9 Ground Cover Plants to Turn Your UK Garden into a Green Oasis

Posted on 30/09/2025

Transform Your UK Garden with These 9 Ground Cover Plants

Creating a lush, green oasis in your UK garden might seem like a daunting task, but with the right ground cover plants, you can easily achieve this dream. These plants not only cover the bare soil beautifully but also suppress weeds, retain moisture, and maintain soil temperature. Below is a list of nine incredible ground covers that will enhance the beauty of your garden.

1. Alchemilla mollis (Lady's Mantle)

Alchemilla mollis, also known as Lady's Mantle, is a versatile plant, perfect for ground coverage in shaded areas. Its scalloped, soft green leaves are excellent at catching raindrops, giving them a pearly appearance. The delicate green-yellow flowers bloom from early summer and can act as a lovely border plant.

• Light: Partial shade to full shade
• Soil: Well-drained soil
• Height and spread: Grows approximately 45 cm tall and 60 cm wide

2. Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle)

The Vinca minor or Lesser Periwinkle is celebrated for its evergreen foliage, providing constant coverage and a delightful burst of blue-purple flowers. It's ideal for shady spots and can thrive in less-than-optimal conditions.

• Light: Full shade to partial sun
• Soil: Tolerant of most soil types
• Height and spread: Reaches 10-15 cm in height with a spread of up to 1 meter

3. Geranium macrorrhizum (Cranesbill)

Geranium macrorrhizum, commonly known as Cranesbill, is a robust perennial that remains evergreen in mild winters. Its aromatic, lobed leaves turn red in autumn, and it showcases pink or white flowers in the spring and summer.

• Light: Prefers partial shade
• Soil: Adaptable to various soil conditions
• Height and spread: Can grow up to 30 cm in height and 90 cm across

4. Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Heuchera, with its stunning, variegated foliage of many colours, offers visual interest throughout the year. Its tiny, bell-shaped flowers appear in spring, adding a splash of soft color to your garden ground cover.

• Light: Likes partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Height and spread: Reaches 30-45 cm in height and spreads 60 cm wide

5. Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)

Ajuga reptans, known as Bugleweed, is a fast-growing ground cover that features rich, dark foliage and vibrant blue flower spikes. This plant thrives in shaded areas making it perfect for underplanting trees and shrubs.

• Light: Does well in full shade to partial sun
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
• Height and spread: Typically grows 10-20 cm high, can spread rapidly

6. Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny)

Lysimachia nummularia, or Creeping Jenny, provides a dense carpet of vibrant yellow-green, penny-like leaves that spill beautifully over edge borders or rockeries. Its creeping nature and yellow flowers make it an excellent choice for ground cover gardens.

• Light: Partial shade to full sun
• Soil: Prefers moist soil
• Height and spread: Reaches up to 10 cm in height and extends rapidly across available space

7. Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower)

The Foamflower, or Tiarella cordifolia, provides a display of frothy white or pink blooms in late spring. This plant forms a lovely carpet of lobed leaves that often feature a maroon center, offering stunning foliage even out of flower.

• Light: Thrives in part to full shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
• Height and spread: Grows to around 30 cm tall and spreads 60 cm

8. Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)

Convallaria majalis, lovingly called Lily of the Valley, is cherished for its delicate, bell-shaped white flowers with a sweet fragrance. It's a low-maintenance plant with glossy green leaves.

• Light: Prefers dappled shade
• Soil: Moist but well-drained soil
• Height and spread: Reaches heights of 15-20 cm and spreads quickly

9. Sempervivum (Houseleeks)

Sempervivum, or Houseleeks, are known for their rosette shape and their ability to thrive in rockeries and poor soils. These succulents form mats and offer an array of colors and textures that add visual interest even in winter.

• Light: Full sun preferred
• Soil: Well-drained, gritty soil
• Height and spread: Usually grow to 5-10 cm in height and spread quickly to cover ground areas

Create Your Green Oasis

Your UK garden can be transformed into a verdant sanctuary with the inclusion of these ground cover plants. Not only do they serve practical purposes such as weed suppression and soil protection, but they also bring a variety of textures, colours, and scents that elevate your garden's aesthetic appeal. Choose the plants best suited to your garden's conditions, and enjoy a blooming paradise all year round.

By selecting the appropriate ground covers, you can ensure that your garden remains attractive with minimal upkeep. Remember to consider factors like light, soil type, and moisture levels when planning your garden design, as ideal choices vary depending on these conditions.

The incorporation of these ground covering plants will immerse your outdoor space in greenery and ensure that your garden is not only vibrant and lively but also functional and resilient. So, roll up your sleeves and start transforming your garden into a lush, green oasis.