9 Must-Have Ground Covers for Beautiful UK Gardens

Posted on 16/05/2025

9 Must-Have Ground Covers for Beautiful UK Gardens

If you're looking to add texture, color, and a multitude of ecological benefits to your garden, ground cover plants are your ideal solution. In the UK, where the climate can be quite diverse, selecting the right plants is crucial for a thriving garden. Here are nine must-have ground covers that not only enhance the beauty of your space but also require minimal maintenance.

1. Thyme (_Thymus vulgaris_)

Thyme is an excellent choice for UK gardens due to its hardiness. Not only does it have a pleasant aroma, but it also provides a lovely carpet of green with purple-pink flowers. Best of all, thymus vulgaris adapts well to various soil types and can thrive in partial shade or full sun.

• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained
• Blooming Season: Late Spring to Summer

2. Creeping Jenny (_Lysimachia nummularia_)

This vibrant plant, often used in ornamental settings, can bring a touch of gold to your garden landscape. Creeping Jenny is known for its luscious green and yellow foliage, making it a favorite in UK gardens. It's an excellent choice for wetter areas.

• Sun Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
• Soil Type: Moist
• Blooming Season: Early to Mid-Summer

3. Wild Ginger (_Asarum europaeum_)

If you desire a touch of exoticism, wild ginger is your plant. This ground cover thrives in shady areas, adding a unique look with its glossy, heart-shaped leaves.

• Sun Exposure: Shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
• Blooming Season: Late Spring

4. Moss (_Bryophyta_)

A quintessential feature of British gardens, moss adds a lush, green backdrop even in the shadiest of areas. It's perfect for creating a tranquil setting and requires virtually no mowing.

• Sun Exposure: Shade
• Soil Type: Moist
• Key Benefit: Low maintenance and dense coverage

5. Blue Star Creeper (_Isotoma fluviatilis_)

For those looking for a sea of blue and green, Blue Star Creeper offers a charming look with its tiny star-like flowers. It fares well in different UK climates and makes a beautiful patio or path filler.

• Sun Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained
• Blooming Season: Spring to Summer

6. Chamomile (_Chamaemelum nobile_)

Commonly used for its fragrant aroma and health benefits, Chamomile is a delightful addition to UK gardens. It is prized for its daisy-like flowers and soothing scent, making it a favorite among gardeners.

• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Soil Type: Light, sandy
• Blooming Season: Mid to Late Summer

7. Saxifrage (_Saxifraga_)

This versatile plant species provides a range of stunning ground covers. Popular in rock gardens, Saxifrage blooms in an array of whites, pinks, and reds, adding vibrancy to any UK garden.

• Sun Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
• Blooming Season: Spring to Summer

8. Aubrieta (_Aubrieta deltoidea_)

Bringing a burst of color during early spring, Aubrieta forms a dense mat that's ideal for rockeries and edges. It's hardy and can easily cover unattractive areas in your garden with its purple blooms.

• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained
• Blooming Season: Spring

9. Dead Nettle (_Lamium maculatum_)

Despite its off-putting name, Dead Nettle offers a tapestry of silver and green leaves that bring elegance to shady areas. This plant is an ideal candidate for under-planting or filling challenging spaces.

• Sun Exposure: Shade to Partial Shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
• Blooming Season: Spring to early Summer

Conclusion

Incorporating these ground covers into your UK garden can transform it into a lush, lively habitat, providing benefits like weed suppression, habitat for insects, and soil moisture retention. Whether you're looking to create a serene escape or a vibrant showpiece, these plants will not disappoint. Tailor your garden's character with the versatile options listed above, and enjoy a thriving, beautiful garden all year round.

With ground covers, you not only enhance your garden's appearance but also contribute to a healthy ecosystem. Happy planting!