Ground cover plants are naturally low-growing plants that spread outwards to cover bare soil, helping to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Most varieties are low maintenance, requiring little upkeep once established, and also evergreen meaning that they provide year-round interest and coverage.
Lawn grass is a familiar form of ground cover, that not only protects the soil but also creates a practical surface for everyday use, such as picnics, sunbathing or a game of football. However, if you are looking to cover a difficult area like a slope, they are many alternative ground cover plants that are worth considering to provide colour, texture and seasonal interest.
Why Do You Need Ground Cover Plants?
Ground cover plants act as a living mulch for the soil. They suppress weeds, prevent soil from drying out under the heat of the sun and provide habitat for a variety of beneficial insects and creatures. The roots of these plants stabilise soil, preventing erosion, which is especially important on slopes where heavy rain can wash away soil.
Ground cover plants act as a living mulch for the soil. They suppress weeds, prevent soil from drying out under the heat of the sun and provide habitat for a variety of beneficial insects and creatures. The roots of these plants stabilise soil, preventing erosion, which is especially important on slopes where heavy rain can wash away soil.
Our Tips for Using Ground Cover Plants
- Before planting, weed the area thoroughly, as it’ll be difficult to remove weeds once the plants are growing
- Use compost or leaf mould to improve the soil
- Plant closer together and in large numbers in shady areas to achieve faster results
- If in dry shade, keep plants watered throughout summer
- Watch out for plants with ‘repens’ or ‘procumbens’ in their name, as these indicate low growing and spreading habits
Perennials for Sun
- Acaena
- Anthemis
- Arabis
- Aubrieta
- Campanula portenschlagiana
- Cerastium tomentosum
- Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
- Euphorbia myrsinites
- Geranium sanguineum
- Geranium ‘Rozanne’
- Glechoma hederacea
- Gypsophila repens
- Helianthemum
- Iberis
- Persicaria affinis
- Phlox
- Prunella grandiflora
- Sedum
- Silene schafta
- Stachys
- Trifolium repens
- Veronica peduncularis
Perennials for Shade
- Alchemilla mollis
- Ajuga
- Anemone nemorosa
- Bergenia
- Epimedium
- Euphorbia robbiae
- Ferns
- Galium odoratum
- Geranium macrorrhizum
- Heuchera
- Hostas
- Lamium
- Saxifraga spathularis
- Tiarella
- Viola odorata
- Vinca
- Waldsteinia ternata
Shrubs for Ground Cover
- Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens
- Cotoneaster horizontalis
- Cotoneaster dammeri
- Cotoneaster conspicuus ‘Decorus’
- Erica
- Euonymus fortunei
- Gaultheria procumbens
- Hedera
- Hypericum calycinum
- Pachysandra terminalis
- Rosa ‘Flower Carpet’ series
Conifers for Ground Cover
- Juniperus communis
- Juniperus horizontalis
- Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’
- Juniperus squamata
Lawn Alternatives
- Thymus serpyllum (creeping thyme)
- Chamaemelum nobile (chamomile lawn)
- Mixed wildflower meadow
Continue your Gardening Journey
Need a little extra advice? Visit your local Tates of Sussex Garden Centre today, where our friendly knowledgeable, team will be happy to help you choose the right plants and offer expert guidance.
