Essential Ground Covers for UK Gardens: 9 Top Picks

Posted on 28/08/2025

Essential Ground Covers for UK Gardens: 9 Top Picks

Ground covers play a pivotal role in enhancing the aesthetic and functional value of UK gardens. Besides adding beauty, they also help suppress weeds, improve soil health, and reduce maintenance efforts. Discover the top nine essential ground covers that are best suited for UK gardens to create a thriving ecosystem in your outdoor space.

What are Ground Covers?

Ground covers are low-growing plants that spread across the ground, forming a carpet-like layer. These plants can range from perennials to shrubs and even ferns. They are commonly used in gardening for filling voids, covering unsightly areas, or creating lush greenery.

The Benefits of Ground Covers in Your Garden

• Biodiversity support: Encourages a variety of wildlife.
• Weed suppression: Reduces the need for chemical herbicides.
• Soil protection: Minimizes erosion and maintains moisture.
• Low maintenance: Reduces garden chores over time.

Choosing the Right Ground Cover for Your Garden

When selecting a ground cover, consider factors like climatic conditions, soil type, the amount of sunlight available, and the specific needs of your garden. Here, we present nine top picks for UK gardens, complete with their benefits and requirements.

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping Thyme is a favorite for sunny areas. Its fragrant, purple blossoms attract pollinators, making it ideal for eco-conscious gardeners. It thrives in well-drained soil and is drought-resistant.

2. Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)

Irish Moss offers a delicate, velvety texture, forming a dense mat that's perfect for light to partially shady areas. It's exceptional as an underplant for taller perennials and requires moist, well-drained soil.

3. Chamomile Lawn (Chamaemelum nobile)

This aromatic ground cover is not only pleasing to the senses but also drought-tolerant. Chamomile Lawn creates a visually appealing and pleasantly scented carpet, suitable for sunny locations with well-drained soil.

4. Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)

Bugleweed is known for its vibrant, blue blooms and glossy foliage. It grows effortlessly in partial shade and nutrient-rich soil, providing a lush cover even in tricky spots like beneath trees.

5. Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle)

Lesser Periwinkle is an evergreen ground cover that thrives in shady areas. Its striking violet-blue flowers add color to dull spots. It is an excellent choice for garden areas needing erosion control.

6. Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)

Known for its soft, fluffy appearance, Woolly Thyme provides excellent drought resistance. It makes a resilient ground cover for sunny, dry spots in your garden.

7. Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Heuchera is appreciated for its diverse leaf colors and textures. It performs well in partial shade and moderately fertile, moist soil, making it a showstopper in mixed border plantings.

8. Lamium maculatum (Dead Nettle)

The Dead Nettle features attractive foliage with silvery variegation and pastel-hued flowers. It adapts well to both shade and sun, thriving in well-drained, organically-rich soils.

9. Asarum europaeum (European Wild Ginger)

European Wild Ginger is a fantastic choice for deep shade, thriving in damp, rich soil conditions. Its glossy leaves provide year-round interest, especially under canopy-covered areas.

How to Plant and Maintain Ground Covers

Setting up your ground cover involves thorough ground preparation, appropriate spacing, and consistent care. Here's a quick guide on planting and maintaining your ground cover to ensure it establishes successfully:

Preparing the Site

• Remove all weeds and debris from the chosen area.
• Loosen and amend the soil with organic matter to improve fertility.

Planting the Ground Cover

• Dig holes that accommodate the root ball comfortably.
• Space the plants appropriately to allow room for growth.
• Water the plants thoroughly after planting.

Ongoing Maintenance

• Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the establishment phase.
• Remove weeds until the ground cover has firmly established.
• Prune as necessary to maintain the desired height and spread.

Conclusion

Choosing the right ground cover can transform your garden into a verdant haven. With the top picks listed above, you can explore the diverse options available to suit your garden's specific conditions. Invest in ground covers to enjoy a low-maintenance, visually appealing landscape that supports local wildlife and encourages sustainable gardening practices.

Whether you prefer the fragrance of Creeping Thyme or the visual appeal of Vinca minor, there's a ground cover for every corner of your UK garden. Enjoy the benefits these plants bring and cultivate a garden that's both beautiful and functional.