Best Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants for UK Gardens: 30 Beautiful Choices

Choosing the best low-maintenance ground cover plants is an excellent way to create attractive garden borders while reducing the amount of regular weeding and maintenance required.

Ground cover plants spread across the soil, forming a living carpet of foliage and, in many cases, beautiful seasonal flowers.

They can be particularly useful beneath shrubs, around established trees, along pathways and across difficult areas where grass struggles to grow.

Some ground cover plants remain evergreen, providing attractive foliage throughout winter.

Others produce colourful flowers during spring and summer, attracting bees and other pollinating insects.

There are also varieties suitable for dry shade, sunny slopes, clay soil and smaller gardens.

Here at Gardening with Ben, I’m always looking for ways to make garden and allotment areas easier to maintain without sacrificing colour or wildlife value.

Ground cover planting is one of the most useful techniques for achieving this.

However, not every spreading plant is suitable for every garden.

Some varieties grow slowly and form neat clumps, while others spread rapidly and can become difficult to control.

Choosing the right plants for your growing conditions is essential.

In this complete guide, we’ll explore 30 of the best low-maintenance ground cover plants for UK gardens, including evergreen varieties, flowering perennials, plants for shade and drought-tolerant choices.

We’ll also explain how to plant ground cover, how far apart to space plants and how to encourage them to establish successfully.

What Are Ground Cover Plants?

Ground cover plants are plants that grow across the soil surface, forming a relatively low layer of vegetation.

They can spread through creeping stems, underground roots, rhizomes or gradually expanding clumps.

Some remain only a few centimetres tall.

Others grow to around 30–50 cm while still providing useful ground coverage.

Benefits of Ground Cover Plants

• Reduce exposed soil
• Suppress some weed growth
• Provide attractive foliage
• Add seasonal flowers
• Help reduce soil erosion
• Create habitat for insects
• Soften the edges of paths
• Cover difficult garden areas
• Reduce the need for frequent cultivation

Ground cover plants don’t completely eliminate weeds, but established planting can make borders easier to maintain.

30 Best Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants

1. Geranium Macrorrhizum

Common name: Bigroot geranium

Geranium macrorrhizum is one of the most useful ground cover plants for UK gardens.

It forms spreading clumps of aromatic foliage and produces attractive pink or white flowers.

• Position: Sun or partial shade
• Soil: Adaptable, including relatively dry conditions
• Height: Approximately 30–45 cm
• Flowering: Late spring to early summer

It is particularly useful beneath established shrubs.

Gardening with Ben Tip: This is one of my favourite recommendations for gardeners struggling with dry, difficult borders.

2. Ajuga Reptans

Common name: Bugle

Ajuga is a low-growing perennial that spreads through creeping runners.

It produces attractive foliage and upright blue flower spikes.

• Position: Sun or partial shade
• Soil: Moist but well-drained
• Height: Approximately 10–20 cm
• Flowering: Spring

Purple-leaved varieties are particularly attractive.

Ajuga can spread beyond its intended area, so monitor growth.

3. Vinca Minor

Common name: Lesser periwinkle

Vinca minor is an evergreen ground cover plant with glossy leaves and blue, purple or white flowers.

• Position: Partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained
• Height: Approximately 10–20 cm
• Flowering: Mainly spring

It is useful beneath shrubs and in shaded borders.

Important: Vinca can spread vigorously. Avoid planting it where it may escape into natural habitats.

4. Pachysandra Terminalis

Common name: Japanese spurge

Pachysandra is an evergreen ground cover plant suited to shaded positions.

• Position: Partial or full shade
• Soil: Moisture-retentive, well-drained
• Height: Approximately 15–30 cm

It forms a dense carpet of glossy foliage.

It establishes best where the soil doesn’t become excessively dry.

5. Bergenia

Common name: Elephant’s ears

Bergenia produces large, leathery leaves and attractive spring flowers.

• Position: Sun or partial shade
• Soil: Adaptable
• Height: Approximately 30–45 cm
• Flowering: Spring

Some varieties develop attractive reddish foliage during winter.

Bergenia is excellent for edging borders and covering soil beneath shrubs.

6. Epimedium

Common name: Barrenwort

Epimedium is an excellent plant for dry shade once established.

Its delicate flowers appear during spring.

• Position: Partial shade
• Soil: Humus-rich, well-drained
• Height: Approximately 20–40 cm
• Flowering: Spring

Some species are evergreen, while others lose their foliage during winter.

7. Heuchera

Common name: Coral bells

Heucheras are popular for their colourful foliage.

Available shades include purple, lime, bronze, red and green.

• Position: Partial shade
• Soil: Moist but well-drained
• Height: Approximately 20–40 cm

Heucheras form attractive clumps rather than spreading rapidly.

Plant several together for effective ground coverage.

8. Lamium Maculatum

Common name: Spotted dead-nettle

Lamium is a spreading perennial with attractive variegated foliage.

It produces pink, purple or white flowers.

• Position: Partial shade
• Soil: Moist but well-drained
• Height: Approximately 15–25 cm
• Flowering: Spring through summer

It is particularly useful beneath shrubs.

9. Brunnera Macrophylla

Common name: Siberian bugloss

Brunnera produces heart-shaped leaves and delicate blue spring flowers.

• Position: Partial shade
• Soil: Moisture-retentive
• Height: Approximately 30–45 cm
• Flowering: Spring

Varieties such as ‘Jack Frost’ have beautiful silver-patterned foliage.

10. Pulmonaria

Common name: Lungwort

Pulmonaria produces early flowers and attractive spotted foliage.

• Position: Partial shade
• Soil: Moist but well-drained
• Height: Approximately 20–35 cm
• Flowering: Early spring

Its flowers provide an early source of nectar for pollinators.

11. Asarum Europaeum

Common name: European wild ginger

Asarum europaeum is a slow-growing evergreen ground cover plant.

It produces glossy, rounded leaves.

• Position: Shade
• Soil: Humus-rich, moisture-retentive
• Height: Approximately 10–15 cm

It is useful for small shaded borders where a neat appearance is desired.

12. Cyclamen Hederifolium

Common name: Autumn cyclamen

Hardy cyclamen is excellent for naturalising beneath deciduous trees.

It produces delicate pink or white flowers followed by attractive patterned leaves.

• Position: Partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained
• Height: Approximately 10–15 cm
• Flowering: Late summer through autumn

It is particularly useful for dry shade once established.

13. Cyclamen Coum

Cyclamen coum produces beautiful winter and early-spring flowers.

• Position: Partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained
• Height: Approximately 5–10 cm
• Flowering: Winter through early spring

It combines beautifully with snowdrops and hellebores.

14. Hellebores

Hellebores provide attractive foliage and flowers during winter and spring.

• Position: Partial shade
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained
• Height: Approximately 30–50 cm
• Flowering: Winter through spring

Plant several together to create effective ground coverage.

15. Carex

Common name: Sedge

Carex includes many attractive ornamental sedges.

Some form compact evergreen clumps.

• Position: Depends on variety
• Soil: Varies
• Height: Approximately 20–50 cm

Carex is useful for creating texture and movement in borders.

Choose varieties suited to your soil moisture conditions.

16. Liriope Muscari

Common name: Lilyturf

Liriope produces grass-like evergreen foliage and purple flower spikes.

• Position: Partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained
• Height: Approximately 25–40 cm
• Flowering: Late summer through autumn

It is excellent for edging paths and borders.

17. Ophiopogon Planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’

Common name: Black mondo grass

This distinctive plant produces almost black foliage.

• Position: Sun or partial shade
• Soil: Moist but well-drained
• Height: Approximately 15–25 cm

It is particularly attractive when combined with lime-green or silver foliage.

18. Creeping Thyme

Botanical name: Thymus serpyllum and related species

Creeping thyme forms a low carpet of aromatic foliage.

• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Free-draining
• Height: Approximately 5–10 cm
• Flowering: Summer

It is excellent for gravel gardens and path edges.

It tolerates occasional light foot traffic but isn’t suitable for heavily used paths.

19. Sedum Album

Common name: White stonecrop

Sedum album is a low-growing succulent perennial.

• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Free-draining
• Height: Approximately 5–15 cm
• Flowering: Summer

It is excellent for rock gardens and dry, sunny areas.

20. Helianthemum

Common name: Sun rose

Helianthemum forms spreading mats of foliage and colourful flowers.

• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Free-draining
• Height: Approximately 15–30 cm
• Flowering: Late spring through summer

It is useful for the front of sunny borders.

21. Armeria Maritima

Common name: Thrift

Armeria forms compact grassy clumps with pink or white flowers.

• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained
• Height: Approximately 10–25 cm
• Flowering: Spring through summer

It is excellent for coastal-style gardens and gravel planting.

22. Stachys Byzantina

Common name: Lamb’s ears

Stachys produces soft, silver-grey foliage.

• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained
• Height: Approximately 15–30 cm, excluding flower spikes

It is excellent for sunny borders.

Avoid planting in persistently wet soil.

23. Erigeron Karvinskianus

Common name: Mexican fleabane

Erigeron produces masses of small daisy-like flowers.

• Position: Sun
• Soil: Well-drained
• Height: Approximately 15–30 cm
• Flowering: Late spring through autumn

It is excellent for softening walls, steps and paving edges.

It can self-seed freely.

24. Campanula Poscharskyana

Common name: Trailing bellflower

This spreading campanula produces star-shaped purple-blue flowers.

• Position: Sun or partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained
• Height: Approximately 10–20 cm
• Flowering: Summer

It is useful for walls and border edges.

25. Aubrieta

Aubrieta produces colourful spring flowers.

• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Free-draining
• Height: Approximately 5–15 cm
• Flowering: Spring

It is excellent for rock gardens and raised beds.

26. Phlox Subulata

Common name: Creeping phlox

Phlox subulata forms low mats of evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage.

• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained
• Height: Approximately 10–15 cm
• Flowering: Spring

It produces masses of pink, purple or white flowers.

27. Cotoneaster Dammeri

Cotoneaster dammeri is a low-growing evergreen shrub.

• Position: Sun or partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained
• Height: Approximately 15–30 cm

It provides attractive foliage, flowers and berries.

Some cotoneasters can spread beyond gardens, so check suitability and avoid planting where they could threaten sensitive habitats.

28. Euonymus Fortunei

Euonymus fortunei includes attractive evergreen ground cover shrubs.

• Position: Sun or partial shade
• Soil: Adaptable
• Height: Varies by cultivar

Variegated varieties provide year-round colour.

Some forms can climb if given support.

29. Juniperus Horizontalis

Common name: Creeping juniper

Creeping juniper is a low-growing evergreen conifer.

• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained
• Height: Approximately 10–30 cm

It is excellent for sunny slopes and gravel gardens.

30. Waldsteinia Ternata

Common name: Barren strawberry

Waldsteinia ternata is a spreading perennial with attractive foliage and yellow spring flowers.

• Position: Partial shade
• Soil: Moist but well-drained
• Height: Approximately 10–15 cm

It can form useful ground cover beneath shrubs.

Best Evergreen Ground Cover Plants

Evergreen plants provide structure throughout winter.

Excellent choices include:

• Vinca minor
• Pachysandra terminalis
• Bergenia
• Euonymus fortunei
• Creeping juniper
• Liriope muscari
• Creeping thyme
• Suitable carex varieties

Choose plants according to sunlight and soil conditions.

Best Flowering Ground Cover Plants

Flowering ground cover adds seasonal colour and supports pollinators.

Spring Flowers

• Aubrieta
• Phlox subulata
• Pulmonaria
• Ajuga
• Bergenia

Summer Flowers

• Creeping thyme
• Hardy geraniums
• Erigeron
• Campanula
• Helianthemum

Autumn Flowers

• Cyclamen hederifolium
• Liriope muscari
• Late-flowering erigeron

Winter Flowers

• Cyclamen coum
• Hellebores

Combining different flowering periods creates longer-lasting displays.

Best Ground Cover Plants for Shade

Shady borders often benefit from foliage-focused planting.

Recommended plants include:

• Epimedium
• Pachysandra
• Lamium
• Brunnera
• Pulmonaria
• Hellebores
• Asarum europaeum

Gardening with Ben Tip: Combine plants with different leaf shapes and colours to create interest without relying entirely on flowers.

Best Ground Cover Plants for Dry Shade

Dry shade commonly occurs beneath established trees.

Suitable choices include:

• Geranium macrorrhizum
• Epimedium
• Cyclamen hederifolium
• Bergenia
• Some hardy euphorbias

These plants still need watering while establishing.

Best Ground Cover Plants for Full Sun

Sunny areas are ideal for many flowering ground cover plants.

Recommended choices include:

• Creeping thyme
• Sedum album
• Helianthemum
• Aubrieta
• Phlox subulata
• Armeria maritima
• Stachys byzantina

Most prefer good drainage.

Best Ground Cover Plants for Clay Soil

Clay soil can become waterlogged during winter and hard during summer.

Suitable choices may include:

• Geranium macrorrhizum
• Bergenia
• Ajuga
• Lamium
• Some carex varieties

Check drainage before planting.

Best Ground Cover Plants for Slopes

Ground cover plants can help reduce surface erosion on suitable slopes.

Recommended plants include:

• Creeping juniper
• Cotoneaster dammeri
• Euonymus fortunei
• Hardy geraniums
• Vinca minor, where spread can be controlled

For steep or unstable slopes, ground cover plants alone may not provide adequate structural support.

Best Ground Cover Plants for Weed Suppression

Dense ground cover can reduce opportunities for weed seedlings to establish.

Useful choices include:

• Geranium macrorrhizum
• Pachysandra
• Vinca minor
• Lamium
• Bergenia
• Euonymus fortunei

However, persistent perennial weeds may still grow through established planting.

Remove these weeds before planting.

How to Plant Ground Cover Plants

Step 1: Prepare the Area

Remove persistent weeds and unwanted vegetation.

Step 2: Check Soil Conditions

Identify sunlight, drainage and soil type.

Step 3: Improve Soil Where Needed

Add suitable organic matter for plants that prefer moisture-retentive soil.

Step 4: Plan Plant Spacing

Allow enough room for mature growth.

Step 5: Dig Planting Holes

Make holes wide enough for the root systems.

Step 6: Position Plants Correctly

Keep plants at their original growing depth.

Step 7: Backfill and Firm

Gently firm soil around the roots.

Step 8: Water Thoroughly

Water immediately after planting.

Step 9: Apply Mulch

Mulch exposed soil where suitable.

Step 10: Maintain During Establishment

Water and remove weeds until plants form effective coverage.

How Far Apart Should Ground Cover Plants Be Planted?

Spacing depends on mature spread and how quickly you want coverage.

Plant	Approximate spacing
Geranium macrorrhizum	40–60 cm
Ajuga reptans	20–30 cm
Vinca minor	30–45 cm
Pachysandra terminalis	20–30 cm
Bergenia	35–45 cm
Epimedium	30–45 cm
Lamium maculatum	25–35 cm
Creeping thyme	20–30 cm
Phlox subulata	25–35 cm
Euonymus fortunei	40–60 cm

These are general guidelines.

Always check the mature spread of the selected variety.

When Is the Best Time to Plant Ground Cover?

Spring

An excellent time for most ground cover plants.

Early Summer

Suitable with careful watering.

Autumn

Often ideal for hardy plants while the soil remains warm.

Winter

Avoid planting into frozen or waterlogged soil.

How Long Does Ground Cover Take to Spread?

Some plants establish quickly, while others grow more slowly.

Fast-Spreading Plants

Ajuga, Lamium and some hardy geraniums may cover ground relatively quickly.

Moderate-Growing Plants

Bergenia, Vinca and Euonymus often take longer to fill gaps.

Slow-Growing Plants

Asarum and some compact evergreen plants may require several growing seasons.

Growth depends on soil, sunlight, moisture and planting distance.

Do Ground Cover Plants Stop Weeds?

Established ground cover can suppress some weeds by reducing available light and growing space.

However, it won’t eliminate every weed.

Best Results

• Remove persistent weeds before planting
• Use appropriate spacing
• Mulch exposed soil
• Water during establishment
• Remove new weeds promptly

Ground cover is most effective when combined with good soil preparation.

How to Maintain Ground Cover Plants

Spring

Remove dead growth, weed gaps and divide overcrowded plants where appropriate.

Summer

Water newly planted areas and trim plants spreading beyond their boundaries.

Autumn

Remove unwanted seedlings and plant additional ground cover if needed.

Winter

Check evergreen plants and avoid unnecessary disturbance during severe weather.

Common Ground Cover Gardening Mistakes

Choosing Plants for the Wrong Position

Sun-loving plants may struggle in shade.

Planting Too Far Apart

Large gaps allow weeds to establish.

Planting Too Closely

Overcrowding can reduce airflow.

Forgetting Establishment Watering

New plants need moisture.

Ignoring Mature Spread

Some ground cover plants become invasive within garden borders.

Expecting Immediate Coverage

Most plants need time to establish.

Failing to Remove Persistent Weeds

Established weeds can grow through ground cover.

Using Plants That Spread Too Aggressively

Choose manageable varieties for small gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Cover Plants

What Are the Best Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants?

Geranium macrorrhizum, bergenia, epimedium, creeping thyme and suitable evergreen shrubs are excellent choices.

What Are the Best Evergreen Ground Cover Plants?

Vinca minor, pachysandra, Euonymus fortunei and creeping juniper.

What Are the Best Flowering Ground Cover Plants?

Ajuga, creeping thyme, aubrieta, phlox subulata and hardy geraniums.

What Are the Best Ground Cover Plants for Shade?

Epimedium, pachysandra, lamium, brunnera and pulmonaria.

What Are the Best Ground Cover Plants for Dry Shade?

Geranium macrorrhizum, epimedium and Cyclamen hederifolium.

What Are the Best Ground Cover Plants for Full Sun?

Creeping thyme, sedum, helianthemum and aubrieta.

What Are the Best Ground Cover Plants for Clay Soil?

Bergenia, ajuga and hardy geraniums.

What Are the Best Ground Cover Plants for Slopes?

Creeping juniper, Euonymus fortunei and suitable hardy geraniums.

Do Ground Cover Plants Stop Weeds?

They can suppress some weeds but won’t eliminate all weed growth.

How Quickly Do Ground Cover Plants Spread?

Some spread within one or two growing seasons, while others take longer.

Do Ground Cover Plants Need Watering?

Yes, particularly during establishment.

Can You Grow Ground Cover Beneath Trees?

Yes, provided you choose plants suited to dry shade and avoid damaging tree roots.

Are Ground Cover Plants Good for Wildlife?

Many flowering varieties provide nectar, pollen and shelter.

Can Ground Cover Replace Grass?

Some ground cover plants can replace lawns in areas with little foot traffic.

Are Ground Cover Plants Evergreen?

Some are evergreen, while others are deciduous.

When Should You Plant Ground Cover?

Spring and autumn are generally excellent planting times.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants

Ground cover plants are an excellent way to create attractive garden borders while reducing regular maintenance.

They can cover bare soil, soften paths, suppress some weeds and provide beautiful flowers and foliage.

Geranium macrorrhizum is particularly useful for difficult borders.

Epimedium and cyclamen are excellent for dry shade.

Creeping thyme and sedum are ideal for sunny, free-draining areas.

Bergenia, heuchera and brunnera provide attractive foliage.

Evergreen plants such as Euonymus and creeping juniper help maintain structure throughout winter.

The most important thing is to choose plants suited to your garden’s conditions.

Consider sunlight, soil type, drainage and mature plant spread.

Prepare the ground properly, remove persistent weeds and water regularly while plants establish.

With thoughtful planting and occasional maintenance, ground cover plants can transform difficult areas into beautiful, practical garden spaces.

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!