9 Outstanding Ground Covers for Your Picturesque UK Garden

Posted on 26/08/2025

9 Outstanding Ground Covers for Your Picturesque UK Garden

Creating a picturesque garden in the UK involves blending practicality with beauty, all while considering the unique climate and soil conditions of the region. Ground covers are a vital component of any gardening plan, adding depth and function by filling in spaces, suppressing weeds, and providing a lush carpet under taller plants. Here, you'll discover nine exceptional ground covers that thrive in the varied environments across the UK, each offering unique benefits and stunning visual appeal.

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping Thyme is a fragrant, robust option for UK gardeners looking for a ground cover that's as attractive as it is functional. This low-growing perennial offers a splash of delicate, purple blooms and thrives in well-drained soil under full sun. Its hardy nature makes it a suitable choice for tough spots like stone paths and rock gardens.

• Thrives in full sun
• Ideal for rock gardens
• Provides aromatic blooms

2. Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Moss Phlox creates a vibrant tapestry of pinks, purples, and whites as it elegantly spills over borders and rocks. This ground cover flourishes particularly well in full sun and is surprisingly hardy, making it perfect for the ever-changing UK weather conditions.

• Bright, striking colors
• Perfect for sunny borders
• Increases curb appeal

3. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Ajuga reptans, commonly called Bugleweed, is a vibrant ground cover that boasts deep green foliage and stunning blue flower spikes. It's a great choice for shaded spots in your garden and is highly effective at suppressing weeds. Bugleweed's ability to retain moisture makes it suitable for a wide range of soil types, especially in shaded or semi-shaded areas.

• Thrives in shade and semi-shade
• Beautiful blue blooms
• Excellent weed suppressant

4. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

If you aim for a ground cover that is both attractive and easy to maintain, Periwinkle should be at the top of your list. Often seen creating dense mats of glossy leaves and delicate blue or white flowers, it excels even in poor soil conditions. It's an excellent option for establishing a lush underlayer beneath trees and shrubs.

• Low maintenance
• Thrives in various soil types
• Ideal for shady underlayers

5. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Bearberry is a unique choice for those looking for an evergreen ground cover that provides texture year-round. Its bright red berries and small, bell-shaped flowers add interesting focal points across seasons. Bearberry thrives in acidic soils, making it well-suited for regions in the UK where other plants sometimes struggle.

• Outstanding for year-round cover
• Produces colorful berries
• Suited for acidic soils

6. Chamomile Lawn (Chamaemelum nobile)

Chamomile creates an aromatic lawn that not only tolerates foot traffic but also releases a pleasant scent when walked on. It prefers fully sunny locations and well-drained soils. A Chamomile lawn is an exquisite alternative to traditional grass, adding an idyllic, cottage-like charm to UK gardens.

• Scents your garden naturally
• Tolerates light foot traffic
• Perfect for sunny, well-drained areas

7. Wooly Yarrow (Achillea tomentosa)

This charming and feathery-leaved plant, known as Wooly Yarrow, is ideal for dry, sunny spots. Its soft, yellow flower heads not only attract pollinators but also create a visual spectacle in the garden. Yarrow is drought-tolerant once established, making it a durable choice for costal UK gardens.

• Drought-resistant once established
• Attracts pollinators
• Soft, feathery foliage

8. Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi)

The Ice Plant is a stunning addition to any garden seeking a splash of color and texture. Known for its vibrant pink and purple flowers, this plant thrives in full sunlight and provides excellent ground cover for rock gardens or dry landscapes. Its succulent leaves help conserve water, making it ideal for those drier areas in your garden.

• Striking color addition
• Thrives in well-drained areas
• Drought tolerance with succulent foliage

9. Wild Ginger (Asarum europaeum)

Wild Ginger offers a lush, broad-leafed cover perfect for adding texture to shaded garden areas. Its heart-shaped leaves stay green throughout the year, offering an evergreen solution that complements woodland-style gardens excellently. It also appreciates moist, well-drained soil which is prevalent in many UK locales.

• Ideal for shaded spots
• Evergreen and lush
• Broad, attractive leaves

Choosing the right ground cover plant can transform your UK garden into a verdant oasis, providing both beauty and practicality. Whether you're looking to control soil erosion, suppress weeds, or simply add colorful aesthetics, these nine remarkable ground covers can fulfill your landscaping needs. Incorporate these spectacular ground covers into your garden plan and watch your landscape flourish throughout the seasons.