, evergreen foliage, suppresses weeds.

4. Heuchera (Heuchera spp.)

Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, is adored for its wide array of leaf colors--from deep purples to lime greens. These plants add both color and texture to any garden setting and are particularly effective under trees or in borders.

• Ideal soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.
• Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun.
• Benefits: Evergreen, colorful foliage.

5. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)

For a carpet that adds a splash of color, choose Ajuga. It features bronze, purple, or green leaves and spikes of blue flowers, offering a vibrant spectacle especially in spring.

• Ideal soil: Moist, well-drained soil.
• Sunlight: Shade to full sun.
• Benefits: Fast-spreading, drought-resistant.

6. Lamium (Lamium spp.)

Lamium, often referred to as Deadnettle, is a resilient choice for shadier spots. It provides attractive variegated foliage and delicate blooms which are highly appealing when in mass plantings.

• Ideal soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.
• Sunlight: Shade to partial sun.
• Benefits: Low-growing, floriferous, variegated foliage.

7. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Bugleweed is valued for its low maintenance and colorful foliage that ranges from dark green to nearly black hues. It's especially effective in stopping soil erosion on slopes.

• Ideal soil: Moist, nutrient-rich soil.
• Sunlight: Part shade to full sun.
• Benefits: Erosion control, colorful and dense.

8. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

This plant is renowned for its sweet fragrance and whorled leaves. Sweet Woodruff thrives in shaded areas and produces charming star-shaped white flowers in spring.

• Ideal soil: Moist, well-drained soil.
• Sunlight: Full shade to partial shade.
• Benefits: Fragrant ground cover, pest-resistant.

9. Lilyturf (Liriope muscari)

Lilyturf is a resilient choice for year-round interest, producing strap-like leaves and spikes of violet flowers. Ideal for shady borders, it's perfect for gardens suffering from poor soil.

• Ideal soil: Well-drained, adaptable soil types.
• Sunlight: Shade to partial sun.
• Benefits: Low maintenance, disease-resistant.

Conclusion

Incorporating these ground cover plants will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden but also offer practical benefits such as erosion control and weed suppression. From the aromatic and resilient Creeping Thyme to the colorful and textured Heuchera, each plant brings its unique advantage to the table, making them ideal choices for reinventing UK gardens. Select the right varieties for your specific garden conditions and watch as your outdoor space transforms into a lush, cohesive landscape.