UK Garden Revival: Top 9 Ground Cover Plants to Consider

Posted on 03/09/2025

UK Garden Revival: Top 9 Ground Cover Plants to Consider

The art of gardening in the UK has seen a significant revival as nature enthusiasts strive to create beautiful sanctuaries in their own backyards. A key component in any thriving garden is the selection of ground cover plants. These versatile plants not only fill in gaps but also suppress weeds, reduce soil erosion, and add a lush texture to the garden landscape. Let us navigate through the top nine ground cover plants that promise to transform your garden into a flourishing retreat.

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Known for its fragrant aroma and charming appearance, creeping thyme is a popular choice for ground cover in UK gardens. This low-growing perennial is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for planting between stepping stones or filling in rock gardens.

Unique Features of Creeping Thyme

• Blooms in summer with tiny purple or white flowers.
• Attracts bees and other pollinators.
• Works as an edible herb with culinary uses.

2. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Periwinkle, or common periwinkle, is celebrated for its evergreen foliage and profusion of blue or purple flowers. This hardy plant thrives in both sun and shade, making it a versatile addition to any garden.

Benefits of Choosing Periwinkle

• Provides a dense mat of foliage, excellent for weed suppression.
• Tolerates a variety of soil conditions.
• Low maintenance once established.

3. Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina)

Lamb's ear is adored for its soft, fuzzy leaves that bring a unique texture to the garden. This ground cover is not only visually appealing but also resilient, thriving in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.

Advantages of Lamb's Ear

• Produces silver-gray foliage that complements a variety of plants.
• Resistant to drought and deer-resistant.
• Ideal for adding texture to borders and pathways.

4. Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

This aromatic herbaceous perennial provides a classic touch to ground cover applications in UK gardens. Chamomile is known for its delicate white flowers and soothing scent, ideal for creating a calming garden space.

Why Chamomile is a Great Choice

• Offers a natural fragrance to the garden.
• Attracts beneficial insects like bees.
• Leaves and flowers can be harvested for herbal tea.

5. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)

The Japanese spurge is a popular choice for shady areas, thanks to its evergreen foliage and minimal care requirements. It's an excellent option for areas under trees or along foundations.

Notable Characteristics of Japanese Spurge

• Forms a thick, mat-like coverage.
• Survives in poor soil conditions.
• Evergreen leaves add year-round interest.

6. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Renowned for its colorful foliage and vibrant spring blooms, bugleweed is an adaptable ground cover plant. It grows well in both sun and partial shade, making it a versatile addition to your garden palette.

Highlights of Bugleweed

• Leaves vary in color from purple to green, offering striking contrast.
• Produces clusters of blue-violet flowers in spring.
• Great for controlling erosion on slopes and banks.

7. Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Woodruff is an herbaceous perennial known for its delightful scent and distinctive foliage. It's an excellent ground cover for damp, shaded areas of the garden.

Key Features of Woodruff

• Forms a dense carpet of small, star-shaped leaves.
• Produces sweet-scented white flowers in early summer.
• Highly tolerant of wet conditions.

8. Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)

True to its name, snow-in-summer is celebrated for its silvery foliage and an abundance of white blooms. This plant flourishes in well-drained soil and full sunlight, bringing a bright touch to rock gardens and edging.

Advantages of Snow-in-Summer

• Blooms profusely, creating a blanket of white flowers.
• Resilient and drought-tolerant.
• Perfect for growing in sandy or stony soils.

9. Sedum (Sedum spp.)

Various species of sedum are known for their succulent, fleshy leaves and vibrant blooms. As a low-maintenance ground cover, sedums are often used in rock gardens, green roofs, and xeriscaping.

Key Benefits of Sedum

• Range of flower colors from pink to yellow, adding visual interest.
• Tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions.
• Attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.

In conclusion, selecting the right ground cover plants not only enhances the aesthetic of your garden but also promotes biodiversity and eases garden maintenance. Whether you're looking to cover expansive areas or fill in those tricky spots, these nine exceptional plants can help revive your UK garden and transform it into an exquisite, eco-friendly paradise.