Groundcover plants are a brilliant solution for covering bare soil, suppressing weeds, and adding colour and texture to tricky spots like dry shade or sunny borders. Many are low-growing, spreading naturally to form dense mats that require little maintenance. Whether you’re designing a new garden or refreshing established beds, here are 10 fantastic groundcover plants to consider—available now at our garden centre.
1. Geranium macrorrhizum (Bigroot Geranium)
A tough and versatile perennial, Geranium macrorrhizum features aromatic, semi-evergreen foliage and charming pink or white flowers in late spring. It thrives in dry, shady areas where little else will grow and spreads steadily without becoming invasive. In autumn, the leaves take on attractive red and bronze hues, providing seasonal interest. It's ideal under trees or shrubs where competition for moisture is high.
Key benefits: Drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and low-maintenance.
2. Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle)
Perfect for shaded spots, Vinca minor forms a carpet of glossy green foliage dotted with periwinkle-blue or purple flowers from spring into autumn. It's less aggressive than Vinca major, making it more manageable in garden settings. This evergreen groundcover is ideal for banks, under trees, or along shady paths.
Care tip: Trim back in early spring to control spread and encourage new growth.
3. Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge)
An excellent option for dense shade, Pachysandra terminalis produces whorls of rich green, toothed leaves that form an evergreen ground-hugging mat. Small white flowers appear in spring, adding a subtle accent. It suppresses weeds effectively and is particularly useful beneath deciduous trees or on north-facing borders.
Growing tip: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and appreciates occasional mulching.
4. Epimediums (Barrenwort)
Epimediums are delicate-looking but surprisingly hardy. Their heart-shaped leaves emerge with bronze tones and mature to green, while sprays of dainty flowers bloom in early spring in shades of yellow, pink, or white. They thrive in dry shade and are excellent under trees or in woodland-style gardens.
Gardeners' tip: Cut back old leaves in late winter to show off the spring blooms and encourage fresh foliage.
5. Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’
A reliable, low-growing evergreen shrub with variegated silver-green leaves edged in white that take on a pinkish tinge in winter. Euonymus ‘Emerald Gaiety’ can sprawl as groundcover or be trained to climb a wall or trellis. It suits sun or part shade and requires minimal upkeep—just an annual tidy.
Versatility: Perfect for borders, slopes, or as a low hedge.
6. Hebe pinguifolia ‘Pagei’
A compact evergreen shrub with tiny silver-grey leaves and occasional white flower spikes in summer. Its naturally mounded form makes it perfect for edging borders, rockeries, or gravel gardens. It thrives in sunny, well-drained positions and tolerates salt-laden winds, making it ideal for coastal gardens.
Maintenance: Requires little pruning—just remove any dead or damaged branches in spring.
7. Campanula carpatica (Tussock Bellflower)
This clump-forming perennial produces abundant bell-shaped flowers in soft blue, violet, or white, blooming from early summer into autumn. Campanula carpatica prefers sunny spots with moist but well-drained soil and attracts bees and other pollinators.
Great for: Cottage gardens, edging paths, or planting in containers.
8. Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme)
A fragrant, mat-forming herb that thrives in poor, sandy soil and full sun. Thymus serpyllum produces masses of tiny pink or purple flowers in spring and early summer. The evergreen foliage releases a pleasant scent when walked on, making it ideal for planting between paving stones or in rock gardens.
Bonus: Attracts pollinators and is culinary-friendly too!
9. Sedum cauticola (Stonecrop)
This charming sedum forms low clumps of fleshy, blue-grey leaves and bursts into flower in late summer with clusters of starry pink blooms. It’s perfect for sunny, dry areas with poor soil, and is a favourite with bees and butterflies. Being drought-tolerant, Sedum cauticola is ideal for gravel gardens, containers, or hot borders.
Care: Practically care-free—just avoid heavy, wet soil.
10. Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican Fleabane)
A delightfully informal, long-flowering perennial that spills beautifully over walls, paths, and pots. Erigeron karvinskianus blooms from spring to late autumn with masses of small white daisies that age to pink. Its relaxed, self-seeding habit makes it perfect for softening hard edges and creating that natural, wildflower look.
Low-maintenance: Just shear back in early spring for a fresh flush of growth.
Visit Us Today
Whether you’re tackling dry shade, a sunny slope, or just want a border that looks great all year with minimal upkeep, we have a wide selection of groundcover plants to choose from. Come visit us at Carpenters Nursery and speak with our friendly team—we’ll help you pick the perfect plants for your space.
